44 THE KEPOET UPON No. 13 



some sections. Muskrats are also numerous in places. He has been approached 

 by a number of the local trappers to recommend no shooting of muskrats. 



Overseer Thomas H. Johnston, of Royston, reports that fishing on the Magnet- 

 awan and lakes around there has been good. Some tourists told him they could 

 catch all they wanted; others there are who kick, and say the fee they pay should 

 go to restock the waters. Well, there are always kickers, but certainly he thinks 

 trout spawn should go into Horn Lake. It is situated on the north boundary of 

 Eyerson; it is a clear spring lake, you could see bottom in deep water; it is so 

 clear it is the natural home of the trout; some fine ones have been caught in it, 

 but fishing for thirty years has cleaned it out. During the past season the law 

 has been well observed there. Partridge, before the close season, were nearly 

 extinct. Quite a few families of beaver are noticeable. The cold and late 

 spring was very hard on the deer, as they sometimes drop their young on the snow, 

 and many perish in this way. He thinks the permits should be issued to the 

 settler in order to locate him, to know that he is one. Dogs should be prohibited 

 from running deer. 



Overseer David Jones, of Welland, reports that the fishing in the early part 

 of the spring and summer was up to the average and bass were fairly good, pick- 

 erel fair. Angling fairly good; up to the latter part of October the closed sea- 

 son was well observed. He looked frequently after the net fishermen and found 

 that they lived up to the law. Seized one net, and got one conviction. Part- 

 ridges are more plentiful than for some years and the law is fairly observed and 

 nothing irregular except minor matters has occurred. 



Overseer A. J. Kent, of Bewdley, reports that, as his appointment took place 

 last April, he can only give a report of the past six months, or a little better ; how- 

 ever, he is pleased to state that the close season for fish was very well ob- 

 served in his division; in fact, it was considered very risky to attempt killing any 

 fish as the territory was pretty well worked- The fishing was not very good this 

 past season. They had considerable high winds which was partly the reason, and 

 it is his opinion that maskinonge and bass are getting scarce in Eioe Lake. The 

 fish in the Otonabee Eiver should have better protection. Muskrats were very 

 plentiful last spring at that end of the lake, and he would suggest that trappers 

 pay q, license of two dollars. There are a number of trappers in and around Bewdley, 

 also a few who carry traps in their canoes for an excuse, but he is of the opinion 

 that they are not set very 'often, and if a license were put on, it would do away 

 with those make-believe trappers, and make it easier for the overseer. 



Duck shooting has been very good this season, better than it has been for some 

 time. 



Black squirrels are plentiful, but partridge are scarce. There is only one saw- 

 mill in his division; no mill refuse has been dumped into the water. 



In conclusion he adds that Mr. John McAllister, overseer at Gore's Landing, 

 and himself worked together harmoniously, each going on the other's territory, 

 and tliey will be pleased to do the very same next season. 



Overseer Jacob F. Kern, of Burford, reports that the fishing in the creek north 

 of that village has not been as good as usual. Bass seem scarce and pike is about 

 the only large-sized fish found. Around Scotland the fishing has been good and 



