28 THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 



1815, that sum was raised to 4^., and thereat remained till 

 1830, at which date it was altogether withdrawn, but 

 branding under the old regulations still continued. In 

 1859, a Parliamentary Commission of Enquiry reported 

 favourably on the brand, and gave it as their opinion that the 

 system of branding was beneficial in the interests of the 

 curers, was a great facilitator of business more especially 

 in the foreign export trade and was likewise a guarantee 

 for the contents of the barrel and also the quality of the 

 fish therein. A fee of ^d. per barrel branded was then 

 imposed, and remains in force at this present day. Only 

 lately has the brand received another vote of confidence, as 

 it were. I refer to the report of the Select Committee 

 appointed by the House of Commons in March 1881, to 

 enquire into the expediency of continuing the system of 

 branding herrings, &c. Their voting was as 12 against 3 

 that the brand was deserving of continuance. 



The brand is a guarantee that the barrel is of the legal 

 standard measurement, and that the herrings, for quality, 

 selection, and packing, are up to the requirements of the 

 Scotch Fishery Board. The brand is given to only four 

 selections, viz. fulls, matties, spents, and mixed. There 

 are twenty-six districts, and the branding officers employed 

 throughout the whole, in 1882, numbered thirty-seven. As 

 branding is now extended to Shetland, whose rapid growth is 

 so visibly apparent, an increase in the branding staff must 

 necessarily take place. The herrings to be entitled to receive 

 the brand must be properly cured and packed, and have lain 

 in the barrel twelve* clear days from date of catch. The 

 curer signs a request note to the ofHcer stating the number of 



* The Fishery Board stipulate that to receive the brand the 

 herrings must have lain ten clear days, exclusive of catch and packing. 

 I therefore feel justified in quoting twelve clear days from catch. 



