774 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



ference of flavor is only imaginary ; haddock on ice is at least as whole- 

 some and nutritive as so-called "fresh" haddock. Even in the markets 

 of sea-ports you do not find any really " fresh " or " live " haddock, as 

 it dies very soon when taken out of its true element, the briny water of 

 the ocean. The haddock does not come near the German coast till late 

 in spring, when thelenten season is over, but the "logger" could easily 

 fish them in those places where they come earlier in the season. The 

 Oldenburg generally got 2J cents per pound in the Hull market, while, 

 so far German dealers have not offered more than If cents per pound, 

 on condition, it is true, that they would pay cash on the arrival of the 

 vessel and engage to take the whole cargo. As matters stand at pres- 

 ent the question of making tbis fish, which occurs in great numbers, 

 really profitable remains altogether in statu quo. If the German press 

 would take an interest in the salt-water fisheries, which, unfortunately, 

 it does not, many of the existing prejudices would soon be rooted out. 

 All the existing difficulties could be met if there were sufficient funds. 

 It would require a strong organization to obtain the same net prices as 

 in England; it would require ice-houses and other buildings which 

 scarcely exist in most of the German ports, not even in Emden. The 

 railroads would also have to take a greater interest in the matter. 



The Hansa (German paper) recently explained a concession which 

 it had made to public opinion in the following manner: "After the 

 fisheries in the German Ocean had dwindled down to a very small trade, 

 chiefly owing to the unfavorable railroad connections, the railroad com- 

 panies have lowered their freight rates, which one and a half year ago 

 had been declared unnecessary, because it is said the fishing trade did 

 not patronize the railroads." In the interest of the existing ocean-fish- 

 eries this measure is to be hailed with joy, as it publicly testifies to a 

 more favorable view of the whole question taken by the railroad com- 

 panies. It can scarcely be doubted that the railroads will find it in their 

 own interest to grant still more favorable conditions as soon as they 

 can be assured that considerable quantities of fish will be shipped. 



When the Emden joint-stock herring-fishery association was started 

 the great capitalists assumed a hostile position toward the enterprise. 

 The Emden j)eople were not inclined either to promise very large divi- 

 dends ; nor would it have been possible to obtain large sums of money 

 on such hard conditions as were customary at that time ; consequently 

 it was determined to raise the money privately among friends and well- 

 wishers who were well acquainted with the final aim which the associa- 

 tion had in view. The managers of course expected to meet with diffi- 

 culties, but they hoped to conquer these by increased activity. But in- 

 stead of this they met with reverses in 1875, and since then not much 

 progress has been made. All sources of self-help have unfortunately 

 been exhausted, and it cost a great deal of trouble to raise the necessary 

 means for carrying on the herring-fisheries during this summer. 



The chief creditor of the association was induced to wait for the pay- 



