THE BOON 381 



may say that in 1907 it was estimated that 673 was the score. In 

 the lower reaches, from Monkwood water downwards, the score of 

 salmon taken by rod varies from about 80 to about 300. In 1908 

 the total for the Doon is reported as only 372. The autumn 

 especially was a very bad one for angling. 



The Doon fisheries have passed through several periods of 

 depression owing to pollution and over-netting, but under the better 

 regulation and supervision which now obtain, the river, as may be 

 judged from the above scores, has risen to very considerable value. 

 Moreover, the proprietors are further considering propositions for its 

 improvement, and, if the necessary combination of interests can only 

 be satisfactorily secured, I have no doubt the value of the Doon will 

 still further increase. 



RIVER GIRVAN. 



ANGLING SEASON : 25th February to 31st October. 

 NETTING SEASON : 25th February to 9th September. 



District Board meets in Girvan. J. Gerald Tait, Esq., Solicitor, Girvan, is Clerk. 



The Girvan rises in the high ground of Carrick from a little 

 lochan called Loch Girvan Eye. As a small stream it flows north- 

 ward past the head waters of the Stinchar, through Lochs Cornish, 

 Skelloch, Lure, and Bradan, passes close to Loch Derclach and Loch 

 Finks, which send their waters into Loch Doon (and also nowadays, 

 I believe, to the town of Ayr), and, after bending to the westward, 

 falls over Fairlaw Linn. On account of this high linn this section of 

 the river is closed to salmon. 



The river from the linn to the sea has a course of 23 miles, making 

 a wide bend to the north-west by Straiton and Kirkmichael, and 

 then flowing south-west, with many windings, to the town of Girvan 

 on the coast. So great is the sweep northwards taken by the river, 

 that though the total length is some 30 odd miles, the source to sea 

 distance is only 14 miles. 



No one who is familiar with the Girvan would describe it as a 

 rough river, as has been done by a recent writer. In many parts it 

 is sluggish, winding upon itself as sluggish rivers do. In other parts 

 the general character is like that of the Doon ; there are pleasant 

 pools alternating with more or less gentle runs. Only in the top- 

 most section is there any roughness. It is a river with thick, grassy 

 banks and many trees, fine parks, and picturesque old castles. 



