INTRODUCTION 9 



proportions, but the existing bounties were continued 

 until 1829, and encouraged the rapid revival of the 

 industry. By 1829, the fishing industry was well estab- 

 lished, and thereafter steadily developed in value and 

 importance. / 



The modern organization and development of the / 

 fishing industry began between 1870 and 1880, following 

 the introduction of steam fishing vessels. The old 

 sailing smacks and drifters were necessarily limited in 

 their scope and capacity. They could only fish in 

 certain weathers ; they required skilled handling ; 

 their effective area of operation was restricted by the 

 necessit\ r for bringing the catch ashore as fresh as 

 possible ; their trawling power depended upon the wind. 



A sail boat was generally the property of a small 

 family group of fishermen, who worked the boat and 

 fished, while one of their number the ship's husband 

 stayed ashore to purchase stores and tackle, and dispose 

 of the catch. The proceeds of the boat were shared 

 among the owners. These privately owned sail boats 

 were to be found in every little harbour on even' coast 

 of Britain. The fishermen themselves were a fine, 

 sturdy, independent class of men, skilful seamen, and 

 all-round fishermen, able to turn their hands to any form 

 of fishing, whether lining, trawling, or drifting. 



The introduction of steam trawlers and drifters has 

 completely changed the character and organization of 

 the fishing industry. Instead of being individualistic, 

 it has become collective, and instead of being the com- 

 mon industry of every seaside village, it has become 

 controlled by large limited liability companies, and 

 centralized in a few large ports. 



Steamers were first used in 1870, to collect the catch 

 from the sail boats on the fishing grounds, bringing it 

 home with all speed while the fishing boats remained at 



2 (1457H) 



