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A TREATISE

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ON THE

IMPORTANCE OF EXTENDING

THE BRITISH FISHERIES;

CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION

OF THE

ICELAND FISHERIES,

AND OF THE

NEWFOUNDLAND FISHERY AND COLONY;

Together with Remarki and Propoiitiont

FOR THE BETTER SUPPLY OF THE METROPOLIS
AND THE INTERIOR,

WITH CURED AND FRESH FISH ;

ELUCIDATING ALSO

THE NECESSITY OF ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING COMMERCR,
AND THE GENERAL INDUSTRY OF THE COUNTRY.

By S. PHELPS.

LONDON I

PRINTED FOR W. 81MPKIN AND R. MARflHALL. STATIONERS' COURT.

LUDOATE STREET.

1818.

i

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TO THE PUBLIC.

That writer must be fortunate indeed who can
satisfy every reader; but a book can scarcely be
written, from which no information can be de-
rived. ...,,...- - . .. -V> V * ' .

Should, therefore, the present humble work be
fortunately favoured with readerSj it is hoped that
they will not only have the candour to mark its
errors and imperfections, but also have the gene-
rosity to assist in promoting the good which it is
intended to establish.

THE AUTHOR,

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15

BY THE SAM£ AUTHOR.

In the PresSf and apeeiUy will bepublishedt

in Two Volumes 8vo.

THE

ANALYSIS OF HUMAN NATURE;

^ Or an InvMtigttion pf the Means to improve

THE CONDITION OF THE POOR,

AND PROMOTE THE HAPPINESS OF MANKIND IN GENERAL.

Compriaing alto, ' '

THE PROGRESS AND PRESENT STATE OF POLITICAL,
MORAL, AND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.

CONTENTS.

«W%%ii%,>V^

ICELAND FISHERY.

Page.

The quantity of fish to be found in the bays and on the
coasts of Iceland inexhaustible 2

Iceland not farther from the coasts of Scotland and Ire-
land, than the south banks of Newfoundland from St.
John's ; ., 3

Quantity of salmon, forrelers, and other fish, in tu ^ fiords,
rivers, and lakes of Iceland 4

The Dutch fishery on the coast of Iceland 8

The importance of connecting the Iceland fisheries with
establishments on the Scotch, Irish, and British coasts 9

Cod and herrings the principal fish for commerce ,. 33

Their prolificacy..... ib.

Our herring and pilchard fisheries \fov\d be much more ex-
tensive under proper regulations 26

Dry or cured fish desirable as food for the poor 37

Caprice in the choice of food 39

Pickled fish very wholesome and delicious food, on board
ship, and a great acquisition on long voyages ib.

Peculiar local advantages to England for extending her
fisheries 39

Advantages o^ fisheries, in a commercial point of view, and
for giving employment to the maritime and other classes *
' ofpeople ..., ,.,..• ..*.» 33

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CONTENTS.

ON SALT.

The duties on salt tlie greatest possible obstacle to the suc-
cess of the fisheries ;34

Commutation recommended : 35

Salt fit for the fisheries < 36

Process of making fishery salt 37

Foreign salt compared with British 38

Dutch method of preparing salt for pickling herrings 43

Comparisons of different kinds of rock, bay, and other salt 44
Consequences of the evil effect of the duty on salt in a com-
mercial point of view , 47

INTRODUCTION OF THE BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

];'irst expedition in the winter of the year 1808 50

Relief of Iceland and the Ferroe Islands 52

Convention of trade 54

Second expedition 55

Iceland revolution 56

Second convention , ••••<•• ^^

Desire of the natives ie b«come Object to Grcat~Bntain ... 67

Order in Council to facilitate the British trade with Iceland 6S
Recommendation to place the island under the dependencies

of Great Britain 70

Description of the Icelanders, and Dr. Holland's History

of the Literature ef Iceland 71

The advantages of Iceland, in giving employment to the

poor of the north of ^cotjand and Ireland, and as being

preferable to their emigrating to North America 73

The Scilly Islands and other fishing stations recommended,

connected with the Iceland fishery 74

GENERAL ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE ENCOU-
•' RAQEMENT OF THE FISHERIES.

