THE FISHERIES. 17 



en years subsequent to the passage of the Inspec- 

 tion law.* The number of vessels employed in 

 1831 did not fall much short of 400, and the num- 

 ber of men employed probably exceeded 4000. If 

 we include those who are employed in building 

 the vessels, manufacturing the barrels, making or 

 importing the salt, packing the fish, transporting 

 them to market, and vending them, we can form 

 some opinion of the extent of the advantages of 

 this trade to the community. The probable value 

 of the proceeds of the mackerel fishery for 1831, 

 exceeded one million and a half of dollars. 



There is no doubt but the fisheries of Massachu- 

 setts have derived great advantage from our In- 

 spection laws. Whatever plausibility there may 

 be in a specious theory, which is sometimes put 

 forth and urged with much ingenuity and zeal, 

 that these laws are a restriction upon trade, still 

 there is no doubt as to their great practical benefit, 

 both to purchaser and seller. The fishermen of 

 Massachusetts have acquired for their produce a 

 high character, under the operation of these laws, 

 which commands for them regular prices and cer- 

 tain sales. The public are protected, at the same 

 time, from imposition in purchasing an article with 



* The returns for 1832 were not completed when this 

 sketch was prepared. Owing to temporary causes, the 

 " catch" falls much short of that of the preceding year. 



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