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value of the article when fresh, depended chiefly on the near- 

 ness of the demand, especially for those of the finer qualities. 

 A potato-fed population could not be expected to afford to 

 consume this diet, unless in great abundance. The increase 

 therefore of demand, depended on increased means of transit, 

 an additional stimulus, " which, if assisted by improved har- 

 bours, and such other necessary means as a wise economy may- 

 supply, will, after no great lapse of time, place this depart- 

 ment of industry in a more healthy condition, and be met by 

 increased exertions on the part of those engaged in the trade. 



" The facts as to the demand for salted fish are too decided 

 to admit of doubt. Scotch herrings are on sale in the greater 

 number of Irish towns, and even at places near the sea coast, 

 almost beside the living shoals. With respect to the other 

 species of salted fish ; the continental demand for dried fish is 

 at present extensive, and new markets might possibly be found 

 capable of taking off increased quantities. Considering the 

 progress of the colonies, and the growing prosperity of civilized 

 Europe, the prospect of remunerative returns for this article 

 must be regarded as promising. The taking of white fish has 

 hitherto been comparatively neglected, probably on account of 

 the Newfoundland Fisheries, or because they abound only in 

 the deep sea, where the boats are not sufficiently commodious 

 to follow them. But if the resources of the Irish seas be not 

 greatly exaggerated, the people of this country could easily 

 bring their fish to market at a cost below that attendant on a 

 long voyage to a distant fishery. On the causes which occasion 

 the prevalent importation of salted fish, the Commissioners 

 regret that the information they have received is incomplete and 

 contradictory. It is frequently stated, that Irish fish has a 

 preference in the market, and fetches better prices than Scotch. 

 But the Gal way evidence shows that the bulk-cured Irish fish is 

 saved in a coarse and inferior way. How then can it bear a 

 higher price ? And again, if it does so, why does it not drive 

 the Scotch fish out of the market? Irish capital, it appears, is 

 sent to Wick, to be there employed in curing herrings ; which 

 would not be, if the article could be procured better and cheaper 

 at the domestic fishing stations. But, however this may be, the 

 Commissioners are safe in pointing to an increase of care and of 

 economy, as the surest means of extending the home market." 



MEANS FOR IMPROVEMENT. "Turning from the actual condi- 

 tion of the Irish fisheries, to the means for their amelioration, 

 the Commissioners have cast a retrospective glance at the course 

 of legislation hitherto pursued both at home and abroad. At 

 the outset of the attempt of the British Government to obtain a 

 national fishery, the most direct means of encouragement were 

 considered the best; but in latter times, the effort has been 



