of the Fishery Board J or Scotland. 



231 



prosecution of the fishing, was the introduction of engines fitted with 

 reverse gear. Three of the new boats that were built for local owners 

 were fitted with such engines, while an old engine was removed from the 

 boat in which it had been previously fitted, and one having reverse gear 

 put in its place. All these engines are of the " Kelvin " type, and are 

 giving complete satisfaction to their owners. 



The herring fishing was, as usual, prosecuted by seine nets throughout 

 the whole year by the fishermen of Campbeltown and Carradale, and was 

 attended with a considerable measure of success. In fact, not for many 

 years has this branch of the industry been so prosperous. This was due, 

 to a great extent, to the long periods of favourable weather which pre- 

 vailed during the year — especially throughout the summer months — the 

 fleet being able, in consequence, to get regularly to sea. Nearly all the 

 herrings were caught in Kilbrannan Sound, and, although it was seldom 

 that the fishings were heavy, the shoals were always found to be on the 

 grounds, and regular supplies were therefore obtained. The best results 

 were got during the months of April, August, September, and October, 

 September being the most successful month of the year. 



A few crews fished with drift-nets for several weeks in the early part 

 of the summer, but, as in the past few years, poor success was met with. 

 This method of fishing does not seem to be suitable for the waters of 

 Kilbrannan Sound, and is now seldom adopted. 



The herrings caught during the greater part of the year were of splendid 

 quality, and, as there was always a keen demand for them, prices ruled 

 exceptionally high, especially from the beginning of June to the end of the 

 year. The average price per cran for the year's catch is 29s. 9d., as against 

 24s. Id. for that of 1912, and 17s. Id. for 1911. The great advance in 

 prices within the last two years has been brought about by the opening of 

 curing stations at Campbeltown by several curers from other districts. 

 Fishermen, consequently, benefited very much by the increased demand, 

 and, as the catch for the last twelve months was an exceptionally good 

 one, it is evident that they experienced a very remunerative -year. Two 

 pairs of skiffs belonging to the district grossed for the year fully £2000 a 

 pair. Most of the other crews also made good earnings, although a few, 

 as is always the case with those engaged in this uncertain calling, were but 

 meagrely rewarded for their efiorts. 



Curing for exportation was carried on more extensively than in any 

 former year. Operations were commenced early in January, and, although 

 more than half of the quantity cured during the year was dealt with in 

 September, and October, a portion of each month's catch was pickled, and 

 fully 5000 barrels were shipped coastwise to Glasgow. 



With regard to line fishing, the past year, as already stated, was a poor 

 one, and the returns of fish caught by this means, when compared with 

 those of the preceding year, show a considerable decrease in the catch at 

 each creek in the district where it is carried on. It is to be regretted that 

 this branch of the industry continues to decline so rapidly, as a number of 

 the older fishermen, who are unable to obtain berths in the herring fleet, 

 have little else to depend on for their livelihood. For a number of years 

 several crews of Portnahaven, and Portwemyss fishermen visited the Mull 

 of Kintyre regularly each summer for the purpose of catching and cuiing 

 cod and saithe, but owing to the poor success which attended their efforts 

 at this fishing in recent years — especially in 1912 — none of them left home 

 during last summer. The cod fishing at Portnahaven was disappointing, 

 and for the first time for some years no cod were cured at the port, all the 

 catch being required for immediate use. The returns from Gigha also 

 show a great decrease in the quantity of cod cured, the figures beii^g 

 79 cwts. in 1913, against 189 cwts. in 1912. At Campbeltown and Bowmore 



