THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 29 



barrels he desires branded. This has the officer's due 

 attention. Previous to the examination of the "parcel," 

 the officer receives a declaration to the effect that the 

 herrings have been cured conformably to the regulations 

 set forth, and also gets payment of the branding fees. He 

 proceeds to examine the parcel, and to those entitled 

 applies the branding stamp. The curer has had a fire 

 prepared wherein to heat the officer's branding-iron, and 

 when the iron is red-hot it is applied to the barrel, leaving 

 an impression similar to the one here given. Every 

 selection has a different stamp. 



The above is for Packed Matties, branded in 18-71, and 

 the J J is the branding officer's initials. There is no brand 

 given to the west coast herrings, nor is one required, as 

 the herrings are not selected further than the curers deem 

 expedient. Perhaps one-third may be selected, entitling 

 them to the name of " prime " or " choice," the other two- 

 thirds are packed promiscuously. 



That the brand is highly appreciated, and yearly 

 gaining in appreciation, the following results will sufficiently 

 prove. 



.23. 



