CCXXVIU 



I wouKl sug'gest tliat I could give no, opinion respecting Assam until 

 after tiie receipt of the present reports (as I Lave never been in the pro- 

 vince), and have to observe from such the state of the fisheries until I am 

 able personally to proceed there.] The Deputi/ Commissioner of Burning 

 (October 9tli, 1872) observes — there is good reason to suppose that the 

 supply of fish is falling olf. Fish has become of late years much dearer^ 

 the fisheries are falling in value, and many of the Dome fishermen are, 

 in consequence, I believe, taking to agricultural pursuits. With, per- 

 haps, the exception of some Marwari merchants and some sepoys, fish 

 would be consumed by all classes in this district could tliey get it, but, 

 as it is, the sup[>ly by no means equals the demand. Fish is neither 

 salted, dried, nor exported, but some is imported. Fish are neither put 

 in tanks nor reared, but on the contrary all means are employed for 

 their destruction and that of their spawn. Everything from a weir to 

 a basket is used, and the meshes of nets are so small that no fry can 

 escape. Tlie fish never have rest, and must decrease in numbers. The 

 only measure for conservation possible would be regulating the smallest 

 size of the meshes permitted. The prevention of the destruction of the 

 fry in the fields is a more serious consideration, as the people ibr years 

 have procured daily meals from them, and to suddenl}' wiLlidraw the pri- 

 vilege, even although it would be doubtless much to their eventual 

 advautaffc, miij'ht cause discontent and trouble. " In case of tiic enact- 

 ment of fishery laws (and, if the supply of fish is to be kept up, they 

 are most necessary), I am of opinion that they should not come in force 

 all at once, but be tried first in one district and then in another, and 

 even then but partially, going further and further as the people become 

 more accustomed to them. The nets and the regular fishermen might 

 be first commenced with, and when the latter were quieted, and the cry 

 (which would be certain to arise) that Government was going to put a 

 tax on fish got over, other sections of the law might be put in force." 

 The Brpuli) Commissioner of Nowgong replies : — " My own originally 

 acquired knowledge on the subject of fishes is most limited, my study 

 and attention during my Indian career having been devoted principally 

 to ponies, goats, and cats; but from intelligent natives I have been able 

 to glean the following information." There is no reason to suppose that 

 the supply of fish is falling oft'; it is largely consumed by all classes, 

 except Hindu Marwari traders or kyahs, who entirely eschew fish. The 

 upper classes of Hindus do not preserve, dry, or salt fish at all ; but hill 

 tribes, as the INIikirs, Lalungs, and Cacharies, dry it ; also low-caste Hindus, 

 as Domes and Charals, as well as Mahomedans. Dried fish is said to be 

 largely exported to Paniniur on the borders of the Naga hills district, 

 where a ready sale is found for it. Fish are neither privately bred nor 

 jHit into tanks in the district. " 1 do not think that any measures for 

 conservation of fish seem to be necessary or called for." The Depuly 

 Commissioner of Seebsagar observes, — " the supply of fish is not, in my 

 opinion, I'alling off; not only is every stream well stocked with fish, but 

 at this season of the year, the drains alongside of roads, paddy-fields 

 and ponds all contain an ample supply of fish, and are regularly fished by 

 the pcojile. 'J"he Assamese of all classes eat fish, and the consumption 

 is, therefore, very great, and the wholesale destruction which is always 

 ,gi)ing ou of the small fiy \V(;u'd lead one to suppose the supply would 



