3 -SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF IMPROVED TYPES OF VESSELS 
IN THE MARKET FISHERIES, WITH NOTES ON BRITISH 
FISHING STEAMERS. 
BY J. W. COLLINS. 
A.— INCREASE IN THE FRESH-FISH TRADE. 
At this time no feature of the American fisheries is more noticeable than the 
increase in the demand for fresh fish in our markets. This is especially the case so far 
as the marine species are concerned. With improved methods of refrigeration, and a 
continuous increase in the facilities for inland transportation, it is possible to place 
before the consumer, even in places remote from the great markets, fish that are as 
fresh, delicate in flavor, and firm in texture as they were when taken from sea, lake, 
or river. Thus, while there will doubtless always be a call for certain kinds of salted 
fish, the tendency of the hour is to use a larger quantity of fresh-fish food and less of 
the salted article. And whatever tends to place fresh fish before the consumer in the 
best and most attractive condition will aid in increasing the demand for this kind of 
food and lead to an enhancement of profits to the producer. In view of the rapid 
growth of population in the United States, it is reasonable to suppose that the “ fresh- 
fish trade ” will grow to proportions not yet anticipated if such attention is given to it 
as its increasing importance seems to demand. 
But while the fresh-fish business has derived many advantages from improve- 
ments in methods, increase in population and in facilities for transportation, much 
yet remains to be done in order to secure that full measure of success which is de- 
sirable. The imiiortant question at this time is that of securing rapid transportation 
from the fishing grounds to the markets, or the adoption of other means whereby fish 
may reach the point of shipment, and ultimately the consumer, without deterioration, 
even when taken far out at sea. 
Besides the other benefits which may accrue as a result of improved sea transpor- 
tation, an additional advantage will be secured to the market fisherman, inasmuch as 
he can extend his operations to more distant localities, where fish are abundant, but 
where he has not heretofore been able to go because of the impracticability of carry- 
ing his catch in good condition from there to market. 
It is then evident that the prosperity and development of this industry are more 
dependent upon the adoption of new types of vessels and boats than upon anything 
else. Indeed, the maximum of success in the fisheries can not be reached until the 
175 
