34^ TRAVELS IN 
ship from the port of Milford the least concern whatsoever 
M'ith any adventure except the fishing for whales. 
It is singular enough that one of the noblest ports in Eng- 
land, whether it be considered in point of situation, com- 
manding, at all times, a free and speedy communication with 
Ireland and the Western Ocean, and favorable for distribu- 
tion of merchandize, or regarded as to the conveniencies it 
possesses as a port and harbour, should have been so wholly 
neglected by the British legislature, that when the families 
above mentioned first settled there, the place did not afford 
them a single house for their reception. At this moment, by 
the removal of artificial obstructions and the unremitting at- 
tention of Mr. Greviile, there is a town, with suitable pro- 
tections of batteries, and two volunteer companies ; a dock- 
yard in which three King's ships are now building, a quay, 
aitd establishments of the different tradesmen and artificers, 
which a sea-port necessarily requires. Having proceeded 
thus far, there can be little doubt that, in the course of half 
a century, it may class among the first of the out-ports, and 
rise by means of the Southern Fishery, as Liverpool has done 
by the African Slave trade. 
I mention tl)is ch'cumstance as a strikinsi; instance to shew 
the importance of the South Sea Fishery, and as a proof that, 
contrary to the generally received opinion, this fishery may be 
carried on by skill and management, without the adventitious 
aid of trading, so as fully to answer the purpose of those who 
are properly qualified to embark in the undertaking. For 
where men, by industry in their profession, rise from small 
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