of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



39 



The Salmon Disease— 



1. Disease made its appearance in the month of November 1904, and reached 



its height in January 1905. 

 The river was free of diseased fish in June. 



2. The number of diseased fish taken from the river and destroyed was on 



Fiddich, 32, as follows : — 



1 



Males. 



Females. 



Kelts, .... 



29 



3 



Clean, .... 







The Spawning Season— 



1. Fish were first noticed spawning on 5th October 1904. 



2. The greatest number spawned during November 1904. 



3. Spawning ceased in March 1905. 



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



spawning season is regarded as a record good one for 18 years. 



Smolts— 



1. Smolts were noticed to be migrating seawards in April, May, June, and 



July. 



2. As a smolt year 1905 was very good — above the average. 



Artificial Propagation of Salmon— 



1. The number of ova secured locally during the past season was 850,000. 



2. In securing ova the numbers of male and female fish captured were 



respectively 35 and 70. 



REPORT FROM LOSSIE DISTRICT. 

 Take of Fish— 



1. Bags nets used in sea at Lossiemouth, and occasionally a sweep net at 



river mouth. Extent of catch not known. 

 Particulars as to the times grilse and sea trout appeared are as follows : — 

 Grilse and sea trout run up the Lossie, seeking up to spawning 

 ground* as early as July and August, if spates or freshets occur. 



Protection— 



h His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon contributed voluntarily 

 £57 9s. 8d., and Captain Dunbar-Brander £15, to meet expenses for 

 year. 



2. The water bailiffs employed are 3 in number during spawning season, 



and 1 during smolt protection. 



3. Particulars as to prosecutions instituted are briefly as follows : — 1 prose- 



cution for "sniggering," when 2 men were fined £1 each with 

 expenses. 



Other 2 were reprimanded for taking smolts in ignorance of the law. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish— 



1. Dam dykes disused, built, or in prospect :--No difference from last year. 



2. With regard to the observance of bye-laws : — Fairly well observed. 



3. Fish passes built or in prospect : — No difference from last year. 



4. Natural obstructions not yet dealt with are reck or linn at Kellas. 



