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approved by the European countries interested in the North Sea fisheries. Have also power to restrict daylight or Sunday fishing for herrings on the west coast of Scotland. (6.) The only Act in force limiting the size at which certain fish may be taken and marketed is the Oyster, Crab, and Lobster Fisheries Act, 1877. The regulation size for these is specified and enforced, (c.) The only specific restriction is with regard to herring-nets. Ireland. — (a.) The protective laws are of two kinds, namely : those passed directly by SrParliamont, and those made by the Department under the powers which are mainly conferred by section 91 of the Act 5 and 6 Victoria, cap. 106. The Department have exercised their power extensively, as will be seen from the accompanying pamphlets, which contain the substance of the regulations made by the Department. Canada. —Under the Fisheries Act regulations can and are made for the different provinces. Certain areas are set aside in some of the provinces for the natural propagation of fish, and minimum sizes are established in certain instances, and the size of mesh is controlled in practically all the inland fisheries, as well as in the salmon-fisheries. Victoria. — (a.) Power is given by Fisheries Act to close any area to fishing in any part of the coast within the three-mile limit. (6.) We have a minimum size-limit at which most species of fish may be taken, sold, or had in possession, &c. (c.) We can prohibit the use of nets in any locality, and also limit the size of mesh. New South Wales. — (a.) The Fisheries Act of 1902 gives power to close the whole or any defined portion of any tidal or inland water for the purpose of protecting the spawning or feeding-grounds for immature fish. (6.) Section 23 provides penalties for taking, having in possession, or on his premises, or in his boat, or selling, or consigning for sale any fish or crustaceans of a less size or weight than specified in the Second Schedule of the said Act, all undersized fish to be forfeited, (c.) Certain kind and size of net prohibited in certain localities, and the size and mesh of nets limited. This is provided for in sections 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 of the Fisheries Act of 1902. Queensland. — (a.) Netting prohibited in certain localities, and also taking of fish by any othei means. (6.) A size-limit provided for all the principal market fish, and no person shall take, sell, or have in possession or on his premises any fish of a less size than specified in the regulations, (c.) Yes, certain nets prohibited in certain localities and size of net and mesh of nets specified. South Australia.- — (a.) Fisheries Act gives unlimited powers in this respect. (6.) A size-limit provided for all the principal market fish, (c.) Fisheries Act provides for closing any locality and also limiting the size of mesh of nets. Western Australia. — (a.) Power exists under the Fisheries Act to close any waters against the use of nets or any other method of fishing. Annually certain waters are closed against the use of nets. Ova-bearing crayfish are not allowed to be taken during certain months. (6.) A size-limit is provided for certain fish, (c.) Fisheries Acts provide for this. 4. What fishery-encouragement laws are in force— (a) as regards giving financial assistance to fishermen, (b) prospecting and giving out information with regard to the fishing-grounds, (c) providing instruction in fish-curing or in any other branch of the industry, and (d) whether any bounty is given on quantities of fresh fish brought to market, fish cured or canned, or on the production of fish-oil or any other fish product ? 5. If financial assistance is granted to fishermen to enable them to purchase suitable boats and fishing-gear or for any other purpose, on what terms are advances made, and how does the Department secure itself against loss ? England. —4 and 5. Nil. Scotland. —4. (a.) No law in force. (&.), (c), and (d.) Fishery Board disseminate news re herring-fishery, position of grounds, &c. ; also give educational demonstrations to selected bodies of fishermen. 5. Have power to grant assistance to fishermen by advancing money for boats, &c, but results unsatisfactory and no loans made since 1891. Ireland. —4. (a.) Render financial assistance to fishermen out of Department's endowment fund on personal security and on mortgage on Vessels, (b.) and (c.) Give instruction in net-mending, fish-curing, &c.; do prospectmg-work as funds permit. Canada. —4. (a.) £32,000 has been appropriated annually for a.number of years as bounty to deep-sea fishermen to encourage better class of vessel; paid in accordance with regulations. (6.) Monthly statistics published, (c.) Literature published from time to time. 5. Nil. Victoria. —4 and 5. Nil. New South Wales. —4 and 5. Nil. Queensland. —4 and 5. Nil. South Australia. —4 and 5. Nil. Western Australia. —4 and 5. Nil, except £d. per pound on canned fish. 6. Are all fishing-vessels registered and licensed, and what license fee is charged on the different grades of vessels employed ; and are fishermen or nets licensed, and, if so, what fee is charged ? 7. What facilities are provided by the Railway Department for the transport of fresh fish : (a) is it forwarded by passenger or goods trains; (6) is it carried at a lower rate than other food products, and, if so, at what rate ; and (c) are special wagons provided for the transport of fish ?