20 THE BEFOET UPON So. 14 



The fishing during the early summer moutlis was not so good as usual, 

 but towards September there was a noticeable improvement. The Department is 

 to be congratulated on the success attained in the propagation and distribution 

 of bass fingerlings. Those sent up to the Muskoka I^akes this year arrived in the 

 best possible condition, thanks to the untiring care of Mr. Edwards of the Brant- 

 ford Fish Hatchery, who took charge of them in transit. It is gratifying to 

 note the desire of the Department to make arrangements with the Dominion 

 Government with regard to the lengthening of the close season for pickerel and 

 lake trout, the former should be prolonged to June 15th, and the latter should 

 begin three weeks earlier that it now does. 



As the Department is already aware a fish hatchery has been started at Port 

 Carling, which is supported by the Hotel Keepers' Association, and subscriptions 

 kindly contributed by others who are interested. This year they successfully 

 hatched out and distributed 1,500,000 fry in the Muskoka Lakes, the spawn being 

 procured at the Bracebridge Falls. There appears to be an almost unanimous 

 feeling that this hatchery is not in the best locality as they are dependent for 

 their water supply to a pump worked by a gasoline engine. The general feeling 

 is that Bracebridge is the proper location for this hatchery, as at that place they 

 would have a never failing flow of water from the falls for hatching purposes, 

 and would also be right on the spot for procuring spawn at the right season, and 

 they would be so situated that the fry could be shipped by rail to any point 

 required for stocking purposes. It is thought possible that arrangements could 

 be made with those who are interested in this hatchery to hand it over to the 

 Government for a moderate sum and the building could be moved on a scow 

 to the proposed site. The acquisition of this plant would undoubtedly be an 

 immense advantage to the Department, it would be difficult to estimate the 

 number of fry which could be hatched out, certainly many millions. 



Deer are holding their own, but the stock in the older portions of Muskoka 

 and Parry Sound is lamentably short of that existing some years ago, this is 

 no doubt caused by the ever increasing number of sportsmen who visit these 

 districts annually. It was grievous to note the numbers of does and fawns which 

 were shipped last season. If it were possible, the whole of these districts Avould 

 be the better for a two or three years close season. 



Partridges are plentiful in the newer districts, but in the older sections the 

 large covies which were met with years ago are of rare occurrence, had it not 

 been for the two close seasons a few years ago, the stock would be at a minimum. 



Beaver have increased to an enormous extent through the northern sections, 

 in many instances have become a real nuisance, it is thought that an open season 

 for one year would not materially injure the stock. 



Otter are fairly plentiful in places. It seems rather a mistake to preserve 

 these animals, as it is known that otter and loons are more destructive to fish 

 than any other animal or bird. 



The laws have been well observed in this district on the whole, of course 

 there have been, and always' will be infractions, but it is the aim and desire of 

 all who are interested in game and fish to keep these at a minimum. 



Warden D. D. Young, of the Quetico Reserve, Kawene, reports that moose 

 are very plentiful. 



Red deer increasing rapidly, a great many more seen this fall than last. 



