46 THE EEPOKT UPON No. 1.5 



man to carry on such a business? The remedy is for him to seize all stulled pro- 

 tected birds when found. 



An appeal to sportsmen. Many of the game birds that the law allows sports- 

 men to shoot at certain seasons of the year are still abundant, and will be for a 

 number of years with our present protection. Others are very scarce, and if they 

 are further hunted will be entirely exterminated in a few years. The breeding 

 grounds are getting cut down in the line of country where the woodcock breeds, 

 yet owing to some mysterious cause these birds are still with us. The small curlew 

 is practically extinct, while the larger ones are rapidly going. On behalf of all 

 bird lovers and game bird lovers, he asks that sportsmen refrain from killing these 

 species that are known to be rare, and use moderation in the taking of all others. 

 The man who makes his living shooting game birds and small birds will make 

 more, live longer and die happier tilling the soil than by killing God's creatures. 

 He does not ask sportsmen to refrain from hunting entirely, but to be content to 

 get a fair share of ducks, and not to look forward to making $600 or $700 every 

 fall by going to the best shooting grounds in Ontario, and to be satisfied with a 

 week's outing. 



An appeal to trappers. The fur-bearing animals of this country are a valuable 

 commercial asset, and if the trappers use fair judgment it is possible that the 

 game will be theirs for years to come in every part of this fair Province of ours. 

 He asks the trappers to be fair and not trap for muskrat in winter or in the fall, 

 but wait until the spring, and then get the best results, and best prices for skins. 

 He asks them not to destroy or touch their houses, but to keep an eye on the 

 spring catch by watching and protecting them in every way possible. 



Recommendations. First — That a registration permit be issued to all per- 

 sons who use a gun to shoot game. If not, a license fee be charged and license 

 issued. No rifles used to shoot game at any time. 



Second — That a license fee be charged for trapping, say $5 for each trapper. 



Third — That transportation inspection be made from the present staff of 

 officers, one for the Niagara, including Hamilton and the Niagara frontier, and as 

 far west as Brantford; another one on the Detroit River frontier; and also that 

 the duties of the Toronto officer be extended and deputies be appointed, and help 

 given to these officers at certain busy seasons of the year. 



Fourth — That the season for all descriptions of water fowl be from the 15th 

 day of September to the 31st day of December. This to include all kinds of birds. 



Fifth — That a close season be put on coon, skunk, along with the present pro- 

 tected fur bearers, say for coon, skunk and mink from 1st November to 1st April, 

 and rats from 1st February to loth April. ^ 



Sixth — That a uniform season covering the land game be fixed, so that part- 

 ridge, quail, woodcock, grouse and squirrel would come under one close season, and 

 if possible put hare and rabbits as well. He would say that with the exception of 

 woodcock, the 15th October to the loth December would be the thing, and then 

 bar all guns out of the woods after this date by license. 



Seventh — A better understanding with the express company. 



Eighth — Something better in regard to the traffic and shipping of wild ducks. 



Ninth — ^Some law passed in regard to pot and market gunners, and those 

 that shoot ducks for a living, by curtailing the number for each man. 



Tenth — That an arrangement be entered into with the Department of Marine 

 and Fisheries at Ottawa to have a proper close season for whitefish in Lake Erie. 



Eleventh — That Government preserves be established in different places to keep 

 up the supply of game, and also fish breeding establishments. 



