Printed papers on the political situation and military policy in Egypt [‎49v] (98/176)

40
Mariout and 2,300,000 in the Mahmoudieh Canal. The total quantity of these fish
already marketed is 163,000 kilog., with a value to the fishermen of £E. 8,000.
Elvers were less abundant than in 1920, but a total of 1,797,000 were distributed in
various inland waters, including the Nile at Cairo south of the barrage. Steps are
now being taken to stock the Ismailia Canal with mullet fry. * *
194. The experimental farm at Mex for lake fish has been completed and stocked
with a view to determining the possibilities of intensive fish culture in this country,
and to observe the rates of growth under various conditions. It consists of sixteen
ponds varying in area from | to 1 /20th of a feddan (acre) and occupying about
4 feddans. The water in the ponds is, in most cases, some 40-50 centim. ^ibove
normal lake level, the level being maintained partly by pumping, partly by springs.
The springs are salt, and the ponds fed by them have approximately the same
salinity (44—45 grammes per litre) as the Mediterranean coastal water. It will thus
be possible to compare the effect of water of differing salinity upon the rate of
growth and the condition of the fish.
195. Most of the ponds have been stocked with ascertained numbers of mullet fry
of the year, 2 to 3 centim. in length and about two months old; into others elvers
and half-grown eels have been introduced. The fish are artificially fed with different
substances on definite and varying scales, according to the estimated stock. Land
has been obtained and plans made for a similar establishment to be constructed at
the barrage in order that research may be made into the habits and rate of growth
of Nile fish.'
Sponge Fishing.
196. A survey of the sponge beds on the Egyptian coast was conducted by
twenty-seven boats, and resulted in a crop of 309,000 pieces. The whole extent of the
coast was fully examined, and much valuable information regarding the distribution
of the beds, and the relative efficiency of the different methods of fishing, was
obtained. The catch sold for about £E. 13,430, the share of the Government being
nearly £E. 2,686.
Receipts.
197. The total receipts of the Fisheries Department from all sources, including
sale of sponges for the year 1921, are approximately £E. 87,821, as against
£E. 95.951 for 1921, showing a decrease of £E. 8,130, principally owing to the € c
diminution of fish in Lake Menzaleh and the lower price realised from the concessions.
33. Analytical Laboratory.
Chemical and Physical Inspection of Materials.
198. There has been a general increase in the chemical and physical inspection
work required on behalf of the Government Departments. This was particularly
noticeable in respect of the various materials required for building work. Portland
cement was especially prominent, and a decided improvement was noticed in the
quality of some brands which had suffered in consequence of the manufacturing
difficulties prevailing during the war. Cement from the Government factory An East India Company trading post. in the
Soudan was also examined and found to be suitable for use in the construction of
the new dam at Makwar on the Blue Nile.
199. The new law regarding customs and excise duty on alcoholic liquors gave
rise to a considerable amount of work in connection with the strength of spirits, and
tne selection of the denaturants required to render plain alcohol undrinkable.
200. The chemico-legal work involved the examination of over 100 specimens,
including firearms and other weapons, false coins and banknotes, handwriting and
seal impressions on legal documents. Reports on these matters were used as expert
evidence in various criminal trials and courts-martial.
Technical Chemical Consultations.
201. Many chemical questions affecting public security, notably that of the safe
storage and handling of petroleum products, were studied, and visits of inspection
were paid to the principal storage installations in the country. The authorities
concerned were advised as to the measures which should be taken to minimise fire
risks. The Department also collaborated with the Bureau of Commerce and Industry
in investigating Egyptian industries which involve chemical processes. Several of