Box 5, Folder 9; Julia Alcott Lapham Biographical Scrapbook (Increase A. Lapham Papers, 1825-1930)

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p. 43

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The Oconomowoc Local.

FRIDAY MORNING, May 28, 1875.

PROF. I.H. Lapham has recently been engaged taking the soundings and survey of our adjoining lakes in the interest of the State Fish Commission, the object being to ascertain the feasibility of stocking these lakes with salmon, trout and other fish which this commission are distributing through the waters of the State. The soundings of Oconomowoc Lake were made last week, resulting favorably to the object desired. A line from Gifford's extending the length of the lake to Hill's place, and from Capt. Parker's to Lapham's spring, gave the greatest sounding to be 60 feet and the least 5 feet, an average depth of 6 feet. It is the opinion of Prof. Lapham that salmon would flourish in these waters, and without doubt, through the influence of the Professor, they will receive a supply of young fish from the commission. The Upper and Lower Nashotah Lakes are to be surveyed for a similar purpose, and possibly the lakes adjoining our city. If any move is to be made toward securing to our immediate fishing ground a supply of these fish, now is the proper time for our citizens to put the measure on foot. The addition of these fish to our lakes would greatly enhance the attractions of Oconomowoc as a resort and the lakes as a desirable fishing ground.

ON THE RAGGED EDGE.

In conversation with a prominent democrat last Sabbath I asked what business brought Gov. Taylor to the city on the previous day. The answer was that the governor came here to consult with leading democrats in relation to the appointment of a centennial commissioner in place of Col. Calkins, of The News, who has resigned. "While here, however," said my friend, "the governor made anxious inquiries regarding the attitude of the old-time democrats toward him." "Did he get any satisfaction?" I asked. "Oh, yes. I believe they promised to support him for reelection, but if they do they will make him pledge himself to clean out the kitchen cabinet which at present surrounds him-Dr. Wight and all the rest. He will never receive their unqualified support until he does promise to do this. The governor is on the ragged edge. He wants to serve the good people of Wisconsin for another term, and will promise almost anything to secure his re-election.. He is as anxious to retain the office as Mayor Ludington is to secure it." "I suppose," said I, "that the decision not to hold the reform convention until September was in accordance with the governor's wishes?" "Not at all. On the contrary he wished the convention to be held early-soon after the republican convention. We did not coincide with his view, and decided to put the convention off to as late a day as possible, in order not to gratify his wish," "Was the step intended as an act of hostility?" "Yes. The governor must pledge himself to do what I said a few moments ago, else we will not support him, and we want him to understand this distinctly - hence our action." "Well, what do you think of the complexion of the political horizon?" "It is decidedly mixed. I think Gov. Taylor will be re-elected by a good majority. It is true, as you said in THE SUNDAY TIMES, that about 90 per cent. of the the old-line democrats are opposed to him, but but they will give him their support, nevertheless, provided that he premises to do the fair thing, and clean out that kitchen cabinet. You spoke, in the same letter, of

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The Oconomowoc Local.

FRIDAY MORNING, June 11, 1875.

Our Lakes.

Considerable attention is being given to the surveys and examinations of our lakes with the view of ascertaining their adaptation to fish culture and the introduction of additional species. There is no doubt of the feasibility and advantages of raising game fish. The work is yet in in its infancy and it may be said that we are merely experimenting in this direction, but under wise and persevering trial the result cannot prove otherwise than satisfactory. Large profits will insure from this business in the future. Two things are however essential to the success of the enterprise. The first is the intelligent investigation of the whole field of operations to ascertain, if possible, the ingredients of the water of the lakes, their temperature and the protection they afford to the different kinds of fish. Foremost in thorough scientific investigation is our respected townsman Prof. I.A. Lapham, L.L.D. Prof. Lapham has been making surveys of the lakes around Oconomowoc with the above object in view. As the result of his labor in the past, he has kindly furnished us with the following data respecting Oconomowoc lake:

"Five lines of soundings across this lake and another extending its whole length give an average depth of 39 feet, greatest depth 66 feet. Temperature of the water (June 8th), at the surface 63, at the bottom 62, Fahr."

The other point is the preservation of fish by the rigid enforcement of the game laws. These laws are good and provident and they ought to be enforced. The wholesale and wanton destruction of fish in our lakes is a positive disgrace. Frequently boys and men are seen loaded with young game fish taken from their favorite resting places, which are too small to use, but which left a week longer would have doubled their growth. Often a fine pickerel or bass is caught which has been horribly mangled by a spear and frequently our sidewalks are littered with fish thrown away. Nothing but the remarkable fecundity of the fish could under such circumstances have kept our lakes stocked.