of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 
23 
nets in Loch Ousie would be the best means of getting rid of these fresh- 
water sharks. 
I have very full answers to the printed queries from the Conon District Answers from 
Board. The take of fish in tidal waters, in fresh water, in fixed engines, JrictBoard^*'* 
and generally throughout the district, has increased. This is imputed to 
the successful spawning seasons of 1887 and 1888. 
The number of fish caught in the district during last season is given 
approximately, and is as follows : — 
By net and coble, . . . 10,000 
By fixed engines, . . . 9,000 
By rods, .... 300 
It is stated that clean fish could be taken in the Conon District in the 
latter end of January. The main take of salmon is in the months of 
March and April ; the grilse run from the middle of April until the close 
of the fishing season ; sea-trout run from the commencement to the close 
of the fishing season. 
The weight of the heaviest salmon caught in 1890 was 19 lbs. by net 
and coble; 20 lbs. by fixed engines ; and 16 lb. by rod. The bye-laws 
regulating the observance of the annual and weekly close times are 
said to be strictly observed. But it is suggested that the commence- 
ment of the fishing season for rods should be 1st instead of 11th February. 
There is a mill-dam in the district which is said not to be worked in 
accordance with the provisions of the Bye-law (Schedule G). But there 
is a good fish-pass on this dam, and salmon have no difiiculty in ascending 
over it to the upper waters. There are two cruive dykes in the district, 
and two fishing-boxes worked in accordance with the provisions of the 
Bye-law (Schedule F). 
There are three natural obstructions in the shaps of waterfalls, two of 
which are not absolutely impassable for salmon in certain states of the 
river. The Falls of Orrin and Eogie could easily be opened up by attach- 
ing a salmon-ladder and by a little blasting. The Falls of Conon could 
be opened up by a combination of both methods. 
It is thought that compulsory powers should be given to District 
Boards to open up waterfalls ; compensation to be given to the pro- 
prietors of the falls that are to be opened up. 
There are no pollutions in the Conon District, and no salmon disease. 
In November 1890 a Salmon Hatchery was erected for the artificial propa- 
gation of Tweed salmon, to be put into the Conon when hatched. The 
hatchery belongs partly to the District Board and partly to Colonel 
Stuart Mackenzie of Seaforth. It is situated on the north bank of the 
Conon, about 40 yards to the west of the railway bridge. It is capable 
of hatching out 150,000 salmon and 50,000 trout. 
With regard to the proportion of male to female salmon, it is stated 
that ' the proportion of male to female salmon are pretty equal in this 
* district; if anything, the male has it.' The return, so far as it goes, is 
based upon an estimate. 
It is suggested that the Sea-birds Protection Act of 1880 should be 
repealed, so far as regards the common sea-gull, which destroys a very 
large number of salmon and sea-trout smolts at the mouth of all salmon 
livers during the months of April and ^lay, when smolts collect in the 
tidal waters before they take to the salt water. 
Lastly, it is suggested that the use of the gaff should be prohibited 
from the opening of the fishing season until the first of May. 
I am indebted to Mr Wm. Mackenzie, Clerk to the Conon District 
Board, for the following list of Crown Fishings within the district in 
1890, and for the rental of the Salmon Fishings in the district generally, 
distinguishing the rod fishings from the net and coble fishings : — 
