1899 ] GAME AND FISHERIES. 39 



Close Season for Salmon Trout and Whitefish. 



Representations from many parts of the Province have been received that the 

 present close season for salmon tront and whitefish is entirely inapplicable, and that 

 consequently little, if any, protection is afforded to the gravid fish ready to spawn. 

 Especially is this the case in Lake Superior, where, it is said, the trout and whitefish are 

 all through spawning by the end of October. These representations have from time to 

 time been communicated to the Federal Government, to which belongs the exclusive right 

 of regulating the close seasons. 



Public Sentiment. 



It is to be regretted that much apathy has been manifested in respect of the observance 

 of the fishery laws by those who derive so much benefit from the preservation of the 

 fisheries. In some cases even our magistrates have refused to convict on evidence 

 which appeared to the department most conclusive. It is desirable to encourage the 

 formation of clubs and protective associations, and enlist the co-operation of the press 

 to aid the government in the great work of protection by creating and fostering a 

 proper sentiment in the community. The simple fact that such an organization existed 

 in each fishing locality would be a potent influence for good. 



Frogs. 



The increasing demand in the American market for this " delicacy " has been 

 engaging the attention of a considerable number of our people in localities where the frog 

 abounds with a view to establishing froggeries for the cultivation and propagation of 

 frogs for market. Applications for leases have been received, and the Department has 

 been considering what steps may be necessary in order to give encouragement to an 

 industry which will no doubt be one of considerable profit to those engaging in it, and 

 likewise an additional source of revenue to the Province. 



Carp and Suckers. 



These fish are so destructive of the spawn of the more valuable fish that it is res- 

 pectfully suggested a dispensation should be granted to fishermen to take them by 

 any legitimate means, under, of course, the supervision of the Department. It is gener- 

 ally conceded that the promiscuous introduction of carp on this continent has been 

 attended with nothing but evil results. It multiplies like vermin, as it reproduces at a 

 very early age and is believed to spawn at different periods of the year. It is so tenacious 

 of life that it will survive under almost incredibly unfavorable conditions — it has been 

 known to exist a whole summer in field ponds, in water which has overflowed the banks 

 of streams and not more than six inches in depth, and almost boiling hot from the torrid 

 heat of the sun ; on the other hand, instances are recorded of its having been frozen solid 

 and come to life again on being thawed out. It is not only a predaceous feeder upon the 

 spawn of other fishes, but also upon the tender sprouts of plants upon which the wild duck 

 feed, such as rice and celery, and it is said that owing to the destruction of these beds in 

 the Eau, the duck there are becoming less plentiful year by year. Its habits are akin to 

 those of the hog, in that it is fond of burrowing in muddy bottoms, and its repulsive tastes 

 have also been compared to those of that quadruped, in that it will feed on offil and other- 

 filth. It is believed to be the only fish which will drive that gamey fish, the black bass- 

 from its spawning beds. It was thought that the pure cold waters of our northern lakes 

 would be a safeguard against its intrusion there, but a number were taken by the fishert 

 men at Southampton and at points further north during the past summer, evidencing that it 

 is gradually but surely spreading. There is practically no market for it, and it is fre- 

 quently buried by the fishermen as the most convenient means of disposing of it. Numer- 

 ous enquiries have been received as to where carp for stocking purposes could be obtained, 

 but upon ascertaining the habits and characteristics of the fish, the applicants immedi- 

 ately abandoned their intention of stocking with it. As a food fish it is very inferior, its 

 fle3h being coarse in texture and insipid in flavor. 



