CANADIAN FORESTRY ASSOCIATION 83 



rivers above mentioned they take the fly when dexterously presented. Therefore, until 

 the contrary is proved, I claim that, owing to the quantity of large fish obtainable by 

 fair casting, the Laurentides Park affords as fine brook trout fishing as any known 

 region. 



The Canadian brook trout is classed as a charr by the best authorities 011 the sub- 

 ject, and is a more elegantly moulded fish than the brown trout of Europe, but we 

 have the genuine Alpine charr in the park ; this fish (sal. mars.) having been found in 

 two or three small lakes in the river Ste. Anne la Perade basin.. 



The sal. mars, is a more beautiful fish than even our ordinary brook trout, having 

 a smaller head and finer lines. The tail is slightly forked, there is no silver rim 

 encircling the " speckles," but the belly and fins are brigth scarlet in colour. In the 

 lakes lying east of Lake Temiscouata this species attains a size of 3^ to 4 Ibs., and 

 affords magnificent sport. Strange to say, although both varieties exist in these 

 waters, they appear to maintain their respective characteristics and do not breed pro- 

 miscuously, as far as can be ascertained. 



GAME. 



The park, at present, can be claimed to possess game in abundance, owing to the 

 protection afforded. Moose are now plentiful, and as for caribou, the famous 

 " Barrens " in Charlevoix county have a world wide reputation. A few red deer have 

 found their way in and will be a feature later on, as in the park they will be protected 

 for a time all the year round. 



In feathered game we have the willow grouse of course an occasional visitor only 

 and not indigenous the ruffed grouse in large quantities, and the migratory species of 

 water fowl, such as ducks, geese, and the plover family. Some of the duck tribe, such 

 as the black duck, wood duck and the sheldrake, breed in the park. 



The fur-bearing animals are well represented and are plentiful, the beaver par- 

 ticularly having felt the benefit of protection, so much so that lessees of territory 

 have complained that their caribou hunting has been affected. These industrious 

 animals have, by the erection of dams, caused the flooding of grassy borders of many 

 lakes where the caribou were wont to feed. 



Black bear are plentiful, also otter, and there are plenty of mink, marten, fisher, 

 and all the rest of the small fur-bearing animals. Fortunately we are as yet 

 unmolested by wolves. They appear to confine their operations to territory west of 

 the St. Maurice and remote from the park. 



CLUBS. 



Large portions of the park, particularly those lands bordering the outskirts, are 

 under lease to various clubs, each lease stipulating for the employment, the year 

 round, of a guardian satisfactory to the Government. We find that clubs are pro- 

 tectors of forest, fish and game, their interests being identical with those of the 

 Government. The actual quantity of fish and game taken is, in the main, of no 

 account whatever, the members observe the law and regulations to the letter, and the 

 result is invariably gratifying. 



The River Jacques Cartier basin, however, is withheld from lease and reserved 

 for transient sportsmen wishing to have a few days' fishing or hunting under permit. 

 This stream is navigable for canoes up to the Forks, and affords excellent fishing, 

 whilst the scenery is very beautiful and shooting the rapids on the way down is 

 exciting. A five-hour drive over good roads from Quebec lands the angler at the 

 starting point River Cache where Government canoes and camping outfits are kept 

 in readiness, and good river men are procurable at very reasonable prices. 



The caribou barrens, casually referred to a moment ago, deserve special men- 

 tion. From all I can learn, there has never been any forest growth on this area, 

 which comprises between 150 and 200 square miles. True, little clumps of stunted 



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