120 DEEP-SEA FISHING. 



throughout tlie year. There is no apparent reason 

 why the herrings taken there should be of better 

 flavour than those caught elsewhere, but there is a 

 general idea that the west coast fish are more delicate 

 than those on tlie other side. As the fishery on the 

 west begins very early, the explanation may be that 

 there is a larger proportion of fat fish or maties than of 

 those which are approaching spawning condition. 



The Isle of Man fishery begins in June on the 

 western side of the island, and finishes in October 

 on the east side, where the fish most probably deposit 

 their spawn. 



On the north of Ireland the herrings are found from 

 July to September, becoming rather later on the east 

 coast; but it is difficidt to fix on any very precise 

 periods, as the local fishing is not carried on very 

 systematically, and the principal catches are commonly 

 made at some distance from the land, and by boats from 

 distant districts, working between Howth and the 

 neighbourhood of the Isle of Man ; the fish being 

 landed for the most part at the former important station 

 and at Ardglass. There is a fishery at Arklow during 

 a great part of June, the fish being fat and with no 

 appearance of roe. After that month the herrings 

 almost disappear, and nothing more is generally done 

 there till October, when a somewhat different class of 

 fish is met with, also without roe, but not so fat as those 

 caught in June. This second fishery is continued till 

 nearly Christmas. 



On the south and south-west of Ireland there appear 

 to be two seasons ; the summer fishery, beginning in 

 May or June, and lasting till September or October, 

 when spawning takes place ; and the winter fishery, 

 from Christmas to the beginning of March, which also 



