DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

36
TROUT.
There is an increase in this item of 6,053 lbs., showing that this branch of the
river fisheries is increasing.
SMELTS.
There were 491,138 lbs. of these fish taken, as against 463,672 lbs. last year, or
an increase of 27,466 lbs.
LOBSTERS.
There is a small increase in the yield of this important item, caused by limited
time given by the law in which to take them. They were very plentiful on most of
the coasts and of a good size.
PISRWAYS.
There were but three fishways constructed last year, as follows :—
One on the late Samuel Killam's dam at Milton, Yarmouth County. One each
on Bonrque's and Porter's dams on Herring Brook, near Eel Brook, Yarmouth
County. Thirty new ones at least should be built the coming summer, a list of
which will be forwarded to the Department. There are probably one hundred more
needed in the Province.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The fishery officers have, as far as I can judge without having visited their
respective districts for several years, attended to their duties fairly well. I would
recommend the employment of special guardians, where and when wanted, instead
of permanent wardens, who are usually for various reasons, almost useless. Two or
four men on a river during spawning season, charged with the duty of keeping off
poachers, we find do much better in protecting the fisheries, especially when under
the lead of some of our most energetic overseers.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
W. El. ROGERS,
Inspector of Fisheries.
SYNOPSES OF OVERSEERS' REPORTS.
ANNAPOLIS COUNTY.
Overseer W. T. C/arty, of Round Hill, reports but little difference in the catch ol
the various kinds of fish in his district from last year. The same trouble exists
between the lobster and herring fishermen, the latter claiming that the lobster traps
are destructive to the herring fishery. He says the notices in reference to sawdust,
which were servd on mill owners, have had a good effect, and if vigorously carried
out will prove a great benefit, both to fishermen and farmers who own intervale and
salt marshes on the river. The fishways, he reports in fair condition, except the
one at Nictaux where some blasting of rock is necessary.
Overseer W. .M. Bailey, of Round Hill, is happy to report that the fisheries as a
whole, in the western part of his county, have been fairly successful, and that the
total catch surpasses that of last year.
There was a falling off in salmon from 4,500 lbs1 in 1887 to 770 lbs. in 1888.
This decrease has all taken place in the Round Hill River.
Alewives were very plenty, but not much sought after. Trout were taken in
arge quantities in the inland waters and lakes by sportsmen, the number of whom