Dr. Colquhoun's treatise recommending it , 76

Method of traul and line fishing ,„ „» 79

P'-gc.

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35

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38

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47

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52

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56

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61
67

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70

76
79

CONTENTS.

Remonstrance to Crovernmeiit on the subject of the fishcricx

in the reign of Charles II 70

Method of conducting the fisheries 81

Mr. Oddy's remark on the Dutch monopoly of fishing 8t

Sir Thomas Bernard's remark with respect to the salt duties il**
The Downs' Society, established in November, 1815, for

the promotion of the fisheries 85

Tiir^c millions six hundred thousand barrels of fish would

be consumed, annually, in the United Kingdom, aflford-
. ing maintenance to nine hundred and sixty thousand

families, in various departments of labour 91

The fisheries have not succeeded for want of proper regu>

lations 92

Their utility as a public and private benefit undoubted 93

Act of Geo. III. cap. cvi. for incorporating the British

Society for extending the Fisheries 94

Its inefficacy 99

Plan proposed for extending the fisheries, by a general

charter, &c. 101

INFERENCE.

A Board of Commissioners recommended, similar to that of
Holland, for the regulation of the fisheries 107

The happiness of every country depends upon finding em-
ployment for the people 108

The distresses of this country proceed from want of employ-
ment 110

It is true economy in governments to promote industry ... 113

We have means to effect it, if properly applied 113

ADDENDA.

The consequences of the want of employment for the British
seamen have lately been verified 115

The maritime classes have now mostly left the country, and
the consequence thereof IIG

The system and management of the affairs of Newfound-
land,mn\ the Newfoundland fishery „Mtt 118

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CONTENTS.

Descriplioii of that colony and fishery 119^

The fisheries of this country have always failed through
bad management. Other countries have derived their
greatest resources of power and wealth from their fish-
cries. England^ though more advantageously situated
tlian any other country, for that trade, has derived the

least benefit from it; and why 129

Prejudice in the choice of food 133

Objections made to the extension of the fisheries 124

Great profits to salesmen and little profit to the fishermen... 125
Fish as a general article of food ; its wholesomeness and ad-
vantages verified in Cornwall 126

Association for the general supply of fish in the metropolis

and the interior 127

Any charitable institutions, of that kind, not so useful as re-
gulations for the promotion of industry, in the fisheries,
and other employments. Comparison, in this respect,
made between the powers of productive labour and the -

relief of the poor by charity 128

8ir Thomas Bernard's account of the supply of fish for the

manufacturing poor , 130

Fish, as it afiects the consumption of other food^ and the

relief of the poor 134

The poor, who are accustomed to eat fish, are strong and
healthy. Fish not intended as their chief article of food,

but only in addition to what they now have 138

The prevention of monopoly would bring it into more genc^

ral use , 141

Billingsgate market insufiicient for the metropolis ib.

The Second Report of the Committee of the Fish Association 143
The nature and extent of the impediments which check the

supply and more general use offish 144

Quantities of fish are destroyed, and not taken, for want of

proper regulations and regular markets 145

A depot and free market for the fishing trade, at Holy
Haven, recommended to supply the metropolisf and the

The

The

Coril

Mr.

CONTENTS.

interior, every morning, vrith fresh i^sh ; and another fish
market, near Waterloo or Westminster Bridge, proposed 14G
The want of proper regulations for the distribution of fish,
in tlic metropolis and the interior, the cause uf its high
price and little consumption 152

The supply and consumption of fish might be carried to al-
most any extent, under proper regulations 159

Corned fish, if properly cured, and sold at a moderate price,
would be very acceptable to all classes in this country... 160

Mr. Boase's account of the quantity of fish consumed in
Cornwall ICO

Xhe relief it has been to that county; formerly they import-
ed a great quantity of corn, now they import none, and
export largo quantities of potatoes 161

Account of the Nymph Bank. Its fishery, connected with
the Scilly Islands, would give employment and subsist-
ence to the poor of Cornwall, the Scilly Islands, and
the south part of Ireland ib.

