CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 153 



interpretation of the prophetic budget carved out on the 

 backs of the two ominous fishes ; but a learned French 

 mathematician, then at Copenhagen, published a large 

 vohime in elucidation of the supposed words. This work 

 would be a curiosity if it were found, as we are not in- 

 formed what his interpretation was. Another author 

 published his opinions, to the effect that the supposed 

 letters announced the subversion of all Europe.* 



In 1587 the fishery of herrings in the North Highlands 

 had been extensive, for a law was passed in that year, 

 ordering that the " custoraares and searchers sail take 

 inquisition, and note quhat quantity victual every schip 

 or vessel takis in at her passing to Loch Broom and 

 utheris the North Isles and loches in the harvest season 

 in fishing, and take souerty that they shall returne the 

 third part of their lading of hering or quhite fish, to be 

 sold to our Soveraine Lordis' lieges for their sustentation 

 and furi^ishing of the cuntrie, under the paine of one 

 hundred pounds." The act is as follows : — 



ANENT VICTUALLING OF SCHIPPES PASSING TO THE NORTH 

 FISHINGS, AND CAUTION TO BE FOUND FOR THEIR RETURNING. 



" Item, Our Soveraine Lord and his three estaites, 

 convened in this present parliament, statutis and ordainis 

 that the customares and searchers sail take inquisition, 

 and note quhat quantity victual every schip or vessel 

 takis ill at her passing to Loch Broome and utheris the 

 North Isles and loches in the harvest season in fishing, 

 and take souerty that they shall returne the third part of 

 their lading of hering or quhite fish within this firth or 

 other free burrowes, to be sold to our Soveraine Lordis 



* Cuvier et Valenciennes, Nat. Hist, des Poissons, vol. xx. p. 71. 



