1900 ] FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. 33 



the Twelve and Sixteen Mile creeks by the farmers and used for food. It is 

 impossible, however, to get a proper estimate of the quantity taken. The fishery 

 laws were well observed. No tishways are considered to be necessary in the 

 division. 



Overseer Walker, Port Credit : 



Reports that owing to the very rough weather and the continual east winds 

 the fishing was not quite so good as in lcS99. While the whitefish were more 

 plentiful there was a falling off in the catch of salmon trout. The average size 

 of the whitefish was about as usual, while the salmon trout was much larger, 

 weighing from 5 to 35 lbs. each. Angling was much better than formerly ; the 

 average size of the bass was about the same as in former season, where perch were 

 quite small. The fishery laws and close seasons were well observed. 



Overseer Clunis, Claude : 



Reports the catch of fish in his division as equal to, if not better, than last 

 season, and that all the fish taken were used for home consumption. No abuses 

 of any kind came to his notice, and the close seasons were very well observed. 



One report of illegal fishing was made, but he was unable to verify it, 

 although he made all possible enquiries. 



There were no violations of the Dominion Act respecting the pollution of 

 waters by sawdust or other deleterious matter. 



There are no fishways on any of the streams in his division, though there 

 are, he says, quite a number of dams in which it would be desirable to have them 

 erected. 



Overseer Wood, Toronto : 



Reports that there is no practical change in the situation, in this district, 

 from last year. All the fish are taken by the local dealers, who seem anxious to 

 buy, so prices have ranged somewhat higher. 



The continued scarcity of whitefish is accounted for by the changing con- 

 ditions of the bottom of the lake, and it is claimed by some of the fishermen that 

 the filth discharged by the city has driven the fish from their old feeding grounds 

 and I have seen nets filled with what appeared to be refuse from stables, which 

 goes to show the assertion is not without foundation 



The law has generally been well observed. Three seizures of nets were 

 made which had been placed in prohibited waters and in five cases fines were 

 imposed. I made diligent search at the express offices during the season and 

 received every assistance. The dealers showed much reluctance in complying 

 with that section of the Act, which requires the name of the shipper and contents 

 of the case to be placed on the outside. They complained that it reveals their 

 business to their competitors. But they have, after repeated warning-s, conform- 

 ed to the regulations. 



Overseer Willis, Port Whitly : 



Reports that there was only one fisherman in his division who fished for 

 whitefish or trout during the season, owing to there being a large run of herring, 

 which brought better prices. There is consequently a decrease in the catch of 

 the former and very large increase of the latter. All the fish taken were dis- 

 posed of in the district. No cases of illegal fishing came to his notice, and the 

 close seasons were strictly adhered to. 



Overseer Freeman, Brighton : 



Reports that the fishing was not so good as last season. This he attributes 

 to the lowness of the water, which prevented the rough fish from getting into the 

 marshes. About seventy-five per cent of the catch was shipped to the United 

 3f. 



