ANNUAL EXCURSION". 29 



Dunn, who conducted them over the establishment. The inter- 

 esting process of preparing the pilchards for the markets as 

 Cornish sardines was witnessed. The fish are first of all laid on 

 the floors and cleaned by the girls. They are then salted, 

 grilled, packed in tin boxes, oiled, and soldered down. They 

 are then boiled again while in the boxes, after which they are 

 ready for the market. The most difficult part of the process is 

 the soldering of the boxes, for should the smallest aperture be 

 left in the box when finished the fish spoil. About 3,000 boxes 

 of sardines a day are turned out here. The season extends from 

 July to January, and the other six months in the year are mainly 

 occupied in preparing mackerel and mushrooms in tins for 

 distant markets. London is the principal market to which they 

 are sent, a special arrangement is entered into with the railway 

 company for the transit of the sardines. Last year no fewer 

 than twenty tons of mushrooms were prepared in casks at the 

 factory, and no less than about 100 persons are there employed. 

 The tins are all made on the premises, and the soldering process 

 affords employment to 12 men. The business was originally 

 started by Messrs. Fox, of Falmouth, and Mr. 0. E. Fryer, 

 assistant-inspector of fisheries, but was taken over some years 

 ago by Mr. J. T. Morton, of London. It has been largely 

 developed, and is one of the principal industries of the neigh- 

 bourhood. After an inspection of this establishment the party 

 moved to the harbour, but the effluvium which assailed their 

 olfactory organs was so objectionable that they beat a hasty 

 retreat, and proceeded to Portmellin. Before leaving Mevagissey 

 behind, however, it was noticed that the two new piers were 

 nearing completion. These will give very much more harbour 

 space, and will protect the boats in the inner harbour in rough 

 weather. The erection of these piers (which were sadly needed) 

 was one result of the harbours of refuge movement, the money 

 being borrowed from the Public Works Loan Commissioners at 

 3^ per cent. The work will, it is said, involve an outlay of 

 £20,000. Proceeding on foot to Portmellin, some of the most 

 charming and beautiful views were obtained. Portmellin 

 reached, lunch was served, after which the following paper on 

 "The Black Head and its surroundings," prepared by Mr. 

 Matthias Dunn, was read by the Rev. W. Iago : — 



