10 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES 



matozoa of male foxes. It was found that there was a considerable variation in the 

 morphology and virility of different foxes. In some cases pup males were found to 

 be sexually active but the spermatozoa was immature and while the majority of 

 young males are fit for reproductive purposes, fox breeders would be ill-advised 

 to pelt desirable females that have failed to conceive when mated with pup males. 

 Much valuable information can be gained by an extension of this work; particularly 

 in regards to the period in each year during which the male can achieve conception. 

 The rutting period in some adult males appears to only last for two or three weeks 

 and if he has been used polygamously, it would be a serious error to place him at 

 the end of the season with a young female which had not yet come in heat for it 

 may be possible that he is quite indifferent once his rutting period is over. 



A beginning has been made to make a thorough study of the assimibility and 

 digestibility of various feeds fed to foxes. There is a great need at the present time 

 for more accurate and definite information on this subject than is at present 

 available. 



The Staff took part in the summer school for Fox Breeders held at the Ontario 

 Veterinary College, Guelph, and also spoke at the regional meetings held by the 

 Ontario Fox Breeders Association, at Priceville, Barrie and Arnprior. These meet- 

 ings were well attended and some very useful discussions took place which were 

 felt to be helpful to all those engaged in the raising of foxes and mink. 



In addition to the above investigations, the usual routine work was carried 

 on, including correspondence, which has shown a remarkable increase over the 

 previous year. A large number of visitors, including fox and mink ranchers, called at 

 the Farm seeking information on many varied subjects. From time to time, visits 

 were made to ranches on requests by owners who wished to discuss either ques- 

 tions of disease or ranch management. 



REPORT OP THE FISH CULTURE BRANCH 



During the year every effort was directed towards ways and means of producing 

 more and better fish in our hatcheries and rearing stations, for distribution to 

 suitable waters. 



For a number of years hatchery officers have been responsible for planting 

 hatchery products under careful supervision. Judging from the gratifying reports 

 received by the Department, the work of these planting crews has been commend- 

 able and satisfactory. 



The findings of the fish planting surveys and laboratory studies are carefully 

 analyzed and applied to our varied problems, which have for their ultimate objec- 

 tive the maintenance of our important marketable and game-fish. 



The following paragraphs are devoted to a brief discussion of the various species 

 of fish cultured, the output for the year being compared that of the previous one. 



SPECKLED TROUT: 



Although the total speckled trout distribution was 12.7 per cent, less than the 

 previous year, there was an increased distribution of 307,000 fingerlings and 6,525 

 yearlings. The number of adult speckled trout planted was slightly in excess of 

 the number planted in 1933. There were no importations of speckled trout from 

 outside sources. 



