152 
MR. C. STACY-WATSON ON THE HERRING FISHERY 
costume of their own country ; comments were freely made upon 
their singular appearance. 
The Dutch fleet had missed the fish, consequently their buyers 
were compelled to come to Yarmouth and Lowestoft to supply their 
needs. They bought large quantities during the months of November 
and December, from catchers and curers, thus giving a special firm 
tone to this market. 
Thinking it might be of interest to you to know somewhat of 
their craft, and fishing, I will very briefly allude to them. I am 
able to do so through the kindness of my friends, Messrs. Betz and 
Van Heyst of Vlaardingen. The Dutch Herring fishing vessels are 
comprised of luggers similar to ours but larger, and boms, which 
are flat bottom boats for hauling up on the beach in winter. The 
luggers carry fourteen to fifteen, and the boms eight to nine men each. 
This year there were fishing from the various ports of Holland, 
557 luggers and boms. Their catch is reckoned by the barrel, and 
at the close of the season it was discovered that there was a 
deficiency of 65,957 barrels as compared with the previous year’s 
catch ; this was such a serious decrease that their merchants were 
compelled to buy on this side to supply their requirements. 
The total deliveries at Yarmouth and Lowestoft of the four 
fishings for the year are : 
Lasts 
Yarmouth . . . 17,588 
Lowestoft . . . 7,826 
25,414 
Covering the same period in 189+, they were : 
Lasts 
Yarmouth . . . 16,184 
Lowestoft . . . 8,158 
24,342 
An increase for the year of 1072 lasts. 
It is not possible to accurately ascertain the actual average price 
which the fish have realised throughout the season ; but estimating 
it at £9, which I believe to be under the mark, the value of the 
North Sea and Home fishing would be over £200,000. 
Again I have pleasure in acknowledging the kindness of 
Mr. W. J. Nutman, the Borough Accountant of Great Yarmouth, 
and the Harbour Master of Lowestoft, for supplying me with the 
following statistical table of the catches for the year. 
