16 
Appendices to Eighth Annual Report 
When opinions regarding salmon differ so widely, it would be desirable that 
opportunity should be afforded for a tentative experience of annual close time, 
which might be provided for by Act of Parliament, and confided to the pro- 
prietors and Fishery Board to be sanctioned by the Scotch Secretary. Parlia- 
ment will not pass an opposed Salmon Bill, and opposition is sure to arise from 
some quarter to any proposal, and for this reason, if it were proved to be a mis- 
take, there would be no chance of its being remedied and altered. 
NORTH ESK. 
From the answers to the printed queries by the North Esk District 
Board, which their clerk, Mr Dickson, has kindly sent me, I extract the 
following : — It is thought that there has been an increase in the take of 
salmon in the district, owing to protection and killing kelt trouts, by whom 
the salmon fry are devoured. 
The heaviest salmon taken in the district in 1889 by net and coble was 
35 lbs., the heaviest by fixed engines 54 lbs., and the heaviest by rod 
40 lbs. But a kelt fish was found dead in an upper pool, in November, 
weighing 58 lbs. In good condition its weight was estimated at 70 lbs. 
It is probably the largest fish ever got in the river. 
The system of protection is stated to be efficient. The bailiffs are em- 
ployed by the District Board. There are 12 in the close season, and 3 in 
the open season. Besides these bailiffs there are also several watchers 
appointed by the Tacksmen between 1st January and the commencement 
of the fishing season. There were three or four cases of prosecution in 
1889. The offenders were people connected with the works on the water- 
side. The offences were clipping and dragging salmon, and were held 
proven. 
There are no cruives on the North Esk. The artificial obstructions are 
(1) Morphie dam, (2) Craigo dam, (3) Pert dam. They are worked in 
accordance with the Bye-Law (Schedule G). 
The natural obstructions on the North Esk are the Loups, about 16 
miles from the sea, above which there are Loch Lee and good spawning 
grounds. In answer to the question regarding giving compulsory powers 
to District Boards to attach a fish-pass to waterfalls, the answer is : — Yes, 
under conditions and restrictions varying according to the special circum- 
star~<es of each case. 
With reference to the salmon disease, it is stated it appeared about 
the end of October, both before and after spawning. It is increased. It 
is thought that it may be caused by 1 sniggering,' which tears and otherwise 
injures the salmon. The North Esk District Board have always removed 
and buried diseased fish. Special authority, however, might be given in 
a future Act. 
The members of the District Board are unanimously of opinion that 
' sniggering ' should be suppressed ; and it is suggested that all fish hooked 
behind the gills should be returned to the river. 
BERVIE. : 
The Bervie is a small salmon river a little to the north of the North 
Esk. The fishings are said to be fairly satisfactory. Salmon are rarely 
taken by rod and line in the river, as they seldom enter it during the 
netting season, it being in general too low. The largest fish killed by 
net and coble in 1889 was 10 lbs., by fixed engines 48 lbs. 
The bailiffs are employed by the District Board ; a superintendent and 
