The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-04-30

1t is perhaps well known by our read
ers that at the last session of the National
Congress an appropriation of 5000 was
made for the purpose of establishing a
hatchery in Vermont. Vermont also
made an appropriation of S2400 for like
purpose last fall. Governor Page has
been in correspondence with Col. Mar
shall Mcdonald, the U. S. Fish Commits.
sioner at Washington, with a view to
securing for the State the best possible
advantages which can be derived from
the State and National appropriations.
Col. Mcdonald is in doubt as to whether
it would be desirable or practicable to
combine the State appropriation with
the National appropriation, but assures
the Governor that he will advise
with representative men of Vermont be-
fore coming to conclusion about the
matter.
Thus far only two directors of the
State hatchery have been appointed by
the Governor viz: c. c. Warren. of
Waterbury, and DR.. II. H. Swift of Pitts
ford. 1t has seemed best that the third
director be located near the hatchery,
and until that location has been decided
upon it is probable that the third Direc-
tor will not be appointed, provided, of
course, that directors Warren and Swift
agree as to the location.
1t is not altogether clear whether the
hatchery should be connected with, or
in the vicinity of the National hatchery
or in some section of the State. In de-
Gliding this matter our State Commits
sioners will doubtless counsel with U. s..
Commissioner Mcdonald when he comes
to Vermont to make his examination,
which will probably be early in July.
Col. Mcdonald is spoken of very high
ly as a man of excellent sense and sound
judgment in all matters pertaining to
fish, and present indications are that
Vermont will receive substantial benefits
from the impetus which will be given to
the propagation of fish by these two ap-
preparations.
We copy below recent letter from
Page which may be of interest to those
who take an interest in fish culture in
Vermont:
WASHINGTON, D. c., April 10, 1891.
Hon. CARROLL S. PAGE,
Governor Of Vermont
Hyde Park, vt.
DEAR SIR:-The appropriation made
for the trout hatchery in Vermont, does
not become available until the first of
the ensuing fiscal year, and in the press
of other matters requiring immediate at
tention, have deferred consideration of
our plans with reference to that work
until it was necessary to take it up.
Shortly after July LIST, it is my intention
to visit Vermont and make a careful ex.
animation of such localities as are sug.
gested or are known to me to be availa-
bic for such a station as is contemplated.
Having determined the location. which
will only be done after most careful ex.
animation, the next step will be the vest
ing of the title in the United States by
purchase, gift, or transfer as the case
may be. These prcliminaries having
been settled, our Engineer would make
a survey of the ground, and prepare the
plans for the development of the station,
so as TO be ready next winter on the
opening of Congress to submit in detail
plans, specifications and estimates.
Whether it will be desirable or practical
bic to combine the State appropriation
with the Government appropriation is a
matter / am not prepared to express an
opinion about until have given it more
mature consideration. | shall only act
in the matter after advising with your
self and representative men from the
State, and will come to no decision as to
location or plans until after full and free
conference and discussion. | desire &c
proceed slowly, cautiously and cOnserva-
lively in the matter, and to lay the foun.
dation secure for such development OF
our work in your State as will be, hope
of great eventual value to it. Very truly
yours. NJ. MCDONALD,
Commissioner.
-NelcS &c Citizen.