( 112 ) 



the minor modes of fishing are most numerous (para. 

 LXXVIII), destructive and wasteful ; (17) that fish are in 

 some places only killed to be thrown away, or carted off as 

 manure, and that in localities where the supply does not 

 equal the bazar demands (paras. LXXVI, LXXVII) ; (18) 

 that irrigation weirs are largely destructive by impeding the 

 ascent of fish to the waters where they breed, or the downward 

 passage of those attempting to descend (paras. XII — XV) ; 

 (19) that irrigation canals are exceedingly injurious, if 

 they have vertical falls in them, up which fish are unable 

 to ascend, for, as the old ones descend down stream to feeding 

 grounds, they find a stone wall in their way, but a fine stream 

 of water not so obstructed which leads them into one of these 

 canals and once over a fall, they cannot re-ascend, but are 

 destroyed there every time the water is cut off; (20) that the 

 same destructive plan exists in nearly every irrigated field in 

 India; (21) that there are certain vermin very inimical to 

 fish, as crocodiles and otters, whose destruction would be most 

 advantageous ; (22) that in Great Britain and other civilized 

 countries, the poaching of fish is forbidden (paras. XCVII, 

 CXIX) ; (23) that where local restrictions on poaching fish 

 have been tried in India, the result has been most beneficial 

 (paras. CXX, CXXI). 



Proposition as to what Action is Necessary. 



CXXI III. The result of this enquiry has, unfortu- 

 Proposition that legal action nately, given but too good reasons 

 is now required. f or believing that fish are wastefully 



destroyed as breeding ones or their fry, and the fisheries are 

 almost everywhere deteriorating. The causes which have 

 apparently led to this have been traced as closely as 

 materials have permitted, and the remedies suggested have 

 been as fully recorded. I now propose offering my single 

 opinion on these points, premising that destructive waste 

 seems to be proved, and a supply insufficient for the wants 

 of the people to be brought for sale to the bazars. Respect- 

 ing the carrying out of remedial measures, much will depend 

 upon the cordial co-operation and tact of local officers : sud- 

 den and too stringent regulations would appear to be injudi- 

 cious, as the folly of years cannot be entirely grappled with 

 at once. In fact, in places it may be desirable at first to 

 leave some breaches in regulations unnoticed, until the bene- 

 ficial results of partial measures are clearly discernible. The 

 natives, judging from the native officials' replies and personal 



