Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-07
FISHERY CONGRESS.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN
ANGLING INVITED TO ATTEND.
OYSTER, TURTLE, AND FROG CULTURE
The Sponge Industry of Fioridn-An
Anglers Tournament and COMPETE
tive Tests in FIy-Casting, With
Appropriate Prizes.

| WASHINGTON, October 6.-The Fish
! Commission is very much interested In
the National Fishery Congress, which
convenes at Tampa, Fla, in January.
| 1898. The congress will, IT Is believed,
| prove to be one OF the most noteworthy
| gatherings of the kind ever held In the
country. A large attendance OF repre-
sentatives OF the various State fish COM
missions, angling and fishing associa-
tions, and the National Fish Commits
sion is expected, and all persons inte-
rested in fishing. angling, and hsh-
culture will be welcomed.
The United States Government has ex-
tended invitations to be represented to
Great Britain, Germany, Russia, France
Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium,
Austria Hungary, Greece, the Neither
lands, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil,
Venezuela, and other countries. IL Is
proposed to organize an international
fishery association at the congress.
The call for the congress was issued by
Governor Bloxham, Of Florida. one OF
the main objects is to secure harmony
among the States in providing Ior the
preservation, propagation, ana protec-
ton of their water products. flsh-cul-
ture. oyster-culture, turtle-culture, ana
frog-culture are down on the programme
for discussion.
The application of modern methods 10
the cultivation Of oysters is subject IN
which all the Coast States are interested.
horticulture is an innovation, but Is
In
of protection to the young and the eggs
of the green turtle. The utilization or
waste marsh-land and ponds for the
rearing OF bull-frogs for market Is sub
ject of great interest to many thousands
of people. The opportunity for those or
small means to engage in this business
is excellent.
One of the timely topics that will be
promptly presented to the Congress is the
sponge industry. While Florida is the
only State actively participating in the
sponge fishery, every State is indirectly
interested. Already some of the best
sponge grounds have been depleted, and
the necessity for artificial measures 10
maintain the supply is being generally
appreciated. Sponge culture Is one OF
the most promising fields now opening in
connection with the fisheries. With UNI
limited water bottom of suitable charac-
ter for planting, the growing of sponges
ought to engage the attention OF many
people I'm the next few years, and 1t Is
said that this congress will give an in
centive TO the enterprise. The best Turk
ish and African sponges bring $40 to so |
a pound. while the choicest of the Florida |
species are worth only 81 or 50 pound.
The condition, extent, methods, and |
needs of the great commercial fisheries |
will receive considerable attention. as |
will the question of fishery legislation. |
Exhibits of fishery apparatus. fishery pro-
ducts. and appliances for catching and |
fish are solicited from dealers,
and others.
Some advice for drying fish as fruit is
dried is said to be much needed on parts
Of the southern coast, and inventors
would do well TO take advantage OF this
congress to exhibit some methods adapt
I'd to this end.
The first session Of the congress will
De devoted to angling. Florida in win
er is an anglers paradise. and oppor-
unity will be afforded for an interchange
If experiences by anglers from all parts
If the country. An angling toL. nament
md competitive tests in fiy-casting, with
appropriate prizes, have been provided
or.