108 



cases more lucrative than taking the fish by means of nets, 

 (always an inconsiderable profit in fresh waters,) advantages 

 would accrue to several classes, to the neighbourhood by the 

 resort of strangers and, in the increase of fish following the 

 consequent care in protection, which would redound to the 

 credit of the really valuable interests in the tideway. 



After a review of what has been already accomplished, there 

 need hardly be hesitation in believing that the productiveness of 

 our Salmon fisheries may be greatly augmented. Their real 

 character, and the bearings of their various interests, seem im- 

 perfectly comprehended. In legislating for them the true prin- 

 ciple would appear to have been reversed, by looking to the mouth 

 and not to the source of a river as that of production and profit. 



The ordinary assertion of the ' brotherhood of the angle,' that 

 Salmon ' belong to the river in which they are bred, is contra- 

 verted by the observation that they leave it as soon as they are 

 able, and may with as much truth be said to belong to the ocean, 

 in which it is supposed they feed and grow. However, in the 

 judgment whether this apple of discord shall be awarded to the 

 Minervas of the land, or to the Venuses of the sea coasts, the 

 fact must be borne in mind that the fruit of a river, like that 

 of a tree, will depend on the nourishment it receives at its roots. 

 The cornucopia or horn of plenty is in charge of inland deities. 

 The question is after all a futile one. Sir Humphry Davy, not 

 an incompetent Paris, argued on the former hypothesis, and rested 

 upon it strong claims for the Fresh waters. No such exclusive 

 claim is here advanced ; they are in effect, as in letter, tributaries 

 to rivers; but, if the piscatory Irish above are not fairly dealt 

 with by those below, they may be tempted to say with O'Mal 

 to O'Donnel 'pay me my tribute, or if you don't !' 



Neither can prove a valid title to exclude the other. If bred 

 in private waters these fish are fed in public. Care from man 

 is needful above, equity below, care indeed may give a claim 

 on the plea of sic vos non vobis salmona fertis aquae.* 



Property of any description is a prolific source of contention, 

 and that of this unsettled nature will always continue an occasion 

 of strife. To such evils, if aggravated, the total extinction of 



* Dr. Paley, in ' the general Eights of Mankind, ' thus argues the origin of 

 property : 



' Nothing ought to be made exclusive which can be conveniently enjoyed in 

 common. Probable arguments must be shown that it is the intention of the 

 Creator that things should be parcelled out to individuals. There is no argument 

 to induce such a presumption but one, that the thing cannot be enjoyed by all 

 or enjoyed with the same, or with nearly the same advantage, while it con- 

 tinues in common, as when appropriated. This is true, where there is not 

 enough for all, or where the article in question requires care or labour in the 

 production or preservation ; but where no such reason obtains, and the thing is 

 in its nature capable of being enjoyed by as many as will, it seems an arbitrary 

 usurpation upon the rights of mankind to confine the use of it to any.' 



