THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 19 



ENGAGEMENTS BETWEEN CURER AND FISHER 



BOUNTY SYSTEM ARLES AND DATES OF 



AGREEMENT. 



The bounty system has been in force for a great length 

 of time. From 1720 (perhaps before that time) to 1830 

 there were bounties at irregular periods given by Govern- 

 ment to aid in the further development and extension of 

 the trade. For interesting examples, I quote the following. 

 In the year 1727 a Board of Trustees was appointed to 

 manage the sum of 20,000 per annum allowed by the 

 Government from Scotch Revenue (vide Act, 23 Geo. II.). 

 Great encouragements were given and assistance rendered 

 in floating the " Free British White Herring Company," 

 whose capital was 500,000. Bounty was then paid at 30^. 

 per ton on " busses " from 20 to 80 tons burthen. The year 

 1757 saw the bounty at 50^. per ton. We read of the 

 Scotch having earned bounty in 1767, amounting to 3 1,396, 

 but in 1781 only 9,674. In 1782 the bounty was reduced 

 to 30^., not on the tonnage now, but on the ton of fish 

 delivered. In 1808 we know of it having been paid in the 

 form of 2s. for every barrel qualified, presented, and receiv- 

 ing the Government brand. It was raised to 4^. in 18 1 5, and 

 altogether withdrawn in 1830. Such was the bounty system 

 of the olden times. Good in its way, and having its origin in 

 the best of intentions viz. to promote the development, and 

 by its monetary assistance to encourage the trade. 



The modern system is quite different, and to my seeming 

 is a dangerous practice. It is a " bond," or " service," money 

 paid by the herring curer to the fishers owning the boat as 

 the part price of the contract. The following table shows 

 the average amount of bounty per boat paid during the 



