928 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [22] 
terial for a large export trade, and fisheries are numerous in all the 
lagoons of the coast. 
This is the example to be followed—a profitable business, in which 
one can engage without doubt of success. The soil, the climate, the 
water being the same in the Gulf of Venice as in the Gulf of Lyons, the 
processes need not be sought for anew. The Italians succeeded with 
them: why not apply them upon our Mediterranean shores? They 
might be speedily tested at little expense, and if found imperfect in any 
way they could be quickly improved, just as were the oyster-cultural pro- 
cesses brought from Fusaro by M. Coste. 
Let it not be forgotten that the number of fish brought to our market 
is constantly diminishing. A part of the north of France is dependent 
upon foreign countries for its fishery supplies; in the south, fish of fine 
quality would be unknown if the coasts of Corsica and Sardinia, which 
are still prosperous, did not furnish their quota. The native fishery is 
insufficient to satisfy the demands of a market which increases day by 
day, in proportion as railroad communication becomes more extended. 
It can with great difficulty furnish Paris with a little more than half 
the fish consumed there, and still fresh sea-fish are considered the 
favorite article of food; a gale of wind is sufficient to deprive Paris of 
its supply.* It is apprehended on all sides that the time will arrive 
when fish, other than preserved fish, will be a luxury which the rich 
alone can afford. This situation demands a prompt remedy. It has 
seemed to be my duty to point out where it might be found. 
' *Maxime Du Camp, loc. cit. 
