1912 AND FISHERIES COMMISSION. 205 



so was this the case in regard to the beaver and the otter that it was 

 found necessary to proliibit altogether the taking of these animals for 

 a period of years in order to save them from extinction, which restric- 

 tion is still in force, and it can hardly be doubted that some method of 

 exploiting these resources generally on more economic principles than 

 those at present prevailing siliould be sought and put into effect if simi- 

 lar drastic measures are not to become necessary to ensure the perpetu- 

 ation of most of the other species. The variety of valuable fur-bearing 

 animals in the Province is great, including beaver, otter, mink, skunk, 

 racoon, ermine, marten, fisher, lynx, fox, and muskrat, and if due pre- 

 cautions are taken it should be possible to perpetuate all these valuable 

 animals, in spite of the opening up of the country, for a great many gen- 

 erations to come. Most species are comparatively prolific and this fact 

 is alone suflflcient to prove that only mosit extravagant methods of exploi- 

 tation will result in their depletion. The effects of protection are almost 

 invariably rapid amd wonderful in regard to them as is well instanced 

 by the caise of the beaver, which a few years ago was almost extinct in 

 the accessible portions of the Province, but which since the prohibition 

 of taking has reappeared in conisiderable numbers in certain localities; 

 to such an extent, indeed, that from some quarters complaints have been 

 received that they are becoming too numerous and effecting damage 

 owing to their propen;sity for damming creeks and other waterways. 

 Instances of such complaints are, however, rare and there can be little 

 question that it will be the part of wisdom to afford protection to the 

 beaver against the operations of the ordinary trapper for many years to 

 come, for the houiseK constructed by these creatures render them 

 peculiarly easy to locate, and once loicated it is a simple maitter to exter- 

 minate a whole family. Indeed, it would not seem unreasonable to sug- 

 gest that where in any locality the beaver are found to be too numerous, 

 the work of thinning out their numbers should be undertaken by the 

 Provincial authorities for the benefit of the public treasury, and that, 

 in fact, the beaver should be regarded throughout the future as a per- 

 quisite of the Crown, and protected and exploited accordingly. The 

 beauty of the beaver's fur, its durable qualities and the difficulty of secur- 

 ing a supply at all proportionate to the demand ensure that, at least, 

 little if any diminution will occur in the value of its pelt for many 

 years, and if the government undertook its exploitation, stamped all 

 pelts with a government mark and took only pelts of mature beaver that 

 were in prime condition, it is not to be doubted that Ontario beaver skins 

 would become famous throughout the world, or that a very great revenue 

 would accrue to the Province thix)ugh this means. The danger of the 

 extermination of the beaver, where they may be taken by one and all, 

 has been clearly demonstrated and established by disaistrous experience. 

 The varieties of fur-bearing animals in the Province are numerous. It 

 would seem, therefore, that not only would no hardship be done to the 

 average trapper should the Government undertake such an enterprise, 



