16 
The figures require no explanation, but they lead to the reflection 
that while an improvement has taken place, it is not altogether a 
recovery to the conditions of the past. Turbot and soles we are 
told used to be very much more plentiful. The former have not 
improved in numbers and the latter have distinctly decreased. It 
is more than probable, moreover, that the proportion as regards 
dabs is quite a modern feature. 
The table shows also the proportional catch which would be made 
by a trawler in the in-shore waters. 
Another change has been drawn attention to in previous reports, 
viz., that, while in some cases, and especially during the first period, 
a decrease in the total catch was evidenced towards the end of the 
summer, in general, the fishes tend to improve both in numbers 
and size — say during August and the beginning of September. 
As a rule, too, in rough weather the results are worse than when 
the sea is smooth and the conditions otherwise, favourable. It is 
a rule, not without exception, as will be seen by a glance over 
Table II. But at the same time the general better conditions 
during the last five years as compared with the first may have 
had some influence in producing the results indicated. 
FISHERY STATISTICS. 
These results accruing from the experimental trawling in our in- 
shore waters would have been better stated, and indeed the experi- 
ments would not have been necessary, if the Board of Trade had been 
able to furnish more complete and more accurate fishery statistics. 
Even when obtained under the best conditions the figures are only 
approximately correct, and in many cases they appear to be 
altogether untrustworthy. 
The line fishermen agree among themselves at any rate in saying 
that their industry is getting worse and worse year after year. The 
reports of the fishery officers, who from their position have excellent 
opportunities for judging, render the statements of the fishermen 
every support. From the reports we gather that the white fishing 
of the district for the last six years was as follows, not including 
North Shields : — 
1895. 1896. 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. 
Tons Cwts. Tons Cwts. Tons Cwts. Tons Cwts. Tons Cwts. Tons Cwts. 
2, f>71 4 2,321 7 1,359 6 1,061 13 1,091 9* 601 19 
* Including Salmon caught in the Southern District. 
