3i6 



from 4< to $d. per stone of I4lbs., and found their way 

 across the sea to the Dutch in a pickled state ; in the course 

 of time this has changed, and no fish of this description is 

 found, but in its place fine well-fed fish of different colour, 

 clearly, I think, showing that the trawl by turning up the 

 bottom has changed its character and also the food of the 

 fishes feeding there. The fish now caught will make $s. and 

 more per stone. 



The principal kinds of fish caught in the North Sea are 

 the sole, the turbot, brill, plaice, haddock, cod, ling, hake, 

 lemon sole, whiting, halibut, cat-fish, skate, ray, and other 

 sorts. At one time, when our vessels used to fish about the 

 Botney, about September and October, they found dog-fish 

 in immense numbers as many as a ton at a haul would be 

 got, but these have diminished very considerably. As 

 they were full of herring when taken, it plainly indicated 

 what work they had been on, so the herring fishermen have 

 something to thank trawlers for if they have the candour 

 to admit it. 



Of the kind of fish which our trawlers now depend on 

 for profit, the haddock and plaice are mostly sought after, 

 as they are found in greater quantities if there is a failure 

 in the herring season, haddocks are of more value for 

 curing purposes, as they are bought instead of the bloater. 



Trawl fishing by day is not so profitable as at night. A 

 day haul will not yield so much of the round fish, haddock, 

 cod, ling, &c. It may be assumed that the haddocks and 

 cod rise from the ground by day and sink again at night, 

 when they are caught in greater abundance. S. and S. W. 

 winds are the best for fishing, with a nice moderate breeze, 

 as the trawl is towed over the ground at a moderate rate 

 and is kept open. N. and N. E. winds are unfavourable, as 

 the ground swell caused thereby disturbs the fish. 



