1870.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 309

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Annapolis, Feb. 9, 1870.
Gentlemen of the House of Delegates:

In my Annual Message to the General Assemble, I called
your attention to the importance which I attached to the pro-
tection and encouragement of our Fisheries, and to the culti-
vation of Oysters and Fish as the means of largely increasing
the food supplies of our people, and adding immensely to the
wealth of the State.

The suggestions therein contained have attracted the at-
tention and received the approval of the Fish Commissioners
of some of the other States, which have already acted in this
important matter.

The Pennsylvania Commissioner has spent two davs with
me in such consultation as I have had time to spare him
from other pressing duties.

The New York Commission is composed of such eminent
and able gentlemen as Hon. Horatio Seymour, Hon. R. B.
Rosevelt and Seth Green, Esq., who has made pisciculture
the specialty of his life and attained with it the grandest re-
sults.

Since my Message I have opened a correspondence with
some of these gentlemen, and I think that the expression of
their views and experience before the Maryland Legislature
would not only be very interesting, but productive of mate-
rial benefit to the State.

I therefore suggest the passage of a Joint Resolution re-
questing the Governor to extend an invitation to one or more
of these gentlemen to visit Annapolis and address the Legis-
lature some evening that may be convenient to them.

I will add that it will entail no expense whatever upon
the State, as I have provided for complimentary tickets over
the railroads, and propose that they shall be the guests of the
Executive, if their visit can be timed after the rooms can be
furnished, which the appropriation recently passed will allow.

ODEN BOWIE.

Which was read.

Mr. Chapman submitted the following message:

BY THE HODSE OF DELEGATES,

February 9, 1870.
Gentlemen of the Senate :

We propose, with the concurrence of your Honorable Body,
the appointment of a Joint Special Committee, to request his
Excellency, the Governor, to extend an invitation to the
Hon. Horatio Seymour, Hon. R B. Rosevelt and Seth Green,
Esq., to visit Annapolis and address the Legislature upon