are young lieiring, from two to three inches in length. Ten or 
twelve years ago a considerable amount of full-sized herrings were 
caught in Lynn waters. At the present time scarcely any are to 
be had, and the young fry are also much less abundant of late years. 
I he practice of setting ‘stow’ nets in the river is also gradually 
destroying the smelt hshery, the fry being caught in large numbers 
when only an inch in length, and used as bait for eels. 
ihe following enactments, which w’ere formerly in operation in 
Lynn waters, might wdth great advantage be revdved in the present 
day, when our fishermen are complaining of the unremunerative 
nature of their occupation, heedless of the fact that it is due to 
their own wron^ doinc. 
In the reign of Elizabeth, the following were the “ Special 
orders to be observed by the Eishermen of the Town of 
Lynn, as -well for their orderly fishing in and upon the said 
Liver, ’ (Ouse,) “as also for the preservation of the young 
fry observed there,” &c., &c. 
Eirst, for orderly fishing. 
It is ordained, &c., inter alia. 
“ That no man or his servant shall set any trimmer between 
German s Bridge and the Cross Beacon, from Holy Thursday 
to the first of August, but only at the shores, upon j^ain of 
forfeiting 3s. 4d. 
“ That no man shall occupy any swinge of a net, but that 
threepence may go through, from May-day to the 1 5th of 
August, upon pain of forfeiting 3s. 4d. 
“ That no man or his servant, that go to sea, but as soon as 
he hath hooked his net, shall throw the brood or fry in 
again, &c., &c. 
“ That no man shall bring any prock into the fieet, except it 
be sticklings, on the forfeiture of 3s. 4d. 
“ If any man shall go a lading, and be found with any brood 
or prock, both shall forfeit every time, 8s.” 
Secondly. Eor the preservation of the spawm and fry of fish. 
It is ordained, &c. 
“Ihe aforesaid persons, being fishermen, shall also enquire 
of all offences committed against any of these laws, and 
thereof make true certificate in manner as before specified ; 
