54 THE REPORT OF THE No. 31 



in each case, and a fine of $10 imposed. Herring are increasing in most of the 

 larger lakes. The wholesale slaughter of fish by spearing is practically done 

 away with, and for that reason, the angling is much better in many of the lakes . 

 Overseer Freeman, Northumberland, reports that there has been a decrease 

 in lake fishing in his division, owing to so much high wind during the summer 

 season that it was impossible for the fishermen to get out to their nets. The 

 bay fishing shows an increase over previous years. Pike and rough fish were 

 caught in large quantities, but bull heads were merely nothing. In fact the 

 fishermen have almost decided not to fish for them on account of their scarcity. 

 He is opposed to spring fishing in any of these inland bays, as that is the time 

 the fish spawn, and he thinks if it was stopped altogether good results would 

 follow. There are no fish ways in his division. No mill refuse has been put in 

 the water, and no violations of the law came to his notice. 



Overseer Gibson, Strathroy, reports that since the difficulty he had last 

 February with certain parties for placing nets in the streams he has had no 

 further trouble, and the local anglers have had better sport than they have had 

 for years. They have had good catches of pike and pickerel, some of the latter 

 weighing upwards of nine pounds. There has been but few black bass caught, 

 and in most cases they were returned to the water. There is one dam at Strath- 

 roy that has no fishway in it, and he does not think one necessary, as the gates 

 are open long enough for the fish to pass up and down. There are two saw- 

 mills in his division, but the dust is not allowed to enter the stream. 



Overseer Goulette, Gananoque, reports that the year has been a good one- 

 Black bass are increasing in his district. Bull-heads are also on the increase in 

 Gananoque Lake. He would recommend that three hoop net licenses be granted 

 for South Lake, as the coarse fish are numerous in that lake. He reports 

 having seized several gill nets in the St. Lawrence River. 



Overseer Graham, Victoria, reports that no violation of the law respecting 

 close seasons came under his observation, and no complaints of violations of the 

 regulations in any way were laid before him. He has reason to believe that 

 the law is more strictly observed than in former years. There has been no mill 

 refuse allowed to pass into the streams in his division. 



Overseer Hadgraft, Lincoln, reports that the fishermen in his division are 

 well satisfied with the season's catch. Those who followed fishing exclusively 

 for a means of living had good success. Over half of the fishermen in his 

 division have other work, which they follow during the summer, and take up 

 fishing when the run of herring is on. This will account for the difference in 

 the fishermen's report. The catch of perch, both by line and net fishing, is 

 below the average. Very few trout were caught, and they were taken near the 

 head of the lake. Whitefish were so scarce that it would not < pay the fishermen 

 to set their nets for them. The catch of herring was above the average, both in 

 size and quantity taken ; from the 1st of June to November 19th they were 

 taken in large quantities, after that date the stormy weather interfered with 

 the fishermen, and the catch was smaller. The run of herring started the last 

 week in October, and continued till the 1 9th of November, and they were more 

 plentiful than he ever knew them to be before. Prices were also better than in 

 former years, being as high as 2 \ and 3 cents per lb. Agents from Buffalo Fish 

 Companies were there during the rush, also a staff of cleaners. He would recom- 

 mend that a seine license be granted at Niagara for river fishing for three 

 months in winter ; also one at Queenston, American fishermen use them in the 

 river without molestation from fishery officers, and at night come over to the 

 Canadian side and haul on our shore. He thinks if the privilege was granted 

 to Canadians they would defend their own rights. He would recommend that 



