1909 GAME AND FISHERIES. 



of nuisance thus brought about called forth the first demands that were made for 

 the treatment of sewage and wastes. 



However, while the methods of treating domestic sewage are no longer in the 

 experimental stage the same cannot be said of the methods of treating manufacturing 

 refuse. This is true principally because of the fact that experimentation and re- 

 search in evolving processes for treating industrial wastes has been carried on almost 

 solely along utilization lines, rather than with the object of providing means for 

 reducing and rendering unobiectionable such wastes before their discharge. From 

 an economic standpoint this tendency is commendable, but in view that great damage 

 is done to streams by the discharge of such wastes, greater attention should be 

 given to providing means for their reduction even though no u?eful by-products 

 will result from the process. Considerable interest is rightly centred of late on 

 the conservation of the natural resources of the country, and the fact should not 

 be lost sight of that pure water is the greatest source of health and that health 

 is the first wealth." My object in making the above extract is to demonstrate that 

 similar causes are producing the same effects in Ontario as those complained of by 

 the authorities of the State of New York. Some two years ago a letter reached 

 me from the Reeve of a village situated on the banks of the Grand River to the 

 effect that in his official capacity in the interest of the inhabitants he had been 

 compelled to have buried tons of putrid fijsh that had been killed by deleterious 

 matter from a near-by factory. Many of the fish so wantonly destroyed had at 

 the urgent request of the residents, been recently placed at considerable expense in 

 these waters for restocking. For many miles below the factory referred to these 

 contaminated waters run through a fine grazing country. Results from cattle drink- 

 ing these waters, and even from eating fish caught in them can better be imagined 

 than described. Although this Department is interested in this matter to the extent 

 of being anxious to prevent the unnecessary and useless destruction of fish, it 

 certainly appears to me that it is or sliould be the duty of the municipal authorities 

 to do all possible in future not only to prevent such violations but also punish 

 those committing them. 



Ruffed Grouse — Partridge. 



Two close seasons have been favourable to the increase of these grand native 

 birds, especially in the northern portions of the Province. Of course, in the older 

 settled parts of the Province they will disappear with the woods. The open season 

 should be reduced to one month, the same as quail, from the first day of November 

 to the thirtieth, both inclusive. This would prevent them being killed when imma- 

 ture, when whole coveys are destroyed. 



Quail. 



These birds were found in average numbers, in some localities. In the low 

 lands many small immature birds were found, in consequence of the first nests 

 being destroyed by flooding. I am not very sanguine as to the future of quail 

 in the Province. Food and shelter, so essential to them in winter, is becoming 

 scarcer each succeeding year. Of course, the reduced open season should have a 

 favourable effect, and tend to keep up the supply. 



