FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSIONER. 71 



coops and a stock of birds secured. It is expected that we will be able to 

 distribute 12,000 birds and eggs during the summer of 19 10. From the 

 experience of others we believe our work in this respect will be successful. 



Lake Fish. 



It is difficult to make a law that will satisfy all persons in any part of 

 the State. As heretofore suggested, the laws should be general, applying 

 alike to all unless the very best reasons can be shown for an exception, 

 just why a half-mile limit from shore in Ontario should obtain and a mile 

 limit in Lake Erie, I have been unable to understand. It has always 

 seemed wise to have a close season, at least during the spawning time, for 

 the more valuable food and game fish, except shad, in order to preserve 

 them in reasonable quantities. In lakes and rivers forming the boundary 

 between States and countries the laws of each should in this respect be alike. 

 Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. For a long time there 

 was no close season on whitefish and lake trout. It resulted in the practical 

 extinction of lake trout in Lakes Erie and Ontario, and in largely diminish- 

 ing the number of whitefish. Nets were set upon the reefs where they 

 came to spawn, and the fish and spawn were both destroyed. Where and 

 when fish spawn it is easy to take them in great numbers. Until about 

 three years ago, for a period of four or five years, lake trout in Lake Erie 

 had become so reduced in number that it was not deemed advisable to 

 fish for them especially for commercial purposes. That gave them a rest 

 and they spawned in security, and in a few years again appeared in numbers 

 that warranted commercial fishing. At about that time Pennsylvania 

 repealed its close season law. After taking the evidence of many lake 

 fishermen, a close season of two months for trout and whitefish was pro- 

 vided in this State. Because we had not responded at an earlier date to 

 their request for such action, Pennsylvania repealed its law. Now some 

 complaint has been made by fishermen running out of Buffalo because 

 they cannot fish for these fish during these two months as fishermen can 

 in Pennsylvania waters. It seems to us that if we have any regard for the 

 preservation of these two species we ought not to repeal our law but should 

 endeavor to get the Legislature of Pennsylvania, if possible, to re-enact 



