11 



By one of those coincidences which sometimes occur, 

 the latter end of last century was likewise remarkable for 

 a valuable discovery by the late George Dempster, Esq. 

 of Dunnichen; by means of which, the fishers were en- 

 abled to transmit the Salmon, preserved in ice, to distant 

 markets. Without this discovery, although the benefit 

 of the improved mode of ^fishing would have been experi- 

 enced in the markets, near the fishing stations ; yet the 

 Salmon could not have been sent, in a fresh state, to any 

 distant place. But now, with its aid, the fishers being 

 enabled to preserve the Salmon fresh as they came from 

 the sea, the advantages were spread all over the na- 

 tion. And, in consequence, a great additional tonnage of 

 shipping was constantly employed, during the summer 

 months, in carrying the Salmon, packed in ice, to the dif- 

 ferent markets in the kingdom. 



It seemed, in short, as if a new source of wealth had 

 been opened up. And while proprietors found that their 

 fisheries were, in many instances, nearly as valuable a3 

 their lands, a considerable number of individuals found 

 employment as fishermen, seamen, &c. &c., and wealth was 

 rapidly acquired by all concerned with the fisheries. 



Nor was this state of matters confined to the Tav. 



were not fished at all, or were .only partially fished. On the 

 extensive coast belonging to Lord Dunclas, on the south side 

 of the Frith, almost immediately opposite to Seaside, not a 

 stake-net was erected. The same may be said of the Errol 

 estate, adjoining to Seaside. And the Town of Dundee's valu- 

 able stations were only partially fished. In fact, from the 

 small number of individuals engaged in the" fishery, few pro- 

 prietors had an opportunity of ascertaining the real value of 

 .their property. 



