Dr Hibbert on the Discovery of the Shetland Cod-banl\ 140 
market to which it may be sent. The merits of these questions 
may be safely confided to the wisdom of the Legislature. 
I have now brought my remarks on the new cod-bank to a 
conclusion ; and in selecting the statements laid before the 
public, although I have endeavoured to exercise every due cau- 
tion, it will be evident that, in estimating the true value of the 
discovery, it ought to bear reference to a complete and scientific 
survey of thel whole bank * *. Still it is impossible, even with the 
imperfect information which we possess on the subject, to view, 
without great satisfaction, the advantages that it holds out in 
perspective. If it shall be found expedient to take a formal pos- 
session of this bank, which lines the northern barrier of our own 
country, we may calculate on a considerable and important ad- 
dition to our commercial intercourse with the continent. At the 
same time, in immediate reference to British subjects, we give 
employment to a numerous body of seamen, whilst an opportu- 
nity is afforded them, by purchasing small shares of vessels man- 
ned by themselves, of investing, to the greatest advantage, the 
profits of their several labours in remoter climates -f. 
Lastly, the improved state of our coasting navigation may 
justify the expectation, that from this northern source, an eco- 
nomical and nutritious food may eventually come within the 
reach of the populous districts of our manufacturing counties, 
the alleviation of whose distresses is at present so actively en- 
gaging the attention of the most enlightened of our country- 
men. In fact, under whatever view we contemplate the disco- 
very, it affords matter for the highest congratulation ; and at a 
period when our country labours under unusual difficulties, eve- 
ry new accession to British resources wiU be hailed with double 
satisfaction. 
Since drawing up the foregoing account, I have learnt, 
that the coast of Shetland has been visited by Mr Stevenson, civil 
engineer; and it gives me particular satisfaction to think, that the 
* The policy of an immediate examination of the exact situation, depth and ex- 
tent of the bank, undertaken by Government vessels, seems particularly obvious. 
*1* It is worthy of remark, that several of the vessels which have fished this 
season, have, for their joint proprietors, sailors who have saved a little money in 
the navy or in the Greenland fishery. In Scalloway, a company of this deserving 
(Jlass of people were highly successful in the prosecution of Uieir new object. 
