354 APPENDIX. 



^ 



not containing two or three of these animals. There is no reason 

 why an experimental farm, conducted on the principle indicated by 

 Mr. Stratton, should not be able to breed and turn out in this 

 district a very large number of moose, and in such a state of tame- 

 ness, that they would be induced to remain within enclosed portions 

 of the wilderness, furnishing, in proper season, a profitable supply of 

 flesh for the market. 



To the cariboo, on the other hand, these suggestions will not be 

 applicable, as this animal requires, as a primary condition of its 

 existence, a large and uninterrupted field for periodical migration. 



As regards the introduction of new fish, a very good exchange 

 might be made with the English Acclimatization Society, by sending 

 the beautiful American brook trout (Salmo fontinalis), and receiving 

 in return S. fario. Colonel Sinclair* has several times drawn my 

 attention to the suitableness of many of our rivers for the reception 

 of the true British trout — a fish quite different in its habits to our 

 migratory, deep-frequenting S. fontinalis. 



The Shubenacadie, and other rivers, steadily flowing through alluvial 

 flats {intervale), present frequent gravelly reaches, with patches of 

 waving weed, and soft overhanging banks — just the counterpart of many 

 English trout-streams. With no predatory fish to harass the trout, 

 these waters at once suggest the introduction of S. fario, more 

 particularly as they are not the resort of our own species. As an 

 association, and for purposes of food, the common English stream- 

 minnow might be profitably turned in at the same time. 



Our grayling (S. Gloverii), (the former a misnomer), is a lake- 

 trout. The true grayling (Thymallus), as well as the common 

 English perch, would be desirable additions to our waters. Even in 

 lakes where the trout has almost disappeared, I should hesitate to 

 recommend the introduction of any of the family Esocidse, for fear of 

 their spreading to damage more remunerative waters. 



In conclusion, it is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome 

 Colonel Sinclair's proposal to form a Society for the artificial propa- 

 gation of fish in this Province. The Americans are already earnestly 

 endeavouring by this means to restore their desolate rivers ; and 

 with the support of the Association for Protection of Grame and Fish, 

 and the advice and the experience of the English pisciculturists, 

 the greatest results may be obtained in water-farming a country so 

 prolific of lakes and streams as is Nova Scotia. 



* Lieut. -Col. R. Bligh Sinclair, Adjt.-Gen. of N. S. Militia, late 42nd High- 

 landers. 



