REFORMS IN THE FISHERIES OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 307 



In fishing districts and villages he has no opportunities afforded him to learn the practi- 

 cal technical rudiments of his own calling, any more than his means would enable him 

 to study physiology, zoology, chemistry, and mechanics at the distant universities. 



As regards the first expe rimental technical free school for fisher folks, some suit- 

 able site or sites in or near Brighton appear to be one of the most desirable localities 

 in England. Its vicinity to the harbors of Newhaven and Shoreham (whilst at least 

 one of its piers could be transformed into a good fish market), its own resident popu- 

 lation of upwards of 150,000 persons, its unequaled, easy, and cheap approach by rail 

 or road to London, preeminently recommend Brighton as a fit center for training 

 and educating fisherfolks and fish-curers. The Brighton aquarium — built, as I am 

 informed, at an expense of upwards of £130,000, and being the largest in the king- 

 dom — offers unequaled opportunities for the study and observation of living aquatic 

 animals, including experimental artificial fish-hatching. The Brighton Museum con- 

 tains already numerous appropriate marine specimens, whilst its adjoining free public 

 library and reading rooms would afford technical facilities. 



The legislature should supply some suitable steam trawlers of about 200 to 300 

 tons each, with dry-air refrigerator machinery fitted with dry-air stores, to be at the 

 disposal of the proposed Fisherfolks' Free Technical School. Thus fisherfolks, includ- 

 ing fish-curers, could be practically taught and trained at sea the varied work of their 

 callings. At least one vessel arranged for carrying on practical industrial technical 

 laboratory work in reference to live-fish preservation, fish-hatching, dredging for 

 marine specimens, and allied topics should be also provided and equipped by the leg- 

 islature. Such a vessel, by means of electric lights and divers, might obtain much 

 valuable information as to many marine problems.connected with the food, habits, and 

 breeding of marine animals. 



In reference to these subjects and investigations, at a truly trifling cost, the 

 stationary light-house ships would often make admirable marine laboratories where 

 fisherfolks could learn many useful matters. The proposed Fisherfolks' Free Tech- 

 nical Schools for the United Kingdom, acting in cooperation with the Marine Biologi- 

 cal Associations, with the Scottish and Irish Fishery Boards, and similar institutions, 

 would, doubtless, with sufficient funds, do great and good work, so as to improve, 

 increase, and cheapen the fish supply and to commercially develop the now decaying 

 fishing trades and industries of the United Kingdom, India, and our colonies. 



Among the lines of study and practical instruction suggested for the curriculum 

 of the training schools, are the following: 



1. Course in swimming, floating, diving; resuscitation of apparently drowned 

 persons; best means to extinguish fire and to save life from suffocation, burns, and 

 scalds; the use of life-saving apparatus; the use of oil in rough, stormy seas. 



2. The management, breeding, and training of carrier pigeons for postal purposes 

 between sea and laud, to save life and property and for commercial purposes. 



3. The manufacture, preservation, drying, and mending of fishing appliances; the 

 repairing of sails, oars, boats, and vessels at sea, in harbor, and on shpre; the use of 

 signals, lights, buoys, fog-horns, etc. 



4. The preservation of fish at sea, by immediate bleeding, gutting, and washing; 

 the treatment and utilization on board ship of fish refuse; dry-air refrigeration; pack- 

 ing; cleanliness and inspection of fishing vessels; preservation and transportation of 

 live fish and other aquatic animals for food and bait. 



