THE HABITS OF THE SALMON. 63 



fished the majority of our rivers, it might at least 

 determine the close time by a Commission composed 

 of our Chief Inspector as chairman, assisted by two 

 independent practical men, who would inspire the 

 public with confidence by their thorough knowledge 

 of the habits of salmon. Inquiries should be 

 held in localities, not only in the neighbourhood of 

 the tideway, where overwhelming suggestions would 

 be made in favour of the netting interests, but 

 also in convenient localities above there, when 

 witnesses could be examined on behalf of those pro- 

 prietors who could not be expected to give evidence 

 far away from their homes. Were it possible for one 

 to do so, our Chief Inspector is well qualified to 

 perform this duty by himself, but it would be more 

 satisfactory to the public at large if his decisions 

 were backed up by other practical men. These 

 decisions should be final, and not referred to any 

 other authoritv. In all probability my suggestions 

 will meet with little favour in the eyes of proprietors 

 of net fisheries, and I confess that my sympathies 



