120 BRITISH FISHERIES 



statistics showed a decided decline in the numbers 

 of men and boats employed ; and a few years 

 later, when they were withdrawn altogether, they 

 showed a further decrease. But they rose again, 

 showing that the industry had become established ; 

 and there seems little doubt that, but for a series of 

 lamentable events, the bounties would have conferred 

 permanent benefit on the Irish fishing industry. 



The Scottish bounty system was discontinued 

 in 1830. But though after that year no further 

 payments were made on the tonnage of fishing 

 vessels or on the catches and exports of fish, the 

 whole establishment of the British White Herring 

 Commissioners, with its system of regulation, in- 

 spection, statistics, and brands, was continued. 

 Every chance was thus afforded for the impetus 

 which the bounties had given the fishery becoming 

 permanent, and an annual sum of 3000 was 

 still paid the Commissioners for the erection and 

 improvement of fishing harbours. Altogether, a 

 sum of 927,110 had been paid away in bounties 

 to the Scottish fishermen. In Ireland, on the 

 other hand, where the need of encouragement of 

 the fisheries was still more pressing, only 163,376 

 had been spent in bounties, and when the latter 

 were abolished, a few years after their cessation in 

 Scotland, a very different course was pursued, and 

 the whole fisheries establishment was practically 

 abolished. The Commissioners remonstrated, but 

 to no avail. The Irish Fishery Department 



