14 ' THE EEPOKT UPON No. 14 



would recommend that, if possible, some mature birds be sent into the County to 

 responsible persons who will undertake to keep them, and raise the young, turning 

 them loose as soon as they are able to take care of themselves. He has had no 

 report as to the condition of the Mongolian Pheasants in the Niagara District so 

 cannot report upon how well they are succeeding. 



Woodcock. 

 These are still very scarce, but are reported to be slowly increasing in numbor. 



Black Squirrels. 



Where sufficient woods has been left there has been a decided increase in the 

 aiumbers of these squirrels. The sportsmen attribute this to the short season in 

 which they are allowed to be shot. In the County of Norfolk, where it is against 

 the law to shoot them, they have very materially increased in number. 



Wild Geese. 

 The conditions with regard to these birds are the same as in his last report. 



Wild Ducks. 



The Long Point District continues to have more ducks than formerly, the 

 Black ducks. Mallard and Pin Tail being very numerous. An increasing number 

 of Black ducks and Wood ducks have bred in the marshes about Long Point Bay, 

 and it has been reported to him also that some young broods of Pin tails were seen. 

 The Canvas-back, Bedhead and Blue Bills seem to be here in about as large 

 numbers as in his last report. 



Fur-bearing Animals. 



The muskrat continues to rate highest among these animals in his district. 

 The trappers report a very good catch last spring, better than for several years 

 past. This is attributed to the fact that some of the game companies and others 

 prohibited the trapping in their marshes during the previous season, thus leaving 

 a larger breeding herd than usual in the marshes. The owners of the marshes find 

 that the fur of the rats trapped in December is of an inferior quality. None of 

 the owners of the marshes trap until spring, the consequence being the only lats 

 killed in December are those taken by poachers, and he would again most strongly 

 recommend that the killing of muskrats in the month of December be prohibited, 

 and that the use of dogs, spears and guns in the taking of muskrats also be 

 prohibited. 



The game laws in his district have been well observed. The Deputy Wardens 

 and Overseers have performed their duties well, so that there have been very few 

 complaints of infringements of the law. 



There are two matters where from his experience, he would suggest that game 

 iftws be amended. The first is that the form of license adopted should contain the 

 date on which it is issued. He has had one case in which, on issuing a seareli 



