1921-22 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 125 



This burnt over about forty acres covered with scrub and some balsam, con- 

 taining in all about fifty cords of pulpwood. This speaks well for the care 

 taken by tourists and others passing through the park. 



The threatened railway strike hindered many tourists from visiting the 

 park this season, it being mostly Americans who travel here. 



Excellent work has been done by the rangers in cutting new trails, cleaning 

 old ones and improving waterways, in order to have easier and quicker access 

 to places, which are threatened by fire. I would strongly recommend that a 

 pump and engine and about one thousand feet of hose, such as is supplied to 

 fire rangers, be supplied to headquarters for fire protection. The buildings at 

 headquarters are without any protection except what might be rendered by 

 the one or two men usually there, but with such equipment they would be 

 reasonably safe. This equipment could be carried by our own gasoline boat 

 down French River and over Pickerel Lake, thus, if necessary, rendering double 

 service. 



I find that two new canoes will be necessary for the coming summer. 



I would strongly recommend the taking of a number of beaver from cer- 

 tain parts of the park. These animals have become so numerous that in places 

 they have become a nuisance by building their dams across canoe-ways, flood- 

 ing portages, etc., also along the boundary between Quetico Park and The 

 Superior National Forest, Minnesota, where permits are granted to trap. The 

 American trapper gets the full benefit of the protection afforded by us in so far 

 as the natural overflow from a protected territory is concerned. A good num- 

 ber might be taken each year without any detriment to the park whatever, 

 and also form a nice revenue. 



Fur-bearing animals, deer and partridge are very numerous, but the moose 

 apparently have moved to later burns for fresh feeding grounds. 



The roofing on some of our shelter huts has been destroyed by hail, but 

 has since been repaired. I also find that about 500 feet of lumber will be 

 required for general repair purposes. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



Hugh McDonald, 



Superintendent. 



The Honourable Beniah Boivman, 



Minister of Lands and Forests, 



Toronto, Ontario. 