The Scilly Islands recommended for that purpose, connected
with the Iceland fishery ; and for the supply of the
trade to the West Indies, and the south of Europe ... 1G2

DifTerent causes which have operated to the injury of the
fishing trade 170

EflTects of the salt duty to alarm and discourage the fisher-
men 172

Considerations proposed to Government, upon this subject,
by the Fish Association t 174

The great increase of the mackarel fishery, occasioned by a
stimulus given to the fishermen 176

Governmeiit recommended to grant a bounty, when fish is
below a certain price 177

Grievances and hardships occuring to the fishermen 179

The duty on salt cannot naturally be expected to be given
up without a commutation « 183

A property tax, or any other tax, recommended in preference 183

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CONTENTS.

P«ge.

The Dutch have been our most successful rivals in the fish-
cries 187

The business of a master fisherman in this country requires
a great capital, which is chiefly supplieii by the sales-
men ; and thus the constant embarrassed state of the
fishermen, and the high price offish 188

The establishment of a road from Holy Haven, and making
that port a free market, would do away this evil, and
insure a cnslant supply and sale for fish 191

When the population of London was not more than a twenty-
fourth part of its present number, it was furnished with
two fish markets; now it has only one 195

The late supplies to the interior towns have occasioned a
much greater demand for fish 306

Mr. Scott's recommendation to the Committee of the House
of Commons to promote the fisheries, as a relief to the
maritime class of the people 211

Naval militia recommended, and the fisheries the best
schools to train them in ib.

Different discouragements to the fisheries* and the failures
of different attempts to extend them ib.

Their causes , 313

The white herrinir fishery 313

Bounties on ditto 214

Bounties on the fisheries have never been properly regu-
lated. Being a tonnage bounty on the fishing vessels,
they have given more encouragement to smuggling '
than to catching fish 219

CMies of failure of the white herring fishery ............ 323

State of the country 227

The distress of the inhabitants of the Scilly Islands, and
modes of relief 328

This country caimot be relieved and supported, without
every encouragement to generrtl industry 230

If Newfoundland should be lost to England, the extensiou
of other fisheries would be more than equivalent 231

INTRODUCTION.

I

The following Observations are written
under the full impression and conviction,
that no one greater good can at this time be
rendered to the welfare and support of
this country, than by promoting and ex-
tending the fisheries; the advantages and
necessity of which having been frequently
noticed for centuries past, but no regular
method having been adopted, little has been
done to carry this important object into
effect.

li]

It seems that the failure has been prin-
cipally owing to its never having been made,
strictly speaking, a national object of investi-
gation, or that no plan has been laid down
of practical utility.

It cannot, perhaps, be pointed out, that
any regular enquiry has been made upon the

...if

XIV

subjects of the best modes of extending the
fisheries, and of the best methods of curing
fish.

'ft*

i,

It is a disgrace to the British nation, that
the Dutch, without any established fisheries,
and under many local disadvantages, carry
on the greatest fishing trade in the world ;
and even supply, to a great extent, our own
markets. This is occasioned by their better
regulations in catching fish, and by their
superior method in curing it. '

It may appear, by the late distressed state
of our colony at Newfoundland, that our
fisheries are already too extensive ; but this
is not the fact. The demand for fish will
always exceed the supply to be procured,
under proper regulations.

It is impossible that individuals can carry
on fisheries to a great extent, without proper
regulations and encouragement. This re-
quires nothing more than the removal of im-
pediments by a general charter, under which
associations may act. Funds will then be
found to form fishing stations ; merchants

XV

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and dealers will always know where to make
purchases; and fishermen will likewise know
where to find markets for their fish.

Chartered companies, when they have ex-
clusive privileges, are the ruin and destruc-
tion of trade. Joint-stock companies, upon
a different principle, and under proper regu-
lations, would have the contrary effect, par-
ticularly in the establishments of fisheries.
For who will subscribe to any establishment
of utility, if it put his whole capital and for-
tune at risk ? Fishing societies should not
become merchants ; their objects should be
confined to catching and curing of fish, and
to disposing of the same at their depots and
stations.

One of the greatest inconveniences and
obstacles to the extension of the British Fish-
eries is, the ruinous and impolitic duty on
salt. This may in some measure be reme-
died, if the evil cannot entirely be removed,
by appointing fishing stations, more of which
will be said in the course of this work.

