DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

37
is yearly increasing. Mr. Bailey strongly advocates a hatchery for the
western part of the province, and urges that the inland waters of his district be
stocked with salmon, trout and whitefish. The spring cod fishing was very good, es-.
pecially at and near the Gut. Herrings on the Bay shore were a fine catch, but in
the Annapolis Basin nearly a total failure; but he fails to account for it. The basin
'was full of small fish all summer fit for sardines, none of which were large enough
for smoking purposes. There was a falling off in the lobster catch, due to the fact
that the business is carried on by but few, it being too expensive for most of the
'fishermen, who in consequence have followed their legitimate business of line fishing.
No complaints were made with by line or net fishermen, after the lobster men
were made to bring their old bait ashore. Mr. Bailey says, he has practically broken
up Sunday net fishing, and after it was known that the law was to be enforced there
was universal compliance. He has given constant attention to the duties of his
offlce and believes his district much improved thereby. He also urges upon the
Department the necessity of putting two of Rogers' fishways at Bear River, as salmon
have again returned to that stream, and without fishways they are unable to get
to any spawning grounds.
ANTIOONISH COUNTY.
Overseer John McDonald, of Doctor's Brook, regrets to report a considerable
falling off in the total amount of fish caught during the season just closed, not that
fish were any scarcer than for many years past, but owing altgether to the exceed-.
ingly boisterous weather. Many of the fishermen who had made great preparations
for a good summer's fishing, have declared that in their fishing experience they have
not met with such a stormy summer. Generally speaking they were able to set
ihei" nets and trawis but two nights in the week, and even then with much risk to
themselves and their gear. The largest decrease in his district was in salmon, on
account of many of the nets having been driven ashore immediately after having
been set.
The few fleets that held on fished well, which proves salmon to be as plentiful
on the coast as ever. Hake and cod were very plentiful, but kept far off owing to
the weather, Mackerel were remarkably scarce on the coast of his district, ançt on
account of a high price and the great demand for them, many fishermen and even
farmers spent much valuable time seeking them, consequently the amount caught is
considered large. In his opinion these fish were as plentiful on the coast as in
former years, but the storms broke up the schools as they do in fine weather. Large
hauls of spring herring were taken at Harbor Bouobê, where many bankers were
supplied with bait. Summer herring, on the other hand, were very scarce, and but
few barrels were taken. Lobster fishermen and canneries did very, well. It has
always been his opinion that the lobster fishery is good in boisterous weather,
because the water becomes dark and muddy, and they creep to shallow water much
further than in fine weather. It was a matter of surprise to the fishermen and inhabitants
that there has been a fine run of cod striking in, In November, during the
past few years.
In the interests of the Department, Mr. McDonald has closely watched the lobster
fishermen and the factories in every section of the county, and only on one occasion
lid he discover a violation of regulations, whereupon the party was convicted on
view.
COLOHESTEE COUNTY.
Overseer II. Gass, of Tatamagouche, cannot say whether salmon are increasing
or not, as there are none caught in his district. Mackerel were very scarce. Herring
were exceedingly plentiful in the bay, especially in the spring, when more were
taken than for a long time previous. Alewives readily ascend the rivers, but not
until the close season begins. The mill owners in this section have all done their
'best to keep the rivers free from sawdust, still some goes in. He says strict corn