1912 GAME AND FISHERIES. 33 



Ducks were quite numerous in the Detroit River last spring — that is, river 

 ducks, such as bluebills, redheads and all other kinds of river ducks. He has 

 noticed about September 1st that black and grey ducks were very plentiful in the 

 marshes, but the river ducks have been very scarce in the Detroit River this 

 present fall. The sportsmen claim that the weather has been too fine so far. 

 Quails are also scarce in his district. He only knows of two bevies. 



Squirrels — that is, black and grey — are also very scarce. 



Muskrats seem to be quite numerous this fall from all appearances. 



He thinks that the close season should be extended to the first of January at 

 least — that is, the close season should come in about May 15th and end on the 

 first of January of each year, for the December skins are no more than half their 

 value; and he thinks that all dogs found destroying muskrat houses should be 

 killed on sight by any person, who shall not be liable to any penalty or damage 

 therefor. He would also recommend that a small fee should be charged to those 

 who would want to hunt them. 



Overseer Richard Little, of Wallacehurg, reports that the angling for black 

 bass and maskinonge in his district has been better this year than for several years ; 

 no other game fish are taken in those waters. 



The tourist traffic has been above the usual average. 



The fishing for market purposes has been quite up to the average of recent 

 years, or perhaps somewhat better. 



He finds that some misunderstanding happens in the use of the permits issued 

 by the Department as between the holders of the permits issued to non-residents 

 who are boarding in Ontario hotels or boarding houses, and those who take out the 

 ordinary or five dollar permits. 



In his opinion there should be something printed on the face of the permit or 

 license of the $2.00 class, intimating to the licensee that such permit is only "good" 

 while he is so residing in an Ontario hotel or boarding house, and does not entitle 

 him to fish in Ontario waters under all circumstances; it should show the difference 

 between the two classes of permits in some way other than by the amount of the 

 fee. 



Ducks — Appear to be more plentiful this year than they have been for several 

 years. 



Geese — Were very plentiful last spring ; as yet few have come south this season. 



Quail and Partridge — There are but few of these birds left in his district. 



Woodcock — Seem to be somewhat more plentiful than in late years. 



Snipe — He believes there are fewer now than last year. 



Rabbits — Cotton-tail rabbits are still to be found in large numbers. 



Black and Grey Squirrels — Are almost extinct in this district. 



The only fur-bearing animals in his district are muskrat, mink, raccoon and 

 fox, which appear to be not decreasing very rapidly. 



Overseer Henry Osborne, of Dante, reports that during the past year the fish- 

 eries in his inspectorate have been in a very satisfactory condition. There have 

 been very few dip nets licensed in the division, owing to there being a number of 

 roll nets licensed. The catch is somewhat better than last year. The law in re- 

 gard to fishing is fairly well observed ; there have been no complaints of any wrong- 

 doing in that regard. There are no dams or other obstructions to interfere with 

 the free run of the fish, and on the whole the general conditions are in a very 

 satisfactory state. The season was a little late, otherwise the catch would have 



