THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. n 



FISH-CURERS CURING YARDS PLANT COOPERS 

 ORAMEN GUTTERS KIPPERERS AND SMOKERS 

 CARTAGE STOCK. 



There are about 500 firms engaged in the herring curing 

 trade on the East Coast, Orkney and Shetland, Lewis and 

 Barra. The capital invested would amount to from 720,000 

 to 1,000,000 sterling. Of all classes they are always the 

 most dependent, entirely relying on the sea's product ; 

 independent, meantime, by their position and standing ; 

 enterprising yet rash and speculative none more so. 

 They are industrious, and are deserving of the country's 

 best thanks for so carefully, laboriously, even expensively, 

 but not withal judiciously, conducting their business, the 

 methods and results of which are so highly gratifying as to 

 command the esteem of millions of people at home and 

 abroad. They have raised to a high pinnacle the fame 

 of the Scotch herring trade, and long may they preserve 

 the position and honour. 



Presuming that a herring curer has fully made up his 

 mind as to the extent of his business, let us glance at 

 his requirements. In the first place it is necessary that 

 a suitable " stance " be procured, near or at the harbour, 

 whereon the yard is to be erected. Supplies of wood 

 (staves) and hoops are ordered, and suitable 'plant' is 

 bought. The coopers are engaged. Boat-engaging time 

 comes on, and the curer looks out for the good boats, and 

 endeavours to engage them. After fixing his boats, he 

 gives his orders for the salt required. If he is a practical 

 curer and cooper he assists in the cutting and making of 

 heads for the barrels, and otherwise superintends the 

 business. 



