i8 THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 



They are of wood, and are principally either of ash, birch, 

 elm, willow, and hazel. The great supply of hoops are 

 bought through London merchants, and are collected by 

 them from all parts. The finest finished hoops come from 

 Surrey. The cash price of hoops is for whole barrel 34^., 

 and for half-barrel 25^. f.o.b. London. From 16 to 18 

 hoops are required for each barrel. The money value for 

 the total used during each year is not under 45,000. 



The salt required by the curer is generally ordered about 

 or immediately after the new year, and for delivery a week 

 or two before the early fishing commences. The supply is 

 calculated at from 12 to 15 tons of salt to the boat for a 

 fair average fishing. Salt is in a great measure the re- 

 sponsible element in the cure, and it is therefore in the 

 best interests of the curer to procure the best salt suitable 

 for curing purposes. For " rousing," common salt is quite 

 good enough, but for " packing and filling up " a great 

 grained salt is required first quality is the proper 

 requisite. Lisbon and St. Ubes salt has found much 

 favour as a splendid salt for " packing," and on the west 

 coast is much appreciated. However, this salt is not so 

 much dealt in as its quality would warrant, but that is 

 probably on account of the risk, measurement instead of 

 weight, or a disinclination, from lack of sufficient profit, to 

 deal therewith by the seller on this side. German salt 

 has been tried at one or two stations, and its qualities proven 

 satisfactory. It is, however, still in its infancy, and from all 

 appearance may take some little time to get out of it on 

 account of prejudice. I have had the pleasure of myself 

 introducing it at Aberdeen, having contracted for 150 tons^ 

 for July delivery. This salt is exclusively for packing and 

 filling up. It is beautifully clear, great grained, and stands 

 an excellent analysis. 



