( 2 ) 



are they only such, or do they pursue other occupations like- 

 wise ? (2) . — What are the names of the fishermen castes in 

 your district? (3). — Are the local markets fully supplied 

 with fish, or could more be sold ? (4). — What is the price of 

 large and small fish in the bazar, and also that of first and 

 second sort of bazar mutton? (5). — What proportion of 

 people eat fish ? (6). — Have the fish increased, decreased, 

 or remained stationary of late years? (7). — Are very small 

 fish taken in any quantity during the rains ; if so, how ? 

 (8). — What is the smallest size of the mesh of the nets 

 employed ? (9) . — Are fish trapped in the irrigated field dur- 

 ing the rains ? (10) . — Enumerate the various sorts of fish- 

 ing, and give the native names of every form of net, trap, 

 or snare used in taking fish in your range. 



5. Many of the answers received have been most ex- 

 haustive, and afforded me the opportunity of drawing attention 

 to certain facts that I otherwise might not have so promi- 

 nently brought to notice. Whenever possible, I have rather 

 given the opinions of others than my own, provided the two 

 were identical. Where so many reports are excellent, it would 

 be invidious to draw attention to any particular one, especi- 

 ally as all will be found collated in the appendix. 



6. All returns received prior to November 5th have 

 been included, whilst due to the delay in some localities it was 

 found impossible to even commence this work in June 1872 

 as had been anticipated. The period during which answers 

 were being waited for was employed in drawing up the last 

 three papers in the appendix, which it is hoped will add to 

 the completeness and utility of the report. 



Madras, \ 



December 5///, 1872. $ 



