126 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



Appendix No. 44. 

 Algonquin Provincial Park of Ontario. 



Honourable Sir, — I have the honour to submit my annual report for the 

 fiscal year ending October 31st, 1922. 



In some respects the fiscal year just drawn to a close proved to be some- 

 what of an eventful one, in that it witnessed the superannuation of Mr. G. W. 

 Bartlett on April 10th, 1922, who retired after an active and meritorious career 

 of a quarter of a century. The following day, April 11th, the writer assumed 

 the duties of Acting Superintendent. 



In order that the Government might possess first-hand knowledge con- 

 cerning conditions and the extent of its holdings in Algonquin Park, it was 

 found necessary to take an inventory of all buildings, machinery, horses, wagons, 

 furniture, fire-arms, traps, blankets and shelter house equipment in use by the 

 Park Ranging Staff. Much difficulty was encountered in making an accurate 

 inventory, for the reason that no books could be found at headquarters which 

 might prove helpful in this respect. Therefore, it was found necessary to have 

 a personal interview and obtain an affidavit from each ranger, covering a list 

 of articles furnished by the Government. 



In due course the inventory was completed and submitted to the Depart- 

 ment, the total value of which being $37,802.20, and includes all buildings at 

 headquarters, forty-eight shelter houses, contents of the whole and all park 

 equipment. 



Fishing. 



Notwithstanding the past tourist season was short, cold and disagreeable 

 from a weather standpoint, the anticipated number of tourists did not arrive, 

 and at no time were the hotel facilities taxed, while forty per cent, of reserva- 

 tions were cancelled before the season was half over. The revenue received 

 from the sale of fishing licenses, however, exceeded by far the cash receipts of 

 any season heretofore recorded. The sale of domestic and non-resident fishing 

 licenses amounted to $2,805.00. 



There is no sport in our Provincial Park which appeals to visitors more 

 than good fishing and a permanent fish hatchery would be a great acquisition. 

 In this connection I would recommend the building of a hatchery at the lower 

 end of Source Lake, where a never-failing flow of cold spring water is assured 

 and where it could be so easily controlled. 



If a hatchery in the park was an established fact, the fry could be kept 

 until one year of age before releasing them in the lakes. The fingerlings, one 

 year of age, would have a fighting chance to survive and are better able to take 

 care of themselves. 



Fishing in the waters of Algonquin during the past season was exceptionally 

 good. In the early part of the season, irrespective of the mosquito and black- 

 fly nuisance, several fine catches of speckled trout were taken from Rock, Louise 

 and Brufi' Lakes and the white water streams in the locality. From Cache and 

 Big Island Lakes some record catches of grey and land-locked salmon were 

 taken, varying in weight from twelve to sixteen and seventeen pounds. In an 

 effort to keep the waters of the park supplied with fish, some 500,000 trout fry 

 were distributed in the following waters, — Rainy, Brule, Joe, Canoe, Cache 

 and Rock Lakes. 



