of the Fishery Board for Scotland, 



171 



cured herrings, the home markets remained firm throughout the sea- 

 son. In addition to the shortage in the catch and cure of other 

 countries, the high price of meat and other commodities in Germany 

 contributed largely to this end. 



The question is invariably asked, how long this good demand is likely 

 to continue. In Germany, it may be remarked that, owing to the 

 scarcity of fodder and the duty on imported feeding stuffs, farmers 

 were obliged to reduce their stocks of store cattle, but with more 

 favourable crops and a reduction of duty, a change may occur at any 

 time. Meat may become cheap, and herrings less of a substitute. On 

 the other hand, we have the Kussian markets, through better com- 

 munication to the inland cities and to Siberia, annually importing 

 more herrings, so that with fair average fishings and good quality, 

 there is every prospect of a continuance of the demand, provided the 

 herrings can be put in the hands of consumers at reasonable prices. 



It may be remarked that the season was distinctly a fishermen's 

 year. . The catches were more evenly distributed over the fleet than 

 was the case in 1911, consequently the money was better circulated 

 among the various crews. The largest amount grossed by any one 

 steamer was £1750, and the average from these vessels was from £1000 

 to £1200. The sail boats also enjoyed a season of considerable pros- 

 perity, several having earned over £700, while the average was about 

 £500. Motor boats had also a successful season and would average 

 about £750. Hired men, nearly all of whom are now on "share," 

 secured on an ai^erage for 13 or 14 weeks' employment more money 

 than they have done for years back. Many returned home with from 

 £30 to £40, and even as high as £60 has been mentioned. 



To these figures have to be added the earnings of the vessels 

 employed in East Anglian waters. Altogether 1099 Scottish boats — 

 60 more than in 1911 — operated at Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Of 

 these, 797 were steamers, 231 sailers, and 71 motor boats. The landings 

 of these vessels amounted to 677,949 crans, valued at £701,895, being 

 an increase in value of £152,553 as compared with the previous year. 

 The success of this fishing, which surpassed all previous records, not 

 only benefited our English neighbours, but its effects will be felt along 

 the whole North-East Coast. Fishworkers, of whom there are several 

 thousands, coopers, barrel manufacturers, boat builders, and merchants 

 will benefit by the distribution of the money earned in that quarter. 



Although the summer herring fishing on the North-East Coast and 

 at Shetland was .so prosperous, the boats which worked on the 

 southern grounds from Eyemouth to Aberdeen were only moderately 

 successful. The features of the last two seasons were in direct con- 

 trast. In 1911, the weather was warm and fish plentiful but of poor 

 quality. In the landings in Eyemouth district there is a decrease of 

 61,000 crans. Owing to the small quantity cured, the expenses of 

 curing, in some cases, were as high as 13s. per barrel. Many of the 

 curers finished the season with a deficit. 



The Leith district boats operated from the herring centres north and 

 south of the port. Unfortunately, those working in the Berwick 



district — owing to the failure of the fishing in these waters — made 

 poor earnings, and several who usually prosecute the English fishing 

 did not proceed so far, and lost to a considerable extent the remunera- 

 tive earnings which resulted there. Most of the fishermen of 

 Anstruther district shared in the success of the fishings at the 

 northern stations. The earnings of the steam drifters varied from 

 £540 to £1570. Notwithstanding the falling-off in the number of 

 sail boats — no less than 30 being removed from the register during the 

 year — in the^ number of steamers there has been a steady increase. 



