28 THE REPORT OF THE No. 31 



lakes are swarming with a fine quality of whitefish, which are of great 

 commercial value, and the applications for licenses, even for local consump- 

 tion, are surprisingly increasing. This catch can only be had in Novem- 

 ber during the present close reason for salmon. It will therefore be 

 readily understood what an acquisition it would be to the revenue, even 

 where the license fee is but nominal, and to the food supply of the people 

 when the close season for salmon trout is shifted a month earlier. The 

 herring in his district are in great demand. They are in quantity and 

 quality up to the mark, yet rough weather prevents the possibility of a 

 large catch. The bull-head catch for the last season in many Rideau 

 lakes has greatly diminished, while in several other lakes off the line 

 of the Rideau the catch has largely increased, and in certain lakes where 

 they have been fished continuously for many years it is a surprising fact to 

 learn that the supply is correspondingly increasing. 



Never were the fishery laws and regulations more carefully observed 

 by natives and tourists than during the past season. At the close of the 

 season of 1903, after the patrol boat> "Eva Bell" left for winter quarters, 

 over twenty convictions for illegal fishing were recorded; while at the 

 close of this season, although he had carefully organized certain local 

 means for reliable and quick information as to infractions, he was pleased 

 to learn that the experience of the former fall had a salutary effect, and 

 that infractions were unknown and unheard of. This is encouraging, 

 and proves beyond doubt that once the machinery for protection becomes 

 properly systematized, the control of our fisheries can be made as complete 

 as that of any other department of administration. This leads to what 

 he considers a very important matter along the line of better systematizing 

 the machinery, and having given it considerable thought and experiment, 

 he makes a few brief suggestions without interfering with the ideas or 

 domain of others. 



First, he would suggest as in a former report, that the organization 

 of Anglers" Associations be encouraged in every possible way. This can 

 only be done by an officer, such as a district overseer, spending consider- 

 able time in organizing, and keeping in touch and encouraging active inter- 

 est in every association. 



Second, that the appointment of local overseers be recommended by 

 the district overseer, and be under his entire supervision. This would 

 have the advantage of getting full information as to his fitness, reliabil- 

 ity, and location for duty. The appointee would do duty better by reason 

 of his responsibility to the district overseer, and he could for cause be dis- 

 missed without incurring the responsibility and displeasure of Government 

 patronage. 



Third, that guidesmen be licensed and amenable for infractions such 

 as excessive catch while on duty. As they would have to be British sub- 

 jects in order to procure licenses, it would preclude oarsmen from United 

 States being brought into competition with home labor, and at the same 

 time make them quasi fishery officers. He has conversed with many 

 guidesmen on this suggestion, and it seems to meet with their approval. 



Fourth, that licenses be granted to bait catchers, specifying Jhe 

 locality for their operations. This would preclude them from catching 

 bait in one locality to supply others, a matter which is beginning to give 

 considerable dissatisfaction, especially at summer resorts where each is de- 

 sirous of obtaining bait for his guests. This would also be approved of by 

 bait catchers. 



Fifth, that certain small lakes known as feeding grounds and well 

 adapted for propagation be reserved from all or any kind of fishing, and 



