New-York tribune., 1873-05-10
THE NEED OF FISH IN OUR LAKES.
n. Edifor M The Yrfbuue


SIR The project of the State in restocking
its waters with the choice varieties of fish is not general
ly appreciated or understood IL is looked upon
experiment, movement in the interests Of amateur
fishermen rather than as practical question OF great
value In political economy. deem 1t second only TO the
building OF the Erie Canal In its Importance to the
masses 1t will solve the question OF cheap food will
furnish remuneratye employment to many. and harm
less amusement ALL 1t Will draw thousands from the
weary rounds OF toll to the cool retreats OF mountain
streams and beautiful lakes Property will be increased
I'm value in the vicinity OF stocked waters and money will
be spent at home, so freely squandered abroad.
To insure success its efforts he State has very prop
erly made laws 10 protect tho fish and prevent their
wholesale dstruction by the Of nets &c. Fishermen
and farmers living these waters have heretofore
and do now pay little regard to such laws and the con-
sequence that there are fish enough left pay for
the time taking them. Hence say the efforts of the
commissioners are not generally appreciated by these
classes The State will gain revenue from this source,
but 1t viii add millions TO the productive value OF us
waters, and this rich harvest VIII mainly De local IN s
benefits. Some is years since, a few black bass
were put in one lake, the keuka, ana now
they are quite as numerous as other varieties
while trout do not. Thirty years ago fishermen could
take from lake. with hook aud ne, trom % 10 IVO
pounds Of trout In days fishing, while now i've pounds
cannot be averaged Tins has been caused entirely DIV
taking this fish its spawning beds with nets thus not
only taking hundreds OF fish, but destroying
millions OF eggs by dragging the heavy loaded lines over
the beds Trout have therefore become so scarce au
other fish which destroy their eggs 50 numerous that
they can gain the ascendency only by artificial pr0pagh-
ton. But the creator OF these beautiful lakes Rul
streams did not design them merely for the production
OF fish, also that their pure an and quiet secuson
might give q new lease OF LIE to the tOlhng people
Professional and active business men cOmat suicide Dy
the thousand every year In this country from the want
OF ryst and attractive recreation But what can We do
they say. Where for reieff Hunting imposes
more labor than spOrt brook trout hsning generally
turns out TO be deusion waterugDaces are Stae aud
suggestive OF the mercess OF the countlngrOOm
and the study. Where may enjoyable rest DC found IS
the cry every Summer from every city OF our land
reply, on our unsurpassed inland lahes-the seneca
Canandalgua, Keuka, and mauy others. They are the
resort many already who have found out their atrac'
tons, and families spend weeks ana months IN thelr
Summer cottages or at neghborng hotels Add 10 the
quiet secuson OF tins rural lIe the zest Of continued
good fishing. aud there could DO nothing THAT cOud 80
quickly and surely tone up stomach, nerves, brau and
the whole IL would be ready aud cheap transl-
ton from an artificial TO natural NE from Doh1s -
freedom aud from the worry OF daily cares 10 rest
Father mother, and cndren are ali of an age IN ish-
ing boat aud the tired BRAN ana levered blood q'Hy
weld to the magic touch OF Natures hand. j. >. j.
PeHH Tan, NJ L., April 20, 1918.