U THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 



pickling the herrings, tenters or spits for hanging the 

 herrings while being smoked, together with other small 

 utensils which are hardly worth mentioning. Be it under- 

 stood that quantities of the above articles are required 

 according to the extent of the business. 



The coopers steadily employed in the trade are about 

 3000 in number, including apprentices. During the herring 

 fishing the journeymen, on an average, receive 33^. to 35.$-. 

 per week. Foremen a few shillings more. During the 

 winter their wages are earned on the work done. The 

 principal employment then is barrel-making. A good man 

 can make by steady work 24 barrels a week. The price 

 for making a barrel is is., and therefore the cooper can earn 

 2^s. per week by steady work. He has a very responsible 

 position, and is in reality the practical fish-curer. First, 

 there is the necessity of making his barrels the exact 

 regulation size, and showing an apparent good workman- 

 ship, tight fitting and well hooped. Second, care and 

 punctiliousness in "rousing," i.e. salting to keep the 

 herrings in good condition, till convenient to be gutted, 

 and during the process of gutting. Third, the keeping 

 in good working order all plant, and especially the farlins, 

 tubs and gutting knives, and the superintending of 

 gutting, selection, laying, and packing. Fourth, he has to 

 devote particular attention to the pickling and filling up, 

 and presentation for the brand. Although not receiving a 

 remuneration equal in comparison to the amount of labour 

 and responsibility, still, greatly to their credit, they are a 

 contented, hardworking, thrifty, and energetic class of men, 

 and by their excellent service are the instruments in 

 making for the Scotch cure such a high fame as it has. 



Oramen are only employed during the herring fishing 

 season ; 400 or 500 might be the estimate of the numbers 



