of the Fishenj Board for Scotland. 



321 



collection on 29 th April and the collection on 9th May, measuring in 

 the former from 45mm. to 7 6 mm. approximately, and in the latter from 

 50mm. to 76mm. ; but what has been said as to the method of measure- 

 ment and recording must be borne in mind. 



On the other hand, it appears probable that the bulk of those obtained 

 in September, measuring from 50mm. and 63mm., are autumn herrings 

 of the year before, and thus about one year of age. The important 

 point established, however, is that all these small herrings are in their 

 second year and are not derived from the spawning of the same year. 



The next group, extending from about 90mm. to 127mm. or 130mm., 

 are one year older, that is to say, they are in their third year. It is 

 possible that in spring they may go as high as 140mm. (5^ inches), a 

 limit included in the above Table, but it is not probable, judging from 

 the other collections, although in autumn the size would be in accord- 

 ance with the collections referred to. 



Ifc will be noticed that none of these small herrings were taken in the 

 shrimp -trawl in the latter part of May, or in June. It is not unlikely 

 that they leave the bottom for the most part in the early part of May. 

 I may add that no herrings were obtained in fifteen hauls of the same 

 net in the Moray Firth in June and J uly. 



A few small herrings were also obtained from the shrimp-nets used 

 in the Solway Firth. On 30th July, nine were got, seven measuring 

 from 60mm. to 75mm., one 83mm., and one 90mm. The average for 

 the nine fish, if taken together, is 72*9mm., or 2g inches. On 28th 

 September three were taken, which measured 60mm., 72mm., and 

 78mm., the average being 70mm. (2| inches); on 31st October, three 

 taken measured 50mm., 64mm., and 81mm., the average being 65mm., 

 or a little over 2| inches. 



A summary of the range of sizes of the herrings, both of the spring 

 and of the autumn series, is given in the following Table, arranged 

 according to the data furnished by Masterman (M.) and also by the 

 collections of the Fishery Board (F. B.). 



[Table. 



