1908 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, FORESTS' AND MINES 115 



Since my last report was sent in, there has been considerable work 

 done. Some work that was begun last year was completed this season, 

 namely, the building- of the new stone-crib dock and the baseball diamond, 

 both of which have been of great service and are appreciated by the public who 

 visit the park. When I urged in the last report that the Government should 

 do some extra dredging in front of the cottages, I had little thought that 

 they would carry out so fully those suggestions. At an extra cost they 

 had the contractors for the dock excavate "six additional lagoons extending 

 from the shore line south of the dock out into the Bay to water, two to 

 • four feet deep, using the excavated sand and mud to cover the unsightly 

 rushes and water willows between the lagoons along the shore. They also 

 had two similar lagoons excavated on the north side of the dock, for the 

 same purpose. The lagoon or cut immediately on the north side should 

 have been continued out to the deep water, the same as the one immediatelj; 

 on the south side, so that small crafts could use it as a harbor for protec- 

 tion from storms. This extra dredging has greatly improved the appear- 

 ance of the waterfront, and also improved the sanitary condition by cover- 

 ing up unhealthy debris along the shore. 



A demonstration plot of about four acres of ground has been fenced 

 on the Park, and about 7,000 nursery trees, five varieties of pine and some 

 black locust, planted therein. This work was done by and for the experi- 

 ence of the students from the Forestry Department of the University of 

 Toronto, of which Dr. Fernow, Professor of Forestry, is Dean, and who 

 was present giving theoretical instruction to the students. The work was 

 carried out under the direction of Mr. E. J. Zavitz, Superintendent Forestry 

 branch, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph, who is also connected with 

 the University of Toronto. Although the season has been very dry a large 

 percentage of the trees planted are living. This work is to demonstrate to 

 the farmers, and others who may be interested, that reforestation can be 

 carried on by them profitably, and that it has already become a necessity 

 if thej wish to keep up the supply of timber. 



We are glad to say that we have not found it necessary this season 

 to make use of the two fine life-preservers, hooks, etc., which the Govern- 

 ment had placed on the Park dock and water front for the use of the public 

 in case of accidents. The public greatly appreciate the provision made 

 for the saving of life. 



The boat service at the Park this season has been very satisfactory. 

 It was furnished by Mr. Fred Weir, practical boat-builder and caterer, 

 who has leased this privilege from the Department. He keeps a supply of 

 first class row boats of various sizes, and sail-boats built with a view to 

 safety, also a very fine gasoline launch, all available for public service. 



To prevent the continuation of high water and floods on portions of 

 the Park in the spring of the year, an open ditch was dug a distance 0(f 

 about 80 rods (about on a level with the water in the bay,) which will give 

 a free outlet into the bay to the water that accumulates nearly every spring, 

 in the slough running through the picnic ground. In former years this water 

 has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes. It is widely known that the 

 mosquito nuisance has been one of the great drawbacks to this Park. A 

 six-inch tile had been laid through this low slough a number of years ago, and 

 had become clogged, and at any rate was not large enough to carrj off the 

 heavy flow of water, hence the necessity for opening out a large ditch. 



With the number of people visiting the park and also the number of 

 cottages for summer residents, increasing each year, it is necessary that a 

 thorough change in the sanitary system should take place. At present each 



