THE MIGRATION OF THE ANCHOVY. 303 
Hoffmann supposed, on the warm summer of the year before, but on 
the mildness of the winter in the Channel. This suggestion can be 
tested by an examination of the meteorological conditions during 
past years in comparison with the statistics of the Dutch fishery. 
I would suggest that in future a careful record should be kept of 
the meteorological conditions, temperature of the sea, and number 
of anchovies obtained at Plymouth, in order that the law of the 
anchovy fisheries might be ascertained. I would further suggest 
that endeavours be made to obtain data concerning the natural 
history of the anchovy on the west coast of France, and north and 
west coasts of the Spanish Peninsula. We do not know at present 
whether the fish spawns there, and in what abundance it occurs at 
different seasons. If these matters have not yet been ascertained, it 
would not be difficult by communications in the proper quarters to 
get observations on them made by competent naturalists in the 
countries concerned, or it might even be advisable to send a 
naturalist from England for the purpose. 
In conclusion I would say a few words on the question of an 
English anchovy fishery. As far as our evidence goes—and it is 
fairly extensive—there has been no possibility of a profitable fishery 
except in the years 1889 and 1890. In the former year a consider- 
able number of anchovies could have been cured at Torquay, and in 
the latter a smaller number at Plymouth ; but there is no indication 
that enough anchovies could be caught in the Channel to recom- 
pense the employment of special nets for their capture alone. My own 
opinion is that the fish are either too much scattered or too far 
from the coast to be caught in very large numbers. In Holland it 
is different ; the fish are there crowded into a small area. 
On the other hand, I think it would be advisable to ascertain 
whether small pilchards occur off the Cornish coast in summer in 
sufficient numbers to support a sardine industry hke that of the 
west coast of France. The pilchard fishery is unprosperous, the 
market for large salted pilchards is bad. ‘There is a factory at 
Mevagissey where large pilchards are imperfectly preserved as 
sardines, but the flavour of sardines depends on the size, as lamb is 
more delicate than mutton. If small pilchards are to be caught on 
the Cornish coast in large numbers in summer, there is no reason 
why the French sardine industry should not be extended to Corn- 
wall, and prove a great boon to the population, whose resources in 
mining and fishing have been much reduced. ‘To this end I would 
advise that our small-meshed nets be shot regularly throughout the 
months of April, May, June, July, August, and September, and all 
the results examined and recorded. 
