of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



201 



ropes, 6 to 8 fathoms in length, a considerable number of crews fitting the 

 whole, or a large part, of their fleet of nets with these. Some fishermen 

 were of opinion that the long buoy ropes were an improvement in fine 

 weather, others were doubtful, but towards the end of the season nearly 

 all had reverted to the ordinary buoy rope, 3 fathoms in length. The best- 

 fished vessel, a steam drifter, grossed fully £1800, while a few sail boats 

 were under £100. The average price of herrings landed by steam drifters 

 was 36s. Id. per cran, by motor boats 34s. 7d., by sail boats 33s. 7d., the 

 average price for the whole catch being 35s. 7d. The value of herrings 

 landed was £81,000 more than the previous year, although the catch was 

 close upon 15,000 crans less. 



The most productive fishing grounds have been generally 20 to 60 miles 

 north-east, and north-north-east from Kinnaird, but during July, when fish 

 were scarce on these grounds, steamers brought supplies from 70 to 80 

 miles east-south-east. 



The cured market was buoyant throughout the season, but owing to the 

 high prices paid for the fresh article, the curers' margin of profit was small. 

 The quality of the fish from the middle of June onwards was very good, 

 and very few spent fish were landed. 



Exports went on slowly but steadily during the season, and a con- 

 siderable quantity was sent coastwise to Leith, and by rail to Aberdeen 

 and Glasgow. At the end of September 9000 barrels remained on hand. 



A large quantity of mackerel was caught during the herring-fishing 

 season, which sold at a very low price. Mackerel caught at this season 

 are apparently not suitable for splitting and curing with salt, and the whole 

 catch was therefore " freshed " or tinned. 



With the exception of Hng, eels, and dabs, which show a small increase, 

 all other kinds of line-caught fish show a falling off, especially cod, haddocks, 

 and whiting. During most of the year fish appeared to be scarcer than 

 usual on the ordinary fishing grounds. It is hoped that by the introduc- 

 tion of motors into line-fishing boats a new impetus may be given to this 

 branch of the industry. 



There is only one factory which deals in bye-products. The company 

 who own the factory have dealt with the whole of the fish offal produced 

 in the district. After the oil is extracted, the residue is artificially dried 

 and sold as manure. 



The local School Boards still continue evening classes for teaching 

 navigation to fishermen. At an examination in March, 6 fishermen got 

 certificates as extra masters, 23 as skippers, and 10 as second hands. In 

 connection with the fishing industry, evening classes are also held in marine 

 engineering, marine motors, cookery, coopering, and fish-curing ; and, in 

 addition, a course of lectures on fishes, their food and habits, has recently 

 been commenced. 



The number of whole and half barrels made in the district shows a 

 large increase. Several fish-curers introduced into their cooperages 

 machinery for dressing staves and ends. Coopers were fully employed 

 throughout the year. 



Thirty-two cargoes of fishery stock were sent to England, and a large 

 number of barrels were also sent to that quarter by rail, 15 cargoes were 

 sent to Shetland, 6 to Orkney, 6 to Stornoway, and 9 cargoes of tinned 

 herrings were sent to London ; while 31 cargoes of staves and hoops and 

 17 cargoes of fishery salt were imported. Three of the latter came from 

 Torreviega. The fishery salt manufactured in that quarter is apparently 

 very suitable for herring-curing, and gave satisfaction to all who used it. 



Boat-builders were well employed. Towards the end of the year there 

 was a great demand for wooden steam drifters, and the firms who build 

 this class of vessel are fully booked up for next year, while several orders 

 10* 



