83 
With regard to flat fishes, the same was said — they have all 
without exception decreased. The flounder is very rare. Plaice 
were never numerous, hut they are less numerous now. The dab is 
likewise not got in such large numbers. 
Trout Fishing. — No license is required and the season finishes 
on 31st August. This limit appeared to the fishermen to be a 
hardship. An extension to the ‘20th September would give employ- 
ment to many fishermen, and they say there are more trout on the 
coast during September than the whole ol‘ the previous part of the 
open season. From Newbiggin to Howick Burn, just to the south 
of ( raster, the season extends to the 11th September. The opinion 
was expressed, moreover, that the law m regard to fishing with a 
“ fixed engine” was more constantly broken than observed and ought 
to be withdrawn. Fishing with a drift net is often impossible, and 
especially on a rocky shore 
Herring Fishing. — The herring fishing seems to be suffering 
from the effects of trawling. What fishermen believe is that the 
trawlers, incessantly dragging their trawls through the herring 
spawn, break it up, destroy much of it, and at the same time disturb 
and break up the shoals of herring. One fisherman said he counted 
as many as 23 trawlers at once on the same herring ground. The 
herring fishing in consequence, they believe, is suffering. Places 
where, five to six years back, herring were plentiful afford now 
scarcely any. The shoals are broken up and the fishing is now 
very “ spotty.” 
Harbour. — The foregoing was what transpired at the first even- 
ing's meeting. At the beginning of the second meeting, a statement 
was made as to the great need of a harbour at Craster, and though 
it did not occur on the programme I thought it desirable to 
introduce it in my report. At present the cobles have to be hauled 
up or have to be taken to Boulmer or Newton if the sea is rough. 
Great anxiety prevails, especially if the large boats are riding at 
Craster. There is naturally a considerable loss of time and fishing 
when the boats have to be taken to other harbours. Three schemes 
have already been prepared, and according to the extent of the 
harbour designed these would cost (1) £86,000, (2) £5.000 to 
£6,000, (8) £2,500. Half the money only is wanted for the latter 
scheme, the other half being promised by a local proprietor. 
Cod. — With the great lines 100 to 120 cod could be obtained 
before the fishing became impoverished within recent times. This 
class of fish is now very scarce. 
