[ 388 ] 



XXIX. 



SURVEY OF FISHING GROUNDS, WEST COAST OF IRE- 

 LAND, 1890-1891. REPORTS ON THE SCIENTIFIC 

 EVIDENCE BEARING ON THE ECONOMIC ASPECTS 

 OF THE FISHES COLLECTED DURING THE SURVEY. 

 By ERNEST W. L. HOLT, Assistant Naturalist to the Survey. 



(communicated by peofessoe a. C. HADBON", M.A., E.Z.S.) 

 [Read November 18, 1891.] 



Introductory. 



In drawing up this Report I have endeavoured, as far as possible, 

 to follow Dr. Wemyss Fulton in the arrangement and treatment 

 of the various branches of inquiry. Saoh a course is manifestly 

 for the convenience of those interested in the subject ; and, more- 

 over, in the very valuable papers alluded to (Fulton, 8th Ann. 

 Rep. S. F. B.) we are fortunate in possessing an excellent model. 

 I have therefore divided my remarks imder the following 

 lieadings : — 



(i.) The Spawning Period and Distribution of Spawning 

 Fish (p. 389). 



(ii.) The definition o£ Immature Fish, and comparison of the 

 Habitats of Mature and Immature Fish (pp. 418, 

 428). 



(iii.) The effect of different Nets upon the capture of Imma- 

 ture Fish (p. 454). 



(iv.) The Food of Fishes (p. 457). 



(v.) Suggestions offered as to the possible utility of some 

 unsaleable Fish (p. 471). 



The results are given in tabular form when this appears desir- 

 able. Wherever percentages are employed the actual numbers 

 may be found in the context. 



