288 



EXTRACTS FROM NOTE-BOOKS. CH. XXXVII. 



according to the nature of the bottom, the currents, 

 tides, etc. But they are quite unable to make 

 these observations themselves from want of proper 

 boats, etc. ; nor can a simple fisherman afford to 

 spend weeks or days of fine weather in taking 

 soundings and making systematic series of experi- 

 ments ; and hence it is, as I said before, our best 

 fishing banks have been found out by chance. 



In short, our fisheries, by careful attention on 

 the part of Government and by a very moderate 

 outlay of public money, might be made the source 

 of food and employment for thousands and tens of 

 thousands more of our suffering population than 

 are at present supported by them. The seas which 

 surround our coasts contain an inexhaustible supply 

 of wholesome and nutritious food, and nothing is 

 required to render it largely available to all but a 

 more efficient, systematic, and well-regulated mode 

 of procuring it. 