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But, certainly, the first consideration for

XVI

establishing Fishing Companies, or for ex-
tending the fisheries, is to know where to
find a supply of fish ; and however much
may have been said, and entertained, of the
indefinite Supply of fish around the British
coasts, yet 1 shall prove that, though the fact
may in some degree be established, the prin*
ciple is comparatively fallacious.

I shall therefore begin my obser\^ations by
describing the immense value of the Iceland
Fishery, connected with establishments and
stations on the British and Irish coasts.

Since this book was first printed, last year, great preparations
have been made in the north of Scotland, to extend the fishery
on that coast ; and, it is said, tliat there are now three thousand
large boats, and fifteen thousand fishermen, employed in catching
herrings, on the coast of Caithness, to the great relief and bene-
fit of that countj'y ; but they complain of impediments, particu-
larly of the duty on salt, and on staves, on which account they
cannot come in competition with the Dutch. By proper regula-
tions and facilities, in these and other respects, they state, that
the fisheries may be carried on there, and at other places named
ill this book, to any extent, and produce incaleiiliililo iidvaiitH<*(>)»
to the nnliuii nt lar^e.

ICELAND FISHERY.

'1

No person can have visited the island of Ice-
land, without being convinced of the immense
quantities of fish with which its shores and bays
abound; but to strangers, who have never ex-
plored that country, the report must appear in-
credible.

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The bays and rivers of Iceland are full of
fish, in such abundance that the natives do not
take the trouble to fish on the outward banks,
where the finest fish are to be caught, and in the
greatest quantities; they confine themselves to
the bays, or fiords, where they fish in small boats,
and catch as much fish as they require; but
the fish in the bays are comparatively small and
inferior in quality to the fish caught in the deep

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2 ICELAND FISHERY.

waters, or on the banks at some distance from
the coasts. In the bays too, on account of the
rocks, fishing is only practicable with single line
and hook, but on the outward banks fishermen
can use both traul and line, or catch the fish
as on the banks of Newfoundland; and the
quantity of cod, ling, and haddock, is so great,
that there is no end to its supply. Great quan-
tities of turbot, soles, and hahbut, are likewise
found on the coasts.

In the bays and rivers of Iceland there is also
very fine salmon, in great abundance, and in-
credible shoals of herrings on the north coast.
One river in Iceland will produce as much sal-
mon as all the rivers of England and Scotland.
There are also immense quantities of forrelers (a
species of trout) and other fish in the lakes.

The trade with Iceland being now open and
free, and government having accorded a bounty
of three pounds per ton on the Iceland fishery,
an opportunity presents itself of establishing an
Iceland Fishing Company, under very peculiar
advantages. ^.•...«

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1st. The supply of fish is inexhaustible.

2d. The fishing grounds round Iceland are
at no greater distance from the shores of Scot-

!!>'

ICELAND FISHERY. S

land and Ireland than the south banks of New-
foundland are from St. John's, where the fish is
cured*.

The plan of this society should therefore be,
to catch the fish on the coasts of Iceland, and
bring it to the Orkney, or other stations, to be
cured ; which could easily be effected, with in-
fallible success, by salting the fish on board, in
bulk, as fast as it is caught and cleaned, and,
when a full cargo is obtained, by proceeding to
the Orkneys, or other places, as the wind may
best serve, where the fish would be found in an
•excellent state, fit for curing dry, or for barrel-

1

* The great bank of Newfoundland extends four hundred and
liOy miles in length, and upwards of one hundred in breadth.
It is about seventy-five miles from the island of Newfoundland.
Tlic best and fattest cod arc those taken at the south side of the
hank j llrose of the north side being considerably smaller and
inferior; therefore the distance, ^vith all its windings, from the
south side of the great bank of Newfoundland to St. John's, is
oonsiderably farther than the direct line from Iceland to the
Orkneys, or the north of Ireland.

•\ The Chinese pack their fish between layers of salt in the
holds of their vessels, and carry it many thousands of miles in
that hot country ; but they only do a part of the work which is
necessary to make good fish. The French also pack their her-
rings in the same way at Dieppe. .. ' , ' •

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4 ICELAND FISHERY.

Cargoes of salmon, forrelers, &c. could also
be brought fresh in ice, or in pickle, to the
London, Liverpool, Scotch, or Irish markets.

