THE FISHERIES. 25 



do not think we can add anything to the arguments 

 there adduced. Indeed it would appear to be a self- 

 evident proposition, that if it be necessary to main- 

 tain an adequate stock of breeders in a river, we 

 should diminish the period, as we increase the means, 

 and improve the mode, of capture. Xew and im- 

 proved engines of capture were legalized in 1842: 

 and then first put into operation, but the period of 

 capture was at the same time prolonged. It is ob- 

 vious that the converse would have been the more 

 judicious course. All the arguments applicable to 

 the subject were set out at the time in the articles 

 we have just referred to, but were not heeded ; on 

 the contrary, a subsequent Act was obtained in 1846 

 (9 & 10 Vic, cap. 114), extending the period of cap- 

 ture to the 1st of September. The consequences 

 might have been easily foreseen ; but we forbear to 

 pursue the subject further, as a complete reaction of 

 opinion has recently taken place, and nobody now 

 doubts that the arguments put forward by a com- 

 petent practical party in 1844, for farther restric- 

 tion, in the publication referred to, should not have 

 been disregarded. Last Session the Duke of Ar- 

 gyle brought in a Bill in the House of Lords, to 

 curtail the fishing-season in the Scotch Salmon-fish- 

 eries ; and Mr. Conolly's Bill, in the House of 

 Commons, proposes that the close time for the Irish 

 Salmon-fisheries shall commence on the 1st day of 

 August in every year. We are aware of the con- 

 troversy likely to arise upon this subject ; many 



