48 THE REPORT OF THE No. 31 



The close season was well observed during the year. In one instance a fine was 

 irrposed, and two small nets placed in prohibited waters were seized. 



He frequently examined packages of fish received by the express companies, but 

 never found any illegal shipments, and in all cases where protected fish were exposed 

 for sale satisfactory explanations could be shown by the vendors that the fish were 

 legally obtained 1 . 



Overseer Yates, Goderich, reports that the catch for 'the season was fairly good. 

 He cannot say that there was much improvement over last year. The close season 

 was well observed, and for that reason there was same good Bass fishing at Goderich 

 at the mouth of the River Maitland, and up the river from Goderich to Wingham. There 

 was a new fishway put in the dam at Auburn this season. The catch of Perch and 

 Herring by hook and line fishing at Goderich, Bayfield, and Port Albert was large. He 

 has had no complaints as to sawdust, and on the wfhole he thinks the law has been 

 well observed, no report having reached him to 'the contrary. 



Overseer Yelland, Peterboro', reports that the angling was exceptionally good 

 dunr.g the past season, the catch being equal to, if not greater than, the previous 

 year. Two cases of illegal fishing came to his notice, and the parties were fined 1 in 

 each case, which was a warning to others to refrain from breaking the law. He con- 

 fiscated several nets, which were destroyed. 



He is of the opinion that if the water could be regulated so that it would not rise 

 and fall during the spawning season there would be no need of re-stocking the waters, 

 as the spawn deposited would hatch and mature, which would give ample fishing for 

 all who cared to fish. He recommends that steps be taken to exterminate the Catfish 

 that are becoming so plentiful, and are so destructive on the spawn of Bass and Ma's- 

 kinonge, and suggests that hoop net licenses be granted to be fished under the sur- 

 veil ince of an overseer. 



The law regarding the running of sawdust in the streams has been well observed. 



