SOME OF THE MUSSEL BEDS ON THE 
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND, 
AND THE 
DESIRABILITY OF FORMING MUSSEL BEDS 
ON THE COAST OF NORTHUMBERLAND. 
In connection with the recommendation which has just been 
made for imposing a close time for crabs, and the making the line 
fishing of as much value as possible, comes the question of supply- 
ing the fishermen with bait at a low rate. I have already in 
previous reports tried to draw attention to this subject. And this 
year with a view to getting some experimental beds laid down at 
different places on the coast where the mussel would be likely to 
establish itself, and furnish a supply of bait, I made enquiries in 
regard to a number of places, visited some, and when in Scotland 
this summer took the opportunity of seeing the more important 
mussel beds on the east coast, and of interviewing the owners and 
managers. 
It is unnecessary to refer to what T saw in detail, for an excellent 
account of the mussel beds and their management may be found 
in the Report on the Condition of the Scottish Mussel and Bait 
Beds (1889). 
The main difficulty in dealing with the question of the laying 
down of beds or improving existing ones is a legal one, as 
has been pointed out in previous years. I was desirous, therefore, 
for one thing to find out how the Scottish beds are protected, and 
the information I obtained on that point as well as the general 
notes l made I shall now give. 
Ythan Mussel Beds. — I did not visit the beds, for my time in 
Aberdeen was very limited, and besides 1 had some nine years ago, 
an opportunity of seeing generally the mouth of the Ythan. 1 was, 
therefore, able to follow the description which Mr. George Davidson, 
of Messrs. G. & W. Davidson, kindly gave me in his office in 
Aberdeen. The beds are leased from Mr. Udny, of Udny, together 
with the salmon fishing, and they have been in the possession of 
the Messrs. Davidson for over 100 years. The sides of the river are 
