CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 249 



and the duties which they perform, and which are fully 

 described in the annexed memorandum prepared for me 

 by the direction of the Board of Fisheries. That memo- 

 randum enables me to state that the principal duties per- 

 formed by the East Coast officers consist of, — 



" A. Those which relate to the branding of herrings. 



" B. Those which relate to the branding and punching 

 of cod. 



" C. The prevention of illegal nets ; illegal or improper 

 fishing. 



" D. A species of general superintendence over the per- 

 sons engaged in fishing and curing, including the 

 clearing out the fishing vessels when required, 

 the enforcement of the law requiring the painting 

 of the names on fishermen's boats, and more re- 

 cently the enforcement of the provisions of the 

 Act founded on the Fishery Convention between 

 Britain and France. 



" E. The administration of the grants by the Commis- 

 sioners towards repairs of fishermen's boats. 



" F. The furnishing statistical and other information 

 to the Board of Fisheries respecting the fisheries, 

 and regarding piers, harbours, &c. 



" G. The enforcement of the law with respect to the 

 size and materials of barrels. 



" Of the above-mentioned duties, it appeared to me that 

 those which relate to the branding of herrings first de- 

 manded my attention, inasmuch as if the continuance of 

 that system were deemed expedient, the establishment by 

 which it is conducted must of necessity continue, subject, 

 of course, to any possible reductions. 



