XOETH SEA lyVESTIGATIONS. 393 



brill, sole, and plaice were enlarged after they had been reared 

 through the delicate larval and metamorphosing stages, it is reason- 

 able to suppose that they would be conveyed or would find their 

 way to the sandy margins, which seem best adapted to the succeed- 

 ing stages of their life-history, only to fall into the net of the 

 shrimper. 



I should say that to prohibit the use of any sort of shore shrimp- 

 net during night-time would be a beneficial measure, but there is 

 perhaps sufficient reason for abolishing the industry altogether. 

 Those engaged in it might be sufficiently compensated at a moderate 

 expenditure, if indeed it be not contrary to public policy to admit 

 the existence of a vested interest in an occupation which is essentially 

 injurious to industries affecting a much greater section of the com- 

 munity. 



