126 



profits are not the slow but secure returns for unremitting dili- 

 gence, a species of demoralizing influence takes place in the 

 mind, and especially wherever ignorance or superstition exist. 

 Poverty is a charge that has been brought against Fishermen in 

 all ages of the world.* The improvidence of many in Britain 

 and Ireland who rely for their livelihood upon their own manage- 

 ment is observable. They may be relieved from some blame 

 by the reflection that this often proceeds from the uncertainty 

 of their employment its prosecution waiting upon favourable 

 weather, and its good seasons on fortune accessaries beyond 

 the reach of control. An avocation thus dependent must be 

 occasional ; it is followed or abandoned at will. With some it 

 becomes, unhappily, the cause of idle and bad habits ; while its 

 larger gains, resulting partly from accident, are often produc- 

 tive of temporary extravagance, and consequent distress. In 

 some districts, where the fisherman is also a farmer, the culti- 

 vation of the land interrupts his other pursuit, and a steady 

 application cannot be given to either. The fact that the pro- 

 perty to be taken is commonable renders it liable to abuse ;f 

 and from the same cause as no one receives rent from its 

 gains it proceeds, that neither itself nor followers obtain the 

 care that is extended where interest arises. Again, the pre- 

 carious sale of a perishable commodity, the cause where good 

 markets exist of the remarkably vehement language between 

 producer and buyer, is, in remote districts, dispiriting to the 

 former. Where demand for the fresh article alone can be found, 

 it is one of those trades which are liable to be in an unhealthy 

 state, as supplying merely an article of luxury. The prevalence 

 of certain epidemics also affects it. During the cholera the de- 

 mand for fish was greatly diminished. The want of shelter for 

 craft, and of those appliances which can be arrived at by local 

 exertions, in some instances forms another impediment. 



Let us hope that the cure will be found wherever it is sought, 

 in reducing these various concomitants, as far as possible, within 

 the bounds of certainty, and that endeavours will be made to 

 solve this problem. It is to be confessed, the subject is one 

 calculated to engage our feelings, but at the same time the 

 understanding must be enlisted. Under the present circum- 

 stances of Ireland it is not too much to say, that, for the better 

 development of her shore fisheries, some exertion on the part 

 of all concerned is requisite, and greatly to be desired. 



A step may be advanced towards the discovery of remedies, 



feeling of hope is always kept alive.' Observations on the Fishermen of County 

 Cork. By the Rev. Michael O' Sullivan: 1836. Appendix, p. 141. 



Article on the Fisheries of Ireland, Dublin Review, 1837. 



f Much evidence will be found in the Eeport as to the destruction of spawn 

 by the improved methods of Sea Fishing, and of the sale of fish with the roe in 

 A ripe state. 



