266 Dr. Mac Culloch on the 



questioned. On lighting a fire in the boats, they become imme- 

 diately surrounded by fish, and it then only remains to take them 

 in the accustomed modes. The process is easy, economical, and 

 effectual ; and it is not easy to see what greater recommendations 

 any practice can possess. It is unnecessary to say, however, that 

 it might be improved for the uses of our fishermen, by substituting 

 a more permanent light, by means of lamps ; while it would also 

 be a more economical one. 



But to come to the question of the Cornish pilchard fishery, 

 which has been the inducement to these remarks, this is an object 

 which, from its extent and value, is of high importance, not 

 merely Jo the Jajjourers and consumers, but to the large capital 

 which isjsimk in this trade, in the shape of buildings, boats, and 

 nets. With some irregularity, it is a trade which, for some years 

 past, has failed, or the fish have deserted the coasts ; and when it 

 is 'considered that the annual returns were formerly so great, it is 

 easy to comprehend the importance of this defalcation. 



In the midst of this, we see in the newspapers, lamentations, 

 almost monthly, coupled with requisitions, to fishermen and phi- 

 losophers alike, to exert themselves in enticing the fish back 

 again; while no attempt for this purpose has been made, though 

 it might be expected that one so obvious as lights might at-least 

 have, been tried. It must be hoped that this paper may meet the 

 eye of some Cornish philosopher, considering how Cornwall 

 abounds in philosophers and philosophy, and that another summer 

 will not pass without a fair series of experiments on the affections 

 of pilchards as to light. 



And there are reasons to believe that this plan would succeed 

 in this especial case ; at least if the current opinions as to the 

 late conduct of the fish can be trusted. It is not said that they 

 have deserted the seas of this coast, but merely that they have 

 fallen into the habit of remaining in the deeper waters ; in waters 

 so deep as to prevent the seines from anchoring ; a matter essen- 

 tial to this class of fishing. For this conduct they unquestionably 

 possess some motives, whatever those may be : probably it is the 

 position of their food: but whatever it is, our business is, not 



