SALMON AND SEA FISHERIES OF IRELAND, 



CHAPTER I. 



PEEFATOEY EEMAEKS. 



DURING this dark period of the fortunes of our country, while 

 a mysterious visitation and a succession of social adversities 

 weigh with overwhelming force upon the land, whoever would 

 seek for light through the gloom, must turn anxiously to the 

 consideration of those means for the restoration of national 

 prosperity which Providence places within our reach. 



One of the elements of that prosperity will be found in the 

 munificent stores of Fish, as resources of employment and 

 wealth not only surrounding our island, but even, by the laws 

 of nature, penetrating its inland recesses. 



As a department of industrial occupation, in which native 

 industry and enterprise may be rendered available for the in- 

 crease of the comforts of the people, and to the advantage of 

 the empire, the Fisheries of Ireland are deserving of a large 

 share of attention. 



At such a time, an inquiry into the causes of their present 

 depressed state may serve a useful purpose. 



The fisheries of the United Empire have frequently obtained 

 the earnest solicitude of the Legislature. Within the last three 

 centuries, no less than thirty statutes have been enacted for 

 the regulation of those of Ireland alone. 



An inquiry into the circumstances of the Irish fisheries gene- 

 rally was made some years since by a Special Commission ; sub- 

 sequent to which a consolidating Act of Parliament was passed 

 for their complete regulation, and their care intrusted to a 

 Board of Commissioners. Recently, the state of the inland 

 branch has been investigated by a Select Committee of the 

 House of Commons. 



In essaying to lay suggestions before the public for the im- 

 provement of the salmon and sea fisheries of Ireland, it is neces- 

 sary to enter into a review of the measures proposed for some 

 years past towards that object, and to trace out faithfully the 

 policy that guided their adoption, and the consequent exercise 

 of the necessary powers. In such an endeavour no better means 

 can be found than are elicited by the recorded opinions either 

 of parliamentary committees, of special commissions, or the 



