256 FISH CULTTTEB. 



place, and saw and inquired for myself, and conse- 

 quently am able to give tolerably correct evidence 

 of the facts. The French boats were in the habit of 

 coming in and fishing within a mile of the shore, 

 though the treaty limits are three miles. The French 

 boats had occasioned a good deal of damage and 

 mischief to our boats, and it was not until a great 

 outcry had been made by the press that active 

 measures were taken against the foreigners, when 

 a few of them were summoned and fined in small 

 amounts.^ 



Now, it cannot for a moment be doubted but that 

 the slightest hint from the Admiralty, or the depart- 

 ment of the government under which the cruisers 

 are placed, as to the necessity of a little activity in 

 putting down these irregularities, would result in 

 their instant suppression. It avails nothing to say 

 that the cruiser was away on other duty — ^here, or 

 there, or anywhere — ^when these things occurred, and 

 therefore did not see them. If one cruiser is not 



' One or two of the French boats were summoned and fined 

 trifling amounts during the past season, but the fines are far too 

 light to arrest the practice. The natural consequence has been that 

 affrays have taken place between the French and English fishing- 

 boats, and life has been sacrificed; and we can hardly wonder at the 

 men, if they are thus left to themselves, taking the law into their 

 own hands. 



