84 REPORT OF THE No. 3 



manyj but owing to the scarcity of feed not as many as we would have had we rice 

 bed? and wild celery. 



Game of all kinds has increased very perceptibly, especially beaver and otter. 

 Of the latter, last week the agent of one of our lumber firms reported seeing eigh- 

 teen in one day's travel, while the beaver are to be found in large healthy colonies 

 wherever there is even a drain or ditch; they have in fact become so numerous 

 that in a year or two, should the Government so decide, the Park could easily be 

 made self-supporting, as the annual increase of beaver now must be very large in- 

 deed. Of course, they do not confine themselves to the Park, but are to be found 

 in large numbers in the adjoining townships, where a few years ago none were seen. 

 Deer have also increased to a marked extent, and are very tame, so much so that 

 they can be seen in numbers by visitors to the Park. They, too, ^read out on all 

 sides and keep the surrounding country well stocked. 



Wolves, notwithstanding the fact that we kill a great number each year, con- 

 tinue to destroy the deer. Last season our men brought in thirty-five, a large per- 

 centage of which were females. No doubt many were also killed that were not 

 found. Owing to the ease with which they can procure deer, we find it difficult 

 to get them to take poison. 



We have made some arrests during the past year, but I am glad to report that 

 each year there is less trapping. This I attribute to three causes ; first, the thorough 

 work of our men; secondly, the increased co-operation of the limit holders; and, 

 thii'dly, the growing feeling in favour of the Algonquin National Park. People are 

 beginning to see results, and trappers are finding that the game outside is being 

 kept up by the supply from the Park. 



We have had a great many visitors to the Park during the past year, ajid 

 some very fine fish were taken, especially some large small-mouthed black bass. 

 These were introduced some years' ago and have certainly been a great success. 



Several of the capercailzie introduced some years ago from Norway were seen 

 during the past year, and one good photograph secured, showing beyond doubt that 

 they are going to succeed. They are very shy birds and, therefore, are not seen 

 frequently. 



Partridge were more numerous this year than I have ever seen them before. 



It was particularly gratifying to see so many representatives of the Government 

 at the Park this year. It makes your staff feel that an interest is being taken in 

 this great national Park, and acts as a stimulus to greater exertion on their part. 

 The people of our own Province, too, have taken a much greater interest in us and 

 our work. One thing has been very marked this year, the fact that fishing was not 

 the only inducement, the rod often being forgotten in the delight of seeing the 

 wild life, and the camera very often took the place of the rod and line. 



I have the honour to be, 

 Sir, 

 Yours very respectfully, 



G. W. Bartlett, 



^Superintendent. 



