of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



295 



While the cure in some cases was firm, in others the fish were soft. 

 The latter were in prime condition for immediate vise, but in a season 

 such as we have passed through a considerable risk was being run. I 

 was informed that particular parcels realise a better price than Crown 

 brands. No doubt, they show an excellent finish to attract the buyer, 

 which would be to the benefit of the average curer to copy. When an 

 order is received for any of these trade-marks, and only a few parcels 

 are on hand, advantage is taken of the circumstance for the benefit of 

 the curer, and from one to two marks more per barrel asked for and 

 secured. The trade-markers' matties contain a large number of mat- 

 fulls, but it is doubtful whether the extra mark or two obtained will 

 cover the additional cost of this selection. 



Early in October, Konigsberg was again visited. Since the elate of 

 my last visit 96,000 barrels, exclusive of Norwegian and Dutch 

 herrings, had come in. The business in Scottish-cured herrings was 

 somewhat dull owing to the Jewish holidays, but the trade upon the 

 whole was very satisfactory. Although the quantity in store had 

 increased by about 1 5,000 barrels, the greater portion of these was already 

 purchased by Jewish buyers, who were awaiting orders for their despatch 

 to the provinces of Russia, Silesia, and Roumania. 



One of the cargoes of herrings which arrived was that of 5000 barrels, 

 chiefly unbranded herrings, from Aberdeen. The buyers, it appears, 

 found the contents of some of the barrels damaged by heat, with the 

 result that the entire cargo was rajected. Sworn surveyors were 

 appointed, and every barrel was opened. They reported that 

 940 barrels were found more or less damaged by heat, and 19 rendered 

 valueless. The loss was estimated at 8000 marks. 



I was asked by one of the merchants to inspect a parcel of Crown 

 mat-fulls from Aberdeen, which he said were only matties. The fish, on 

 inspection, turned out very satisfactory, and the merchant was satisfied 

 that they were according to contract. 



Shipments, I noticed, were made of empty second-hand Scottish 

 barrels to Rotterdam. These barrels were to be filled with Dutch her- 

 rings. They were thoroughly washed and repaired. I learned that they 

 could be delivered in Holland for 2 -30 marks per barrel. About 8000 

 barrels are annually exported to Rotterdam. At other ports I have also 

 noticed second-hand Scottish barrels being shipped to Holland. Dutch 

 herrings were frequently quoted on the markets in Scottish barrels. 



Libau. 



Towards the end of September I proceeded to Libau. Altogether 

 there were 14 importers of Scottish herrings, but the business was 

 practically in the hands of eight firms, all of whom I called upon. The 

 import of Scottish-cured herrings was 23,000 barrels in excess of the 

 corresponding period in 1905. Of Norwegian vaar herrings there were 

 18,000 barrels imported, as against 1000 last year. In store there 

 were about 50,000 barrels, as against 22,000 at the same date in 1905. 

 Nearly all those in store were in the hands of importers, who were also 

 speculators. The increase this season of over 40,000 barrels in the 

 import is due to the fact of the herrings which go into Russia via 

 Archangel being placed — as regards duty — on the same level as herrings 

 entering at other Russian ports. For the past four or five years Scottish 

 and Norwegian herrings entered Russia by way of Archangel duty free, 

 to the disadvantage of Libau and Riga. 



I was informed that the herring trade of Libau was carried on this 

 season on an exceptionally sound basis. Early in the season the 

 importers, realising the unsettled state of the country, and that a 



