88 



THE SMALL-MOUTHED BASS 



only with the open water by narrow channels, sometimes 

 only a few feet in width; and these, owing to the constant 

 rise and fall in level, are kept perfectly clean and well sup- 

 plied with a change of water. 



If one attempted to establish artificially a perfect resort 

 for small-mouthed bass on a large scale, no better model 

 could be taken than any of the natural hatching ponds on 



the eastern shore of Georgian 

 Bay. 



This being the case, it is the 

 duty of the Ontario Government, 

 or of the Dominion Government, 

 or of both, to protect this ideal 

 fishing ground, not only as a 

 source of revenue to the sur- 

 rounding commvmity, but as a 

 breathing spot, where one may 

 obtain fresh air during the hot 

 summer months, combined with 

 a moderate amount of recreation 

 in the form of angling. 



No country should allow 

 such a valuable asset to become 

 unprofitable; and if, in the past, owing to doubtful juris- 

 diction or to politics, or to divided interests, this district has 

 been allowed to remain undeveloped and a prey both to 

 fishermen and to anglers, the fault lies, not with the general 

 angling public and sportsmen, but with those authorities 

 who frame our fishing laws and also with those who attempt 

 to carry them out. 



At present there is established an imaginary line or limit 

 within which no net is supposed to be set, running almost 

 north and south, and lying probably two or three miles 

 from shore, so as to inclose all the islands. 



But the inspection necessary to prevent fishermen from 



Head of Small-mouthed Bass 



(From Photograph by B. A. Bensley) 



