68 Mr. J. Brown on the 



Mr. Herewald Wake, writing to the Morning Post, states that 

 for the most part gulls live on Crustacea and mollusca, etc., found 

 on mud flats. These, he states, prey on ova and embryos of our 

 food fishes which would almost be extirpated if the mollusca, etc., 

 were not kept in check by the gulls. Mr. Wake appears to base 

 his remark on the old and obsolete theory that fish came into 

 shallow water to spawn. It is now well known that practically all 

 food fishes are known to spawn in the open sea and nearly all 

 kinds of spawn float on the surface, and there appears to be no 

 evidence that ova or embryos are found on mud flats. Moreover, 

 several species of molluscs devoured by the gulls are useful for 

 bait. 



As an argument somewhat stronger than any of the above, it 

 was pointed out that if the supply increased the price would fall. 

 But we have to consider that herrings are cured and exported 

 and that the world's population is increasing, and that by better 

 means of transit new markets are opened. Again on the other 

 hand, if catching herrings were easier, less hands and gear would 

 suffice, and so the cost of production be lessened. 



It is also stated that gulls devour the eggs of other sea-fowl thus 

 helping toward reducing their numbers. 



Several of my critics say that even if the fry escaped the birds 

 they would be snapped up by other fish. The cod, mackerel, 

 gurnet, pollack, etc., being food fishes, may be perhaps forgiven — 

 the dog fish not so easily. 



At all events, if the herring has so many enemies the more he 

 needs protection, and as his allies we can best begin with those 

 most easily got at — the birds. 



Among the many critics who agreed with my view I may 

 mention Mr. Matthias Dunn of Megavissey, who is evidently well 

 informed on the question of fisheries. Writing in the Western 

 Morning News Mr. Dunn takes a view like that of Professor 

 FitzGerald, and points out that a century ago our fisheries were 

 primitive and local, but in the last twentyfour years alone, since 

 the introduction of steam and of cotton nets they have doubled in 

 capacity. As a natural result of this disturbing of the balance the 

 fish are diminishing in numbers, whole areas of the sea are 

 denuded of them, and the fishermen forced gradually to fish 

 farther off, as far north as Iceland, and as far south as Africa. 



On the other hand, Mr. Dunn says since the introduction of the 

 close season the birds are increasing. In the interests of mankind 

 they and their associates should be diminished. 



