1900 ] FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. 19 



artificial propagation is already talked of. Much interest has been aroused on 

 the subject in our own Province, probably by our legislation of last session, and 

 many enquiries have been received as to the means to be adopted for their cul- 

 ture and for the establishment of frog farms. It is believed that there are 

 thousands of acres of waste lands in the Province, the property of private indivi- 

 duals, which are now practically worthless, and which could be turned to profit- 

 able use in raising frogs. All that would be necessary would be to stock the 

 waters with paired breeders, and they would do the rest, as natural food is 

 present in sufficient amounts for successful growth. The species considered most 

 profitable on account of its size is the eastern bull frog, Rana catesbiana, which 

 reaches a body length of over eight inches. They begin to breed at the age of 

 three years, and reach a marketable size in four or five years. Only the hind legs 

 are preserved, a pair of which will average about half a pound in weight. The 

 price in the New York market varies from 50c. to $1 per pound. 



Reports. 



Attention is specially directed to the reports of the overseers and the captain 

 of the Gilphie on following pages. 



All of which is respectfully submitted. 



S. T. Bastedo, 



Deputy Commissioner. 



