1»04 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 27 



The laws and regulations were fairly well observed. He destroyed two hoopnets, 

 thiee gill nets, and a number of nightlines, which were unlicensed. 



Overseer Crotty, Bothwell, reports that the catch in has division was about the 

 same as in former years, and that all were used for home consumption. No abuses 

 came to his knowledge. The close seasons were strictly observed. There are no dams 

 ■or fish, ays in his division. 



Overseer Driscoll, Howe Island, reports an increase in the catch, and that the 

 fish were of a better quality than in former years. A great number of tourists visited 

 his district during the year, and they all report excellent sport. The laws and regu- 

 lation.- ( f the Department were well oibserved. No cases of illegal fishing came to his 

 notice 



Overseer Dickson, Westwood, reports that the tourists who visited the lake during 

 the season were well pleased with the catch, all kinds of game fish, such as Bass and 

 Lunge, being very plentiful. The lake is a favorite resort for tourists, who are be- 

 coming more numerous every year. 



Overseer Duchesne, Treadvilk, reports that he has tound very little change in 

 the condition of the fisheries in his division from that of previous years. The laws 

 and r< filiations of the Department were well observed. The angling for Bass and 

 Pkki rel lias been first-class, and the anglers appreciate the efforts that have been 

 put forth to enforce 'the laws ; they realize the importance of protecting these valu- 

 able fish. The fish caught by the licensed fishermen are all used for home consumption, 

 none being exported. There are several sawmills in his division, but the owners 

 are car iuI that the refuse dloes not run into the water. Taking all things into consider- 

 ation, he found everything from the fishing standpoint in a very satisfactory condition. 



Overseer Free, Byng Inlet, reports that the close season and other regulations of 

 the Department were well observed. Several cases of illegal fishing with trapnets 

 came to his notice, and in each case the net was confiscated, but the parties fishing 

 then could not be found. The angling has been first class. Bass and Pickerel fishing 

 hi*-- been better than he has known for the past ten years. Quite a number of tourists 

 v sited the locality during the season, and they were all well pleased with the catch. 



Overseer Flynn, Mountain Grove, reports that the licensed fishermen in his division 

 ■were t:nable to supply the local demand for fish, consequently a larger portion of the 

 fi-h caught were sold in that locality that heretofore. The number of tourists visiting 

 his district is increasing every year, and are well satisfied with the sport afforded. 

 Some who were there two years ago notice a decided improvement, both in the quan- 

 tity and size of the fish caught. In the waters where hoopnet fishing has been per- 

 mitted for several years past there is a very noticeable increase in the quantity and 

 quality, of the game fish taken. Ling have ibeen caught in great quantities by the 

 nets. This is a nocious fish, and it is well that the waters should be rid of it. 



The spring fishing for Pike and Suckers was very successful ; many Ling were 

 als" destroyed. The settlers are taking much more interest in the protection of game 

 fish than formerly. They realize the importance of the tourist trade to the locality. 

 He. reports having secured four convictions for illegal fishing, a fine of^ $10 and costs 

 heinj imposed in each case ; also that four parties were allowed to go on suspended 

 sentence. On the whole, the laws and regufations of the Department are fairly well 

 Observed. He recommends that a bonus be paid to the fishermen for destroying Ling. 



Overseer Freeman. Northumberland County, reports that the fishing in his di- 

 vision has been about the same as last year, although his returns show that there has 

 beet- a less quantity taken. He says it is owing to a less vigorous prosecution of the 

 fishing by fishermen, some of them not fishing more than half of their time. The bay 

 fishing, according to the time spent in active fishing, shows much better results than 

 the yer.r previous, the principal fish taken being Pike, Bullheads. Pearch. and Rock 



