10 THE REPORT OF THE [ No. 6S 



the ice. A new patrol boat was purchased, and an additional set of davits put in 

 with which to raise and lower the same, and some other minor but essential 

 alterations were made. These were principally executed under the immediate 

 supervision of the Captain, who reports that the vessel is now in good shape for 

 years, and that her general efficiency is greatly increased. She steamed during 

 the year some 6,275 miles. 



Protective Associations. 



An association called The North American Fish and Game Protective Associa- 

 tion, composed of representatives of several of the Provinces of the Dominion, and 

 many of the States was organized at Montreal during the month of February, 

 at a meeting called for the purpose by the Minister of Fisheries of Quebec, which 

 was attended by the undersigned. At this meeting various subjects were discus- 

 sed, having in view the best steps to be taken to protect and perpetuate the fish 

 and game, and also for procuring uniform laws and regulations in respect to these 

 subjects between the States and Provinces. It was the consensus of opinion that 

 with the inauguration of such regulations the sphere of protection to the fish 

 and game life of the two countries would be greatly increased. Committees were 

 appointed to advance these ends, and to report at a subsequent meeting. 



In several districts local protective associations have been organized, and 

 these will no doubt be able to render yeoman service in co-operating with the 

 Department in the work of enforcing the laws and in fostering and promoting 

 public sentiment, if they will undertake the work with a will. Indeed, to prevent 

 the annihilation of our fisheries, we must look to the public to give us the help 

 which cannot possibly be afforded in any other way. The formation of such 

 clubs should be encouraged in every village, town and township. It is not only 

 in the thickly settled districts that such associations can render valuable assistance, 

 but in the remote sections also, where, Owing to the scanty settlement, poaching 

 by almost every means can be indulged in with impunity, and where dealers, 

 and in fact many others, unscrupulous enough to buy the fish, are frequently to 

 be found. 



Investigations. 



It has been thought that more complete information should be had as to the 

 kinds of fish which inhabit at least the larger of our inland lakes ; and to this 

 end investigations have been commenced and carried on during the year by one 

 of the District Overseers — assisted by the local overseers — in whose division 

 there are a number of such lakes. He was asked in reporting to state the name 

 of the lake ; the county or counties, and township or townships in which it is 

 situated ; the length, width and depth of the lake ; the formation of its shores ; 

 the nature of the bottom of the lake ; what were its inlets and outlets ; the color 

 of the water ; the kinds of fish inhabiting the waters ; and whether the fish 

 appeared to be well fed or were poor — of good size or small.* Many of these 

 inland lakes are believed to contain myriads of fish which it is thought desirable 

 in the interests of the better classes, and especially of the game fish, should be 

 removed ; and, while indiscriminate netting would no doubt mean the unavoid- 

 able destruction of many valuable fish, and would be in opposition to the policy 

 of the Department, yet there seems to be no valid reason why the fishermen 

 should not reap the advantage to be derived by taking the coarser fish with im- 

 plements of capture which would not hazard the safety of the better kinds, and a 

 revenue to the Province be realized also. 



* See report of District) Overseer, M. Thwaite, p. 20. 



