1922] MADRAS PEARL FISHERIES 3 



exact period when the free-swimming spat abound. These condi- 

 tions are most likely to occur when eddies happen to form through 

 the meeting of opposing currents as may happen during the 

 intermonsoon periods of variable winds and currents. But this 

 does not help us far forward, and so far as I can see it is impossible 

 to differentiate in advance a season favourable for a heavy spat-fall, 

 from one which is not. 



It will be noticed that one of the principal recommendations 

 made was for the creation of a Fisheries Department under 

 scientific control and the transfer thereto of the departmental 

 working of the pearl and chank fisheries. Under the enlightened 

 policy of the Government this eventually was the course pursued 

 and it is a great gratification to me that I have been enabled to 

 carry out the greater part of the recommendations I originally made, 

 and to know that these have been of signal financial benefit to the 

 Presidency. 



Madras, 



1st January 1922. JAMES HORNELL. 



