70 THE FISHERIES. 



In Scotland, indeed, the system of curing and pre- 

 paring fish for export has been reduced almost to a 

 science ; and the success of the sea fisheries will, to 

 a considerable extent, be dependent upon a compe- 

 tent knowledge of tliis art. Experienced Scotch 

 curers will form admirable partners in the profitable 

 speculations of the curing-house ; indeed, practical 

 information will be desirable in everything relating 

 to the fisheries, nor can they be developed without 

 the same skill and business-knowledge which brought 

 the British Sea-fisheries to so high a state of pro- 

 ductiveness. The Committee of the House of Com- 

 mons pointedly direct attention to this fact, and the 

 Inspecting Commissioners of Fisheries in Ireland 

 have reported to Government the necessity for such 

 aids ; practical information is undoubtedly to be 

 wished for, and should finally supervene to that spi- 

 rit of theory which has ridden roughshod over the 

 fisheries. When the ship can be conducted through 

 the seas without the aid of the mariner, or when the 

 manufacturer or the artisan can pursue his calhng 

 without any knowledge of it ; then may the fisheries 

 be developed, and their wants and requirements be 

 understood and met, without the experience and 

 knowledge necessary to the due understanding of 

 the mysteries and intricacies of the art. 



To control and preserve order in the Scotch Sea- 

 fisheries, the services of an armed cutter are found 

 requisite. The " Princess Royal " sails under the 

 orders of the Fishery Board at Edinburgh, and pre- 



