THE CHAR CHAR FISHING 219 



usually sold from $s. yf. to one guinea each, if we average 

 the number of fish contained in each pot at six (perhaps 

 seven would be nearer the truth), we shall find the num- 

 ber of char caught in one season to be 10,800, which, 

 averaging them at a ^ Ib. each, will amount to 2,700 Ibs. 

 weight. In the above number of char there are 900 dozens, 

 which, at 8s. per dozen (the price the fishers sell them for), 

 make the sum ^360, obtained for one kind of fish only, pro- 

 cured from the lakes. What may be the annual amount 

 of the fisheries of the lakes of the North of England I have 

 no means of ascertaining ; but I have to observe that the 

 char that are potted are by no means all which the lakes 

 supply ; for considerable quantities are sent, fresh from the 

 water, in baskets, to the principal places both of England 

 and Scotland ; besides, it maybe noticed that many are used 

 in various ways at home, so that we may safely estimate the 

 annual number supplied by the lakes at 12,000. 



No doubt this is a rough comparison, but it is 

 one that can be fairly made, and is interesting 

 as far as it goes. The above quotation is from a 

 letter written by John Swainson, of Kendal, in 

 1819. 



It may be added that the price of char in 1820 

 was 8^/. per Ib., now it is is. 6d. 



