4 PREFACE. 



his statements do not carry the conviction of truth with them 

 let them he condemned at once without mercy. They are only 

 presented as mere sketches for others to follow up ; and the 

 greatest gratification he can receive is, that they will do so, 

 since truth must ultimately prevail. It is like a fishing-cork, 

 which may be kept for a time under water, but wOl at last get 

 to the surface. Au reste, the same points recur so often in 

 different parts, that repetition may be expected without ceasing j 

 repetition, besides, refreshes bad memories ; but, says a French 

 author, Q'importe la route pounm qu'on arrive au but ? and our 

 but is, that the true nature of the fishery and the obstructions 

 to its improvement should be better understood. 



