THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 5 



herring fishing stations. Let their visit take place during 

 the heat of a season, and the disclosures will show an 

 indecency and moral degradation of a most appalling 

 nature. One visit would certainly be sufficient, and would 

 be the means of raising the fishing community from a 

 backward and unwholesome living, to one more healthy 

 and modern. 



The qualities and characteristics of fishermen may also 

 be said to be sectarian. Amongst the Highlanders 

 intemperance is the prevailing vice, but it is gratifying to 

 observe the wonderful alteration that is gradually making 

 itself visible in their sect, and which augurs well for the 

 hope that in the near future our fishermen will be known 

 as a temperate' race of men. Religion has also a consider- 

 able part of their attention. They are chiefly connected 

 with the Gaelic Church. The southern fishermen are pretty 

 well mixed up with all the denominations. Missionary 

 work receives good support, is beneficial, and has a 

 splendid ground to work upon. However, the fishermen, 

 notwithstanding their regular church attendance and 

 adhesiveness to their creeds seeming equal to fanaticism 

 are found, on a close observation of their daily life, to be 

 divided thus, one-third zealous, God-fearing, and good 

 living men, while the other two-thirds are not, and a great 

 part are (I am sorry to have to say it) in disposition 

 inclined to the opposite direction. I draw my conclusions 

 from close observance. Obstinacy in argument is a 

 prominent characteristic. There is also a deep vindictive- 

 ness and revengefulness in their natures against those 

 whom they may deem enemies. Without flattery, let us 

 glance at the good qualities of our fishermen. To their 

 employers they are respectful, and self-knowing, subser- 

 vient ; hard working and energetic in their occupation ; 



