of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



29 



The Spawning Season— 



1. Fish were first noticed spawning on 16th October 1906. 



2. The greatest number spawned in upper reaches in November ; in lower 



reaches in December. 



3. Spawning ceased practically at end of January 1907. 



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



spawning season is regarded as fairly satisfactory — a good average ; 

 but the river and tributaries ran rather high for the best spawning 

 results. 



Smolts— 



1. Smolts were noticed to be migrating seawards early in April. 



2. As a smolt year 1907 was a good average. 



Artificial Propagation of Salmon— 



1. The number of ova secured locally during the past season was 950,000, 



of which 30,400 became addled or useless; 919,600 successfully 

 hatched and put into river at selected points during month of June. 



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



respectively — 272 fish brought to the river bank ; 49 males made use 

 of and 69 females. The whole number of 272 were returned to the 

 river apparently none the worse from being handled. 



REPORT FROM DON DISTRICT. 

 Take of Fish— 



1. As compared with the average results of previous years, the take of fish 

 generally throughout the district has been below average. 

 More particularly it has been 



(a) By fixed engines in the sea, below average. 

 (6) By sweep net in tidal or fresh waters, average, 

 (c) By rod and line, rather over average. 



3. Particulars as to the times grilse and sea trout appeared are as follow : — 



First grilse caught 24th April (at Nether Don fishings, South Station). 

 A few sea trout got at opening of season, 11th February. They were 

 most plentiful in May and June. 



4. The weight of the heaviest salmon taken during the season was 43 lbs. 

 The particulars of time and place of capture are : — 43 lbs. at cruives 



of Don by sweep net; 34 lbs. by rod and line in cruive water in 

 October. 



Protection— 



1. The assessable rental for 1906-1907 was £4035 10s. 



2. The assessment levied was at the rate of 14 per cent, on rental 



= £564 18s. lid. 



3. The water bailiffs employed are 16 in number during close time, but 



reduced to 3 in June, July, and August. 



4. Particulars as to prosecutions instituted are briefly as follow : — 8 



prosecutions, implicating 19 individuals — 2, having unseasonable 

 salmon in possession; 5, trespassing and using gaff with intent; 1, 

 taking sea trout with set lines. Fines ranged from 7s. 6d. to £5, 

 besides expenses. Of the 11 individuals prosecuted (who were all 

 convicted), 5 went to prison, 3 paid fine and expenses, 3 cases in which 

 the extract sentences have not yet been executed. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish— 



1. Dam dykes disused, built, or in prospect : — No alterations on dykes, 



none disused, and no new dykes built. 



2. With regard to the observance of bye-laws : — No particular cause for 



complaint. 



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



4. Natural obstructions not yet dealt with : — There are no serious natural 



obstructions in the Don. 



