132 BRITISH FISHERIES 



were carried out on a number of stations over an 

 extensive area. Records were taken of the fishes 

 and other marine animals captured, and more 

 special investigations into such points as the dis- 

 tribution of mature and immature fishes, spawning 

 periods, food, etc., were made on the material so 

 obtained. 1 



It is perhaps too much to expect, at the present 

 time, that a return might be made in Ireland to the 

 early system of bounties on the results of the fishing. 

 But it is most probably the case that at no time 

 like the present, when the fishing industry is being 

 administered with a sympathy and energy which 

 had no place in the administration of the past, 2 

 would the application of this policy be more pro- 

 ductive of good. If private enterprise and capital 

 cannot be directed towards the sea-fisheries of 

 Ireland, then direct protection might, even if it 

 should be considered by many as economic heresy, 

 be of incalculable benefit. 



1 See Holt, Sti. Proceedings Roy. Dublin Soc., vol. vii. (N.S.) pt. 4, 

 pp. 225-477, 1892. 



2 I may give, as an instance, the work of the Congested Districts 

 Board during the last few years. See the Reports of this authority. 



