1916 GAME AND FISHEEIES. 69 



N"umerous varieties of our song birds are reported to have been observed near 

 Berlin. Farmers claim the blackbird should receive a measure of protection as they 

 believe it assists in destroying the army worm. 



Numerous complaints have been made over careless shooting by boys. Cases 

 are reported where human life was endangered. Two cases were reported where 

 cattle were killed. 



I am strongly of the opinion that every man that carries a gun or rifle should 

 be compelled to take out a license. A nominal fee could be charged by the Depart- 

 ment. This would check indiscriminate shooting and the " Game-hawks " could be 

 more easily handled. 



From Overseer Edwin F. Scherer, of New Hamburg, for the Township of Wil- 

 mot. 



Black bass were not caught as freely as last year, the water was too high in the 

 river for good fishing. 



•Cotton-tail rabbits are very numerous, and it would be a benefit to the farmers 

 if the season were open one month longer. 



Mink are very scarce. 



Muskrats are plentiful. 



Black and grey squirrels have become scarce, but now that there is a close sea- 

 son for three years it will give them a good chance to increase. 



^ Welland County. 



From Overseer Geo. J. Briggs, of Bridgehurg, for the County of Welland. 



Fishing in lower end of Lake Erie and Niagara River is reported by fishermen 

 to be the poorest in thirty years. Black bass being caught, though those caught 

 were of fair size. 



Blue pickerel and perch are very scarce. 



Squirrels and pheasants are plentiful. 



From Overseer A. D. Brown, of Welland, for County of Welland. 



The fishing this year has been exceptionally poor, both angling and dip nets. 



Muskrats have been very scarce but are becoming more plentiful. I think 

 the Department should not, allow trapping in December, as they catch too many 

 kittens. 



Mink are very scarce. 



Partridge are very scarce. 



Of squirrels very few are to be seen. 



Cotton-tail rabbits are quite plentiful. 



Quite a few duck hatched out here this year. 



Wild geese are quite plentiful in some seasons in the fall and open winters in 

 the marsh south of here. 



Plover : I have heard of none this fall. 



English or Mongola pheasants are getting quite plentiful. 



From Overseer H. G. A. CooTc, of Niagara Falls, for County of Welland. 



The quantity of fish in the Welland River, the Niagara River, and the several 

 tributary streams is fairly plentiful, and the law generally observed. I have had 

 several complaints, but after investigation I found that the parties who made the 

 complaints would not testify to its correctness. The same thing applies to game, 

 and I am of the opinion that the law is not violated in very many cases. I am doing 

 everything in my power to protect the fish and game in this district. 



