Holt — Survey of Fishmg Grounds, West Coast of Ireland. 397 



HADDOCK — Gadiis csglefnus. 

 Total number caught, 112. 

 Number examined, 58 — Males, 19. Females, 39. 

 Number approaching Eipeness, 4 — Males, 3. Females, 1. 

 Number Kipe, 10— Males, 0. Females, 10. 

 Number Spent, 39— Males, 14. Females, 25. 



The remainder of those examined 'were immature. 



Table showing the Distribution in Months. 



Table showing Percentage to Number of Same Sex Examined in Month. 



These observations only show that spawning takes place in April and May. How- 

 ever, the pelagic ova were extremely abundant at the surface at the end of March. I 

 do not know what significance ought to be attached to the occurrence of half -ripe males 

 in July. Probably the spawning period extends from February^ to May, inclusive, 

 but is chiefly in March and April. In Scotch waters, Fulton says that this fish begins 

 to spawn to a slight extent at the end of January, but spawns chiefly in Februarv, 

 March, and April. 



Distribution of Spawning Fish. 



The ripe fish, all females, occurred at considerable depths, viz. 2 at 38 fathoms, 

 1 at 46 to 44 fathoms, 3 at 70 and 80 fathoms, and 4 at 154 fathoms. Ova were taken 

 near the surface above these last. Fulton does not seem to consider his evidence on the 

 spawning places in Scotch waters conclusive ; but it appears that spawning is not con- 

 fined to the off-shore waters, and the same is probably the case with regard to the Irish 

 coast, although the majority probably spawn at considerable depths. 



1 Post-larval haddock (?) appeared in the tow -nets at the end of March. 



SCIEN. PROC. R.D.S., VOL. VII., PART IV. 2 I 



