of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



35 



Artificial Propagation of Salmon — 



There is a hatchery in this district for the artificial propagation of salmon. 

 It partly belongs to the District Board and partly to Seaforth. It is 

 situated on the north bank of the Conon, near the railway bridge that 

 spans the river. It is capable of hatching out at the same time 200,000 

 salmon. But, in consequence of the river being in ' half-flood ' during 

 the spawning season, I was unable to net the river for ova. 

 During the last spawning season there was in the river about 60 per cent, 

 of males and 40 per cent, of females. My return, so far as it goes, is 

 based upon an estimate. 



Fluctuations in the River Level — 

 By general terms. 



Wild Birds' Protection Act, 1880— 



I would be in favour of repealing the Wild Birds' Protection Act, 1880, as to 

 all wild ducks, with the exception of the mallard, widgon, and teal, and 

 would be in favour of repealing in regard to the common sea-gull. 



THE DISTRICT OF THE KYLE OF SUTHERLAND. 



Take of Fish— 



1. (a), (6), (c), and (d) Below the average. 



3. (c) J une and July. 



4. I cannot say. The lessees will not tell, 



Protection — 



2. Is. 9d. in the £. 



3. There are 15 bailiffs. 



4. There was one prosecution and a conviction obtained. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish — 



1. There is part of a new dam on the River Esclese, which I consider is an 



obstruction, I have reported it often. 

 3. There are no cruives in this district. 



The Spawning Season — 



1. There are always fish spawning here in September, say about the middle. 



2. From 15th of October up to 1st of December. 



3. About 1st of January. 



4. Rivers all in medium size. 



5. More than usual. 



6. Caron, Caesley, and Oykell. 



Kelts— 



1. January. 



2. February and March. 



3. May. 



4. Sometimes big, other times low. 



Smolts — 



1. May and June. 



2. Yes. 



SUTHERLAND, EAST COAST DISTRICT. 



Take of Fish— 



1. Below average in both tidal and fresh waters. 



