326 CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE HERRING-FISHERY. 



4s. per cwt. The French tariff will now, therefore, 

 stand — 



" All fresh-water fish (which is stated in the tariff to 

 include salmon, smelts, shads, and mullets), 

 imported fresh, are free of duty. 

 " Fresh- water fish, if prepared, 10 francs per 100 kilo- 

 grammes. 

 " Sea-water fish, fresh, salted, dry, or smoked (except 

 cod), 10 francs per 100 kilogrammes, or ahout 4s. 

 per cwt. 

 " As the duty has hitherto been charged on the gross 

 weight in France, if the same system is continued, the 

 amount of duty will be increased about one-fifth on all 

 barrelled fish, which is a very serious addition to the duty. 

 It is to be regretted that cod-fish is excluded from the 

 reduction of duty ; but considering the whole question of 

 the duties in France, there can be no doubt that much 

 credit is due to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, Mr Cobden, 

 in having so far broken down the prohibitory system in 

 that country, and so far begun to prove the propriety and 

 justice of reciprocity between nations, if commerce is to 

 be carried on to mutual benefit. The advantage thus 

 gained by such exertions proves how useful it would be 

 were we to have commercial ambassadors or commissioners 

 resident at every capital of commercial importance in 

 Europe, to watch over and promote British interests. 

 L.7000 or L.8000 expended annually in this way, if judi- 

 ciously employed, might bring great additional wealth to 

 the British nation. — Respectfully submitted by 



(Signed) " J. M. Mitchell." 



" Ou the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr 

 Hewat, a cordial vote of tlianks was accorded to Mr 



