STATUTE LAWS. 159 



execution, will restore the fish to its former abund- 

 ance. I here venture briefly to recapitulate the 

 outlines of my plan, which is, First, that the 

 natural history and habits of the salmon should 

 be understood as well as possible, in order that 

 the subject may be discussed and conducted 

 with every advantage. Secondly, that on the 

 progress of the fish from the sea to the rivers in 

 the autumn, for the purpose of breeding, he should 

 meet with no artificial obstructions to his attaining 

 the sand-beds, where alone the pea can be advan- 

 tageously shed. Thirdly, that such fish, during 

 the breeding season, when the rivers are put in 

 defence, should be protected by the strictest laws. 

 Fourthly, that the old or spent fish should on 

 no account be destroyed at any time whilst they 

 remain unseasonable, but should have free and 

 uninterrupted access to the salt water. Fifthly, 

 that the salmon fry or spawn should not be taken, 

 but should have free access to the sea also. 

 Sixthly, that no salmon should be taken by any 

 other ways or means than by a fair net of two inches 

 and a half broad in the mesh, during the period 

 specified by the sessions ; and that all unlawful nets 

 should be seized in the first instance. Seventhly, 

 that all coops and fish-traps across and by the sides 

 of rivers and streams should be prohibited. 

 Eighthly, that all weirs, if not absolutely destroyed, 

 should be so - constructed as to admit the free 

 passage of salmon, at all times of the year, up and 

 down rivers. And, ninthly, that a sufficient num- 



