68 ^ THE KEPORT UPON No. 14 



Nearly all winter the muskrat houses were covered with snow, which was a 

 great protection, as poachers will not disturb them when there is a danger of being 

 tracked. The nights were cold during the spring season, so the catohesi were not as 

 large as usual. 



Wild geese were seen in large numbers. As the ice did not leave the lake until 

 April 17th, it afforded, them protection. 



Wild ducks are becoming more numerous every year. Except the wood duck, 

 and they are almost extinct. 



Partridge, mink and hares are on the increase. 



From Overseer II. B. Parker, of Boh cay g eon, for the Township of Verulam, in 

 the County of Victoria, and the Township of Harvey, in the Cbunty of Peterboro, 



The spawning season for maskinonge and bass was very favorable, as the 

 water was carefully handled by the different officials of the canals and waterways 

 on this route, making it beneficial especially for the maskinonge to spawn. 



The bass fishing was as good as in previous years, but maskinonge was not up 

 to the mark. The only reason I can give is that the water in all the lakes of this 

 district was kept high for the benefit of navigation. 



The high water also drowned out the wild rice and thus ruined the feeding 

 grounds of the different species of wild ducks, which made them very scarce this 

 fall as they went to better feeding grounds. 



The deer are very plentiful. There were not as many wolves last winter and 

 less hunting in close season by poachers should make considerable difference. 



Partridge show no signs of increasing. 



Beaver are on the increase all through the north district. 



Muskrat and mink are about the same as usual. 



I would recommend that all trappers be licensed. 



/ 



From Overseer Ira Toole, of Omemee, for the Township of Emily. 



Trolling has not been nearly so good for maskinonge this year, owing, I think, 

 to the water being very high all summer and the fish having miles of deep water 

 instead of being confined pretty much to the channel of the river as in other years. 



Bass fishing has been very good, but not many people fish for them here. 



Muskrat are about as numerous as usual, holding their own pretty well, but I 

 think it would give them a better chance if the season opened a month later, 

 namely, January 1st. 



Mink continue to be very scarce. 



(Black duck were fewer on account of the wild rice beds being flooded out this 

 year. The fall ducks seem to be coming in quite plentiful for so early in the 

 season. 



Partridge are not increasing, but rabbits, snipe, plover and other small game 

 appear to be as plentiful as they have been in years past. 



Waterloo County. 



From Overseer Louis Battler, of Berlin, for the Township of Waterloo. 

 Fishing along the Grand River was not good owing to the high water, due to 

 heavy rains. The pollution of the water by the sugar factory has abated. 

 Partridge are reported on the increase. 

 Mink continue scarce. 

 Cotton-tail rabbits are becoming quite a nuisatfce. 



