92 



Beason was an event almost entirely unknown ; while in tlie lower waters the 

 number of fish had become very small in consequence of the UmiteJ extent of 

 spawning ground, In the summer of that year the late Mr. Stretton observed, 

 to his great siu-prise, a number of fresh-run salmon leaping in his pool at Dany- 

 park, and a net being 'procured, about 2cwt. of salmon in excellent condition 

 were brought to shore in the presence of a large number of spectators. On 

 inquiry the mystery was explained. A recent flood had created a breach in 

 Trostre Weii-, and the fish had then a free run up. The landed proprietors on 

 the Usk saw the value that would accrue to their properties from the salmon 

 fisheries, and at once took steps to obtain the control of the Weir. They 

 succeeded in this and became the lessees with power to take away the fishing 

 boxes, and in lieu thereof to place open passes or I'uns in the weir. From that 

 day to this the fisheries have gradually improved, and the result has been 

 that the Usk may now claim to stand among the first salmon rivers in the 

 Southern part of Great Britain. 



A further step has been taken by the landowners this spring. Their 

 tenure of the weir was precarious, and at the same time a considerable outlay 

 was needed on the repairs of the mill and weir. Under these ciicumstancea 

 the Board of Conservators resolved to purchase all the rights attached to the 

 ■weir, and to pull it down. This has been accomplished at a cost of over £700, 

 raised chiefly by subscription, and at this time the waters of the Usk flow through 

 a breach in the weir full 30 feet wide. 



The history of the Usk as a salmon river is written in that of this weir, 

 and when we now find throughout England many rivers, even finer than the Usk, 

 utterly destroyed by such weirs, the example of this river may serve to show 

 the \\asdom of giving a free passage to salmon through all weirs, and ultimately 

 perhaps bring about the same beneficial result in those barren rivers. 



The Weir r\ins diagonally across the river, and is about 250 yards long, and 

 3 feet 9 inches high. It is made of pitching-stones, stakes, and wattling, and 

 has a sloping apron of about 20 feet wide. There has long been a gi-eat contro- 

 versy about the best forms of fish-passes, and those in this weir being thoroughly 

 successful, have attracted much attention. The large pass has now disappeared, 

 having expanded into the breach, but from previous measui-ement we are able to 



give its size : — 



ft. in. 



wTdth."::;;:::::: I ^}Atupperentrance. 



Length 22 6 



The height of the Weir being 3 feet 9 inches, this pass represents little more 

 than a transverse opening or cut. The salmon's ascent was not, however, made 

 a bit too easy, as the water rushed through the pass with tremendous force. 



And what shall be said of the river Usk itself, with its beautiful reaches, and 

 its well-wooded banks. To some who saw it then for the first time, it was inex- 

 pressibly beautiful. Low as its waters were said to be, rapidly as its stream was 

 flowing, the great surprise was that its pools were bo wide, so frequent, and 



