270 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



are only consumed by the richer class of people in 

 Germany, whilst Croion and Full branded Scotch her- 

 rings are purchased by all classes ; and hence it often 

 happens that unbranded Scotch herrings are unable to be 

 sold when the former are to be had ; or, at any rate, a 

 difference of from 3s. to 4s. sterling per barrel is made in 

 the price, although the quality may be the same in every 

 respect ; and this is merely caused because the brand pre- 

 vents disputes, and its quality can be relied on. 



" Other articles in casks, such as oil, butter, &c., can be 

 sold according to sample, or their quality and contents 

 can be stated ; but such is not the case with herrings, for 

 it is impossible to describe each fish in each barrel, or 

 their number, and neither how the cure has been effected, 

 nor whether they have been cured immediately after their 

 capture, which is essential, because the fish may look 

 well at first sight, but will not keep if not cured immedi- 

 ately after being caught. 



" How could the trade in Germany be protected if the 

 superintendence of the British Fishing Board ceased to 

 look after this ? As long as this Board keeps up its 

 present character, there is no fear for a decline in the im- 

 portation of Scotch herrings into Germany, but it is 

 probable it may still increase, when charges, such as river 

 dues and transit duty, are removed ; and a larger trade 

 might also be carried on with Poland, Prussia, and 

 Austria, when the import duties into these countries are 

 reduced. 



" The import duty on all kinds of herrings into the 

 Confederated States of Germany (Zollverein), is at present 

 one dollar per barrel, or equal to about 3s. sterling per 

 barrel. 



''Austria charges 2 gulden 30 kreutzers per cwt., 



