DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

103
Overseer Burtt, of the Lower Division, reports a good run of salmon, but very few
shad. The upper part of this district is but a few miles from the Indian village, and
* guardian was necessary to prevent the Indians from spearing, which is their only
mo'Je of fishing, and for which this part of the river offers every facility.
Warden ,Scott, at Eel River, reports that the fishing season opened with a gooI
run of salmon, but these soon passed up river and the rest of the season was marked
by great scarcity. Only six nets were set, and four of these were taken up some
weeks before the law required. The catch was much smaller than usual.
YORK COUNTY,
Overseer Orr reports as follows :.—I have found fish very scarce this season,
neither salmon, bass nor shad gave average catches. There was no illegal fishing, nor'
indeed any great inducement to attempt it. Warden Cronkhite saw but one net se
illegally, and that he siezed. At Fredericton and at Springhill, the catch of salmon
was not more than half that of last year. but shad and bass werp much as usual,.
Whitefish are becoming numerous in the river, and more attention is given to their
capture. There is no close ti me for this fish i a New Brunswick, and as they are
most numerous in the months of September antI October, the great bulk of the
'whole catch consists of gravid fish. A. close time covering, September, October,
November and December, should be provided to allow this excellent food fish to mul.
iftiply.
SUNBURY COUNTY.
Overseer iloben reports a good catch of salmen and alewives, but shad were very
scarce. Pickerel and perch are now the most important fishes in this part of the
river, and the business of catching them for export is increasing. They bring good.
prices in the United States' markets, where the bulk of the catch goes packed in ice
As this fishery has become a valuable industry, there should be a close time to protect
the spawning fish, and Mr. Hoben again urges, for the fourth year, that none be
caught during the months of May, June and July, and that nets used for their
capture should not be smaller in the mesh than three inches. For several years I
bave called attention to the importance of protecting these fish, but years pass and
nothing has been done. I can only again urge its necessity in the hope that the
requisite close time will be provided before excessive fishing and want of protectioft
have time to produce their inevitable effect.
QUEEN'S COUNTY.
Overseer Hetkerington reports about the usual small catch of salmon, shad and
alewives, which do not increase. Pickerel and perch are now the most important
ñsh in his district and the only ones that are exported or caught in excess of home
consumption. He again pleads that regulations be made for their protection by pro..
viding a close time, that nets less than three inches be prohibited, and that during
the months of June, July and August, no fishing for pickerel or perch be alloweth
Warden Phtlps reports a good late ran of salmon up Canaan River; but shad
&nd alewives were scarcer than he has ever known them. Trout are plentiful and
Ji!)rd good sport to anglers who visit this river all through the summer.
KINGS COUNTY.
Overseer Belyea, of Westfield and Belleisle district, reports a fair catch of salmon
a1ad, and alewives ard a very large catch of bass—the latter principally in Belleisle
Bay. The facilities now existing Ibr getting fresh fish to American markets have
given a great impetus to fishing in this bay, arid good returns were made to those
who gave their attention to the business.
Overseer Gosline, of Kennebecasis and its tributaries, reports an increase in the
catch of both shad and alewives; but salmon have almost disappeared from these
waters. Both pickerel and perch continue plentiful, and considerable quantities ot
these fish are now sent from his district to American markets.