26 
ANIMAL LIFE ON THE 
then is the fishing to the families more immediately em- 
ployed, and how wide-spread are the benefits derived from 
the mussel crops of the Clyde. In conjunction with this 
trade, I have long held the opinion that the gathering of 
shellfish and sending them to the markets of our large 
towns would be a profitable employment to many families 
living on sea-coast districts where it can be carried on. 
From the islands of our Western Highlands alone, 
thousands of tons of all kinds of shellfish could be annually 
sent into market, and all that is required to send them 
with profit — cancelling, of course, the erroneous claim of 
xMUSSEL WATTLES. 
landowners — is a reduced freight tariff both by steamer 
and rail ; and I am convinced, when once fairly introduced, 
the demand would exceed the supply. 
The above allusion to the present depleted condition of 
the mussel crops of the Clyde opens up a matter that is to 
be deplored, but like many more results of man's greed, it 
is preventible. First, I Avould suggest that a supervision 
of the banks, in the interests of the people, should be 
taken by the Crown at once, and a close time instituted. 
Then, for the propagation of the young, the most suitable 
portions of the ground should be selected and formed into 
