THE GAME AND FUR-BEARING ANIMALS 



OF ONTARIO. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In compiling the following descriptive report, an endeavour has been made 

 to refer only to those Birds, Fish, and Animals, which constitute the fauna of 

 Ontario, leaving out for the most part those specimens which have been taken 

 as rarities within its boundaries. 



Free use has been made of every available source of information which 

 might assist in making the natural history portion fairly represent the present 

 state of knowledge in this department. 



In the nomenclature and classification of the birds " The History of North 

 American Birds," by Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway, has been closely followed as 

 the best and most voluminous work on the subject published. The specific char- 

 acters of the birds is that of the above writers, than which nothing could be 

 more ably written. Many quotations as to origin, habits, etc., have also been 

 made from the same work, kindly allowed by the publishers, Messrs. Little & 

 Brown of Boston, Mass. 



In the preparation of that portion pertaining to the animals the same exten- 

 sive research has been observed, " Baird's History of North American Mammals,' 

 as given in one of the Pacific Railway Reports to the United States Government r 

 has been largely drawn upon, and lor the recent nomenclature a " List of the 

 Mammals of North and Central America," made by Professor Frederick W. True, 

 Curator of the Department of Mammals in the Smithsonian Institute at Wash- 

 ington, has been closely followed. 



Much aid has also been given by Dr. H. M. Smith of the United States Fish 

 Commission, Washington, D.C., who has been unceasing in his efforts to assist this- 

 work. The preparation of that portion relating to the fishes of Ontario waters 

 22 (o.) 



