128 



REPORT OF THE 



No. 3 



It is advisable to have more trails and roads throughout the park. It is a 

 well-known fact that wild animals will follow the trails, travelling along the 

 lines of least resistance, the same as humans. Poachers will avoid all well-worn 

 trails for fear of detection. 



Poaching. 



Complaints by the score arrived at the Department, to the effect that the 

 park was frequently invaded by outside trappers, creating the impression that 

 portions of the park boundary were unprotected and poachers could come and 

 go at will. 



These conditions led to much adverse criticism, that the rangers were remiss 

 in their duties and reflected strongly against the Superintendent. 



A new plan was introduced in an endeavour to control the outlaw element, 

 and with the assistance of the rangers the enforcement of the park regulations 

 was rigidly carried out. 



In the course of a fortnight, ten poachers were brought to headquarters. 

 Fines were imposed to the extent of $540.00. Rifles, canoes, traps, camp out- 

 fits were confiscated and one particularly vicious culprit was incarcerated at 

 North Bay. 



Ranger's Shelter House, Big Island Lake, Algonquin Park. 



The result of concerted action, assisted by a flying squad of rangers, be- 

 came apparent almost immediately. The public took considerable interest 

 and gave the matter wide publicity, and I am of the firm opinion that, for a 

 time, Algonquin Park was absolutely free from poachers. 



Algonquin Park Telephone System. 



There are twenty-six or twenty-eight telephones installed and in use by 

 rangers and park headquarters, hotels, lumber companies, physicians and cot- 

 tagers. The line is connected with the Bell "Company at Huntsville, thus 

 affording communication with Toronto and points outside of the park. 



Mr. Eraser, proprietor of Mowat Lodge, had on many occasions explained 



