PROTECTION OF DEEP SEA FISHERIES. 399 



vessel when at work should be a single white light, or a red 

 light at the masthead, with a subsidiary white light shown 

 aft anywhere above the gunwale. A similar circular to the 

 same effect was addressed to shipowners and others. Now 

 it is hardly to be credited, but it is a fact, that the shipping 

 department of the largest maritime power in the world 

 issued these circulars to foreign powers and shipowners, 

 asking their opinions on two proposals for a system of 

 trawlers' lights, respecting one of which they had never 

 ascertained whether it could be adopted. They sent out the 

 circulars first, and afterwards heard that one system could 

 not be practically adopted (viz., the white light above the 

 gunwale aft). To these circulars 1 16 answers were received, 

 46 were for the white light which has been in use from time 

 immemorial, and 70 in favour of the masthead red light 

 and a white light aft above the gunwale, which is im- 

 practicable. Since this a fourth proposal has been made 

 to the departmental committee, to the effect that trawlers 

 at work should carry a red masthead light 6 feet vertically 

 over a white one. This, again, to any one at all acquainted 

 with trawling shows an almost incredible amount of igno- 

 rance. All the time this question has been in course of 

 discussion the periods for the coming into force of the 

 proposed legislation have been staved off by Orders in 

 Council through the Board of Trade, and as matters now 

 stand, no alteration can be made till 1st September, 1883. 

 This brief allusion to the lights question will show that, 

 however willing and anxious a department may be to 

 legislate for the benefit of this most peculiar trade, it 

 cannot do so successfully and beneficially without first 

 consulting and securing advice from persons who have 

 practical knowledge of it, whether ashore or afloat. One 

 nautical gentleman who was concerned in one of the 



