NATURAL SCIENCE: 



A Monthly Review of Scientific Progress. 



No. 34. Vol. V. DECEMBER. 1894. 



NOTES AND COMMENTS. 



The Scots Fishery Board. 



IN our September number we were able to announce that Mr. John 

 Murray, of the " Challenger," was very strongly supported by 

 leading scientific men for the post of Chairman of the Scots 

 Fishery Board, in succession to the late Mr. Peter Esslemont. The 

 appointment is made by the Crown, and no doubt the recom- 

 mendation of the Scots Secretary is the important factor in 

 determining the decision. Mr. Murray seemed peculiarly marked 

 out for the post, from his special attainments in connection with 

 marine biology, and from his long and capable service under Govern- 

 ment in connection with the " Challenger " expedition and the 

 " Challenger " reports. Most of our readers are now aware that Mr. 

 Angus Sutherland, the Liberal Member of Parliament for Suther- 

 landshire, has been appointed chairman, and has in consequence 

 vacated what may be regarded as a safe Government seat. 



As this seems a post which, to the great advantage of the State, 

 might be filled by a man of special distinction in science, it is 

 worth while going into the history and nature of the Board. Like 

 so many excellent Scots institutions, it dates back in origin to a time 

 long preceding the date at which Scotland began to enjoy the 

 advantage of union with England. The first White Herring Fishery 

 Board was founded in the 14th century, no doubt with a view to 

 secure some benefit to the Crown from sea-fishery. The Board of 

 British White Herring Fishery, the parent of the present Board, 

 was established by 48 Geo. HL, c. no, and was dissolved in 1882 

 by the 45 and 46 Vict., c. 78, which estabHshed the present Fishery 

 Board and is the basis of its action. The Act provided that the 

 Board should consist of the sheriffs of three sheriffdoms, to be 

 selected by the Crown, and six other members to be appointed by 

 the Crown. The Crown nominates one member to be chairman, 

 who has a salary of £^800 per annum, and appoints the secretary, 



2 D 



