of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



271 



occurrence since railway communication was established. Four district 

 crews proceeded to Loch Boisdale and experienced a fair share of success. 

 No herrings are recorded as having been taken in Loch Nevis during 

 the year. At Fort- William the results are much below those of the 

 previous year. Only a very few crans were landed at Oban. The 

 landings at Tobermory were chiefly made by boats working at Castlebay 

 during the summer fishing. Lochbuie once more proved very unproduc- 

 tive. During the last two months several crews operated there when 

 weather permitted, but with very discouraging results. In common with 

 other creeks, Canna felt the want of herrings. In contrast with that of 

 last year, the fishing at Loch Boisdale kept the local boats, which usually 

 work the grounds around Canna, at home. 



The very light catch naturally limited curing operations, which were Herrings 

 confined almost entirely to Canna. Cured. 



As illustrating the extreme scarcity of herring in local waters, it may Curing at Sen . 

 be stated that one vessel was cleared from this district, but secured no 

 herrings for curing. 



As usual, the great-line fishing at Mallaig opened in January, and by Gr-sat-lina 

 the first days of February was in full swing. Although the fleet of boats "fijJJ-* ** 

 working was somewhat less than in the previous year, the results were a aig ' 

 fully maintained, and, notwithstanding some prolonged interruptions by 

 stormy weather, some capital earnings were made. Three steamers were 

 steadily engaged during the season, manned by Rosehearty crews, while 

 others made short visits to the port. Two of these vessels were most 

 successful in point of earnings. One of the sailing craft did remarkably 

 well, and easily took third place. Some exceptional shots were landed. 

 The following are a few examples of the value of individual shots : — £60. 

 £50, .£43, £38, and £34. The highest figure is credited to a steamer, 

 while a sailing boat claims the second figure. As a matter of fact, the 

 sailing boat landed more fish than the steamer did, the lower value being 

 due to the shorter prices ruling at the following day's sale. The 

 approximate earnings of the three steamers were £482, £425, and £234, 

 while the best-fished sailing boat earned £363. Prices were well main- 

 tained during the season, except on one or two occasions when landings 

 were heavy at the end of the week. On several days the extended fish- 

 wharf was quite inadequate to accommodate the landings. 



The fishing was also fairly successful at Oban, where the local craft Oban, 

 were augmented by three East Coast vessels. 



While the landings at Tobermory were slightly in excess of the previous Tobermory, 

 year's, this creek is now neglected by strangers, unless they are driven 

 there by stress of weather. 



Great-line fishing from Tiree has now almost become a thing of theTiree. 

 past. During the summer months, however, a fair quantity of haddocks 

 was taken. These fish seem to have been fairly plentiful and close 

 inshore — a very unusual thing for some years back. 



The success of cod-net fishing and its feature of abolishing the expense Cod-net 

 of bait attracted some more attention during the year under review. One Fishing at 

 of the East Coast crews worked nets in conjunction with lines, and did 0ban ' 

 fairly well, while three local crews worked with small fleets of nets. 



Shell-fish fishing was followed with the usual energy during the summer Shell-fish 

 months. Unfortunately, the total value shows a decline of £216. This Fisheries, 

 shortcoming is confined to a few creeks, Tobermory being responsible for 

 £196. 



Landings from trawlers were confined to three months, and consisted Trawlen. 

 of four small shots. 



The lighting up of Mallaig pier and harbour, mentioned in last year's Improvement 

 report, has certainly proved a great boon to the trade, a large proportion at Mallaig. 



