SURFACE-FEEDING SEA FISH 381 



the fact that in winter they stand far out to sea, and in summer 

 come close inshore. For years they may apparently forsake 

 one portion of the coast and then return to it again in 

 undiminished numbers. Such changes are possibly in con- 

 sequence of the natural food supply having diminished ; as 

 soon as it has regained its former condition the fish return. 

 One of the earliest places at which mackerel are found inshore 

 is Plymouth, the local boats sometimes taking them in February 

 or March. But for our purpose they are a summer fish, and 

 admirably serve to while away the time at many a seaside 

 resort, the resources of which, natural and artificial, are soon 

 exhausted. 



Among the many reasons for which we should regard the 

 mackerel with especial favour is the fact that they are, in their 

 small way, tending to increase the wealth of an impoverished 

 country, Ireland to wit. I see from the Fishery Reports that 

 in 1893, 467,560 barrels of mackerel, valued at 152, 5i2/., were 

 caught on the Irish coasts, principally west and south ; and 

 over 51,000 barrels of Irish mackerel were cured and sent to 

 America. Pickled mackerel is to the New Yorker what salted 

 herring is to the German ; and by the late failure of the 

 American mackerel fishery Ireland has been greatly benefited. 

 I am glad to say that the development of the West coast 

 fisheries continues, thanks in a great measure to the active 

 endeavours of the Congested Districts Board. In 1893, 6,579 

 vessels and boats, manned by 24,001 men and 1,215 boys, took 

 part in the fisheries, showing an increase .of 208 vessels since 

 the previous year ; 730 more men and 240 more boys having 

 become engaged in this work. We even find eleven Irish boats 

 from Wicklow attending the Scotch herring fishery, a piece of 

 enterprise which it is to be hoped was well rewarded. 



Talking of enterprise, when the American mackerel fisheries 

 failed, a fishing schooner from Gloucester, Massachusetts, sailed 



