262 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



" These statistical results show that the continuance of 

 the system of punching or branding cod cannot, like the 

 system of branding herrings, be justified on grounds of 

 national importance, or as involving the interests of large 

 classes of persons. 



" Entertaining a strong opinion, on the grounds before 

 stated, with reference to the herring brand, that the 

 system of authenticating the quality of goods by the 

 agency of a G-overnment officer is objectionable in prin- 

 ciple, I think that it would be much to be regretted if 

 any opportunity should be permitted for the growth and 

 extension of a system of this nature, which is at present 

 very limited, that is, the punching and branding of cod. 

 Its discontinuance would now be easy ; but if it were to 

 come into general use the same difficulties would arise in 

 terminating it which now exist in the case of the herring- 

 branding system. I must further state, that although on 

 the East Coast of Scotland the extension of the punching 

 of cod might not create an increase of the Fishery officers, 

 yet on the West Coast it would require more to be kept up 

 than would otherwise be necessary. Accordingly, I ven- 

 ture to suggest that the system of punching and branding 

 cod may be discontinued, subject to such precautions, in 

 Orkney and Shetland, as the interests and requirements 

 of these islands, to which I shall more particularly allude 

 on a subsequent occasion, may render advisable. (See 

 Appendix.) 



" Before quitting the subject of branding, it is proper 

 that I should remark, that the extent to which the brand 

 is used must not be regarded by any means as indicating 

 the whole of the services or utility of the Fishery officers 

 as to the preparation and cure of fish. 



" A considerable number of barrels of herrings are cured 



