304 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



You are therefore requested to furnish accurate answers 

 to the following questions : — 



1. What was the precise date of Che first appearance of 



herring during the present year, and in any other 

 years of which you have accurate record ? 



2. If there are distinct spring, summer, and winter 



herring fisheries, state the date of the com- 

 mencement and ending of each. 



3. Do the fishermen distinguish different kinds among 



the herrings ? 



4. Do they regard some sorts as native herrings and 



others as visitors ? 



5. Are full-grown herrings ever taken in the hauling 



of nets that may be used in fishing, at times not 

 included in the herring season ? 



6. Are young herrings taken in this or other modes 



(as in sprat nets, for instance), throughout the 

 year, or in any part of it besides the herring 

 season ? 



7. What is the average length of the herring taken 



on this station ? and what is the size of mesh in 

 the nets used ? 



8. If there are distinct spring, summer, and winter 



fisheries, is there any marked difference of size 

 and condition between the herrings of each ? 



9. Send three specimens — ungutted and preserved in 



strong spirits — of what is considered to be the 

 average herring at your station, stating the pre- 

 cise time at which they were taken. 



10. If there are spring, summer, and winter fisheries, 



send specimens of each fishery, stating the precise 

 time at which they were taken. 



11. If any distinction is made between native herrings 



