1918 GAME AND FISHEEIES. 9 



would accrue therefrom. Unless some means are taken to rid the waters and 

 reduce the number of the enemies of the young game fish, before they are planted, 

 restocking will never produce the results that it should. 



The change in the Game Act with reference to wild ducks has produced the 

 good results expected. 



Deer in most places are reported about as numerous as ever, but the partridge, 

 except in odd places, are as scarce as before they were protected, and unless next 

 spring proves an exceptionally good breeding season they should be given another 

 year of protection. 



Yours respectfully, 



Henry Watson, 



Warden. 



SiMCOE, Ont., Dec. 2-it\ 1917. 

 D. McDonald, Esq., 



Acting Deputy Minister of Oame and Fisheries, Toronto, Ont. 



Sir, — I have the honour to submit my report for 1917. 



Speckled Trout: These are still decreasing in this district. Through the 

 kindness of the Department some fry was allotted to the region drained into Long 

 Point Bay. They were carefully liberated well up stream in every instance, and the 

 streams were screened for some weeks and the fry fed. I believe that this attention 

 should always be given to keep down excessive loss during the early period of 

 liberation. 



Bass: The season's catch was the best on record and the size continues to 

 increase. 



Commercial Fish: Gill net fishing has been better than usual. The seine 

 catch has, held up well. Carp in Long Point Bay is still more plentiful and the 

 demand stronger. This is one of the best paying commercial fish of the district. 



Quail and Euffed Grouse : The former is almost extinct. The latter is scarce 

 and decreasing, perhaps owing to recent severe winters. 



Woodcock: This species is still gradually increasing in number. 



Wild Geese: These are still scarce and are seen only in the spring. None 

 are taken. There are isolated cases of domestication of this bird in the County of 

 Norfolk. 



Wild Ducks : The duck have been less plentiful and left for the south earlier 

 this year than usual. 



Fur-bearing Animals: Black squirrel shows a decided decrease from 1916. 

 Owing to the severity of the previous winter muskrats were decidedly scarce and 

 the catch was discouraging to the trappers. The increased price was a partial 

 offset to the disappointment. Cotton-tailed rabbit is abundant. 



The game laws have been well observed in this district. The deputy wardens 

 and overseers have kept the work well under supervision, and we have had very few 

 complaints of infringement of the laws or regulations, and these have been investi- 

 gated and dealt with. 



I have the honour to be. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



W. Burt, 

 Game and Fishery Warden. 



