FISHING IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF PLYMOUTH. 109 
In July and August of last year (1892), on the other hand, the 
shoals did not approach the shore, but rather appeared to be leaving 
the land, so that many fishermen considered the fishing over for the 
season and took in their drift-nets. In September, however, the 
usual condition asserted itself, and although the shoals never actually 
entered Plymouth Sound, yet they were found going through the same 
general movements in September, October, and November as charac- 
terised the fish in August and September of 1890. 
To make suggestions as to the causes which produced this result 
would, in the present state of our knowledge, be mere idle speculation. 
I desire simply to point out that while the movements of these shoaling 
fish can be relied upon with tolerable accuracy, one season may be 
found to be as much as two or three months behind or in advance of 
another. 
With regard to fish which do not move in shoals, it is well-nigh 
impossible to draw up certain courses, which may be relied upon as 
indicating their probable movements at any particular period of 
the year. 
The present system of tabulating as nearly as possible the average 
positions of the boats during each month of the year was commenced 
by me in January of 1892. By continuing the process during the 
first few months of this year, it has been possible to compare the con- 
ditions found during these months and the early months of last year. 
This comparison shows that in studying the movements of the 
fishes which do not form themselves into shoals, an extreme amount 
of variation may be present. So much does this appear to be the 
case that, without observations from a great number of years, it will 
be impossible to arrive at an accurate mean condition. Ido not think 
it likely, therefore, that a comparison of charts for certain months in 
different years will be found of any benefit in trying to arrive at a 
knowledge of the probable movements of fish which do not shoal. 
At the same time it seems to me to be advisable that, in all localities 
where target practice seawards is carried on, or where other opera- 
tions which interfere with fishing may be engaged in, information 
should continually be collected, so that at any date the positions of 
the fishing boats, and more specially the small line and crab and lobster 
boats, could be reported. 
In support of this view I gave evidence before the Commission 
appointed to inquire into Target Practice Seawards, and am pleased 
to be able to state that in the official return of this Commission, pub- 
lished a short time ago, the suggestion has been advocated, and one 
of my charts issued as an example. 
It seems also possible that a great additional benefit would be 
obtained, not only to the fishermen but to those firing, if when the 
