ANNUAL REPORT, 1939-40 19 



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By reason of the fact that various entries are included on some seizures there 

 is some apparent discrepancy in these figures when compared with the actual number 

 of seizures reported. This is explained when it is understood that reports in many 

 cases include traps and pelts, firearms and game, fishing tackle and fish, commercial 

 fishing nets and boats, furs and motor vehicles, traps and pelts, and lights, spears 

 and fish. 



Included among the furs which were seized were 325 beaver, 29 fox, 97 mink, 

 1,067 muskrats, 11 otter, 53 raccoon, 80 weasel and smaller lots of skunk, fisher, 

 marten and bear, while some 82 deer hides were also seized. 



The firearms seized included 103 heavy calibre rifles, 286 .22 calibre rifles, 115 

 single barrel shotguns, 118 double barrel shotguns, 44 repeating shotguns, 2 automatic 

 shotguns, 3 revolvers and 15 air guns. 



Prosecution was undertaken in 1,387 cases, the actions being instituted by Game 

 and Fisheries Overseers in 1,315 cases, by Provincial Police in 56 cases, by Deputy 

 Game Wardens in 13 cases and by co-operative action in 3 cases. In 1,303 of these 

 actions convictions were registered, 6 9 charges were dismissed, and in 15 cases the 

 charges were withdrawn. 



THE FISH CULTURE BRANCH 



Fish art of absorbing interest to many people. The small boy takes as much 

 pride in his string of perch or catfish as the man in his trout or black bass. Even 

 th^ angler who has patiently endeavoured to land a fish and returns home empty- 

 handed, carries with him the memory of pleasant and beautiful surroundings. Peace- 

 ful hours spent in hopeful vigilance are a wonderful mental incentive and the 

 imagination is given valuable exercise. 



The hardy fisherman who wrestles a livelihood from the vast waters of the 

 Great Lakes and other commercially fished waters is chiefly concerned with the size 

 and maintenance of the catch, amount and condition of gear, market value of fish, 

 price of ice, salt, gasoline, and the state of the weather. 



Among others interested in Ontario's fish and fisheries are the retailer, consumer 

 and government agencies. 



Our Department has been careful to see that the fish are properly conserved 

 and, by means of protective and propagatory measures, the supply has been main- 

 tained at a high level. 



HATCHERIES AND REARING STATIONS 



Facilities were provided during the fiscal year 1939-40 for the hatching, rearing 

 and distribution of fish in a satisfactory and effective manner. 



During the year the Department operated twenty-seven hatcheries and rearing 

 stations. 



The new trout rearing station at Hill's Lake, vicinity of Charlton, Timiskaming 

 district, was operated for the first time. This station includes a modern fish hatchery 

 of adequate dimensions, consistent with an adequate and suitable water supply. The 

 hatchery proper can accommodate three million trout eggs in a satisfactory manner. 

 Fifteen raceways and four ponds are provided for rearing large numbers of trout to 

 the fingerling and yearling stages. In addition to these a pond is provided for parent 

 trout in order to maintain a satisfactory egg supply, thus making the hatchery self- 

 sustaining. 



