COASTAL WINDS AND THEIR INFLUENCE UPON FISH. 45 



more it will be seen that if this evil effect of the adverse 

 winds could be overcome by retaining the fish-eggs instead 

 of letting them drift away, much good would be attained. 

 Fish culture is the only means to this end, and has in many 

 countries demonstrated its beneficial influences. 



A final phase of the relation between winds and the fish 

 is that as this year's wind conditions determine what like 

 the fisheries shall be four years hence, viz., in 1911, and 

 last year's winds dealt with the eggs that should make up 

 the catches in 1910, we have in the wind records suitable 

 materials to form a "forecast" for each of the next four 

 years to come. 



On reference to Diagram H it will be seen that as the 

 winds in 1902, 1903, and 1904 were favourable, so ought 

 also the fishing to be in 1908 (which happened) and in 1907 

 and 1908. It is not desired, however, that much promin- 

 ence shall for the present be given to this apparently very 

 important aspect of the matter. There are too great 

 interests involved, and while the experience of time adds 

 value to the existing evidence, those most directly con- 

 cerned had better continue as formerly, by taking things 

 by chance. In the meanwhile it will be interesting to 

 watch future developments, and I feel confident that by 

 each succeeding year we approach a stage of greater cer- 

 tainty, when fisheries investigations on a scientific basis 

 will also in Australia become the recognised means for 

 determining important problems, and the general guide to 

 advancement and progress. 



