1905 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 27 



made the catch, less than it would have been. He says he finds that the 

 work cannot be done in his division with a sailboat, the division being so 

 large, and there are so many stations in it that it is impossible to move 

 from one to another and look after poachers with a sailboat. In his opinion 

 there should be a steam launch about 30 feet long with a light draft and 

 good power — a good seaworthy boat, and a small boat with her that could 

 be towed or carried, which would require about three of a crew. 



Overseer Hunter, Tehkummah, Manitoulin Island, reports that dur- 

 ing the past summer the fishery laws have been fairly well observed, as no 

 complaints to the contrary have been in circulation. The water in the fish 

 streams was very low owing to the want of rain during the season. There 

 were not as many tourists visiting the Island as usual in consequence of 

 the destruction of the large hotel Manitou at Manitowaning by fire during 

 the summer of 1904. The Manitou Fish Co., who have the lease of Lake 

 Manitou waters, have been doing all they can with their hatchery at the 

 outlet of the lake at a large expense to re-stock the lake with young fish. 



GEORGIAN BAY. 



Overseer Bettes, Waubaushene, reports that the catch of fish is about the 

 same as last year, according to the report of the fishermen. Carp and dogfish 

 are increasing, as carp are seen in larger quantities along the shores and are 

 destroying the wild rice and consequently the feeding ground of wild duck. 

 He would recommend that some action be taken to prevent the increase of 

 carp in these waters, as they will" eventually drive out the game fish 



About 75 per cent, of the amount of fish caught in this district are 

 exported to the United States, 20 per cent, used in Canada, and 5 per cent, 

 for home consumption. 



The close seasons have been well observed, especially during November, 

 which was very stormy throughout. 



There has been no illegal fishing so far as he knows. 



There is no mill refuse dumped in the waters of this district, as all the 

 mills have burners to consume it. 



A great number of tourists visited this section, and all were satisfied with 

 the bass and lunge fishing. 



Overseer Jermyn, Wiarton, reports that the fishermen say that their catch 

 of fish this season was not as large as last year, which they attribute to the 

 exceedingly rough weather. Many of them were unable a great portion of 

 the time to either set or lift their nets, and some lost nearly all the nets they 

 had. The steam tugs that could stand bad weather made fairly good returns. 

 He is of opinion that the waters of his district are not being depleted of fish, 

 but believes the fish are as plentiful this year as in the past; but on account 

 of bad weather and coming on to the shoals later in the season, the catch is 

 less. 



The law was pretty well observed up to the close season, but during that 

 period he is certain considerable illegal fishing was carried on, notwithstand- 

 ing all efforts he could make to prevent it. 



He laid information against three persons, and secured convictions in 

 each case, which action he trusts will result in good in the future. 



LAKE HURON (PROPER). 



Overseer Blunden, Sarnia, reports that the fishing season opened in a 

 very irregular way, as a series of north winds during the latter part of April 

 and the fore part of May hampered the fishermen in getting their pound nets 



set. 



