THE BRITISH FISH TRADE. 29 



condemning the introduction of a similar system into any- 

 other branch of industry. The great and increasing im- 

 portance of the trade, the circumstance that the brand 

 places, or is supposed to place, the small curer on a level 

 with the large one, the knowledge that branded herrings 

 command a higher price in the German markets than 

 unbranded herrings, are all confidently quoted as reasons 

 for continuing the system ; while the fact that the fees, 

 charged for the brand, exceed the cost of the establishment 

 which awards it, is cited as a conclusive argument for its 

 retention. 



These views, however, would be stated with less confi- 

 dence if men would condescend to apply general principles 

 of policy to this particular question. If it be a legitimate 

 function of Government to guarantee by its brand the 

 quality or quantity of a particular article, there is no 

 reason whatever why the Ministry should draw the line at 

 herrings. The Government used to undertake to guarantee 

 the quality of cured cod ; at an earlier period it actually 

 stamped linen and woollen goods ; and there is no very 

 clear reason why if its action is justifiable in one case, it 

 should not be extended to all industries. The advocates 

 of the herring brand, indeed, declare that, as the pur- 

 chaser is unable to examine for himself the quality of the 

 herrings packed in the barrel, there is an exceptional 

 reason for giving to him the guarantee which a Govern- 

 ment brand affords. But it is obvious that the argument, 

 if it has any cogency, is capable of almost indefinite exten- 

 sion. Take, for instance, the most important industry in 

 which Englishmen are engaged. The Chinese complain 

 that cotton goods are constantly adulterated by excessive 

 or impure sizing. Will the Government undertake to guar- 

 antee that every bale of cotton goods is free from improper 



