The Inn, Muchalls, Monday, 9th October 1876. 



Present : 



Spencer Walpole and Archibald Young, Esquires. 



Alexander Leper {examined by Mr. Walpole). Lives at Muchalls ; has CRABS, 

 been a fisherman 40 years j has fished for crabs all that time. There are now 

 five boats ; 40 years ago there were three boats. They fish also for haddock 

 and herring, and for crabs all the year through except during May, June, July, 

 and August, when they are on the herring fishery. Commences crab fishing in 

 September, and fishes all through the winter to the following May. In the 

 winter crabs are used as bait. There are five men in a boat, and each man has a Used for bait. 

 creel. 40 years ago used to use two or three creels per man. Doesn't think that 

 the crabs are scarcer, but can't get freedom to take them. The Stonehaven and 

 Cowie men fishing with long lines find their lines get foul with the creels 

 and then cut the gear of the crab lines. The Stonehaven men fish for crabs 

 themselves. This conduct keeps the Muchalls men from crabbing, and so they 

 can't get crabs. If it wasn't for this there would be as many crabs caught as 

 ever. Has often had his own gear cut. The Stonehaven men say they do 

 this, and that they will do it again. The ground extends from Carron Ness on 

 the north to Dunnottar Castle on the south. This is about three miles long. 

 This was the best crab ground between Stonehaven and Aberdeen ; it is a patch 

 of rock in the middle of the sand. The conduct of the Stonehaven men keeps 

 them off it now. If it wasn't for the Stonehaven men the crab fishing would be 

 as good as ever. The conduct of the Stonehaven men took 1001. out of 

 Muchalls village this season. There are no fewer crabs in the sea this year, 

 but every year is not alike. The crabs cast their shells in the latter end of Soft. 

 October. After the 1st November it would be a good thing to prevent their 

 being caught. November, December, and January being closed would not Close time. 

 injure the "fishermen. Could get other bait in those months. There are not 

 many small crabs taken. They get out of the creels. The 2-inch crabs get 

 out of the creels. 



(By Mr. Young.) Every third hook on the long lines is baited with crabs, Used for bait. 

 while two thirds of the hooks are baited with mussels and bullock's liver. The 

 mussels come from Montrose and Port Glasgow, and cost about 11. per ton for 

 carriage. If crabs were prohibited as bait could get other bait for the long 

 lines. Recollects smacks coming down from London for crabs, but they did 

 not occasion any scarcity. There is no meat in the crabs in November. A 

 gauge would be no test of condition, only of size. 



Alexander Christie of Muchalls (examined by Mr. Young). Has been 

 a fisherman since he was 16, is now 72. Came to the village of Muchalls in 

 1823. Has a long acquaintance with the crab fishing. There are not nearly so Decrease. 

 many crabs now as there were when he was young. They are full as big in 

 size, but they have fallen off in number. When he began there were only two 

 boats out of Muchalls. Each boat had 12 creels and 4 men. Crabs then 

 were Is. and I4d. a dozen. They have this year been as high as 4s. or 5s. per p rice . 

 dozen. Most of the crabs here are large. They use the crabs in November, Usea - for bait. 

 December, and January as bait, but it would be a good thing not to catch 

 them in those months. Does not think it would do any good to return the close time. 

 small crabs. Agrees generally with Mr. Leper's evidence. It is 10 or 12 years 

 since he was actively engaged in the fishery. 



Alexander Christie (examined by Mr. Walpole). Nephew of the pre- 

 ceding witness. Lives at Muchalls, is 50 years old, has fished all his life ; 

 began fishing in 1845. There are not so many crabs now as there were in Decrease. 

 1845. But would get as many crabs as ever, if he could go to the old ground. 

 Can't go there now because the Stonehaven and Cowie men destroy their creels. 

 Has often had his own gear destroyed. There are just as many crabs if he 

 could go to the same ground. Thinks that in November, December, and 

 January crabs are of no use for food, and very little for bait, and that these close Ume: 

 months therefore ought to be closed. They don't seek the crabs in February 

 and March. Only care for September and October. The trawlers don't come 

 here, and the great thing would be to stop the Stonehaven and Cowie men inter- 

 fering with them. The Stonehaven boats have gradually increased from 6 to 



40353. K 



