THE FISHERIES. Ill 



one million sterling. We do not at all over-estimate 

 that resource in our own country — we mean the 

 herring fishery — when we say that our fishings might 

 equal, probably surpass, those of Scotland, if pro- 

 perly encouraged ; we have httle doubt, that if our 

 sea and coast fisheries were fully and adequately 

 brought forward, Ireland might export annually, 

 cured fish, to as large an amount as Scotland ; and 

 thus be enabled, to give profitable employment, in 

 various ways, to a large portion of our population. 

 Certainly, a rivalry and competition in the export 

 trade, might then arise between Scotland and this 

 country, but if free trade makes way in this com- 

 modity, the combined fisheries would hardly suffice 

 to supply the Continental demand ; there is every 

 reason to suppose, that the want of that species of 

 food in different Continental States would open up 

 an unlimited market — at least, such are the free- 

 trade doctrines. 



But what should be the mode of development ? 

 We admit, the old system of bounties will not an- 

 swer : still, we contend, that the Sea-fisheries of 

 Ireland cannot be brought into activity, without am- 

 ple assistance from the Government : our coast po- 

 pulation have no means — without capital, without 

 bank accommodation, and without the assistance and 

 encouragement of a wealthy landed proprietary — to 

 procure for themselves, the expensive equipments 

 necessary for embarking in the deep sea fishery. 

 Some assistance, therefore, from the State might 



