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those at other stations not so well informed; he could explain the most 

 approved manner of fishing, as practised in Holland, England, Scotland, 

 &c., and by exhibiting specimens of the most improved Fishing Gear, 

 contribute materially to benefit a class of persons who, I regret to say, 

 have in many places much to learn." 



Sir Robert Kane, in his work on the 'Industrial Resources of Ire- 

 land/ closes his description of the extent of materials for industry 

 whicli exist naturally in Ireland, by pointing out how indispensable 

 practicable education in industrial knowledge is to the employment of 

 even the richest gifts of nature. 



' The fault/ he writes, 'is not in the country, but in ourselves; the 

 absence of successful enterprise is owing to the fact, that we do not 

 know how to succeed; we do riot want activity, we are not deficient 

 in mental power, but we want special industrial knowledge. 



'As in the existing circumstances of Ireland manufacturing industry 

 can only come into play by slow degrees, it is by improvements in 

 Agriculture, for which education is absolutely necessary, that the most 

 rapid and most extensive amelioration in the condition of the people 

 must be effected. Agricultural education is, therefore, the object on 

 which immediate attention should be concentrated in this country/ 

 ******* 



' Above all, with temperate habits, and with the education which 

 the National system will give to every individual of the growing race, 

 there is no danger but that industry may be accompanied by intelli- 

 gence, intelligence by morality, and all by the steadiness of purpose, 

 and tranquillity of habits, on which the happiness of the family, and 

 the peace of the community depend. This is the result which it should 

 be the object of all to gain. This would render us independent of the 

 wretched political differences on which we waste our strength. 



' Vast in its consequences, it is yet simple in its means of attain- 

 ment, it only requires that each man intending to live by the land, 

 should learn what the land is, and what can be done with it. That, 

 having so learned, he should apply himself steadfastly to the practical 

 working of his occupation. So he is certain of success. Success will 

 render him independent, independence will render him respected, and 

 respect will bring him power. Thus knowledge is power. Practical 

 knowledge; for power is essentially practical.' 



Sir Robert Kane's remarks are, of course, applicable to the Irish 

 Fisheries, as a branch of our economic interests. As generally appli- 

 cable, should they not obtain serious consideration 1 ? Property in Ireland 

 depends, indeed, upon the condition of the people, and may reasonably 

 be taxed, not only for the support of the destitute, but for an educa- 

 tion that would serve to prevent destitution, and to enhance the value 

 of property. 



It has been well observed, ' Ought not the knowledge of the hydro- 

 grapher, the naturalist, and the practical fisherman, be combined to 

 afford us some sound basis upon which the Irish Fisheries might be 

 fairly founded, and the wealth that lies in the sea turned to national 

 account.' 



In illustration of this position, it may be remarked, that the great 

 fishing bank in St. George's Channel was only discovered as lately as 

 1735, by Mr. Doyle, an hydrographer. Monsieur Soyer, in his last 



