59 



expedient, is it even decorous, to permit tkis private 

 legislation in such a matter ? The public interest is involv- 

 ed, and ought not to be sacrificed by a mode of legislation 

 which is never resorted to, but for the advancement of pri- 

 vate interests. In so far as regards the duration of the 

 close time, there is an admitted, an undeniable necessity, 

 for a revisal of the laws. And did not the exclusive inte- 

 rests of the upper heritors interfere, there would be no ob- 

 jections made to a general alteration of the antiquated Scots 

 statutes, by which the fishery is at present regulated. 



The subject, however, as a whole, is one which possesses 

 more than sufficient interest to command the attention and 

 services of his Majesty's government: And the liberal policy 

 which characterises the acts of the present administration, 

 in every thing connected with the commercial prosperity of 

 the nation, proves that an appeal, properly supported by 

 facts, would, in that high quarter j not be neglected. Let 

 those, therefore, interested in the result, boldly step for- 

 ward ; and, firm and united amongst themselves, let them 

 respectfully, but earnestly, impress upon His Majesty's 

 Government, upon Parliament, upon the Boards of 

 Trade, the justice and expediency of an alteration of the 

 laws. If such an alteration cannot be obtained at once, 

 at least INQUIRY may be granted. Let such inquiry, then, 

 by all means be urged. With such a case as may be made 

 out for the stake-net fishings, it is impossible that inquiry 

 can be refused ; and, if once granted, it is equally impos- 

 sible to fail in ultimate success. 



INQUIRY will put down the clamour, detect the false- 

 hoods, and expose all the selfish and interested views of 

 the monopolists in the rivers. It will dissipate every charge 

 that has been brought as to the injurious tendency and 



