THE FISHERY INTERESTS OF AUSTRIA. 631 



influence on the Austrian fisheries, since many of the Austrian and 

 Bavarian waters are closely connected. 



Wurtemherg. — The Wiirteniberg fishing-law of November 27, 1865, is 

 the result of discussions which were carried on for several years in the 

 parliament. It contains regulations regarding permits, the leasing of 

 the waters for several years by the communities, and prohibitions of 

 entirely free fisheries ; also full regulations on the rights of land-holders 

 on the shores of the waters. In case of inundations, privileged persons 

 can fish even beyond their shores, but are obliged to pay for any dam- 

 age done to the land ; after the waters have receded, every proprietor 

 can catch the fish and crawfish left on his property, but must not place 

 any contrivances which might hinder them from returning to the waters. 

 During the spawning season of the finer species of fish, the cutting of 

 wood near the shore, the mowing of reeds, &c, are prohibited. 



Authorities and associations are urged to see to it that holders of 

 fishing-privileges either carry on the enterprises in common, or lease 

 them as a whole; the too great subdivisions of fisheries being in all 

 cases considered as injurious. 



Baden.— In Baden, the laws of March 29, 1852, and of March 20, 1853, 

 provided that fishing-privileges on foreign soil could be bought off by 

 paying a sum equal to twelve times the average annual revenue, to be 

 paid in ten yearly installments, at 5 per cent, interest. 



The law of March 3, 1870, provides that smaller waters may be united 

 into a whole by the privilege-holders, with the consent of the district 

 authorities, if the interests of the fisheries require it. 



The privilege-holders of such a united fishing-district form an associ- 

 ation ; resolutions passed by the majority, and approved by the authori- 

 ties, decide where the permanent seat of the association is to be, and on 

 its constitution, duties and rights, its members, organs, and the manner 

 in which business is to be transacted. Before the law, those privilege- 

 holders who combined own the largest extent of water, form a majority, 

 even though, in point of numbers, they should be in the minority. 



The associations mentioned here, as well as communities and corpora- 

 tions, can only carry on their operations through specially appointed 

 fishermen, or by renting them; the term of the lease not to be less than 

 twelve years. 



The draught of the law contains detailed regulations forbidding in- 

 jurious fishing- apparatus, mischievous transgression of the law, &c. 

 Special ordinances are to regulate the weight below which fish must not 

 be caught, days and seasons when fishing is prohibited, and to mention 

 those implements which are forbidden. All engaged must have permits, 

 and, during the seasons of protection, fish are not to be caught, or sold, 

 or offered as food in restaurants. 



Fines for violating the fishing-laws, to which also assistants are liable, 

 as well as confiscated nets and apparatus, shall go to the holders of 



