1908 GAME AND FISHERIES. 21 



the cost of protecting the fish for his enjoyment. The summer resort keeper 

 and tradespeople, who supply tourists and campers, and some of our people 

 who have become American citizens and "struck ile," are the only persons 

 who consider the small fee charged a hardship, included in the latter class 

 are some of the worst "game hogs" and fish butchers we have to contend 

 with. Illegal shipments were fewer than in former years. The falling off 

 in the number of seizures made may be attributed to the new regulation 

 requiring the fish to be inspected at point of shipment. With a water- 

 proof tag and a better method of cancellation it can be made more efficient 

 still. 



Concerning game. In Toronto and vicinity all kinds are about holding 

 their own. The snipe shooting was the best for years. The game laws 

 were well respected, onlj an odd snap shot being attempted, and that gener- 

 ally on the coldest days in the winter. It will no doubt be news to many to 

 learn that we have remaining with us during the whole winter a large number 

 of blue-bills, red-heads and canvass backs, besides thousands of coween. 

 Illegal shipments of game and furs have greatly decreased in the last two 

 years. 



The express companies give all the assistance possible and do their best 

 to help put down all illegal work. 



Returning deer hunters all report a remarkable increase in the partridge 

 in the northern country. In parts where none were seen last year, quite a 

 number were seen this, and in other places where only an odd bird was in 

 evidence last year they were quite numerous this season. 



Lake of the Woods and Eaint River District. 



Overseer Fred Blanchard, of Fort Frances, reports that the fishing for 

 the past season has been up to the average both in catch and size. The 

 fishermen have observed the close season, and are well satisfied with the 

 season's catch. He has had one case of gill net poaching by a Canadian, 

 and is waiting for a conviction. 



There is a terminal at that point for two American railroads, and there 

 is considerable rod and line poaching in the summer, but he thinks it is 

 through ignorance of the fishery laws. 



Ninety per cent, of the fish caught is shipped to American markets from 

 Rainy Lake. 



The big game poaching is carried on by tourists with American guides. 

 The tourist seldom knows which side of the boundary he is on, but the guide 

 is well informed as to his whereabouts, and can mislead the tourists and 

 jump the boundary if occasion calls for him to do so. 



There are nearly two hundred miles of frontier to protect, and, unless 

 a man is constantly on patrol, by the time he is informed of the offence the 

 offender is across the boundary. 



The timber wolves are greatly on the increase on both sides of the 

 boundary line. 



River Nepigon. 



Overseer P. A. Leitch of Nepigon, reports that the number of tourists 

 visiting the Nepigon during the past season was much smaller than for 

 some years, owing principally to the general depression throughout Canada 

 and the United States, and also owing to the elections in both countries. 

 Those visiting the Nepigon during the past season invariably reported good 



