250 THE SALMON 



their opinion, injurious to navigation. They were 

 also empowered to inquire into the legality of all 

 fishing weirs with regard to which new regulations 

 were imposed as to free gaps. 



OFFENCES AGAINST THE SALMON FISHERY 

 ACTS 



i. Poisoning Fish. — Causing or knowingly per- 

 mitting any liquid or solid matter to flow into 

 water containing salmon, or into any tributaries 

 thereof, to such an extent as to cause the waters to 

 poison salmon. 



In England and Scotland no person is guilty 

 of this offence if he proves he has used the best 

 practical means, within a reasonable cost, to render 

 such matter harmless. It is a further offence in 

 Ireland to be found on or near a salmon river in 

 possession of poisonous matter with intent to use it 

 for the destruction of fish. 



2. Using Illegal Instruments. — Using any light, 

 leister, spear, otter, stroke-haul, gaff (except as an 

 auxiliary to rod and line, when not forbidden by bye- 

 law, or when used for removing fish from boxes or 

 cribs), or other instrument for the purpose of taking 

 salmon. 



In England and Scotland it is an offence to be 



