130 FISHERIES OF THE NORTH SEA 



are mainly responsible for the prosperity 

 of the Dutch port of Ymuiden. Neverthe- 

 less, large companies have been formed, 

 and the Germans fully intend making a 

 bold bid themselves for the inexhaustible 

 treasures of the deep sea as soon as peace 

 comes. If we refuse to trade with them 

 we shall compel them to push the industry 

 still further themselves, and thus make 

 them our rivals in exploiting the fishing 

 grounds. In the past they have been our 

 greatest customers for exported fish, and 

 the English herring fleets have often been 

 saved from the dangers of unremunerative 

 prices by supplying the continental demand. 

 Much of the prime fish which Germany 

 imported from England went to the Swiss 

 town of Basle, where, owing to the splendid 

 refrigerating accommodation, there is a 

 fine market for forwarding to the Swiss 

 hotels. This city alone imports annually 

 120,000 worth of fish, and so far has 

 received scanty consideration from the 

 English merchants, though the traffic, being 

 in the better priced varieties, should be 

 highly profitable. 



Germany also takes toll of the Baltic, 



