BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 45 
rent their sale, the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association dis- 
cussed the question at a recent conference at Fishmongers’ Hall, but no 
decision as to such fish was arrived at. It may, therefore, be worth 
svhile to point out that boracic acid, being the essential ingredient of 
mr many food preservatives — be it in the form of the acid, of borogly- 
ceride, or of borax— has been used for years, especially to preserve milk 
m hot weather, and no evidence has ever been brought forward even to 
suggest injurious effects upon the health; it may, therefore, be taken to 
be perfectly harmless. The Norwegian herring, preserved with salt 
and boracic acid, are of exceptionally fine quality, are perfectly fresh 
when brought into the market, and are, of course, subject to the usual 
process of inspection by the market inspectors, whose power of rejection 
is almost absolute. If, nevertheless, an outcry is heard against this 
sale, it is difficult to resist the belief that it is dictated by the jealousy 
which is notoriously rife in Billingsgate circles. 
The introduction of cheap food from new sources, welcomed, as it 
always is by the public, is invariably opposed by the members of the 
trade, who, after all, reap the advantage in the long run. One has 
but to recall for a moment the sneers of meat venders at American 
and Australian meat to value the agitation against Norway herring 
at its proper worth. Hitherto, happily, we have been spared the 
bitter discussions which have on the Continent led to legislation 
against certain food preservatives, such as salicylic acid, which we in 
England admit without hesitation. The question is mainly one of na- 
tional economy : Shall good food be wasted for want of a preservative, 
even if certain objections may be urged against its use, or shall we 
put up with these objections and aim at cheapening food for the masses, 
provided always that nothing which could injuriously affect their health 
is allowed to be present ? A sufficient guarantee is afforded by the 
vigilance of medical officers, public analysts, and market inspectors 
against the abuse of antiseptics and food preservatives. 
On the other hand, a fish-trader writes to the Fish Trades Gazette : 
Hundreds of barrels of herring from Norway out of one cargo were con- 
demned, and also that there were about 1,500 barrels unsold lying in 
London at that time. France will not admit the Swedish and Nor- 
wegian herring, nor any other fish cured by the process named. Many 
shopkeepers soon find out to their cost that once their customers have 
tasted herring cured with acid they don’t ask for them a second time. 
[From the Journal of the National Fish Culture Association, London, 
England, April, 1887.] 
Oregon fish commission law.— An act to provide for the propaga- 
tion and preservation of salmon and food-fishes in the public waters of 
the State of Oregon, including so much of the streams which form 
common boundaries between said State and adjacent Territories, and 
appropriating money therefor. Also for the appointment of a fish com- 
mission. 
