PROCLAMATION OF JAMES I. 99 



cipal strength of this island, and for the sparing and 

 increase of fresh victuals. The magistrates of London 

 to examine upon oath the servants of all innholders, 

 victuallers, cooks, alehouse-keepers, taverners, etc., 

 who sell victuals, concerning what flesh has been sold 

 by them in Lent, etc., and shall oblige the masters 

 of those houses to give security not to sell flesh-meat 

 in Lent, etc." 



The King strictly commands that :— 



'* None, of what quality soever, shall eat flesh in 

 Lent, or on fish days, without a licence from the 

 Bishop of the Diocese, or other person empowered 

 to licence : and the like rules shall be observed by 

 magistrates in other cities, and in the country." 



Two years later the King issued a second 

 Proclamation prohibiting for the same reasons 

 the eating of flesh in Lent, and on other fish 

 days. 



These proclamations formed part of the wise 

 policy of promoting the herring and other 

 fisheries in order to build up a national Navy 

 which was characteristic of the Stuart Kings, 

 but the compulsory fish days were denounced 

 by the Puritans as " Rags of Rome." 



The first dish which used to be brought to 

 table at that time on Easter Day was *' a Red 

 Herring on horseback set in a corn salad." 



Among the patents granted by Charles I, 

 for fourteen years, was one, in 1632, for what is 

 described as : — 



" The fish-call, or a looking glass for fishes in the 

 sea, very useful for fishermen to call all kinds of 

 fishes to their nets, sears or hooks : as several calls are 



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