622 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVII. 



into the true condition of things. It may as well be admitted at once, and at 

 this stage, that it is because I have failed so signally to catch fish on my rod 

 and line that I originally felt impelled, as it were, to go into this matter 

 somewhat more closely. With me the subject is, it may possibly be thought by 

 some, a trifle delicate. In any case there is no advantage in dilating on it. 



We have next to see how far this prima facie case is actually supported, not 

 only by the universal nature of the outcry, already given prominence to, but by 

 a somewhat detailed and impartial examination of (1) the precise methods of 

 destruction adopted and by (2) as complete an examination of the species of 

 fish that are known to stock these waters as is possible. 



//. — Various Methods adopted in taking Creek Fish in Koldba. 

 I find that there are as many as 14 common types of nets used in Kolaba, all 

 with a local nomenclature. There are three kinds of night and day lines, and 

 three traps, making a grand total of 20 implements ! Of this total, however, 

 in so far as the creeks are concerned, we need only refer to and describe the 

 following nets. The traps will be referred to generally, and the night lines may 

 safely be ignored. It is necessary to enter into a c'ose study of some of the 

 nets, however, in order to correctly appreciate tne truth of the preliminary 

 conclusion which has been arrived at, and in order to make my description 

 still clearer, I h»ve had small working models prepared for the inspection of 

 the members. Thanks to the great kindness of Col. Bannerman, I. M. S., 

 (the well-known Plague expert) and of Dr. Rowland (also of the Plague 



Research Labora- 

 tory) I am enabled 

 to publish photo- 

 graphs of some of 

 these models, as well 

 as of one or two of 

 the nets in use. 

 These illustrations 

 will, I feel sure, ren- 

 der my descriptions 

 clearer, and far more 

 interesting than they 

 could otherwise 



Photo A. nave been - 



(a) Stake Nets. 



1. Bholcsi (^i%flY).— This stake net, s>s used on this coast, is, without excep- 

 tion , the most comprehensively destructive arrangement conceivable. The 

 net resembles a truncated cone, with an oval entrance. This entrance between 

 stakes varies from 5J' to 33' according to the size of the water to be dealt 

 with. Thus a net with an entrance 5£' would be nearly 20 feet in length and 

 with an entrance of 33' it has a length of close on 135 feet or, say, 45 yards. 



