Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-07-19
COMMUNICATED.
FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE GAME OF
TENNESSEE-NO g.

TENNESSEE-NO. 3.
In my last 1 went to show, that the location of
the State of Tennessee is such in regard to oceans
lakes, and bays, that unless something be done at
once for the protection of fish, that it will be
too late but that there are still enough left in
waters for a resupply-Gt any rate this is true of
large number of our streams. The small streams
that form the Tennessee river, have still few fish
in them. Though the two Pigeons and the French
Broad all of which teemed with fish of the finest
| quality, are now almost exhausted. The two Hol-
stons are in a better condition, and Clnch, and
Chucky rivers are still talked of by anglers though
the present systematic course of destruction will
soon leave their waters without inhabtant.-
| Streams emptying in lower down have not suffered
so much; the lower portions of Elk and Duck rivers
| pretty well supplied. But creeks and branches
| by the hundred where multtudes of the fny tribe
found are now left desolate and forsaken.
The Cumberland and its branches in still worse
condition than the Tennessee river. Aged men who
were among the early settlers of this country who
knew these streams when teeming thousands of fish
played on the shadows or crowded the edies, talk
of the astonishing changes that have taken place,
and to lament it, but have forgotten how they
COulEIDuleu 10 their ueslTucIlOu
There many persons no doubt who engage in
those Wasteful destructive practices, and condemn
it at the time, but justify themselves by say
ing-If do not get few while they are going they
will soon all be gone, any how; only want to get
my share while they going.
The fish were made by the Almighty for the use
and benefit Of man, and blest with prolific powers
sufficient to furnish abundant supply for ALL if it
we're not for the destructive measures which have
been devised and praciced by those for whose benefit
they were created.
1t may be that the public generally have not given
the subject the consideration it deserves, which is
the best apology that we can render. The habits |
of the fish ought first to be understood, and then
would more clearly see how they have been destroy
ed and how they may be protected. On this point
l would just observe that there are some kinds that
settle themselves permanently or nearly SO, while
others move semi-annuaIly. The Bass or Pound
Trout, as they are sometimes called, the SHver
Perch, the Pike the Red Eyed Sun Perch, the Google
Eyed, the Brim, together with a variety of small
Perch, called the YELLOW Belly, do not in &c ner-
al travel much. Here let me say lest 1 forget it
hereafter, to those who are disposed to make fish
ponds, for the purpose of raising fish, that they will
have TO rely on a selection from this variety Keep
out the Cat fish, they great consumers and Of
but little value when raised
The Buffalo, the Drum, the Redhorse the Jack
fish, the fresh water Salmon, with the different
kinds of Suckers, all move twice year; the Buffalo
and Sucker are the greatest travellers. The Black
Scaiy Trout also belong to this class. The Eel has
well nigh passed away from the western waters and
the same may be said of the river Sturgeon though
there may be still enough of them both left to raise
from. The Cat FISH is to be found in all the western
waters They are very prolific, fine swimmers, great
eaters less timid than other fish, wonderfully tena-
cOus Of life, and need protection less than any 9TH
er kind of fish, if it be right call them fish The
variety of the Cat fish is great that cannot no.
lice that point now; they to have gone through
great number of additions and crosses
A LOVER OF NATURE.