1902 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 39 



are granted almost unlimited privileges as to time and manner of fishing. It is therefore 

 suggested that it would be manifestly in the interests of both countries if regulations could be 

 agreed upon which would be just and equitable to the fisheries, fishermen, and fishing industry 

 alike — regulations estabblshing close seasons covering the spawning periods of fish, as tD the 

 kind and number of implements to be used in the capture of fish, and as to the kinds of fish 

 to be taken, and that the most convenient and satisfactory means to this end would be a 

 conference between representatives of the several jurisdictions surrounding the Great Lakes. 

 It is not improbable that if amicable conclusions could be arrived at, our Great Lake fisheries 

 could, and would, in a few years be restored to their former condition ot excellence, and a 

 profitable livelihood to many thousands of our citizens, and a valuable food supply, assured 

 for all time. 



"I might mention for your information that large sums are annually being spent in this 

 province for the protection of its fisheries, and for the propagation of fish ; that 

 fishermen are restricted in the number and kinds of implements which they may use, and the 

 periods during which they maybe fished ; that they are prohibited from taking immature fish, 

 and in the case of trout and whitefish of any less than two pounds in weight ; that no bass or 

 maskinonge or speckled trout may be taken in any manner except with hook and line, and 

 that their sale is strictly prohibited. Further restrictions have been in contemplation ; but 

 in view of the fact that there have heretofore been few, if any, placed upon the operations of 

 the fishermen of most of the border States, we are in doubt as to whether anything further 

 can properly be done in that direction ; indeed, whether the restrictions now in force on this 

 side of the international boundary can be justly maintained. Certainly it will be difficult to 

 longer resist the importunities of our fishermen, for similar privileges to those enjoyed by 

 your fishermen, should no concurrent action be approved by you. We are strongly urged to 

 throw down the bars ; but before doing so would first respectfully invite the attention of the 

 representatives of your State to the inevitable result of such a course, and with the hope that 

 you may appreciate the importance of some concerted action being immediately taken for the 

 conservation of this great heritage. I should be glad of your views upon the subject at your 

 earliest convenience. 



" Yours truly, 



" S. T. BASTEDO, 



" Deputy Commissioner." 



It, is gratifying to be able to state that the letters in reply indicate an in- 

 tense interest in the subject, and that nearly all of the States are anxious to 

 co-operate with this province in the objects enunciated in its inaugural com- 

 munication. The following may be quoted as a fair sample of the answers 

 received : 



" State of Ohio Fish and Game Commission. 



M Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 17th, 1902. 



"To the Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries, 



" Parliament Buildings, Toronto, Canada. 



41 Sir,— 



" I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your valued communication of the 12th 

 " December, the contents of which have been noted with great pleasure. Permit me to say 

 11 that the suggestions you make are in conformity with the opinion that the Ohio commission 

 " has entertained for a long time, and that we will welcome any concerted action which will 

 " have for its object the preservation and perpetuation of the lake fisheries. The laws govern - 

 " ing the fishing inOhio waters of Lake Erie at the present time more nearly approach those of 

 " the province of Ontario than at any other time in our history, and it is our desire to make 

 " them still more closely related in order that there may be unity of action. It will give me 

 u great pleasure to meet you at any place you may suggest at some time in the near future, to 

 " talk over this matter thoroughly and to inaugurate a basis for such action as may be deemed 

 "proper and necessary. Permit me to say in conclusion that we sincerely hope that the pro- 

 vince of Ontario will not abate in the slightest degree from their heretofore admirable posi- 

 *' tion upon the question of the lake fisheries. In my opinion, the care, firmness and good 

 sense exercised by the dominion authorities in the matter of these lake fisheries have been in 



