1913 GAME AND FISHERIES. 85 



Mt. Pleasant, October, 10, 1912. 



E. TiNSLEY, ES(i., 



Superintendent Game and Fisheries, Toronto, Ont. 



Sir, — I herewith beg to submit to you my fourth annual report in connection 

 with the construction of Bass ponds and the propagation of fish. In the first case 

 the result being that two ponds were completed this year, thus making five ponds 

 all told. Two dams were also build. 



A considerable amount of grading and levelling had to be done in connection 

 with the location of ponds so as to continue on same grade. The water pipe line 

 has ia!lso been connected and continued past pond Number Five, so that little diffi- 

 culty will be experienced in the next connection that will have to be made. 



The flower display this year was exceptionally fine, the plants seem to thrive 

 well on the islands in the centre of the ponds, as they get a good supply of moisture 

 therefrom. 



You are to be congratulated on the appearance and general results of the Bass 

 Hatchery, as they compare favourably with any of our neighbors in so far as they 

 have been developed. 



The engineering under Chief Engineer Half red has been carefully figured out, 

 and many problems that would seem impossible to the amateur have been success- 

 fully brought to the desired end. 



I might here state that while excavating we came across a pair of deer antlers 

 which were in a perfect state of preservation, and as no trace of any deer can be 

 found in these parts for a century or more it is safe in saying that they are over 

 one hundred years old. 



As to propagation and its results, three ponds were made use of for breeding 

 purposes, and over eighty-one thousand fingerlings have been successfully trans- 

 ferred to the different inland waters, the transportation of which were very success- 

 ful, and the mortality did not amount to more than fifteen or twenty. The average 

 size of fingerlings sent out this year was about three inches in length, very uniform 

 as to size, plump, and in first class condition. 



From reports gathered from reliable sources, the result from this annual dis- 

 tribution is very encouraging, as the bass are becoming more numerous each year, 

 so in this direction you are well repaid for the untiring activity that you have dis- 

 played. One has to gain considerable experience in this industry, for what might 

 seem to be a good idea when put into practice may prove a failure. 



I might also state that a convention of Fish Culturers was held this season at 

 Erie, Pa., for the purpose of exchanging ideas and experiences, and as I was one 

 of the fortunate in being in attendance, considerable information was received 

 by myself, and it will be of great benefit to me in future. 



A great number visited the Hatchery this year, a considerable few came from a 

 distance in touring cars, and who expressed themselves as being pleased with the 

 present and future prospects of the Mount Pleasant Hatchery. 



The Fish Car had a better appeaxance this year owing to its having had a new 

 coat of paint and undergoing general repairs. 



With weather conditions favourable a very large output may be looked forward 

 to next year. 



Yours truly, 



J. T. Edwards, 



Superintendent, Mt. Pleasant Hatchery. 



