180 REPOET OF ONTARIO GAME No. 52 



ticularly noteworthy in thiis respect. In almost all the lakes pickerel 

 are to be caught and there is, also, throughout the region an abundance 

 of pike which in these waters appear to be somewhat more vigorous and 

 gamey than the average of their kind, and fairly pleasant to the taste. 

 The existence of the mascalonge in the reserve has not as yet been 

 determined, although rumours of its capture in certain of the lakes are 

 occasionally to be heard, but the occurrence of this fish in the waters of 

 Lake of the Woods would appear to indicate that there is a reasonable 

 possibility of such being the case. The question of whether it is feasible 

 to introduce other varieties of sporting fishes into these waters and 

 whether it would not be expedient to make some attempts in this direc- 

 tion is worthy of consideration, for the general scenery of the park is so 

 beautiful, its facilities for pleasant camping, bathing and canoeing so 

 peculiarly attractive, and its opportunities for the observation of wild 

 life so great, that there can be but little question that in the natural 

 course of events it will ultimately become one of the most popular 

 tourist resorts of that region, and the additional feature of really first- 

 class angling would but tend to hasten the march of events in that direc- 

 tion. The Quetico Forest Reserve is indeed a most valuable acquisition 

 to the public parks of the Province and the Government is to be warmly 

 congratulated on its creation. It remains only to be hoped that in the 

 course of a few years means of access to it will become improved, its 

 numerous attractions and advantages more widely known, and that in 

 the meantime it will be found possible to perfect the arrangements for 

 safeguarding its many valuable resources throughout the year. 



Recommendations. 



Your Commissioner would, therefore, recommend: — 



(1) That all existing provincial forest reserves be declared game 

 reserves without delay; that in the creation of any new reserves in the 

 future this provision always be included; and that the general carrying 

 of firearms in the reserves be forbidden. 



(2) That a suflicient staff be maintained in each of the provincial 

 forest reserves throughout the year to insure the protection of the game 

 and fur-bearing animals in them. 



(3) That a permanent superintendent be appointed for each pro- 

 vincial forest reserve. 



(4) That an inspector of provincial forest reserves be appointed. 



(5) That the exploitation of the fur resources of the provincial 

 forest reserves be undertaken by the Government for the benefit of the 

 public treasury; that the necessary trapping be conducted by the per- 

 manent staff under the direction of the superintendent; and that the 

 pelts thus obtained be branded with a government mark and sold by 

 public tender. 



(6) That visitors to provincial forest reserves be required to pay a 

 registration fee of 50 cents for residents of Canada and fl.OO for non- 



