74 THE KEPORT UFOX No. 13 



had several inteiested parties of different gun clubs say to him — why not have the 

 shooting of the black and gray squirrel prohibited for at least two years, and 

 then limit the number. Other game, such as plover, woodcock and snipe, are 

 almost extinct. 



Muskrat and mink are holding their own. 



There has been occasionally a stray otter along the streams, which he thinks 

 have probably strayed in from other places. He thinks the shorter the season for all 

 game the better. 



It is his experience that the growing boys are taking more interest in pro- 

 tecting the game than the older men. Frequently boys ask him for a copy of the 

 Game Laws, and he has tried to distribute them through the country, which is a 

 great help to him and saves a great deal of trouble. 



Overseer James Johnston, of Orangeville, reports that he has gone over his 

 territory of Caledon and Albion several times during the year. He thinks the 

 speckled trout have improved this year, being better in size and more in number. 

 He believes the people are using more judgment and keeping the law better. He 

 has heard of no illegal fishing this year. 



He thinks the short season for shooting and hunting is a great improvement 

 to the game. From reports, the hunting is good. Eabbits seem quite plentiful, 

 and also the partridge. 



Mink and muskrat are fairly plentiful. He would recommend that every 

 trapper should have a license for trapping. He thinks it would be a great pro- 

 tection. 



Overseer W. II. Johnson, of Harwood, reports that the law regarding fishing 

 in his district has been fairly well observed, no illegal fishing having come to his 

 notice, although he is under the impression fish is disposed of, but it is done in 

 such a way one cannot do anything. No Jack lighting was done in his district. 



The water in Eice Lake fell very fast in spawning season, and left a great 

 deal of spawn in the marshes to perish. Maskalonge fishing has been good and a 

 number of large ones were caught — 28 pounds and over. Black bass fishing has 

 been splendid this season, but yellow bass not so good. 



Quite a number of tourists visited Rice Lake, but not so many Americans as 

 usual, and all were pleased with their success in taking fish. 



He would suggest that winter fishing through the ice be prohibited; also a 

 close season for frogs, as they should be protected same as other game; and all 

 shippers of frogs take out a license. 



The Game Law has been very well observed. No illegal trapping. Muskrats 

 were not so plentiful last spring, and it would be a great benefit to have trapping 

 stopped not later than the 20th of April, as it would be a great protection to fish 

 in spawning season. Ducks are not so plentiful this fall. 



Black squirrels are increasing. Mink are scarce. 



Partridge are becoming scarce. He thinks they are shot off too closely, and 

 would suggest a close season for three years, and afterwards an open season of 

 only two weeks. 



Overseer John Jones, of Fenelon Falls, reports that the closed season has been 

 well observed in his division, and there has been no illegal fishing done that he is 

 aware of. The bass anrl maskinonge have been more plentiful this season than 

 for the last fifteen years. Some great catches have been made, but the catch of 



