39 



sive as to the relative effects of the respective modes of 

 fishing ? * 



As to \hejirst objection, therefore, that the stake-net 

 mode of fishing is injurious to the breed of the Salmon, by 

 destroying the fry and spawning fish, it may now surely 

 be assumed, that it is worse than groundless. It appears 

 that that mode of fishing is not nearly so destructive as the 

 one at present generally in use. And, hence, so far from 

 its being expedient to prohibit the use of the invention, 

 it would seem that a totally opposite conclusion must be 

 drawn ; and that the protection and fostering hand of the 

 law, cannot too speedily be extended in its favour. 



2. But another objection which has been stated against 

 the use of stake-nets is, that by means of them, such an 



* The deleterious quality of redjlsh and keltr, has been fre- 

 quently experienced, especially in Ireland, where greater free- 

 dom is used in destroying them than in this country. One 

 remarkable and very melancholy case, however, occurred here, 

 several years ago, in the parish of Moffat in Annandale. The 

 men of two families had been very assiduous, and but too suc- 

 cessful in killing red Jish, in October and November ; which 

 were salted for winter use, and served for some months, as al- 

 most the only food of the families. In spring, a putrid and vi- 

 rulent fever, arising from this circumstance, took place in both 

 houses. The one family consisted of seven, and the other of 

 nine persons ; each comprehending a husband, wife, and some 

 sons and daughters, grown up to be men and women. In the 

 course of three months, and in spite of medical assistance, the 

 sixteen persons of these families, were all swept off by this 

 mortal fever, except one young man, who with great difficulty 

 recovered. 



