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PREFACE. 



THIS brochure might perhaps better have been termed an 

 ' Essay' than an ' Inquiry/ because the subjects, both of the 

 Salmon and Sea Fisheries, are incompletely treated; and it 

 may be hoped they will receive further investigation under 

 abler hands. 



An acknowledgment must be made of much assistance in 

 the compilation, obtained from reviews, pamphlets, and other 

 sources. This has enabled me to correct my own earlier views 

 on several questions relating to River Fisheries, and to learn 

 how carefully opinions should be formed on any matter of diffi- 

 culty, requiring knowledge and judgment. Some apology is 

 due for not having, in the following pages, always treated a 

 serious subject in a serious manner. 



Two plain questions arise, in considering the present state 

 of the Irish Fisheries. 



Why should the Law give a new or additional property in 

 Salmon-fishing to any man ? -rvy &**j 



Why should not Government aid, which is received by the 

 Sea Fisheries of Scotland, be also extended to those of Ireland ? 



With reference to the latter question, it is of course to be 

 wished that Irish fishermen were independent of assistance ; 

 but whatever is likely to prove of service to them, we may 

 hope will be accorded. 



With respect to the first, I may state, that since leaving 

 England I have had much insight into the practical operation 

 of the Law, during a residence of nine years on the river 

 Slaney, as well as in the course of experience formed on the 

 bench, and also as secretary to a Fishery Protection Society, 

 after the passing of the Act of 1842, arid as a conservator for 

 the Wexford districts under the recent Act. 



Not being an angler, or connected with fisheries, I may 

 claim to be exempt from advocating any particular interest. 





