THE REPORT OF THE Nu. 31 



8. The quantity of fry distributed by the Federal Government in the Province since 

 Confederation, (p. 92). 



Preservation vs. Revenue. 



lhere seems to be an impression — an erroneous impression it may be said — in the 

 minds of many people, that the Department of Fisheries is administered wholly from a 

 revenue standpoint, and surprise is sometimes expressed that a larger revenue is not real- 

 ized. It may, .therefore, not be out of place to mention that, while it is of course important 

 and absolutely necessary that a revenue should be derived, and that the Department may 

 be self-sustaining, the matter of paramount importance, and the one which must be 

 kept constantly and prominently before it, is the conservation and perpetuation of this 

 great heritage — no easy matter, it may be supposed, in view of the large number of ap- 

 plications which are received, and the vigor with wthdch they are pressed. If there were 

 no such contingency to be borne in mind, the receipts might possibly, for a few years 

 at least, be very considerablly increased. An application may, however, foe under con- 

 sideration for weeks before the Department is satisfied that the (license may properly 

 go, or the reverse. If it is considered that as many licenses have, already 

 been issued as the fishery will properly stand, all others are refused. If it is 

 thought that the issue of a license will prejudice the livelihood of another fisherman, it 

 is declined. In the case of the inland lakes in the older parts of the Province, it is first as- 

 certained what kinds of fish the lake contains for which a license is asked. If few game 

 fish, a license for a limited number of hoop nets is sometimes approved. It has been 

 satisfactorily demonstrated that where these nets are fished strictly in accordance with 

 the conditions imposed, which are very emphatic as to the taking of certain kinds of fish, 

 and the waters are depleted of the coarser and less valuable kinds, there has been a 

 noticeable increase in the quantity, and improvment in the size and quality of the game 

 fish. But even in the case of such waters, where the locality is densely settled, the policy 

 is that no net fishing whatever shall be allowed, for in such localities there are usually 

 to be found many people with whom even the coarser kinds of fish which may be taken 

 with hook and line form an important item of food. If the application is for the privi- 

 lege of fishing in a flake in New Ontario, the question of the suitaibility of the locality for 

 settlement is considered, and its future needs are anticipated, for in such districts settlers 

 must for a long time depend for a goodly portion of their foods upon the fish which the 

 waters yield ; and the Department has refused many applications for such waters, 

 though the adoption of an adverse policy would materially add to its receipts. How 

 delightfully pleasant and agreeable the work of issuing "licenses would become, could 

 a license be issued to every one who applies therefor. But, while the question of revenue 

 is, as has been pointed out, one of secondary consideration, it is at the same time be- 

 lieved that it might be considerably increased, that the fees heretofore charged in some 

 cases have been too low. and might properly be raised without being made burdensome ; 

 and that angling fees might, and should, be charged non-residents in some sections, where 

 free fishing has heretofore been allowed — where visitors, who contribute nothing for en- 

 tertainment or for maintenance, enjoy the fruit of our labor and the benefits of our 

 provider t administration. 



Observance of the Law. 



There have been seized and destroyed, or otherwise disposed of. while in illegal use, 

 or where there was prima facie evidence of the same having been held for illegal use, 

 130 trap nets. 106 gill nets. 6 seines, 2 hoop nets, 300 hooks, and 41 spears. There have 

 been 105 prosecutions reported. Of these, 42 were for fishing without a license, 21 for 

 catching and dealing in fish out of season, 14 for using the spear illegally, 13 for killing 

 or having game fish contrary to law. 3 for dynamiting fish, and a number for miscel- 

 laneous offences. Nearly one thousand dollars have been collected in fines In a few 



