THE FISHERIES. 



m 



however strenuously opposed and continuously re- 

 sisted ; nor do we know of any more legitimate ob- 

 ject of ambition — nay, of ardent aspiration, than that 

 of being instrumental in carrying into practical ope- 

 ration and effect (when duly and successfully de- 

 monstrated) a system, or series of facts, which ex- 

 perience and conviction assure, will be useful to 

 mankind. 



To trace effect to cause, or from known premises 

 to anticipate results, is surely not presumption — it is 

 rather, we should say, the fit exercise of reason and 

 province of experience. If the decline of the Salmon- 

 fisheries has been predicated continuously for a series 

 of years, from known causes of waste, it is equally 

 consistent to predicate their prosperity, from known 

 means of reproduction. 



A few observations of a general and political ten- 

 dency may not here be misplaced — in the approach- 

 ing session of Parliament, two important measures 

 relating to Ireland, await discussion, and we hope sa- 

 tisfactory settlement ; each calculated, in no ordinary 

 degree, to promote industry, and awaken the dor- 

 mant energies of this country — we mean the landlord 

 and tenant question, and the fisheries question. The 

 whole material surface of our island, the land and 

 the Avater, will now, as it were, pass in review before 

 the Legislature. Let us hope, that in this transit 

 through Parhament, these important sources of na- 

 tional prosperity and wealth will obtain, at length, a 

 wise and judicious settlement. The land question is 

 in able hands; if the present Attorney- General, 



