In fisheries research, a new programme was launched in 1964 with the object 

 of determining a practical classification system for Ontario lakes, based on their 

 potential for fish production. Such a system, it is expected, will provide a yardstick 

 against which biologists may measure the current production level of any lakes to 

 determine whether that production is less than that which is to be expected over a 

 long period of time. This research programme is expected to be of value to both 

 commercial and sport fish research and management. 



It is becoming increasingly evident in fisheries research in general that one of 

 the most important problems to be solved is the marked and frequently abrupt 

 changes in abundance of the populations of some of our most valuable commer- 

 cial and game fish species. This is believed to arise from the sizes of the broods in 

 individual spawning years. The absence of fish of certain ages in the catch of fisher- 

 men is clear evidence of brood failures in preceding years. The reasons for these 

 failures are being explored intensively. There may be in a given case only a single 

 causal factor and in others a combination of factors within the ecological complex 

 — which includes water temperatures, enrichment in nutrients, the physical condi- 

 tion of spawning beds and attacks of diseases and parasites. 



Forestry research projects in tree breeding, reforestation and silviculture may 

 be mentioned. 



In the tree breeding programme, the first controlled pollinations were made 

 in the spring of 1964 with black spruce, white spruce and several exotic spruces. 

 The purpose is to determine the genetic variability of native spruces, the genetic 

 relationships of native and exotic species and the value of certain spruce hybrids. 



A project in reforestation research has shown that the quality of planting stock 

 can be improved by correcting the soil acidity of forest tree nursery soils with 

 sulphur applications. 



Extensive use of computers was initiated by the Research Branch in 1964. An 

 example of problem-solving is found in the computer-controlled sampling system 

 developed for the Timber Branch to determine the total sound volumes of wood 

 obtained by operators practising tree-length logging in a number of northern 

 districts. 



In silvicultural research two programmes have been completed. One was con- 

 cerned with sulphur fume pollution as it affected forest trees in central Ontario and 

 the other with the regeneration of yellow birch in south-central Ontario. 



A product of wildlife research was "A Manual of Common Parasites, Diseases 

 and Anomalies of Wildlife in Ontario," prepared and published in 1964, to assist 

 field staff. These officers are now in a better position to make diagnoses of abnor- 

 malities in wildlife, and consequently to properly inform hunters and other mem- 

 bers of the public. 



Mr. R. N. Johnston retired September 15th, 1964, after nearly 48 years 

 service with the Department. He was appointed Chief of the Research Branch in 

 1944 and continued in this position until his retirement. He was made Director 

 of Research in 1957. 



Shortly after his initial employment with the Department in 1917, following 

 graduation in Forestry, he served as a pilot in World War I. Upon his return 

 he was placed in charge of forest surveys, following which he was engaged in 

 developing a forest fire protection radio communications system. He was in charge 

 of aerial surveying until his appointment to the Research Branch. 



Reg Johnston will long be remembered as a promoter and innovator of many 

 useful devices and techniques in Departmental operations and for his tireless 

 efforts in the development of the Research Branch. 



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