of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 
13 
With regard to natural obstructions, it is stated that : — Printed 
° Queries, 
There are no natural obstructions which prevent ascent of fish, except at 
Noran Falls, on a tributary of the South Esk. But the spawning grounds 
above these are not important. It is considered that it would be important 
for Boards to have compulsory powers of attaching a fish- pass to a waterfall, 
failing an agreement with the proprietor. Similar powers would also, be 
advantageous for purchasing, for removal, any dam, weir, cruive, or other 
fixed engines, for benefit of Fisheries. Compensation should, of course, be 
fiven to the proprietor affected, as might be fixed judicially. Proprietors of 
'isheries, to extent of four-fifths in number and value, would require to 
approve of each purchase. 
When I first inspected the South Esk in 1870, along with the late Mr 
Buckland, it was a very polluted river ; but since then it has been greatly 
improved. The following is the answer to the query relating to Pollu- 
tions : — 
The River South Esk, in past years, has been considerably polluted by the 
town sewers and public works. It has, however, been greatly improved since 
an action was raised against the Town and mill-owners. The case is still 
pending. Various operations have been done by direction of the Court, with 
the view of stopping the pollution. In particular, the Town established a 
sewage farm with the view of stopping the pollution. Ponds were made by 
the mill-owners, and the greater part of the Town drainage and polluted matter 
at the public works is carried to the sewage farm. 
Previously to 1886 there was scarcely any salmon disease in the South 
Esk. But in 1886-7 and 1887-8 it was very bad. At present there is 
no disease. It is thought that more specific powers should be given for 
the removal and destruction of diseased fish. 
In answer to the general question at the end of the printed queries, it 
is suggested : — 
That all dam dikes and obstructions should be measured and the measure- 
ments scheduled in an Act of Parliament. This would prevent disputes about 
the increase made to height of dams and weirs. 
At the close of the fishing season of 1889, 1 issued a Circular containing printed 
printed queries to District Board clerks, proprietors and lessees of salmon Queries, 
fishings, and others interested in, or acquainted with our Salmon and 
Trout Fisheries, of which the following is a copy. 
/ Take of Fish. 
Has the take of fish in your district increased or diminished 1 To what cause do 
you attribute such increase or diminution — 
(a) In tidal waters % 
(b) In fresh waters ? 
(c) In fixed engines ? 
(d) Generally throughout the district ? 
Can you give the number of fish caught in your district — 
(a) By net and coble 1 
(6) By fixed engines ? 
(c) By rods 1 
At what period of the year in your district — 
(a) Are the first clean fish taken 1 
(b) Is the main take of salmon ? 
(c) Do the grilse run ? 
What was the weight of the heaviest salmon or trout caught in your district in 
1889— 
(a) By net and coble ? 
(6) By fixed engines 1 
(c)By rods? 
