94 INTRODUCTION. 



differs widely; some superabounding with Nature's 

 rich products, whilst others are comparatively de- 

 prived of them : and yet, stimulated perhaps by 

 this destitution, how many a dreary and sterile re- 

 gion has, by man's intelligence and perseverance, been 

 converted into a rich and smiling land. And might 

 it not be so with the world of waters ? The bound- 

 less ocean, and innumerable lakes, rivers, and canals, 

 yield a superabundant harvest, and throughout the 

 entire year ; one country being more favoured, and 

 another less, with this rich provision. Has this 

 bounty generally been improved, with the solicitude 

 which it claims, either in other countries or our 

 own? As it regards Rural economy, Scotland 

 may be cited as an example ; where, notwithstand- 

 ing all its moors and mountains, its unpropitious 

 soil and climate, much has been effected by the 

 Farmer, and whence lessons on the Science have ex- 

 tended over the civilized world. And why may not 

 North Britain, already distinguished for the part 

 she takes in the fisheries, do for Piscatory Science 

 what she has effected for Agricultural ; or why does 

 not England outstrip her in the honourable career, 

 for that here there is a woeful deficiency is indis- 

 putable ; and why should little or nothing have been 

 done in and for Ireland ? To elucidate these im- 

 portant matters we shall enter into a few details. 



Concerning the Fisheries of the Western Hebrides, 

 the following account was given several years ago 

 by Mr. M'Donald. " Though these fisheries," he 

 remarks, " do not belong to the agricultural survey, 



