Animals of kno?ni age are being examined , with reference to changes In size and 

 shape of such parts as slmlls* 



The acctuniLLatlon of data on the diagnostic characteristics of mammalian 

 hairs continued. Assistance was provided to the District offices through the 

 .identification of hairs for law enforcement pui^oses* 



A general survey of the role of predators in fish hatcheries was initiate 

 by circularizing the District offices for information on the extent of losses at 

 hatcheries to such predators as herons , kingfishers, and mink* 



Big Game 



The survey of snow conditions in relation to big game, begun in the 

 winter of 1952-53, was continued through the winter of 19 5^-55« Data on snow 

 depth from 8^ stations operated by District personnel were compiled weekly* 



The detailed study of the effects of depth and physical properties of 

 snow on the movements of deer, initiated at the Wildlife Research Station in 

 Algonquin Park in the winter of 1953-5**'? was continued. Variations in activity 

 in relation to snow and weather conditions were determined by counts of various 

 tjrpes of new trails made by the deer. 



During the hunting season in November, 195^, complete records were 

 obtained of hunting effort, distribution of kill, and of the sex, ages, and 

 weight of 117 deer harvested in the South Cononto Township in the Tweed District. 



During the summer of 195^, a survey by helicopter was made of Big 

 Island, Lake-of-the-Woods, and it was found that the ad\ilt sex ratio of moose 

 was not significantly different from 1j1| there were eight calves for every 10 

 adult cows. 



The breeding experiments were continued in the colony of coyotes and 

 hybrids at Midhurst. Sufficient data were obtained to clarify some points of 

 identification of coyotes, timber wolves, domestic dogs, and hybrids. 



22 



