68 EEPOET OF THE No. 3 



and equipment. I had signs painted and placed along the various routes in the 

 Park wherever possible, also had my men put up fire notices along all the beats. 

 We were very fortunate in being able to pass through the season without any fires 

 in the Park. Two fires were started, presumably by lightning, but were noticed 

 in time and extinguished. 



I insist on my rangers being constantly on patrol and on the lookout for fires, 

 especially during the dry season from May until September when tourists are 

 canoeing in the Park. In speaking of tourists, I must pay a compliment to the 

 many Americans who passed through the Park last season by saying that they take 

 every precaution in preventing fires from getting away from them. They are very 

 careful in choosing camping-grounds and in extinguishing fires when leaving 

 camp. Many Americans passed through the Park, especially in the southern por- 

 tions and along the International boundary, and in all cases complied with the 

 regulations. I have had several letters from tourists who speak very highly of 

 the treatment received from the rangers. Numbers of tourists come in, not for 

 the sake of fishing, but for the sake of the life in the woods and to enjoy canoe 

 trips on our excellent waterways, and especially to see our large game. The 

 routes from Basswood lake to Agnes, Kinippi, via Sturgeon river to Sturgeon 

 narrows, Moose bay. Sturgeon lake, and down Maligna river to Lac Lacroix seem 

 to be the favorite ones, but many go to Eden island on Quetico lake. There were 

 two Canadian travellers only in the Park this year. 



I would advise placing metal signs along the boundaries of the Park for the 

 guidance of travellers. The paint seems to wear off wooden signs very fast during 

 the rainy season. There has not been any lumbering in the Park since I took 

 charge of it. Lumbering is being carried on this season on timber berth G-43 

 north of Batchwaung lake. Some of this timber will be hauled through Park 

 waters. I have placed two rangers in that vicinity to see that the Park laws are 

 observed. It will be necessary to erect two new shelter huts this winter or in 

 spring; one on Long island in Kinippi lake, and another on some island in Agnes 

 lake. The huts built at Knife and Seiganagah lakes are in excellent positions. I 

 visited my rangers along the International boundary in August, and find they are 

 doing good work, building huts, improving trails, etc. The International boundary 

 survey parties worked along the Park boundaries this season. I notice they take 

 precautions to prevent fires, but regret that the nature of their work makes it 

 necessary for them to do considerable slashing and at times cut down many large 

 pine trees. 



I do not think any illegal trapping or hunting, was done during last winter. 

 The rangers did not report any trouble in that line. Moose and red deer are very 

 plentiful, and I am pleased to be able to report that the caribou are returning to 

 this portion of the country, many having been seen in the Park during summer. 

 I am told they have not been seen here for some years. 



Beaver are increasing rapidly; quite a few new dams were built during spring 

 and summer. Smaller fur-bearing animals are on the increase, no doubt owing to 

 the protection afforded them in the Park. 



Bears were very numerous last summer, and were often seen near headquarters. 



Wolves are still numerous, especially the smaller species, locally called " bush- 

 wolves." 



It is to be regretted that a bounty is not granted for the killing of these 

 animals. They are in every respect as destructive to game as their larger brother 

 the timber wolf. This I know from experience during the past winter. My 



