4 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES No. 9 



Ducks. — These birds were no less plentiful than they have been in the past 

 four years, and conditions were a little more favourable. Reports from the far 

 northwestern section of the province are to the effect that the Fall flight was 

 the best in recent seasons. 



Pheasants {Ring-necked) . — The work of propagation and distribution of live 

 birds and eggs was continued at and from the Departmental Bird Farm at 

 Codrington. Eleven hundred and eighty-nine settings, totalling 17,835 eggs, 

 were distributed to interested applicants for hatching, while in addition, 1,055 

 live pheasants were liberated in various sections in the southern portion of the 

 province. Reports from our Field Officers contain the information that in the 

 southern and southwestern counties these birds are on the increase; that the 

 birds appear stronger and that conditions here are most favourable, and we 

 find it necessary to reiterate previous expressions of appreciation of the splendid 

 spirit of co-operation of interested parties evidenced by their unselfish assistance 

 in the hatching of eggs and care of the young birds with the ultimate object of 

 securing the establishment of this fine species of game bird in Ontario. In view 

 of the favourable existing conditions, it was possible to provide a limited open 

 season in the counties of Essex, Lincoln, Welland, Wentworth, Halton, Peel, 

 Durham and Northumberland. 



Hungarian Partridge. — Operations in connection with the propagation of 

 this species of game bird were continued at the Normandale Bird Farm (Norfolk 

 County), and while some progress is being made along these lines, the increase 

 was retained and no general distribution was undertaken during the year 

 reported upon. 



Plover and Snipe. — These birds continue to be very scarce. 



Rabbits. — Conditions as they apply to these animals remained satisfactory 

 throughout the province and in several sections desirable improvement and 

 increase in numbers has been observed. 



FURS 



The following is a summary of conditions as they apply to fur-bearing 

 animals throughout the province as compiled from reports submitted by the 

 seven Departmental District Superintendents: 



Bear. — Conditions have shown little change, though there is some decline 

 in the numbers reported to have been taken. 



Beaver. — Annual catch has once again shown a decline, though indications 

 are to the effect that there is some increase in their numbers, particularly in 

 the section of the province in which the protection of a complete close season 

 is provided. 



Fisher. — Reports are to the effect that their numbers are diminishing, and 

 that general conditions are not very favourable. Annual catch shows continuing 

 decrease. 



Fox. — Conditions vary in different sections. Reports from the southern 

 portion of the province are to the effect that these animals are decreasing in 

 number; though in the north tKe reverse of this is indicated. Catch shows slight 

 improvement over that of the previous year. 



