GAME AND FISHERIES FOR 1928 17 



Pheasants {English Ring-necked). — Continue to increase in various sections 

 of southern Ontario, particularly in the Niagara district, which seems adapted 

 to the raising of these birds. Since 1922 the Department has carried on the 

 propagation of this species at its Bird Farm, at Eugenia. From this farm last 

 year, 1.209 live birds were liberated in Southern Ontario, and some 16,995 eggs 

 were also distributed. The demand for settings of these eggs is in excess of 

 the supply. 



Furs 



The number of pelts on which royalty was paid during 1928 was somewhat 

 in excess of that of the previous >ear, although it is again found necessary to 

 report that general conditions respecting fur-bearing animals do not show much 

 noticeable improvement. 



Bear. — Catch remains practically stationary, an indication that this species 

 continues to hold its own. 



Beaver. — Catch during 1928 shows some increase. It appears advisable to 

 continue present restrictions as to the taking of these animals. 



Fisher. — Would appear to be somewhat more numerous in view^ of reports 

 and increased catch, though still scarce. 



Fox. — There would appear to be slight decline in the different varieties of 

 this animal. Catch for the year remained practically stationary. 



Lynx. — Conditions remain unchanged. This species is rather scarce. 



Marten. — Conditions similar to those which describe lynx would appear to 

 prevail regarding these animals. 



Mink. — Continued decrease in catch. Would appear to be getting scarcer. 



Miiskrat. — The increased catch in 1928 is not a correct indication of con- 

 ditions governing this species. Their numbers appear to be decreasing. 



Otter. — Catch increased considerably during 1928, but this species continues 

 scarce. 



Raccoon. — Generally speaking, these anim.als would appear to be gradually 

 losing ground. 



Skunk. — During 1928 the catch shows a considerable increase. This is 

 one of the few species which are holding up. 



Weasel. — Increased catch of 1928 and reports generally indicate a slight 

 improvement in conditions here. 



The following table compares for the past six years, pelts of fur-bearing 



animals, other than those which were ranch-raised, on which royalty was paid: — 



1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 



Bear 1,447 1,399 2,014 1,635 1,472 1,575 



Beaver 70,684 50.233 48,364 27,597 20,738 22,040 



Fisher 2,339 1,910 1,936 2,618 3,904 5,400 



Fox (Cross) 1,154 1,082 2,801 4,175 3,502 4,116 



Fox (Red) 12,329 14,695 22,198 30,535 26,112 25,943 



Fox (Silver or Black) 205 167 433 620 403 646 



Fox (White) 1,501 362 974 226 977 590 



Fox (not specified) 34 28 61 165 136 160 



Lynx 1,177 2,332 2,200 3,884 4,568 3,845 



Marten 4,704 3,661 3,125 3,177 3,261 3.492 



Mink 58,634 82,466 68,138 65,299 37,628 32,009 



Muskrat 478.820 533,256 534,739 387,022 469,947 514,161 



Otter 3.997 5,096 4,622 4.304 3,168 4,510 



Raccoon 15,752 21,976 22,157 21,002 15,958 13,513 



Skunk 54.770 58,130 67,100 75.503 59,488 79.442 



Weasel 61,603 51,163 34,365 63,599 72.645 79,425 



Wolverine 20 12 8 11 15 19 



Total 769,070 827,948 814,935 691,372 723,922 790,886 



