16 
different conditions. The coast of the Mediterranean which 
undoubtedly, as has been shown, produces more than the 
Atlantic coast, has great depletion in fish notwithstanding 
the most favourable conditions for reproduction—and 
there can be no doubt that this is due to abuses or the 
bad system of fishing practised by all countries which 
border on the sea. In the first place the means of extraction 
are greater, as the condition of these waters and that of 
the bottoms is more conducive to the establishment of im- 
pediments to fish passage than to trawling, also that the 
Mediterranean is more suitable to certain species. Not- 
withstanding this, its temperature, the class of vegeta- 
tion which flourishes on its bottom, and the material 
organism which it constantly receives from the rivers and 
rainy deposits, are other elements which favour a large 
production. 
PROPOSALS. 
I will conclude by making some proposals to my col- 
leagues the Commissioners of all the countries represented 
at this Exhibition. , 
The importance of fisheries as the source of wealth is now 
recognised by all civilised countries, nor is it forgotten that 
it forms one of the principal elements in the public food 
supply, as well as that their extension facilitates the means 
of communication among nations, and that this increases 
the industrial output; and lastly, that the calling of a 
fisherman is the nursery which produces that race, hardy, 
enduring, and brave, which man our ships, establish means 
of communication among continents, and maintain the 
independence of nations. 
All are interested individually and collectively in this 
calling and in the rational protection of the industry, because 
