NORTH SEA FISHERIES 45 



different species. As these grounds vary 

 in formation, fertility, and depth, so they 

 vary in suitability for the advantageous 

 growth of different kinds of fish. The 

 experienced' fisherman has a much better 

 geographical knowledge of the bottom of 

 the North Sea than he has of the counties 

 of England, and knows exactly when and 

 where to go for the different varieties. 

 For although the different species do not 

 confine themselves altogether to certain 

 districts in particular seasons of the year, 

 yet the trawling captain knows when and 

 where the special kinds he wants will 

 predominate. He also knows the periods, 

 of migration, and when a particular bank 

 will have the " fish setting in." The 

 bottom of the North Sea can well be com- 

 pared with land that supplies our grain, 

 meat, etc. ; some parts are more fertile 

 than others, one part is capable of sup- 

 porting a particular species more than 

 another. The harvester of the sea does 

 not sow or plough, but the produce re- 

 quires collection, which is the great ex- 

 pense of fishing. The fisherman has to 

 know where to find the fish ; to steam to 



