88 DR. PETEHSEN's report of the DANISH BIOLOGICAL STATION. 



many fish as they have time to transport. Small wonder, therefore, that 

 Petersen inclines to the restocking method, and is only troubled as 

 to the maximum number of fish which may be safely dumped down on 

 the inner broads. 



We learn from his previous writings that he is no admirer of the 

 suggestions put forward by myself, in common with some other British 

 naturalists, as to the necessity of preserving small fish ; and truly, if we 

 had the same opportunities of replenishing our depleted grounds as 

 present themselves in the fjord, it is little we should reck of the doings 

 of our inshore fishermen or of our trawlers on the eastern grounds. The 

 cases, however, are exactly opposite. Petersen has to deal with too 

 many young fish and not enough accessible ground for them to thrive 

 on ; while we are confronted with an unlimited extent of suitable ground 

 and an enormous destruction of the very fish which, if unmolested, 

 would come to populate these grounds. I do not see that there is any 

 necessary want of harmony in these apparently opposite views. Apart 

 from our own coasts, the destruction of which I have seen cause to 

 complain affects the outer fringe of the continental small fish, which 

 would ultimately set offshore ; and I think that if the fish were spared to 

 populate the offshore waters in their large condition, our trawlers might 

 be relied on to prevent their having the chance of sending back too 

 many little ones to choke Dr. Petersen's fjords. 



With the exception of appendixes giving the figures on which the 

 conclusions are based, the Report ends with the formulation of proposi- 

 tions having in view the regulation and improvement of the fjord plaice 

 fishery. The general object of these propositions we have already seen, 

 viz., the extended transplantation of fish into the inner waters ; but there 

 is a rider to the effect that none but the local fishermen should be 

 allowed to participate in the benefits which are expected to accrue. It 

 must be presumed that this is in accordance with the Danish conception 

 of the principles of political economy. In any case, it is the Danish 

 taxpayer's affair, and none of ours. 



Incidentally it is proposed that more material and money should be 

 placed at the disposal of the Biological Station, and with all sincerity we 

 may hope that Dr. Petersen will get it, for it is certain to be well used. 



