Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1888-01-13
OUR FISHING INTERESTS.


are being brought about in the United
States Fish Cemmisson in cOnse-
quence Of the large growth Of the
great work. Nearly everyone of our
readers is interested. AS we have
often said, we are a race Of fishermen
and derive nearly million dollars
year income from this source in our
twenty counties bordering on the
sounds.
Early in the session of Congress as
it now is, the Senate has already
passed through bill providing for
the appointment Of commission who
shall give this subject it's whole time.
1t will be remembered that up to the
present time, the Office has been one
without pay, and that it was held by
Professor Baird from it's commence
ment Hp to his death last SUNNI er,
and he received his salary, as the
Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti-
tute. Since It's beginning in 1873. the
Commission has grown so large, that
now it's duties are too heavy for any
per son who holds another responsible
Office, and the weight of its affairs
requires its separation from the adj
ministration Of other institutions.
Owing to the noteworthy benefits
which have been derived, during the
last two years. in this section, from
the artifcially Matched shad, we have
become an earnest well-wisher of the
Commission, and we are glad to note
any change which looks to its wise
conduct, enlarged usefulness and
permanency. 1t is now a stupendous
work, being the source Of 500 to 700
millions of fry which annually go
directly to the benefit of the net own
ers. The Commission is the seed
sower of the waters, and as the hus
bandman puts his bushels of grain
into the soil for the larger return, so
this Bureau, backed by the Govern
ment, sows for all the fishermen, and
plants, where, otherwise, there would
be all reaping and no sowing.
We presume that there will be no
delay in the passage of the bill
through the House, when President
Cleveland will make the appointment
of the new Commi ssioner. There are
not many men, from among whom the
selection can be made. and among
the candidates, there will be no one
whose claims will be stronger than
those Of Col. Marshall Mcdonald,
now of Commission and in charge of
nearly all the important works, that
Of Matching and propagating food fish.
He is said to possess rare qualifca-
tions, having revolutionized the
methods of the Commit ssion some
years ago. by his inventions and
wholesale schemes of handling great
numbers Of fry at minimum cost. In
addition to his intimacy with the
intricate details Of manipulating eggs
and fish, he is accredited with very
high character and superior intellect.
Persons who met him in this section
during his engagement in the Census,
as connected with the fisheries, re.
ceived highly favorable Impressions
of him as practical man of scien-
tific attainments. Col. Mcdonald is
q Virginian and has been a constant
student and director of this subject
for ten years or more.
1t is our sincere desire to see the |
Commission prosper, and work OF |
it's character can only prosper when
wisely directed. 1t should be con-
Quoted on a mammoth scale and vet |
simply and hence economically, so as
to confne it's scope within the COM
mercial bonds of profitable paying
business. On such footing as this,
the Commission will become the
guardian Of a great public industry
which extends over an interest equal