THE REPORT UPON" No. 14 



Much to our surprise, the tourist traffic, instead of increasing, fell off to a 

 considerable extent owing undoubtedly to the war. Many Americans were of the 

 opinion that they would be required to obtain passports before entering Canada. 



Mr. Henry Watson, who has for many years served the Department faithfully, 

 was appointed a Warden, thereby extending his powers considerably and increasing 

 his usefulness. 



The overseers on the whole have performed their duties satisfactorily. Some 

 of them, however, have enlisted, their duty to their Empire quite properly being their 

 first consideration, their positions in the meantime being kept open for them. 



The railway and navigation companies have rendered much assistance to 

 the Department and their co-operation has made more effective enforcement of 

 the Act. 



Game. 



The amendments made to the Act at the last session of the Legislature have 

 worked very well indeed, and the time has now arrived when further amendments 

 should be made. Our inspectors, who travel about the Province a great deal, state 

 that it seems almost the unanimous opinion of the trappers that they should be 

 licensed, and I would respectfully suggest that provisions be made for doing so at 

 the coming session of the Legislature, but in doing so I would suggest that at the 

 present time farmers and farmers' sons be exempt when trapping upon their own 

 lands. 



I would also suggest (owing. to the fact that beaver having increased to such 

 an extent, in many cases causing serious damage to the private property and publid 

 highways) that provision be made for an open season for beaver and otter during 

 the fall and winter of 1916-17, upon such terms and during such periods as may 

 be prescribed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council, If a small royalty on each 

 beaver and otter skin taken was imposed, no doubt a very substantial addition 

 would be made to the revenue of the Department, which would very materially help 

 to provide more efficient enforcement of the Game and Fishery laws, more especially 

 in the northern and north-western portions of the Province. 



Reports concerning game in general continue favorable, but a Treaty between 

 Great Britain and the United States for the better protection of both migratory game 

 and none-game birds in the United States and Canada is now being considered. 

 When completed no doubt some changes will have to be made in our laws in order 

 to comply with the terms of the Treaty. 



I must again tender my warmest thanks to £he Superintendent of the Pro- 

 vincial Police, his Inspectors and Constables, who are always anxious and willing 

 to assist the Department in enforcing the Game and Fishery Laws, especially in the 

 northern portions of the Province, where officers of this Department are too few to 

 patrol such a vast extent of territory. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



A. Sheriff, 

 Deputy Minister of Game and Fisheries. 



ToEONTO, March 29th, 1916. 



