XC111 



and Gavara Comoties or Banians, eat fish, either fresh or salted. The 

 amount in the waters remains stationary. The usual size of the mesh of 

 nets will allow the little finger to be introduced. The Tehsildar of JBer- 

 hampore observes that some of the fishermen are engaged in cultivation ; 

 some work at ferries, others are also labourers. The castes that fish in the 

 fresh waters are the Tero, Kevuti, Kandra, and Mila. The local markets 

 are fully supplied, but more are not captured than could be sold. About 

 200,000 persons of all castes, except Telugu Brahmins and Comoties, a 

 few of the Oriya Brahmins and Ranguni and Pattusali (a set among 

 weavers) eat fish, but they prefer it fresh. The usual size of the mesh of 

 the nets is as large as a two, four, or eight-anna piece. 



Vizagapatam Collectorate, no 172. In the Vizagapatam Collector ate no 



answers. returns from subordinate Native officials. 



173. In the Godaveri Collectorate, the Tehsildar of Ramachendra- 

 pur reports that fishermen are likewise em- 

 Pj^ as boatmen, servants, and coolies. The 

 Pallevallu and Bestavallu fish in back and 

 fresh waters. The local markets are insufficiently supplied. The num- 

 ber of the fish-eating population cannot be correctly ascertained, but 

 all castes do so, except Brahmins, Banians, and some of the gold- 

 smiths ; both salt and fresh are equally appreciated. The supply in 

 the waters has not increased of late years. The Teksildar of Amalapuram 

 states that the fishermen employ most of their time at fishing, while 

 a few are engaged in cutting firewood, making and selling nets, or as 

 boatmen. Fish are only sold at the weekly fairs. About 141,927 

 persons of all castes, except Brahmins, Banians, Goldsmiths, and a few 

 others, eat fish, preferring it fresh. The amount in the waters has 

 decreased of late years. The size of the mesh of the nets is from half 

 a rupee to one rupee in circumference. Basket traps are used for fishing. 

 The Tehsildar of Narsapuram reports that the fishermen known as 

 Pallevallu and Bestavallu, also the Vaddi caste in certain villages, fish 

 in rivers and back-waters, but besides fishing they employ themselves as 

 boatmen for hire. The fish-eating population is 53,846. The markets 

 appear to be well supplied ; fresh and salt are indiscriminately eaten. 

 The supply of fish in the waters has decreased of late years. The usual 

 size of the mesh of the nets varies from one-fourth of an inch to 12 inches 

 in circumference. The Tehsildar of Rajahmundry observes that the fisher- 

 men do not otherwise employ themselves. All- except Brahmins, 

 Banians, and some of the goldsmiths, eat fish, about 70,000 in number; 

 the local markets are insufficiently supplied except at certain seasons 

 [when the shad ascend the Godaveri and are stopped at the Dowlaish- 

 weram weir.] Fish have decreased of late years. The size of the mesh 

 of the nets is from one-fourth to three inches in circumference. The Tehsil- 

 dar of Bhimavaram states that the fishermen are also employed as cultiva- 

 tors. About 70,000 persons of all castes, except Brahmins, Banians, and 

 a few goldsmiths, eat fish, preferring it fresh. It cannot be ascertained 

 if the fish have increased or decreased, " as every one is allowed to fish 

 as he likes since the abolition of the renting system." The size of the 

 mesh of the nets varies from one-fourth of a rupee to a rupee. Basket 

 and other snares are used in fishing. The Tehsildar of Tanuku replies 



