of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



181 



kind, quantity and value of the bait used and whence obtained, the 

 financial results and economic condition of the fishermen. 



The report then deals with Administrative Statistics. It is suggested 

 that in addition to the tables now published (Appendix D., Tables VI. 

 and VII.) which deal with proceedings under the Sea Fisheries Acts of 

 1868, 1883 and 1885, injuries to the gear of fishermen, and the registra- 

 tion of boats, a table might be added showing the work of the Fishery 

 officers in keeping up the uniformity of the cran or other measures, in 

 passing or rejecting barrels for export, and barrels for branding. 



The Special or Scientific Statistics are then considered. Their import- 

 ance is pointed out in connection with the promotion and protection of 

 the fisheries, and in insuring that administrative interference will be 

 beneficial and not injurious. A list is given of the more important 

 scientific questions requiring treatment, embracing what has been or is 

 being done. 



The author then considers Supplementary Administrative Statistics, 

 in addition to those referred to above, embracing (1) a statement of 

 telegraphic information sent to fishermen, as to the movements of shoals, 

 as is done in some countries, such as Norway ; (2) as to the maintenance 

 and repair of fishery harbours ; (3) as to leases of oyster and mussel 

 beds, showing rent, cost of survey, results, &c. ; (4) as to hatcheries. 



In regard to salmon fisheries it is suggested that the following tables 

 would be serviceable ; (1) showing the drainage area of the Scotch rivers 

 and principal tributaries, for which it would suffice to refer to the third 

 Annual Report of the Board ; (2) showing the annual close times on all 

 the salmon rivers and coast fishings in each salmon district, distinguishing 

 between rod and net fishings, and stating when the close time was 

 instituted ; (3) abstract of bye-laws of District Boards ; (4) list of 

 ladders, &c. erected, return above these, miles of water above, and loch 

 area ; (5) salmon return per river, loch and coast, salmon fixed-engine 

 fishing, numbers, values, weights, number of nets, number of men 

 employed, &c. ; (6) statistics of pollution cases. 



Finally, it is suggested that the co-operation of the Coastguards for 

 the collection of statistics, &c. should be obtained, as in England and 

 Ireland. In the United States the Customs officers assist the Fish 

 Commission in preparing statistics, and much useful information is thus 

 obtained. 



