No. 4 (1920) THE FISHERIES OF THE NlLGIRlS 139 



(4) To have a close season for mature fish during and immedi- 

 ately after spawning time. 



(5) During the hot months when the fish are mostly confined 

 to the pools, heating and poisoning goes on (I am informed) to a 

 large extent. Means must be adopted to stop this serious offence. 

 Where the river is diverted into side channels for purposes of 

 irrigation, the entrance should be trapped with properly constructed 

 iron grating. 



Dams. — Where dams have been built that prevent fish passing 

 up-stream, fish ladders should be constructed so as to allow an easy 

 passage both ways. 



It will be advisable in the future when anicuts are being 

 constructed to provide fish ladders in each case. 



The actual cost will be small compared with the future value 

 of the river as a source of food-supply. In cases in which these 

 are not provided, the fish collect in large numbers at the foot of 

 the anicut and fall an easy prey to the poacher. They are also 

 cut off from their spawning beds. 



Duties of watchers. — Each watcher should patrol the river in the 

 district to which he is appointed, should remove all fixed fry traps 

 and destroy the artificial weirs used for capturing fry ; 



Should be instructed as to the exact localities where these 

 small weirs are built ; 



Should destroy all fixed engines used for the capture of mature 

 fish, taking care to remove the obstructions in side runners, 

 described in the report as " hurdles " ; 



Should prevent the construction of same ; 



Should remove all fixed stakes used for night lines; 



Should keep a sharp look out for fresh fish scales on the banks 

 and report the exact position, if large quantities are found ; 



Should send into headquarters all basket traps seized. 



Remarks. — To see that the watchers carry out these instructions, 

 it will be necessary to inspect the river from time to time. Should 

 any fixed engines be found, the watcher in whose beat they occur 

 ought to be severely dealt with. As the construction of fixed 

 engines for the capture of mature fish (judging by the nature of 

 the trap) will take considerable time, they will be easy to detect. 

 If each trap were destroyed during construction and careful watch 

 kept at the places during August, September, October and early 



