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individual relief, at the expense of general improvement cannot be 

 admitted. 



Visit the different stations on the Irish Coast inquire minutely into 

 their capabilities the varieties of fish found there the seasons for 

 taking them and the best modes for the purpose the probable extent 

 to which the business might be carried the nature of the shores, har- 

 bours, and accommodation for the vessels the interior communications, 

 markets, &c. 



Ascertain the means employed, and the extent to which the work is 

 at present carried. 



Investigate any peculiarity affecting each station, the dissensions 

 among the boatmen or fishermen, whether arising from subjects con- 

 nected with the business, or from party feelings; the superstitions or 

 prejudices existing in some parts; the degree of undue influence 

 exercised by associations, or any existing tendency towards injurious 

 combinations, or other acts likely to deter capitalists from embarking 

 in the undertaking. 



On many parts of the coast disputes have arisen between the line 

 fishermen and those using trawling, or other nets, which have led to 

 acts of violence complained of. Such proceedings have been reported in 

 Dublin bay, off the Skerries, at Dingle bay, and other places. At the 

 Claddagh (Galway town), an association has long existed among the 

 fishermen, who have a self-appointed chief, and are subject to rules and 

 regulations founded on superstitious and indolent habits, and opposed 

 to many useful and industrious operations so powerful is this body, 

 that it has been very frequently necessary to check their proceedings 

 by Government armed vessels. These are a few instances; but many 

 others may probably be found in other places. 



The result of this examination will tend to prove how far the provi- 

 sions of the Acts of Parliament, and the existing measures and regu- 

 lations are efficient or otherwise : whether those founded on general 

 principles are applicable, and should be adopted, or if they may 

 not require modification, or addition for peculiar circumstances, or 

 localities. 



Much information may probably be obtained on this head from the 

 officers employed by the old Fishery Board; but the opinions of those 

 in subordinate stations must be received with caution on the subject of 

 the systems it may be advisable to adopt, as in many instances their 

 minds are deeply imbued with ideas of the propriety of the renewal of 

 Bounties of extensive Government establishments, with other measures 

 not generally approved on the present improved system of true policy; 

 but which will naturally find clamorous advocates on the slightest 

 encouragement. 



It would be necessary to take a distinct view of the operations and 

 regulations for the deep sea, the inland, and the shore Fisheries, as also 

 that at the mouths of rivers. All are of great importance, have been 

 much neglected, and require different treatment. 



The propriety of the use of the Scotch stake- net, against which there 

 is a strong prejudice in Ireland, is deserving of consideration. They are 

 undoubtedly most productive, but it is asserted that they exhaust the 

 supply of fish to an extent that may threaten a material diminution in 

 the stock for many years. 



