1915 GAME AND FISHERIES. 35 



regrets to say that they were about a week too late, as the pickerel run was un- 

 usually early, and though they found many evidences of recent trap net fishing 

 they obtained no nets. 



The fishing in his district was fairly good during the spring, but lighter than 

 usual in the summer and unusually bad last fall, some fishermen not securing 

 enough fish to pay for their license. This falling off was caused by the exceeding 

 inclemency of the weather, and the fish being very late in coming on to the shoals 

 to spawn; Of. late years the fish have not come on the shoals in the fall until 

 about the last few da,ys in October, while further north there is good fishing for 

 two or three weeks before the season closes. In justice to license-holders he would 

 suggest that an extension of time be given the fishermen on condition that they 

 collect all spawn and deliver it to the Government for use in the different hatch- 

 eries. He feels sure this condition would be faithfully carried out, as it would 

 be to their interest to do so, and it would keep up the supply of fish in the bay. 



The law has been well observed, and in patrolling the bay he has found all 

 buoys properly set and marked, the seizure of nets illegally set during the last 

 few years seems to have taught the fishermen a lesson. 



Overseer James Myers, 6f Holstein, reports that the chief fi^h in his district 

 are speckled trout and bass. There are three trout reserves in his division. Angling 

 was about the same as the previous year, fair, and all the fish caught were used at 

 home. There were no violations of the Fisheries Act that he was aware of. 



The game found in the district are mostiy hares, partridge, ducks and some 

 deer in Proton and West Luther, also some mink and muskrats. 



There were no violations of the Game Laws, which he attributes largely to 

 having his district fairly well posted with the Game and Fishery Laws, so that 

 the people know the seasons for fish and game and the more important regula- 

 tions. / 



Haldimand County. 



Overseer J. W. Lee, of Wellandporf, reports that both gill net and pound net 

 fishermen had an average year. Last fall was reported to be the best they had 

 had for several years. Herring were quite plentiful. Perch, pickerel and coarse 

 fish were up to the average. White fish were plentiful. 



The last was not such a good season for tourists as usual, and there was not 

 so much angling in the Grand Eiver. He thinks it was on account of the cold 

 spring. 



Quail are very plentiful, but there are no woodcock or plover. Partridge and 

 pheasants are very scarce. What few pheasants there were, were pretty well shot 

 off, for the hunters do not pay much regard to the sex. 



Wild ducks were quite plentiful, and a number of wild geese harboured in 

 his district last fall. 



Black and grey squirrels are quite plentiful, though they are very hard to 

 protect. There have been some complaints that duck hunters shoot squirrels, but 

 it is very difficult to track the guilty parties. Muskrats are fairly plentiful, but 

 mink are very scarce. 



Cotton-tail rabbits are very numerous, but there are very few hares. The 

 former have become a nuisance as they destoy many small fruit trees and shrubs 

 by girdling them. 



