Up to this date I never have seen a publication which set forth in one place even so much as an annotated list of the game preserves of the various provinces of Canada, and at present exact information regarding them is rather difficult to obtain.  It seems that an adequate governmental publication on this subject is now due, and overdue.

ONTARIO.—­“At the present time,” says Commissioner Evans in his “Final Report,” “the Algonquin National Park is the only actual game preserve in the Province, being in fact a game reserve and not a forest reserve; but in the past at least a measure of protection would seem to have been afforded the game in most of the [forest] reserves, owing to the fact that the carrying of firearms therein has been discouraged, and it would appear to require but the passing of an Order-in-Council to render the carrying of firearms in all reserves illegal.  It is sincerely to be hoped that not only will such action be taken without delay, but also that all the forest reserves will be declared game reserves in the strictest sense.”

To this sentiment all friends of wild life will join a fervent wish for its realization.  As conditions are to-day, it is impossible to have too many game reserves!  There is everything to gain and nothing to lose by making every national forest and forest reserve on the whole continent of North America a game preserve in the strictest sense, and we hope to live to see that end accomplished, both in the United States and Canada.

The Algonquin National Park is situated in the Parry Sound region, just above the Muskoka Lakes, and it has an area of 1,930 square miles.  It is well stocked with moose, caribou, white-tailed deer, black bear and beaver.  During the period of protection the beaver have increased so greatly that about 1,000 were trapped last year for the market, by officers of the government; and about 25 were sold to zoological gardens and parks, at $25 each.

The Quetico Forest Reserve, area 1,560 square miles, was created as the Canadian complement of the Minnesota National Forest and Game Preserve.  The two join on the international boundary, and each helps to protect the other.  Both are well stocked with moose, and will render valuable service in the preservation of a mid-continental contingent of that species.

ALBERTA.—­In the making of game preserves the province of Alberta has been splendidly progressive and liberal.  The total result is fairly beyond the reach of ordinary words of praise.  It sets a pace that should result in wide-spread benefits to the wild life of North America.  In it there is nothing faint-hearted.  It should make some of our States think seriously regarding their own shortcomings in this particular field of endeavor.

ALBERTA’S NATIONAL PARKS