VALUE Ofr FISHERIES 63 



in the same degree : in addition to these 

 benefits we possess a seafaring population 

 peculiarly adapted to the arts and crafts 

 necessary to a successful prosecution of the 

 industry. Why does not the country avail 

 itself to the fullest extent of this great food 

 within such easy reach ? The banks in 

 these seas are far more valuable and fertile 

 than the best agricultural land ; the produce 

 is considered by all eminent authorities as 

 one of the finest foods procurable. Rich 

 in protein, low in price, delicious in taste, 

 fresh fish to an island situated like Great 

 Britain should receive every attention in 

 the coming years. There is a harvest at 

 hand without sowing or tilling, the grounds 

 are free to all : the food is ready for con- 

 sumption, much of it requires little or no 

 manufacturing when landed; only the 

 domestic tasks of cleaning and cooking 

 are necessary : and yet, strange to say, 

 the country so far has hardly begun to 

 realize the productivity of these areas. 

 The only great expense is collection and 

 marketing no doubt a formidable one, 

 but vast improvements .are possible that 

 would result in decrease of cost of produc- 



