28 
Having considered the size. of the mesh, let us for a 
_moment look.at the limitation of length of trawl beam, and 
width of cockle rake. To obtain any foundation to argue. 
hon in regard to these, we must admit that trawling does 
considerable harm, and that some regulations are needed. 
For argument’s.sake alone we will allow this, but admitting 
it, and without it the laws are absurd, are we any better ? | 
No one will pretend that a wider trawl or wider cockle rake | 
does more harm than a narrower one in proportion to the 
whole work it does. Therefore, if we admit the necessity 
of working with a trawl or a cockle rake at all, the only 
possible object of legislation is to “preventathe individual 
fisherman or mockler endowed by his Maker with more skill 
or strength than his fellow from using the same, saying to 
him in effect, “Yes, we know your Maker gave you more 
strength and skill, and intended you to excel your fellows, 
but He made a great mistake. Be thankful we are here to 
repair the blunder.” Even admitting the argument that 
the harvest is limited, which we think the Fleetwood instance. 
named later on,* supported as it is by much other evidence, 
proves groundless, there is no reason why a man stronger 
or more skilful than his neighbour should not obtain all the 
advantage his strength | or skill gives him. Itis the most 
elementary principle of political economy that he should be 
allowed. tO, do the best he can, and so stimulate his fellows. 
* See page 45. 
