ceix 



for any bridges in its course, if they are not injured or carried away/' 

 para. 57. "That bunding rivers for fishing purposes be absolutely pro- 

 hibited/'' para. 60.] The Deputy Commissioner of Rangoon (March 22nd, 

 1872) stated, " I have reason to believe that the damming up of the 

 water does inundate the country round Pegu, and I fear a similar 

 result is felt in other parts of the district. There is much land in the 

 Syriam township kept uncultivated for the personal benefit of a few 

 fishermen/'' The Senior Revenue Settlement Officer (March 21st, 1872) 

 reported that in the Rangoon District, in some tidal streams, certain 

 large fishery dams exist, which appear to be productive of great evils. 

 ' ' The dams are permanent structures. The fishery-holders also put up, 

 within the limits of their fisheries, numerous small dams termed baling- 

 out dams, while creeks not claimed by the fishery lessees fall to the share 

 of the villagers, who forthwith choke them up in all directions with 

 small dams. These, it is true, are broken down in the rains, but stakes 

 and debris remain, which contribute more or less to impede the flow of 

 the water. The principal dams have been in existence some years ; one, 

 indeed, is said to have been erected in the time of the Burmese rule, but 

 more probably was about the time of the last war, when the affairs of the 

 country were in some confusion, for from enquiries made, it appears that 

 under the Burmese Government dams were not allowed in any of the 

 main streams ; they cause the channels to silt up, hinder the passage of 

 boats, and land is rendered difficult of access. Owing to the above causes, 

 it has to be assessed at a much lower rate than it would be under other 

 conditions. Crops are frequently destroyed by floods owing to the obstruc- 

 tions to the flow of water, and revenue is lost through this conversion 

 of extensive tracts of land into swampy wastes, which, prior to the con- 

 struction of the dams, were well cultivated. The loss of revenue, which 

 the removal of the dams might at first sight seem to threaten, may 

 be provided against if the neighbouring pond fisheries, and all places 

 suitable for the formation of such fisheries, be assessed for terms of 

 years, as the opening of the main streams will enhance their value, and 

 low spots unfitted for cultivation, and now unremunerative, may be 

 readily turned to a very profitable account, as fisheries, and even in the first 

 year of the removal of the dams, no loss of revenue need be incurred." 

 [The Deputy Commissioner of the District was directed to see to their 

 removal before the rains, and prior to the new settlement.] 



385. The following are the native reports, including the modes 



Observations upon the native of fishin g in n the ^. ^ aters > showing which 

 official reports. nets are taxed and which untaxed. 



386. In the Akyab District, the native official reports that out of 



a population of 268,000 persons, 1,982 took 

 A Opinion of native official of out licenses for fishing in the ^strict this 



year ; some work as fishermen entirely, others 



also follow other occupations. They are composed of Mussulmen termed 

 " Judiahs,'" Madrassees, and natives of Chittagong, Arakan, and Burma. 

 The markets are fairly supplied with fish : during spring-tides the most are 

 taken from the sea, and the least during the neaplR " More could be sold, 

 but if more were brought to market, the price would fall, and then per- 

 haps it would not pay the fishermen. The whole population eat fish, the 

 K>ply of which is stationary. Very small fish are taken in the 

 " 



