iv Preface. 



voured to bring down the official statistics in the several 

 chapters to the latest date, and therefore I trust the work 

 may be found a useful and readable handbook for all 

 those interested in marine productions. 



While I do not claim any merit for originality in this 

 book, I may state that I have taken every pains to consult 

 all published documents treating on the subject that have 

 come under my notice, especially those issued in the United 

 States and on the Continent, and also the official publica- 

 tions printed by different Governments. 



As the book professes to deal only with the Products of 

 the Sea, I have necessarily had to exclude much interesting 

 matter relating to the River and Lake Fisheries of various 

 countries. 



P. L. SIMMONDS. 



29, CHEAPSIUE, LONDON, 

 October, 1878. 



