THE SCOTCH EAST COAST HERRING FISHING. 43 



Fish-curer's outlay, interest on capital, rent of yard, 

 plant, stock and work, wages to coopers, gutters, 

 labourers, cartage, shore dues. Equal to about 

 8s. 6d. per barrel . . . . . . ,394,862 



Fish-curer's income return for herrings 



743,269 crans = 929,086 barrels at 30^. per barrel 1,393,628 



We must not forget that the fishermen own seven- 

 eighths of the houses they inhabit, and also, that they are 

 heavy depositors with our Scotch banks. Many of the 

 fish-curers are affluent, and possess both money and 

 property. Likewise, the Scotch buyers for foreign export, 

 who may be said to turn over once more the great money 

 circulation of this trade. 



Of the much required and expected improvements, it is 

 apparent that harbour accommodation is the most needed. 

 It is gratifying to note that the surplus branding fees 

 are to be devoted in that improvement, and that a large 

 Government grant may be shortly expected for an east 

 coast harbour of refuge. Whilst large centres are receiv- 

 ing every assistance, even at present, there are small centres 

 who receive little or none. Some are most deserving, and 

 ready to spring into a new energetic life whenever they get 

 a new harbour, or an extension. 



With a rapidity quite amazing, the improvements in our 

 boats, gear, and nets, have sprung into force within the 

 past dozen of years. The herring fishing is year by year 

 being prosecuted further from the shore, and large and 

 finer sea-going boats are becoming necessary. If such 

 continues, to prevent the quality of the fish retrograding, 

 the application of steam to our fishing boats will be 

 necessary. Already I can see symptoms of an east coast 

 steamboat herring fishing. 



