74 SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



instances notices forbidding such trespassing were posted, and, occasionally, a 

 dinner party was driven off the grounds. 



The summer population of this vicinity has increased rapidly during the last ten 

 years. The number of parties partaking of outdoor meals as a matter of course 

 increased in proportion ; and in solving the question of providing suitable free 

 places for dining, where fires for cooking meals might be lawfully kindled, the 

 Anglers' Association has taken the initiative. In connection with co-workers in 

 Canada an effort was made to establish small public parks for the free use of all who 

 desired to camp out, or to build a fire in order to enjoy a characteristic out-of-door 

 fish dinner. 



In this connection it is proper to note that the seasons established by law, dur- 

 ing which game fish might be taken, were not uniform on both sides of the national 

 boundary, which, by the way, divides about equally tlie islands between the State of 

 New York and the Province of Ontario. A Legislative Commission from New 

 York, in company with members of the Anglers' Association, some of w horn resided 

 in Canada, visited Ottawa and conferred with the Dominion Government in relation 

 to forming an International Park of the Thousand Islands and creating uniform fish 

 and game laws for the same. 



Nearly all of the islands of the Canadian side at that time were in a state of 

 nature, although man\- years ago much of the merchantable timber was stolen from 

 the same and rafted down the river to Quebec. 



The Canadian Government, owing to an ancient agreement with their Indians, 

 did not dispose of the title to their islands, although some of the larger ones were 

 occupied by agriculturists. At some time during the eighties a new arrangement 

 with the Indians was made, under which the Dominion Government proceeded to 

 dispose of the islands. Many were purchased for building sites by persons who 

 have erected or are erecting cottages of ornate design and further embellishing their 

 property with beautiful boat houses and outbuildings. Developinent of the resort 

 in this manner, however, is not nearly as far advanced as on the New York side of 

 the river. 



As a result of the mission to Ottawa, the Dominion Government set aside, or 

 withdrew from sale, a number of its desirable islands, and the same are to be always 

 open to the free use of the public for camping, dining, and picnic purposes. Uni- 

 form fish and game laws have not as yet been enacted, but the close seasons for fish 

 and fowl have been brought nearer together than the_\- were former))-. A license fee 

 of $5 was at one time exacted of our people when fishing on the Canadian side 

 of the river; but this obnoxious restriction was suspended as a concession or move- 



