The Honourable R. A. Pyne, M.D., 



Minister vf EdMcation. ~ "' * "' ~ '-n^ 



' - ^ */ 



Sir, The following- descriptive checli^ list and catalogue of fishes, 



has been prepared under yot^ authority and direction by Mr. C. W. 

 Nash, Lecturer on Biolog-y for the Ontaj-jp Depar.trnent of Agriculture. 



There is reason to believe, that .the presentation of these lists will 

 greatly facilitate the study of animal life qh the ''part of our people and 

 especially, of the young, whether they are.,pursuing systematic studies 

 in natural science or merely from a desire to acquire casual information 

 relating to the subject. 



The economic importance of knowledge concerning all forms of 

 life is especially valuable in this Province, where the great bulk of our 

 wealth is drawn direct from the hands of nature. Unfortunately too 

 little attention has been paid to this subject in the past, with the result 

 that many of our most valuable forms of life are threatened with exter- 

 m.ination. This is particularly the case with our fish, many species of 

 which have entirely disappeared from our waters, while others formerly 

 so abundant as to have been within the reach of every person are now 

 luxuries only obtainable by the rich. 



Our lakes, with the application of scientific methods, could undoubt- 

 edly be made to produce an unfailing supply of cheap and wholesome 

 food. This however, will only be done when those engaged in the fisheries 

 have a better knowledge of the habits of the fish they capture, and the 

 general public arc more fully informed of the value of this important 

 national asset. 



DAVID BOYLE, 



Superintendent . 



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