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PREFACE 



IN an account of the world's fisheries it is impossible 

 to use the word " fish " only in its strictly scientific 

 meaning; for what are everywhere known as "fish- 

 eries " include the taking of many creatures which are not 

 really fish. Whaling, sealing, turtle-catching, and pearl- 

 diving must necessarily have a place in the following 

 pages. 



Little attempt has been made to treat the subject from 

 the commercial or industrial point of view. The author 

 has rather endeavoured to give an animated picture of 

 the fisherman's life, of his methods, his hardships and 

 adventures, his disappointments, and his hardly won 

 successes. The best authorities have been consulted, but 

 many of the details are drawn from the author's own 

 experience. 



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