CHAPTER 5. 



THE FISHERMEN OF TO-DAY FISHING INCIDENTS STATISTICS OF 

 CATCH BIG TRIPS. 



The extent and character of the fisheries of Gloucester attract 

 thither the fishermen of all countries, anxious to secure the advan- 

 tages in the prosecution of their industry which they cannot else- 

 where obtain. In most parts of the world fishermen are regarded as 

 belonging to the lowest strata of society, and the meagre returns 

 from their labors prevent their rising to a higher plane. Even in 

 as enlightened a countr} T as Canada it has been possible for a pow- 

 erful firm to secure the control of a large coast territory, restricting 

 the ownership of land to small parcels, inadequate to furnish prof- 

 itable agricultural returns, compelling the inhabitants to resort to 

 the fisheries for support. Obliged to purchase their provisions of 

 such firms at exorbitant rates, and to dispose of their fish to the 

 same parties at whatever price they choose to fix, whole communi- 

 ties are " reduced to an undisguised stage of vassalage, the want of 

 resources and education affording them no means of resisting this 

 oppression," says the official report. The Gloucester fisherman, if 

 industrious and of good habits, ma}' support his family in comfort, 

 secure a home of his own, and the means of engaging in business in 



