1928 GAME AND FISHERIES 13 



Quail. — These birds are mainly confined to the south-western portion of 

 the province, chiefly in the Counties of Essex and Kent where their numbers are 

 increasing. 



Ducks were obtained in goodly numbers and the hunting of these birds 

 was a source of satisfaction to large numbers of sportsmen. 



Pheasants {English Ring-neck). — These birds are reported to be on the 

 increase in various sections of eastern Ontario and especially in the Niagara 

 Peninsula. The propagation of pheasants has been carried on by the Department 

 since 1922 at the Bird Farm located on the Eugenia Crown Game Preserve, 

 and last year from this Bird Farm the Department distributed 981 live birds 

 and 26,280 eggs. The demand for settings of pheasant eggs continues in excess 

 of the supply we have for distribution. 



Furs 



The total number of pelts on which royalty was paid during the year was 

 somewhat in excess of that of the previous year, although general conditions 

 respecting fur-bearing animals do not show any noticeable improvement. 



Bear. — While the catch decreased, this species would appear to be holding 

 its own. 



Beaver show a further decline in spite of the restrictions which have been 

 placed on the trapping of these animals. 



Fisher would appear to be quite plentiful; this species apparently being one 

 of the few which are increasing in number. 



Fox. — The different varieties of this species, namely, cross, red and silver 

 and black, would appear to be on the decline. 



Lynx. — Conditions would indicate that this is another animal which is 

 on the increase. 



Marten would appear to be about the same, the numbers remaining 

 practically stationary. 



Mink.— The catch of 1927 shows a considerable decrease and the decline 

 of these animals is evident. 



Muskrat. — While the succeeding table would show an increased catch last 

 year, the catch is not a true indication of conditions and this is another species 

 on the decrease. 



Otter. — Conditions would seem to indicate quite a decline in these animals. 



Raccoon. — The diminished catch is an indication of the declining numbers 

 of these animals. 



Skunk. — The catch shows quite a decrease compared with that of the 

 previous year, althf>ugh the nimibers of these animals would appear to be about 

 the same. 



