126 v NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SALMON. 



to the new style, the close-time established by the Act of 

 1424 was from the 15th August until the 30th November 

 (N. S.) 



But by the Act 9 Geo. IV., c. 39, 1828, commonly 

 called "The Home Drummond Act," the annual close- 

 time was altered, so as to last from the 14th September 

 until the 1st of February. This Act does not apply to 

 the Solway, or its tributaries, or to the Tweed, and the 

 close-time in the Tay was, by the Tay Fisheries Act of 

 1858, enlarged, so as to commence on the 26th of August 

 and to end on the 1st January, (this is a mistake, it 

 should have been the 31st of January.) With these 

 exceptions, the annual close-time for salmon fishing in 

 Scotland is still regulated by the Act of 1828. 



The Committee, after noticing the evidence generally, 

 state, " After giving their best consideration to the evi- 

 dence submitted to them, the Committee are of opinion 

 that, with a view to the improvement of the salmon 

 fisheries in Scotland, all cruives and fixed engines, of 

 whatever kind, both in rivers and in the sea, should 

 be abolished, and, at all events, no new fixed engines, 

 of any description, should be permitted to be erected," 

 etc. 



James I., 1424, c. 35, (Repealed by George IV., c. 

 39) : " It is ordained by the Parliament, and forbidden 

 by the King, that onie salmound be slaine frae the Feast 

 of the Assumption of our Ladie quhill the Feast of St 

 Andrew in winter, nouther with nettes, nor cruves, nor 

 nane otherwaies, under the paine put upon slayers of 

 red fish, quilk alswa the Justice- Clerk sail gar inquire." 



There are other three Acts of James I. regarding the 

 salmon ; one of James II. ; two of James III. ; three of 

 James IV.; one of James V.; one of Queen Mary; three 

 of James VI. ; one of James VII. ; two of William III. ; 



