280 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



would try their luck, must obey the mandate, and lose 

 often tlie best fishing nights. This occurred a few 

 nights since, when some country boats stole a march on 

 them, and had a fair take, though they only made one 

 shot. The rascals heard of it, and no doubt would have 

 roughly handled them, but they could not find either 

 them or the herrings. The same thing occurred with 

 myself. This is a most deplorable state of things. The 

 bay is literally alive with herrings and mackerel, but the 

 take is so trifling, it is only sufiicient to supply the town. 

 They have never exceeded two nights in the week. As 

 I mentioned the steamer, I had better suggest to the 

 Board the necessity of establishing a small force in 

 shore, right among them, who would very quickly mark 

 down the most turbulent of them, and keep them in 

 most effectual check — for at best they are cowards, and, 

 like all cowards, soon overawed. It is my impression 

 that such a proceeding would be warmly welcomed by 

 those who have anything in the shape of boats and 

 tackle to lose ; they would be glad to be protected from 

 the lawless, beggarly rabble, who are the instigators of 

 all the mischief. It is known that, long since, the 

 latter class determined, when they caught Mr Synge's 

 trawler at a disadvantage, to scuttle her and drown the 

 crew ; but, fortunately, the affair got wind, and no 

 attempt was made ; but if they get opportunity, when 

 the autumn fishing is over, and poverty and starvation 

 staring them in the face, then their vengeance will turn 

 on those who, they do not hesitate to say, have de- 

 stroyed their fishing. In almost all their acts with 

 regard to Galway Bay fishing, they set the law at 

 defiance ; and until they are taught by force to obey the 

 law, no good can be got from them. When they find 



