30 



Appendices to Twenty -seventh Annual Report 



upon exclusive and restrictive rights in the interests of the fishing proprietors. 

 The Association has enlisted the sympathy of both proprietors and the public 

 by safeguarding the rights of the former and the privileges of the latter. Their 

 policy is to restrict commercialism in the interests of sport, and as a consequence 

 of restricted netting the stock has increased so greatly that both the nets and 

 the rods reap the benefit. Were the Leven to be cleansed and the Endrick 

 scrupulously guarded it is impossible to estimate how greatly the yield would be 

 increased, but it is safe to say that, for sea trout especially, few waters could in 

 this country compete with Loch Lomond. 



REPORT FROM AYR DISTRICT. 



Take of Fish— 



2. Actual number of fish caught has been as follows : — 



The number of fish caught, so far as officially known, was 175, but 

 there is ample reason to believe that the actual number caught 

 was far in excess of that figure. 

 As the proprietors do not keep an accurate record, or any record at 

 all, of the times when and the actual number of fish caught, it is 

 impossible to give reliable information on the subject. The 

 majority of fish are usually caught in October, but this year the 

 best takes were earlier in the year. 

 4. The weight of the heaviest salmon taken during the season was 20 lbs., so 

 far as officially known. 

 The particulars of time and place of capture are : — Caught on Gadgirth 

 water in the second week in July. 



Protection— 



1. The assessable rental for 1908 was £159 10s. 



2. The assessment levied was £159 10s. 



3. The water bailiffs employed are two in number. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish— 



3. Fish passes built or in prospect : — In conjunction with the proprietors, the 

 Board during the year built a pass in the lower weir at Oatrine, which 

 was a serious obstruction to the passage of salmon. The proprietors of 

 Catrine Cotton Works also inserted a pass in the upper weir, so that the 

 obstructions which formerly existed have now been removed. There is 

 a dam-dyke constructed of wood at Ballochmyle which the Board 

 consider an obstruction to the passage of fish. They are presently 

 negotiating with the proprietors with the view of having a suitable pass 

 erected. 



The Spawning Season— 



1. Fish were noticed spawning towards the end of November. 



2. The greatest number spawned in November and December. 



3. Spawning ceased about the middle of January. 



4. As regards numbers of breeding fish, and state of the water, the past 



spawning season is regarded as beyond the average of previous years. 



Smolts— 



1. Smelts were noticed to be migrating seawards in April and May. 



2. As a smolt year 1908 was beyond the average of previous years. 



REPORT FROM DOON DISTRICT. 



Take of Fish— 



2. The actual number of fish caught has been as follows : — 



(a) By fixed engine, none. 



(b) By sweep net, 28. 



(c) By rod and line, 372. 



