14 MALAYAN FISHES. 



tings, like flowers, and are so gro^Ti in the Philippines, and there 

 are yet other marine growths which can be cultivated in the gardens 

 ■of the sea. 



Few countries have the potential fisherj' advantages that we 

 posse^is and have neglected hitherto. 



Our position between the Indian Ocean and the China Sea is 

 T-inique and not only gives us access to an unlimited area for deep 

 sea fi.shing. but also accounts for the large number of species of fish. 



From Kuala Perils on the West to Kuala Tabar on the East 

 we have a thousand miles of coast line; more than some nations 

 possess. 



As to the vital importance of fish in the diet of all dwellers 

 in this tropical country there is no question: as to the existence 

 of an enormous area of potential fishing grounds there can be no 

 dispute, and as to the large variety and good edible quality of our 

 fish there is ample proof. -Can we doubt therefore, with the ex- 

 perience of other countries to guide us, and while remembering 

 that the economic stability of every country depends on the price 

 of the peoples' food, that our fisheries are capable of enormous ex- 

 pansion and can we doubt that an enlightened policy of exploitation 

 and regulation combined with constant scientific investigation will 

 render the Fisheries one of the great economic assets of Malaya? 



