1904 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 



been destroyed during the years in which a patrol service has been main- 

 tained by both the Federal and Provincial Governments for the purpose of 

 their suppression. Their use is permitted in American waters, and no 

 doubt much can be said in favor of their being legalized in Ontario. If 

 a size limit is established for all kinds of fish, as there should be, it does 

 not appear to the undersigned why any implements with which this may be 

 observed should not be authorized. There are objectionable features in the 

 trap net as at present constructed and fished, but these could be modified, 

 or wholly removed and a net approved which would be quite satisfactory 

 to the fishermen. Conditions for its identification could be imposed, and 

 the locations where it should be set specified in the license as in the case 

 of other nets. It is believed that less objection could be urged to the nets 

 under license than under existing conditions, as those who would pay for 

 a license would not permit others to fish without a license, and the Pro- 

 vince would receive an annual revenue of from #15,000 to $25,000 per annum 

 if all were to take out licenses, it having been estimated that there are from 

 600 to 1,000 nets fished, and the fishermen have manifested a wil- 

 lingness to pay a license fee of $25 for each net used. 



Blue Fins. 



The Blue Fin, a species of white fish, has been taken in considerable 

 numbers in the Tower end of Lake Superior, and has a ready sale in the 

 home market, and especially in the rural districts where peddlers find a great 

 demand for it. Its flavor and quality are said to be somewhat better than 

 the lake herring. It is caught in very deep water. 



Carp. 



The privilege of taking these fish has been granted wherever it appeared 

 that this could be done without injury to the better species, and the subject 

 whether the privilege might be further extended with profit to the fisher- 

 men and with advantage to the fisheries should receive every consideration. 

 With so many finer varieties of fish to be had, it is not strange that the carp 

 is regarded in Canada with disfavor as an edible fish; but in some localities 

 it has already become an important fish of commerce, meeting the demand 

 of the poorer classes- By making provision for retaining 



them during the summer months, when the catch exceeds the immediate 

 demand, much higher prices may be obtained. During the fall, nine cents 

 per pound was paid for carp in the wholesale markets of New York City 

 and Chicago; and the carp weighs well . In portions of Lake Erie and 

 Lake St. Clair it has become very abundant; and it is being taken almost 

 everywhere in the open waters of Ontario in srreater or lesser quantities, even 

 as far north as the Manitoulin Island. It is said that 200,000 pounds were 

 recently shipped "from New York to Germany, the country of iis nativity, 

 and where it is still the most highly esteemed of the food fishes. Whether 

 the product of this country will be held in as high esteem as that of the 

 Old Land remains to be seen. 



American Hatcheries. 



The request of the United States Fish Commission, and of some of the 

 State Commissioners that permission be granted their representatives to 

 arrange with Ontario fishermen for a supply of herring eggs, there being 



