82 MUSSEL CULTURE 



In 1869 a case arose {Magistj^ates of St. Andrews 

 V. Wilson y- on account of the fishermen being 

 dissatisfied witli the management of the scalps, and 

 having attempted to take the matter into their 

 own hands. In the report of the case it was 

 stated that the fishermen were justified in apply- 

 ing to the Court, but that they were not at liberty 

 to help themselves to mussels or take over the 

 management. The result of this case is of some 

 interest and importance, in view of the proposals, 

 which have occasionally been made, for the forma- 

 tion of fishermen's societies for management of 

 local mussel scalps. 



With reference to the ground upon which mussel 

 or oyster scalps may be situated, it does not 

 necessarily follow, if a specific grant of fishing is 

 procured, that an exclusive use of the foreshore or 

 solum is obtained. And, on the other hand,- ' it has 

 not been decided whether conveyance of the fore- 

 shore, or of the solum on which the oysters or mussels 

 are situated, conveys a right of taking the fish, 

 though they are not mentioned in the charter.' 



In 1885 all powers with regard to the oyster 

 and mussel fisheries of Scotland, previously held 



^ 7 Macph. 1 105. 



'■^ Stewart's Law of Fishing, 2nd ed., Shairp, p. 69. 



