322 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



In 1859 a correspondence commenced as to the reduc- 

 tion of the duties in this country and France between the 

 authorities of the two countries, which movement had 

 been promoted by the exertions of Mr Cobden ; and in 

 I860 a treaty was conckided, giving encouragement to 

 the commercial relations of botli countries. Seeing thai 

 this was a favourable opportunity to obtain an additional 

 market for herrings and other fish in France, we submitted 

 to the Chamber of Commerce and Manufactures of our 

 Scottish Metropolis the propriety of taking advantage of 

 this favourable opportunity, by endeavouring to obtain a 

 reduction of the then prohibitory duties in France on 

 herrings and other fish ; and the motion proposed having 

 been unanimously agreed to, a petition was forwarded to 

 the Lords of the Privy Council for Trade, which was 

 favourably entertained ; and the following report, pre- 

 sented by us to the Chamber of Commerce, will prove 

 that the exertions we used met with favourable results, 

 considering the strong obstacles raised by some of the 

 influential interests in France : — 



Report on that part of the Tariff under the Commercial 

 Treaty with France applicable to Fish, the pro- 

 duce of this country, in connection with the Me- 

 morial from the Chamber of Commerce and Manu- 

 factures, addressed to the Lords of the Privy Council 

 for Trade, praying that influence might be used to 

 obtain a Reduction of the Duty on Fish imported 

 into France. 



" The Reporter having moved the Chamber to adopt and 

 forward the Memorial on this subject, — which was much 

 strengthened by a petition from the principal merchants 

 and those interested to a similar purport ; by the Commis- 



