144 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 



and it is most commendable, and was absolutely necessary, if the people generally 

 were to enjoy this great playground, for the islands and mainland are private property 

 from which the public is excluded. 



The Commissioners, in making selections of property to be purchased for the 

 park, had several things to consider : the location of the various parcels and their 

 availability from the towns and villages on the shores ; the price ; the means of com- 

 munication ; their location in connection with the fishing grounds ; and, finally, their 

 adaptability as harbors of refuge to those who trust themselves on this great river, 

 which, like all large bodies of water, is subject to storms that threaten the small 

 craft so much used by excursionist and camper. For this reason the Commissioners 

 have sought to acquire islands or mainland having a natural harbor and landing shore 

 for small boats, and also for landing passengers from the small steam yachts so much 

 employed on this waterway. 



After several visits to the river to examine and re-examine the different properties 

 offered for sale, the Commission has purchased Mary's island at the foot of West- 

 minster park, near Alexandria bay, for $5,000; and seventy acres of the foot of 

 Grindstone island near Eel bay, and widely known as Canoe Point, for $4,206. 



Options have also been obtained on several properties, and the entire appropriation 

 will be expended in making the most desirable purchases possible before the close of 

 the present sessio.i of the Legislature. It will be necessary to ask for an appropria- 

 tion for the purpose of clearing up the land purchased, and to be' purchased, to 

 reduce to the minimum dangers from fire ; for building landing docks for river craft, 

 and shelters for the people who visit the park in case of storms. 



In selecting property for the park the Commissioners have tried to consult the 

 convenience not only of the people who live in the towns along the river, but also the 

 people in the State at large who may desire to visit the park by means of the 

 organized lines of travel. At the same time it has been the object of the Board to 

 secure desirable property from a commercial point of view, well wooded, and of 

 suitable size, with proper and convenient water approaches. 



As the Dominion of Canada has taken and is taking an active interest in creating 

 the park, to which she contributes a greater number of islands than this State can 

 hope to contribute, for the reasons already stated, and as the islands and mainlands 

 will be open to the people generally from both sides of the river, it will be most 

 desirable that the fish, game and forest laws applying to the river should be uniform, 

 and to this end, we would recommend that laws be enacted for the St. Lawrence river 

 such as Canada will also be willing to enact for the government of the waters and 

 lands within the confines of the park. 



