THE EEPORT UPON Xo. 13 



bass during the past few years was carried on under unfavorable conditions, but 

 such was not the case this year, and the result has shown that the erection of these 

 ponds was a wise decision. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr. J. T. Edwards, 

 who was placed in charge of these ponds, and who faithfully discharged his duties, 

 and much of the success of the past year's operations is due to his careful super- 

 vision. Nearly 100,000 small-mouthed Black Bass species were raised, and de- 

 posited in the various inland lakes of the Province, and in the near future the re- 

 sult of this important work by the Government will be noticeable and appreciated 

 by the tourists who each year come over in increased numbers. 



Angling Permits. 



The sale of angling permits was greater than in former years, showing that 

 more tourists are taking advantage of the excellent fishing which this Province 

 offers, and I am glad to say that our officers have had less trouble in enforcing the 

 laws and regulations with regard to angling than in any former year, and in their 

 reports there would appear to be a general desire on behalf of the public to not 

 only observe the laws and regulations, but in many instances to render assistance 

 to our officers, realizing how important it is that the fisheries of the Province be 

 preserved. 



Patrol Service. 



The patrol service has this year been most satisfactory, the officers on the vari- 

 ous boats having faithfully carried out their instructions. They have also fur- 

 nished the Department with valuable information with regard to the condition of 

 the various waters which came under their observation, and which will be of much 

 use, particularly in dealing with the issuing of licenses. The constant patrol by 

 these boats prevents much illegal fishing. An instance of this was forcibly 

 brought to the notice of the Department this autumn, when a report was circulated 

 that one of the Government boats had gone into its winter quarters, certain law- 

 breakers took advantage of this, and immediately commenced illegally fishing with 

 nets. An officer of this Department having been purposely left behind had no 

 difficulty in apprehending them in their illegal work. The sale of the " Vega " and 

 the purchase of a more suitable boat for the North Channel of Lake Huron and 

 Georgian Bay was, in my opinion, a wise one, and the result will be more apparent 

 next year. 



Special Officers. 



T'hose officers who were appointed for the purpose of inspecting fish at various 

 sir ping points have discharged their duties this year in a manner which has 

 given entire satisfaction to the Department, and have undoubtedly prevented many 

 undersized fish being shipped. A greater number of officers were appointed this 

 year than in any former year, but the expense, in my opinion, was quite justified. 



Game, 



MoQse and Deer. It is almost impossible to get a record of moose killed dur- 

 ing open season for same, in consequence of so many of the carcases being given to 

 Indians and guides, sportsmen only taking the heads which are sent to taxidermists 

 in various parts of the Province and United States, but from the reports of Crown 

 Lands Agents, Rangers, and others, there is no appreciable diminution as yet in 

 their numbers. 



