of the Fishery Hoard for Scotland. 
23 
RIVER YTHAN. 
In the Ythan, there appears to have been a general diminution in the 
take of fish throughout the district during the year 1889. The following 
figures of the number of fish caught are given, not as absolutely accurate, 
but as an approximation to accuracy. 
By net and coble, . . 20 salmon, 
By fixed engines, . . 60 ,, and 20 grilse, 
By rods, . . . 150 „ and ; or, 
230 salmon and 20 grilse in all. The heaviest salmon caught by net and 
coble weighed 18 lbs.; by fixed engines, 43 lbs.; by rod, 27 lbs. It is 
said ' that the Bye-laws could be better observed. There is a considerable 
( extent of ground for the staff of watchers. The water-bailiff suggests 
4 that the time for rod-fishing should be extended for fourteen days, i.e., 
* to 14th November. The Board, in considering whether it should be 
' extended to 20th November, resolved by a majority to make no change. 
' The system of protection is fairly efficient. No watchers are employed 
' by the District Board, but a certain number of gamekeepers give 
' gratuitous assistance. The men employed by the Board are, 1 all the 
' year round and 4 extra during close time. Illegal fishing is not pre- 
1 valent to any great extent. The number of prosecutions averages about 
' six or eight per annum. They are mostly all directed against farm 
1 servants taking fish during the close time, and usually result in the 
' imposition of a small fine.' 
There are several dams in the district, but there are passes on all of 
them by which swimming fish can easily ascend. There are no natural 
obstructions in the shape of waterfalls. 
About 8 years ago, the salmon disease showed itself in the river, 
attacking chiefly kelts ; but it has diminished, and is diminishing. More 
specific authority should be given for removing diseased fish from rivers. 
RIVER UGIE. 
The take of fish in the river Ugie and district is said to be about the 
same in 1889 as formerly. In fresh waters it was less, owing to the dry 
weather and consequent scarcity of floods. But it was larger in fixed 
engines, from the fish continuing longer in the sea owing to the dry 
weather instead of running up the river. 370 sea-trout were taken 
by net and coble ; 5620 salmon and grilse were captured by fixed 
engines; and 14 salmon, 23 grilse, and 2000 sea-trout were caught 
by rod — certainly a most satisfactory total for so small a river as 
the Ugie. The largest fish captured by net and coble weighed 27 lbs.; 
the largest in fixed nets, 44 and 45 lbs.; and the largest by rod, 24 lbs. 
The Bye-laws are strictly observed. The dates for the commencement 
and termination of the annual close time might be a fortnight later with 
advantage to the fisheries. There are 5 watchers employed by and sub- 
ject to the District Board. Illegal fishing is not of very frequent occur- 
rence. In 1889 there were two prosecutions for illegal capture of salmon. 
There are crnives on the Ugie at Inverugie, but they have not been in 
use for many years. There are several dams on the river, the condition 
of which is engaging the attention of the District Board. There are no 
natural obstructions in the Ugie. 
A strong opinion is expressed as to the expediency of giving to District 
Boards more extensive powers than they at present possess for opening 
