XC1V 



that the Vaddi are the fisherman caste, but Sudras catch fish for 

 their own eating 1 . The fishermen are also cultivators. About 120,000 

 persons of all castes, except Brahmins, Banians, goldsmiths, and oilmen, 

 eat fish, preferring it salted ; the local markets are insufficiently supplied, 

 and the amount in the waters has decreased. The usual size of the 

 mesh of the nets varies from half to two inches in circumference. Basket 

 snares are used for fishing. The Tehsildar of Peddapuram answers that 

 the fishermen are also boatmen and coolies. Seven-eighths of the people 

 eat fish, preferring it fresh ; the markets are insufficiently supplied, and 

 the amount in the waters has decreased. The minimum size of the 

 mesh of nets employed " will be the size of a red gram" seed. Baskets 

 and snares are used for fishing. The Tehsildar of Elliir observes that the 

 fishermen are also palanquin-bearers. About 89,029 persons of all 

 castes, except Brahmins, Banians, oilmen, goldsmiths, and a few Bindilos 

 or Rajputs, eat fish ; the markets are not well supplied ; salt-fish is pre- 

 ferred to fresh, and of late years the amount of fish in the waters has 

 largely decreased. The size of the mesh of the net is about that of a 

 grain of Bengal or cow gram. Baskets and basket snares are employed 

 in taking fish ; some are caught in irrigated fields. The Tehsildar of 

 Coconada states the fishermen also act as boatmen. About 50,000 per- 

 sons eat fish, preferring it fresh ; for half the year the markets are well 

 supplied, not so in the other half; the amount in the waters has 

 decreased during the last four years ; the circumference of the mesh of 

 the nets equals one-fourth of an anna. Basket or wicker-work snares are 

 employed for fishing. The Tehsildar of Tuni replies that the fishermen 

 are also employed as coolies. The local markets are supplied ; 39,370 

 persons of all castes, except Brahmins, Banians, some of the goldsmiths, 

 and the Jungum sect, eat fish, whether fresh or salted. The size of the 

 mesh of the nets equals a pie. The Tehsildar of Pittapur answers that 

 the fishermen are also coolies; 69,000 persons eat fish, the Sudras pre- 

 ferring it fresh, whilst the Pariahs, &c, like it salted. The amount in the 

 waters has decreased of late years. Baskets are used for fishing. The 

 Tehsildar of Yernagudem observes that the fishermen are also agriculturists 

 and collect lotus leaves (? seeds) from tanks and sell them. About 

 90,000 persons of all castes, except Brahmins and Banians, eat fish, pre- 

 ferring the salted article. The weekly markets are supplied ; the amount 

 in the waters appear to " have increased in former years." The meshes of 

 the nets are half an inch in circumference. Netting, baskets and basket 

 snares are employed. The Tehsildar of Coringa states that some of 

 the fishermen have also other trades. About 18,000 persons of all 

 castes, except Brahmins, Banians, and goldsmiths, eat fish, generally 

 preferring it fresh ; the local markets are fully supplied, and the amount 

 in the waters has increased of late years. Of the mesh of the nets, the 

 smallest in use would ensnare an ant. Baskets are used in fishing. 



174. In the Kislna Collectorate, the Tehsildar of Narsarowpeta 

 . . . „ — ,. „, . , replies that fishermen are also agriculturists ; 



Opinions or Native officials in c i ±. c 1 ii.ii 



the Kistna Collectorate. vei T few people eat fish, and they do not care 



whether it is fresh or salt; the local market is 

 not supplied ; the amount in the waters decreased until this year when, 

 owing to large falls of rain, they are again abundant. The Tehsildar of 

 Bapatla answers vaguely to the first few questions, continuing that 



