PROTECTION OF DEEP SEA FISHERIES. 467 



and pits is required in addition, the sea itself being common 

 to both only as a highway. Ships may be likened to 

 common carriers using a high road, and fishing vessels to 

 the harvestmen working in the fields on either side of that 

 road. Their occupations are totally different, and so are 

 the laws relating to those occupations, and they are em- 

 bodied in different acts, but on the highway the law is the 

 same for both. A similar method of legislation should be 

 applied with regard to merchant ships and fishing vessels. 



Third, That the department should consist of theoretical, 

 and practical men, assisted by two or more practical 

 inspectors. The duties of this department should be the 

 collection of statistics, the carrying out of experiments, and 

 the framing of such legislation for the fisheries as may from 

 time to time become necessary. The inspectors should be 

 required to watch and take notice of any changes or inno- 

 vations in the method of prosecuting the fisheries through- 

 out the kingdom, to make special enquiries and go to sea 

 when necessary, to carry out experiments, and to report 

 thereon to the department. 



Fourth, That the whole of the shores of the United 

 Kingdom should be divided into districts, and an officer or 

 officers appointed for each district, whose duties should be 

 the supervision of the fisheries, and that all reports, dis- 

 putes, permits, and salvage of fishing gear, should be dealt 

 with by them, subject to appeal where points of law were 

 involved. They should collect statistics and make a general 

 report quarterly to the department on all matters of interest 

 to the fisheries which might come under their notice. 



Fifth, That having secured the assistance of practical 

 men, the fisheries laws of the United Kingdom should be 

 at once, and not till then, wholly revised to suit the peculiar 

 requirements of the industry. 



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