The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-12-08

large-moutn, although weather anu
water conditions have brought about
many alleged varieties.
Two sketches were drawn on
blackboard by Mr.. Gilmore, repre-
senting these fish. He proceeded to
point out the differences between the
two. II line is drawn just back on
the eye of both, this line will cut the
mouth of the large-mouth variety,
whereas the mouth of the smaller
type will be in front of the line. The
small-mouth has red in its eye; the
large-mouth no special coloring. The
small-mouth has round and high
forehead; the large-mouth a slightly
indented forehead. The small-mouth
has II rows of scales; the large
mouth Is. These are the most notice
able differences.
The small-mouth is the gamier of
the two, liking deeper pools or live
lier water, while the large-mouth
seeks mill ponds or lakes.
The small-mouth lives about nine
years. In its third year, it matches
about 5000 eggs, in its fifth, sixth
and seventh, about $500 eggs each
year. In its eighth year, it grows
barren and in its ninth, dies. Its
maximum length is 22-plus inches
and weight, 5 pounds.
The age limit of the large-mouth
is about the same, but this fish at
tains much larger weight. The big
gest large-mouth on record weighed
23 pounds and was caught in Florida.
Mr.. Gilmore concluded his most in
teresting address by pointing out the
absolute necessity of the states hav
ing hatcheries to protect the small
bass and keep the streams of the
state stocked. A second vital ele-
ment, he said, is to work aggressive
ly against the pollution of the streams
of Ohio.
"There is not stone in Owl creek,
from the Walhonding to where it
splits up into three branches near
Chesterville upon which I haven't
STOOD" stated ]. f. Atwood, secretary
of the Ohio League Of Sportsmen,
who spoke next. He continued, I'D
rather have the last two miles Of Owl
creek, where it breaks up, than all of
the stream from here down to the
Walhonding. 1 am a fisherman by oc.
cupation and lawyer by profession.
Two years ago, fished during every
month except January. Last year,
! between January and June, 1 visited
% counties of the state, just as l am
visiting Knox county tonight"
Five years ago, the league of sports
men of the state, was conceived by
seven men, stated Mr.. Atwood. To
day, it is a reality in the minds of
10000 men.
eve know absolutely what the leg
islation along fish and game lines will
be this next year and we also know
what results will be obtained during
the next five or ten years." he said.
Mr.. Atwood referred to the present
control by the fish and game inter
ests of the state of the state depart
ment, two appointments having been
dictated by these interests.
The difficulties of obtaining fish
and game legislation, which existed
in the past, were sketched briefly by
Secretary Atwood, who then pro-
ceeded to outline the legislation
which will be asked of the incoming
legislature. This is, in brief, the fol-
lowing:
1.-The separation of the fish and
game department from the agricultur-
al commission.
2-The use of the federal classifi-
cation of migratory birds.
3-The starting of all hunting sea-
sons on Nov. Is.
4-The placing of limit of two
pheasant cocks day for five days
open season.
5-A new license, covering hunting,
fishing and trapping, costing 81, with
the requirement that every hunter,
fisher and trapper take out one of
these.
State Master Taber of the Ohio
Grange has promised Secretary AL
wood to name a grange committee of
five members to cooperate with a
fish and game committee Of five men,
bers in deciding on legislation at
once desirable to the sportsmen and
the farmer,
Secretary Atwood narrated many
facts Of interest in connection with
the work of the state league and
made great impression upon his
audience.
The annual report of Secretary L.,
q. Rawlinson of the local association
showed the following gain in men,