2 INDIAN FISH AND FISHING. 



computed at about 4.611 English miles, throughout the whole 

 of which extent the waters are more abundantly stocked with 

 fish than are those around the British Isles ; either due to 

 the greater reproductive powers of the species, or more 

 probably to the less amount of depredation committed by 

 man. While predaceous fish-consuming animals, as por- 

 poises, sharks, rays, skates and sea perches, are far more 

 numerous in the tropics than in these more northern climes. 

 But it is a remarkable fact that due to some cause these 

 fisheries which should afford a plentiful supply of food along 

 the sea-coast are practically nearly unworked, except near 

 large centres of population, or where cheap salt can be pro- 

 cured wherewith to cure the captures. This food -harvest, 

 up to within the last few years, has been comparatively un- 

 touched even while famines were devastating the contiguous 

 shores. 



Maritime fisheries, irrespective of affording food, ought 

 likewise to be serviceable, as producing isinglass, fish oils 

 and manures, as well as necessitating the purchase of 

 materials for boat-building, the manufacture of nets, hooks 

 and lines, the carriage of produce, &c. The principal modes 

 made use of for utilising fish for food along the sea-coasts 

 of India and Burmah may be considered under the following 

 heads : (1) Fresh fish, how far it can be conveyed inland ? 

 (2) Dried fish and its varieties. (3) Cured or salted fish, 

 and how prepared ? 



How far can fresh fish be conveyed inland f In examining 

 this question, if the employment of ice or salt is omitted, 

 the distance sea fish can be carried inland, while fresh, 

 depends upon several circumstances. The season is one 

 important factor, as during the hot months putrefaction 

 commences very rapidly, while some forms, especially the 

 immature, the herrings, and the siluroids or scaleless fishes, 



