1912 GAME AND FISHEEIES. 83 



being taken by the tourists and settlers for the preservation and protection of fish 

 in general. The fact of the settlers nearly all being employed by the tourists seem 

 to give them a joint interest, or rather they feel they have a joint interest with the 

 tourist in the general preservation of the fish, and in seeing that the laws regard- 

 ing same are strictly observed. There have been different lots of fingerlings de- 

 posited in different parts of the lakes from time to time, and the benefit from same 

 is very evident, and highly appreciated by the general public, as the depositing has 

 had a wonderful effect in keeping up the stock of fish. The planting of bass fry 

 from the Brantford hatchery has been the most successful, owing to the fact of 

 the good condition in which the fry arrived, as it comes much better than the adult 

 fisli formerly sent up. As regards angling during the past season, it has compared 

 favorably with former seasons, and in fact some better than previous years, and 

 there is no reason for fishermen to say they cannot get fish, as it is only the inex- 

 perienced fishermen who will do so, as the experienced ones were quite able to get 

 the required number. The ducks are more plentiful in Muskoka Lakes than usual, 

 and from reports, partridges are very plentiful in that district. The Government 

 should be higlhly congratulated on the efficient manner in which it has endeavored 

 to protect the Game and Fishery Laws, and the success which has followed its 

 attempts. He would like also to state the great benefit derived from the boat 

 " Meenagha," as she was a very great benefit to him in getting over the territory 

 allotted him as Overseer, and without the said boat it would have been very dif- 

 ficult to give the necessary interest that the position demanded. 



Overseer C. St. Charles, of Madoc, reports that he has found that the laws and 

 regulations have been well observed. There were two convictions of men using 

 dynamite in the waters of Moira Lake. They were convicted and fined under the 

 Dominion Act, and the money was sent to the Dominion Government. 



Ee Fisiheries. In Moira Lake there are such fish as maskinonge, pickerel, black 

 bass, pike, white suckers, redfin suckers, rock bass, sunfish, eels, and mudcats. There 

 are no trout here. 



The fishing, such as black bass and pickerel, has been good this season. Pike 

 is quite plentiful, but maskinonge is not so plentiful. Bass was caught in small 

 quantities during this season. Mudcats are very plentiful here. 



The past spring was the best for fish spawn that has been in his district for 

 several years, for the water was kept up. This gave the small fish a chance to get 

 out of the marshes into deep water. 



There was no fishing through the ice. 



There are no saw mills in his district. 



There are none here who make a business of fishing, and the local sports like 

 to see the laws enforced and no violations of the Act have occurred, although there 

 are quite a number who take all the pleasure out of this sport that the laws allow. 



All the fish caught in this district are used for home consumption. 



Ee Game. Partridges have increased very fast and the sportsmen are having 

 great luck since the season came in. 



Wild geese are seldom seen in that vicinity. 



Beaver are increasing very rapidly, and there are few otter in this district. 



Black and red squirrels are plentiful here. It is quite a common thing when 

 driving along the county roads to see a black or red squirrel running along the 

 fences. 



Eabbits are quite plentiful there. 



Deer are very plentiful in the northern part of that district. 



