34 THE REPORT OF THE [ No. 68 



States and the balance used for home consumption. There were no confiscations 

 or fines imposed during the year, and no violations of the fishery laws came to 

 his knowledge. The close seasons were strictly observed, and the mill owners 

 complied with the law respecting the pollution of the water. There are no fish- 

 ways in the division. The mill streams and ponds are stocked with trout owned 

 by private individuals. 



Overseer Sheen, Harivood : 



Reports that the close season was fairly well observed, and that there was 

 but one conviction obtained in his division for illegal fishing. A fine of $15 was 

 imposed, which had a good effect in deterring others from a like practice. The 

 summer visitors made good catches of maskinonge and bass. He would favour 

 the issue of hoop net licenses in order to clear the lake of catfish and other coarse 

 fish, so as to give the spawn of the higher grades a chance to hatch out. 



Overseer Johnston, Harwood : 



States that it is difficult to get an accurate account of the fish taken, owing 

 to the sale of bass and maskinonge being prohibited. The catch was, however, 

 very large, and shows no sign of a decrease. There was one conviction for illegal 

 fishing during the season, which proved a warning to others, and he is satisfied 

 that the close seasons were well observed. He would favour the granting of 

 licenses for hoop nets, in order to get rid of the coarse fish. 



Overseer Cock, Campbellford : 



Reports the catch to be about the same as last year, but the fishermen are 

 expecting a much better season in 1901. About nine-tenths of the catch is ex- 

 ported to the United States, and the balance is used for home consumption. 

 There was a very noticeable improvement in the angling, which he attributes to 

 the stricter observance of the close seasons and the prevention of fishing through 

 the ice. The close seasons were strictly observed. Several cases of illegal fish- 

 ing were dealt with by the imposition of fines and confiscation of the nets. 

 There were no violations of the law respecting the pollution of waters. The mill 

 owners are very careful about the refuse being kept out of the water. There 

 are four mill dams and one natural fall, in each of which it would be desirable 

 to have fishways. 



Overseer Clark, Picton : 



States that owing to the continuance of strong west winds, there was a fall- 

 ing off in the catch of fish in his division, as compared with the previous season. 

 About 95 per cent of the total catch was exported to the United States and the 

 balance used for home consumption. There has been great difficulty experienced 

 n getting accurate returns of the catch from some of the fishermen. The close 

 seasons were well observed. During the month of April he seized thirteen gill 

 nets, the owners of which were undiscovered. The law respecting the pollution 

 of waters was well observed. The action of the Department in restricting the 

 fishing in east and west lakes to hook and line fishing is highly commended. 



Overseer Roblin, Adolphustown : 



Reports the fishing as slightly better than the previous season, due chiefly to 

 the fact that an increased number of fishermen engaged in the industry this year. 

 There was an increased catch of whitefish, perch and pike, but a slight decrease 

 in sturgeon. About 95 per cent, of the catch is exported to the United States 

 and the balance is used for home consumption. No abuses of any kind came to 

 his knowledge. With one exception the close seasons were well observed. A 

 fine was imposed upon the guilty party, and his nets were confiscated. The law 

 respecting the pollution of waters was not violated. There are no fishways 

 in the division. 



