THE HERRING FISHERIES. 35 



used, as the herring possesses a very small mouth. In the 

 north of Scotland some anglers fix the hooks from the end 

 of ordinary stocking wires, and these wires are about twelve 

 inches distant from each other on the line. No bait is 

 required, but the hook must be small and bright. 



PART III. 

 THE LEADING HERRING FISHERY OF THE WORLD. 



As the herring fisheries of Scotland are the leading 

 fisheries in the world, we may infer from this fact alone 

 that there must be gigantic modes of carrying on the 

 business in the mighty waters. 



The curers are the real promoters of this industry ; in 

 some cases they even provide the boats and gearage ; but 

 arrangements are made long before the season begins, 

 notwithstanding the fact that the fishery is to a large 

 extent uncontrollable by regulations. Thus, though boat- 

 owners may bind themselves to deliver a certain number of 

 crans at a given time in the season, it is after all a proba- 

 bility that these very men may have the " cleanest " boats 

 for that season. 



The " bounty system " is a mode of advancing money, 

 and as often a question of retaining it, and cannot be 

 compared to the "share" principle, where the fishermen 

 have a better compensation for their arduous work. Boat- 

 owners try to strike as good terms as possible, and by 

 stating an agreement entered into last January (1883) for 

 the ensuing season, we may illustrate this. 



E. 21. E 



