of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 
33 
morning, or rather, Saturday night, until Tuesday night at six, and no nets 
allowed above a certain point. There is another point which will damage the 
Tay — the introduction, or rather extension, of hang-nets since the District 
Board lost their case in trying to prove them illegal. Many of the tacksmen 
are now preparing hang-nets to use on parts of the Tay where they were never 
used before. 
The fishings in the South Esk are stated to be up to the average of the Answers from 
last few years ; but no statistics as to the number of fish caught are given. Dj^tricf lloaid 
The Bye-laws are said to be fairly well observed in the district, and the 
Board are satisfied with the present period fixed for the annual close 
time. The heaviest fish caught by net and coble in the district in 1890 
was 41 lbs. The system of protection is efficient. Eight men are 
employed as Water- bailiffs, including the River Superintendent. There 
were six proi;ecutions last year for illegal fishing, and all the offenders 
were convicted and fined. 
There are no natural obstructions in the district. But the South Esk 
is a river much blocked up and injured by dams, of which there are no 
fewer than seven. The following list is given of these dams, viz. : — (1) 
Kinnaird, (2) East Mill, (3) Brechin Castle, (4) Blackie Mill, (5) 
Finavon, (6) Murthill, (7) New Mill. No cruives in use. Hecks at 
Nos. 1 and 5. Orders issued by the District Board for hecks at Nos. 3 
and 6, which are expected to be complied with soon. The Board have 
not thought it necessary to enforce becking of others meantime. A 
regular salmon-ladder in dam dyke No. 3. Good passes in all the other 
dykes. Tlie pass in No. 3 not altogether satisfactory. 
There is no Hatchery in the South Esk district. According to the best 
estimate which can be made, there are more male than female fish in the 
river. It is stated that the ' " Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880," should 
' be repealed most decidedly as regards Scotland.' 
From the District of this productive river an increase in the fishings is Answers from 
reported in tidal waters, in fresh waters, and in fixed engines. No ?® Aber- 
returns are given of the numbers of fish caught. The first clean fish are Dee. 
taken at the commencement of the season, which begins on the 11th 
February. The main take of salmon by net and coble is in March. 
October is the best month for rods. The chief run of grilse is in May. 
The largest fish caught by net and coble was 34 lbs.; by fixed engines, 
39 lbs.; and by rod, 27 lbs. The period for the annual close time is 
considered to be satisfactory. From 17 to 18 watchers are employed 
during the close season, and from 6 to 7 in the open season ; and, in 
conjunction with the Don Board, 6 in steam launch during the close 
season and 3 during open season. Illegal fishing is prevalent in the 
District; but convictions are generally obtained under sections 17, 20, 
and 21 of 'The Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1868.' 
There are no artificial obstructions in the district. The natural 
obstructions are on the Feugh, Dye, Muick, Garrie, and Quoich. Above 
these th(^re is much good spawning ground, access to which could be had 
by salmon-ladders or by blasting. Compulsory powers should be given 
to District Boards to open up such obstructions under certain conditions 
and restrictions. 
Salmon disease showed itself slightly in December, but to a much 
less extent than in former years. More specific authority should be 
given, in any future legislation, to remove diseased fish from salmon 
rivers. 
There is a Hatchery in the Dee District at Durris, about 9 miles from 
Aberdeen. It is the result of private enterprise. A number of fish are 
hatched out, but no returns of the number are given. 
