OF THE FISHERIES. 375 



of the inhabitants, while foreigners were carrying 

 away the fine rich herrings with which they fupplied 

 Europe ; we humbly recommend a vigorous early 

 bufs filhery upon the coafts of Shetland ; from thence 

 ibuthward on both the fides of the ifland, without 

 ceafing, while the boats Ihould be conftantly employ- 

 ed on the fhores and lakes for home fale, as well as 

 the fupply of the builes or merchants. 



As the herrings gradually fall off in richnefs and 

 flavour foon after their arrival at the Shetland iflands, 

 I have been at fome pains to difcover whether we 

 might not commence the Shetland fifhery with fuc- 

 cefs before the 24th of June , but no perfon with 

 whom I have converted on the fubjedt, could give a 

 fatisfa&ory anfwer on that head ; neither could they 

 account for the Dutch regulation, which prohibits 

 their fifhing till that day. 



As this point is of very confiderable importance, 

 it is fubmitted to confideration, whether it would not 

 be proper to have a veficl at Brafia Sound on the 

 firflof June, equipped in all refpe&s after the Dutch 

 method, having alfo a fufficient quantity of refined 

 fait, iuch as is ufed by that people. From Brafia 

 Sound fhe might fail on the evening of June i, 

 in queft of the herrings, taking care to keep a mi- 

 nute journal of all die appearances that occurred, 

 and circumftances that happened in the cruize, and 

 ftrictly to obferve the Dutch method of curing and 

 packing. By this experiment we might discover 

 whether that fiihery admits of an earlier commence- 

 ment ; for if only one week could be gained in this 

 valuable feafon, very efifcntial advantages would re- 

 fult therefrom to the ftate and to individuals. It 

 would enable us to open new markets in the north- 

 ern parts of Europe, for which thefe rich, early her- 

 rings are only proper, and where they would bring a 

 high price. 



This may be called the firft ftage of the fifhery, 

 and continues, as we perceive by the Dutch laws, 



A A 4 till 



