Observations Conducted on Sailing- Ships 59 



and release the imprisoned apparatus. A sailing-ship is, in fact, 

 absolutely at the mercy of wind and wave, while a steam-ship has at 

 least some control over adverse elements. 



Having said so much, however, it is necessary to state that a 

 sailing-vessel of the size of a Grimsby or Brixham trawler can really 

 do all the work at sea comprised in the ordinary hydrographical and 

 scientific work of fishery investigation that a much more expensive 

 and elaborate steamship can do, and at very much less cost. It is 

 nearly entirely a matter of good seamanship and handling the vessel 

 in an intelligent manner. My own experience, extending over some 

 years now, teaches me that the average cost of a three months' cruise 

 in a ship of about 130 tons (y.m.) does not amount to more than 

 £300, whereas in a steam-ship this figure must be doubled. Conse- 

 quently, for investigations such as those which have for a long time 

 been undertaken by the International Council and by the various 

 Fishery Boards, I have always been at a loss to understand why use 

 was not made of sailing-ships, which in comparatively shallow waters 

 such as the North Sea and English Channel, and for a distance of 

 70 to 100 miles round our British and European coasts, could do 

 most, if not all, of the work of fishery and hydrographic observations 

 quite as effectively, if not always so rapidly, as steam-vessels, and at 

 very much less cost. There seems to be a mistaken impression that 

 steam is essential, which I do not believe to be at all correct. Indeed, 

 if this were so, the lengthy hydrographic and other observations 

 recorded in this book would have no value ; and I hope I do not over- 

 state the case when I say these observations prove not only what a 

 sailing-ship can do, but that they may have considerable scientific 

 value. I hope that they may encourage many others to follow on the 

 same lines, and contribute, according to their ability, to the scientific 

 study of the sea. 



I have frequently, during the last few years, heard of yachtsmen 

 who have expressed desires to do some work of this kind, but did not 

 know how to set about it. There is really nothing mysterious about 

 the handling of deep-sea apparatus ; the only thing necessary is to 



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