of the Fisher if Board for ticot Until 
used in long-line fishing wero carried on, and also experiments on the 
effect of different nets upon the capture of immature fish. 
In dealing with these various important questions and inquiries, Mr 
Holt has discussed the results in very full detail. The spawning periods 
and the distribution of spawning fish on the west coast of Ireland are set 
forth in a valuable series of tables, and they are described for each species 
of fish — some 70 in number. In a chapter on the definition of immature 
fish, Mr Holt has defined the limits of immaturity for a great number of 
species, comparing these with the sizes fixed upon at the Fishery Confer- 
ence and by the writer. These definitions include, for the first time, the 
limits for the males and females of each species, and not merely for ripe 
fish, irrespective of the sex ; and Mr Holt advances reasons why, in framing 
regulations, the size of the female at maturity should be taken as a guide, 
and not that of the male, which appears to be invariably smaller. 
The distribution of mature and immature fish is also given on the above, 
basis of distinction, so far as concerns the depth of water or vertical 
distribution ; it having been found impossible, from the broken nature of 
the coast, to group the facts profitably in relation to territorial and extra- 
territorial waters. There are also chapters on the food of fishes, on 
unsaleable fishes, and on measures for the protection of immature fish, 
and the increase of the fish supply. Mr Holt advocates measures for the 
protection of immature fish, and points out that if a relationship can be 
established between the size of the mesh in trawl-nets and the size of the 
fish captured by them, much good might be done by restriction of the size 
of mesh, combined with prohibition oi the sale or possession of fish under: 
a certain size, and that even more beneficial results would be likely to 
follow were it possible by any means to restrict the time during which a 
trawl should be allowed to be on the ground, especially on trawling 
grounds which are known to be haunted by young fish. While of opinion 
that a close-time for marine fish is not very practicable as a general rule, 
he thinks that under certain conditions restricted measures of a limited 
nature might be beneficially exercised. 
Mr Holt points out that the final resource lies in the artificial rearing 
of fish, as in the United States, and elsewhere. 
The result of this survey of the fishing ground on the west coast of 
Ireland, while of immediate importance in relation to the area investi- 
gated, will, beyond doubt, have great value to those engaged in fishery 
inquiries — now a large and increasing number— in all other States. There 
is one observation, that may be made, considering the limited time during 
which the investigation was carried on, and that is that their utility 
would have been greatly increased had they been continued for a few 
years longer. 
The Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries for 1891 was recently 
issued, being the twenty-third since the Sea and Inland. More detailed 
information than heretofore was obtained as to the vessels, men, and boys 
engaged in fishing around the coast. The registered and unregistered 
boats, and the men, fishing for sale, were 5950 vessels, 22,172 men, and 
788 boys ; or, including those not fishing for sale, 6445 vessels, 23,260 
men, and 788 boys. Of the boats in the latter case, 444 were first class. 
Twenty-six Irish boats left for the Scotch herring fishing last year. The 
statistics of fish captured are not complete ; so far as ascertained, they, 
were 621,394 cwts., of the value of £301,885. In addition, shell-fish' 
valued at £13,069 were landed. In describing what has been done in 
* Report of the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries an the Sea and Inland Fisheries of 
Ireland for 1S91. Dublin, 1892. 
