284 



Appendices to Thirty-second Ayinual Report 



(6) By sweep net in tidal or fresh waters — 40 (at Craigengillan). 

 (c) By rod and line— Fully 180. 



2. The catch in relation to that of former years was below the average. Most 



of the fish were killed in September. 



3. Sea trout were very scarce. 



4. The weight of the heaviest salmon taken during the season was 23 lb. 

 The fish was caught at Monkwood. 



Protection— 



1. The assessable rental for 1913 was £502. 



2. The assessment levied was 8s. 6d. per £, which should have yielded 



£213 7s. The assessments actually received, including arrears, were 

 £214 3s. 9d. 



3. The water bailiffs employed are 2 in number permanently, and 1 tempor- 



arily (in autunm). 



4. Two prosecutions were mstituted, but both were abandoned. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish — 



1. Dam dykes disused, built, or in prospect : — None. 



2. Are the bye-laws observed in every case ? — Yes, with the exception of 



the hecks. There is some trouble occasionally with the millers, who 

 claim a right to keep hecks open for several months in winter when 

 leaves are coming down. Meantime these are all kept closed ; and it 

 is proposed to take steps to compel the observance of the bye-laws next 

 year, if there is any trouble. 



3. Fish passes built or in prospect : — None. 



Pollutions— 



The existing pollutions are : — There is no pollution supposed to be in- 

 jurious to health, but pollution which is supposed to prevent the fish 

 rising to fly. The old pollution from Skeldon Mill continues, but one 

 of the bail^s has a key, and lets this out when river in high flood only. 

 Counsel's opinion was taken regarding the Skeldon pollution, but it 

 hardly justifies strong action being taken. An attempt is, however, 

 being made to get the mill-owners to assist the Board to have things 

 improved. 



The Salmon Disease- 

 There was no disease. 



The Spawning Season— 



1. Fish were first noticed spawning in November. 



2. The greatest number spawned in December. 



3. Spawning ceased in December. 



4. There were few spawning fish. The water was verj*^ low. 

 Smolts— 



S molts were noticed to be migrating seawards mostly m June. 



REPORT FROM GIRVAN DISTRICT. 



Take of Fish— 



1. The number of salmon and grilse was : — 



{a) By fixed engines m the sea — About 750 salmon— 430 grilse and 



250 sea trout (reported by lessees). 

 (6) By rod and line — 44 salmon and 67 sea trout. 



2. Sea trout : — 



(a) The number taken was about 250 by fixed engine, and 67 bj^ rod. 

 (6) As compared with previous years a poor trout year. 



3. The weight of the heaviest salmon taken during the season was 4H lb. 

 The particulars of method and place of capture are : — In a bag net in July. 



