70 THE BRITISH FISH TRADE. 



coast. But such harbours are not required, and ought not 

 to be made for fishing reasons alone ; and their provision 

 must be defended on broader grounds than it is possible 

 properly to bring forward in an essay on the fish-trade of 

 the United Kingdom. 



These three things the preparation of adequate statis- 

 tics ; the provision of proper police regulations for ensuring 

 order at sea: and the facilitating the construction of adequate 

 fishing-harbours are the three points on which the action 

 of the State may properly be employed in promoting the 

 fishing industry. There are one or two minor points in 

 which it is possible that interference may be beneficial, but 

 speaking broadly, on all other matters, State intervention is 

 probably injurious; and the best service that the Govern- 

 ment can render to fishermen, is to leave them alone. 

 Mr. Huxley once stated that fishermen should be left to 

 pursue their calling " how they like, when they like, and 

 where they like." As a general proposition, to which Mr. 

 Huxley would probably himself admit a few minor ex- 

 ceptions may be made, the present writer is convinced of 

 the truth of Mr. Huxley's dictum. 



Though, however, the action of the State should thus be 

 limited, other persons may do something to promote the 

 fishing-trade. The Corporation of London might assist in 

 this way by improving Billingsgate and its approaches, or by 

 substituting for it some more convenient water-side market. 

 The various railway companies might do something in the 

 same direction by reconsidering the terms on which they 

 now carry fish ; while private enterprise might also be 

 of use in devising some adequate scheme for the in- 

 surance of fishermen's lives, their boats and their gear. 

 These are means by which both the State and the public 

 may usefully promote the fisherman's industry. Except 



