OF ALL COUNTRIES. 77 



weather is fine the smacks enter the haven to discharge 

 their contents ; but as the bar becomes dangerous if the 

 wind be at all strong, ferry boats are then employed, and 

 the cargo is conveyed in baskets called " swills," containing 

 about 500 fish apiece. The baskets are carried high up on 

 shore and placed in ranks two deep. A lively scene 

 prevails during the sale, and a good deal of fluctuation is 

 found in the returns. In 1869, for instance, the number of 

 lasts was about 13,500 ; then it rose rapidly to more than 

 19,000 ; then, within four years, it sank to 12,000, and then 

 again it commenced to rise. By the latest returns of the 

 Board of Trade, it appears that the total number of lasts 

 of all kinds of fish was 32,696, a very satisfactory increase 

 when compared with the 31,238 of the previous year. 



The work of the crew on board a trawler is distinctively 

 assigned to each hand, each man being supposed to be 

 capable of performing the duties of all those below him. 

 It is the boy's part to cook, to coil the warp, and to steer 

 during mealtimes, unless the weather be particularly 

 rough. Steering and keeping watch form the business of 

 the sixth hand ; mending the nets is the additional duty of 

 the fifth, and shooting the nets of the fourth ; while the 

 third hand must be able to work the net at all seasons ; 

 and the second must be able to determine the position at 

 sea and take charge of the vessel. In addition to these 

 matters, a more important and peculiar knowledge, that of 

 the fishing-grounds, is required for the master, and this can 

 only be gained by experience from season to season. 



On the eastern coast, and more particularly in the York- 

 shire parts, a good deal of difficulty has lately prevailed with 

 reference to the relations between the smack-owners and the 

 boys. To investigate these matters another Commission was 

 appointed during last year, with the special object of enquir- 



