58 



hibit a mode of fishing which, but for their baneful ope- 

 ration, would, long ere this, have been universally adopt- 

 ed. The stake-net fishings must now be legalised; and the 

 treasures of the ocean, which have been shut up for ages, 

 must be freely exposed to the enterprise and public spirit 

 of the coast proprietors, who have quite as sound a claim 

 to the protection of the Legislature, as the upper heritors of 

 any petty stream in the whole kingdom. 



But how is this important change to be effected, and 

 what must be done to secure an object so highly beneficial, 

 in the surest and most speedy manner ? An act of the Le- 

 gislature, of course, must be obtained. But a matter of 

 such national moment must not be left in private hands, 

 however respectable or talented. 



There is, indeed, a recent instance of the inexpediency of 

 leaving a matter of such general concernment in the hands of 

 individuals. The upper heritors of the Tay introduced a 

 private bill into Parliament last session, for prolonging the 

 close season. But it turned out, that the private interests 

 of some of the heritors and their tenants, interfered, and 

 the body could not agree on any general period. What 

 was for the general benefit did not suit the interest of this 

 or that individual, and, in consequence, they could not 

 come to a right understanding. It so happened, also, that 

 the lower heritors appeared in Parliament, and prayed to 

 be heard in fixing the period. This had never been 

 contemplated by the upper heritors, as a measure at 

 all probable. And the result was, that the bill had to 

 be withdrawn. It is reported, however, that the upper 

 heritors have since come to a proper understanding among 

 themselves. They have made an amicable compromise in 

 regard to their individual interests and wishes, and are now 

 prepared to introduce the bill a second time. But, is it 



