MB. T. SOUTHWELL ON THE IIEBUINO FISHERY. 
01 
work on the “ share ” system, that the loss of over-production falls 
so severely. The constant glut in the market depresses prices to 
such a degree as to render the work unprofitable to the men who 
have no chance to recoup themselves ; whereas, if there be an 
ordinary demand for salted fish in the ensuing winter, the 
advantage must accrue to the curer who lias purchased his raw 
material on such advantageous terms. I think the fish-merchants 
will have a great deal to say when the subject of the carriage of 
fish comes before the Committee who are now taking evidence on 
the Kailway Kates Commission. 
The practice of “kippering” herrings is coming very much into 
vogue, and 1 hope it will add a new and remunerative branch to 
the curing business of the Eastern Counties. 
The trawl fishery does not come within the scope of these notes, 
but I may just say the past season has been a very disastrous one 
in this business also. Two largo companies have collapsed during 
the year, and many of the fine smacks have been forced into the 
market. The Norwegians, I am told, with their usual shrewdness, 
have availed themselves of this favourable opportunity to acquire 
some thirteen of these vessels of an average of about sixty-five tons, 
and fitted with steam capstans. It has been stated that they were 
intended for the Seal, or Bottle-nose fishery, but being constructed 
of iron they would be unsuitable for navigation where ice is likely 
to bo met with, and are probably destined for the Cod fishery. 
I have entered more fully than usual into the progress of the 
fishery in the past season, as the voyage has been quite an 
exceptional one, and demanded exceptional treatment. 
The number of boats sailing from Yarmouth was about 200 
Home, and 205 Scotch, the former carrying ten hands, and the 
latter seven hands each ; and from Lowestoft there were about 130 
Home and !)S Scotch boats, each respectively carrying the same 
number of hands as those sailing from Yarmouth. 
I have again to express my thanks to Mr. Nutman, the 
Corporation Accountant of Yarmouth, and to the Harbour master 
of Lowestoft, for their kindness in, furnishing me with the official 
returns from their respective ports. It may be well to mention 
that some fish are landed by small owners at Caister, and a few, 
perhaps, on the beach at other places, which do not appear in 
these returns. 