In order to make the most of the seasons, some
number of vessels, with fishermen, should winter
in Iceland, to take advantage of the early fishing
season in February, and to prepare cargoes for
the spring; or the trade may be carried on
precisely the same as with Newfoundland, which
would employ a colony of people to an immense
extent, and relieve thousands of families, par-
ticularly in the north of Scotland and Ireland.

This fishery would be the finest nursery in
the world for seamen, as was proved by the
Dutch, who formerly carried on a very extensive
and lucrative fishing trade with the- coasts of
Iceland.

In the year 1803, eleven hundred and thirty-
three Dutch vessels were fishing at one time off
the bays of Faxefiord and Bredefiord ; each ves-
sel had from twelve to sixteen hands on board.
Their fish wag salted on board in barrels, the
inconveniency and expence of which must be
evident, compared with the mode now proposed.
Barrels take up a great deal of room in the ves-
sels, and lessen the cargoes, besides being expen^
sive and cumbersome; neither will the fish be

ii

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ICELAND FISHERY. 5

so good as if first salted in bulk, where, if it rft-
mained at least three weeks, it would be of bene-
fit rather than injury to its quality. Besides,
if by chance some fish are not properly cleaned,
and the back bone not properly taken out, a sin-
gle fish of this kind will spoil the flavour and
quality of a whole barrel, which cannot happen
by the proposed method, as they may be sepa-
rated, or improved, in the second curing. It is
also necessary in the process of curing fish, that
it should undergo a certain degree of fermenta-
tion and pressure.

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The advantage of running to the Orkneys,
or other contiguous places, to discharge the
cargoes as fast as they are procured, will enable
the vessels to make several voyages in a season,
whereas the Dutch can only make one, and con-
sequently cannot bring their fish to market at so
cheap a rate as the Company now proposed.

Each vessel, of 120 to 150 tons, should be at-
tended on the fishing banks by several smaller
vessels, which should bring thei? fresh fish to the
large vessels, when they could assist in fishing ;
by which means a cargo would very soon be
completed.

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The Icclatul salt fish is always worth five

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6 ICELAND FISHERY.

dollars per quintal more, in the Mediterraneaii
markets, than the Newfoundland fish.

Bi ■'

The Icelanders make a great quantity of their
cod into stock fish, called by them torfisk, whicli
b the fish simply dried without saltj but they
also make clipfisk, or dry salt fish, of a most ex-
cellent quality.

Not long since the government of Denmark
M as willing to dispose of the island of Iceland,
for no very considerable sum, and was about to
alienate it to a Company in Norway. It is
much to be lamented that the British govern-
ment did not take Iceland under its protection,
when it was strenuously solicited by the natives,
a few years ago. This idea is also strengthen-
ed by the opinions of Mr. Hooker and Sir George
Mackenzie, who have written upon the sub-
ject*.

Iceland is invaluable for the protection and
accommodation it would afibrd our Greenland
trade, as well as for the trade of that island. ,

* The government of Norway is now most particularly atten-
tive to the encouragement and extension of their 6sheries, and
they will use every endeavour to possess themselves of Iceland,
if it can possibly be obtained. They had formerly a Company
established in Iceland, which probably does not at present exist ;
bill ihiij will lead to overtures of a more important nature, unless
•'C unlicipale their views by a prior application.

LUfai

ICELAND FISHERY.

The Iceland hovkalv, (pronounced houkal)
or shark oil, is the finest fish-oil in the world.
It is colourless, and clear as water, and will not
freeze in the coldest winter of our climate. It
is made by cutting the fish in junks or pieces,
and by throwing a large quantity together into
a deep pit, where it is suffered to ferment and
putrify ; after which the oil exudes and puri-
fies itself, and is separated from the fleshy
substance by pressure only, and without heat.
After a little repose, it becomes perfectly fine
and clear; and it is evident, that after this pro-
cess of the putrid fermentation, it is not subject
to change or decomposition, although it gets of
a deeper colour by carriage, perhaps in dirty
casks, or from a tinge of the wood. The Ice-
landers eat the flesh of the hovkalv after the oil
is extracted, and they esteem it excellent food.

.■

1

If cargoes of blubber were brought from Green-
land to Iceland, (or I think even to the Ork-
neys) the oil, no doubt, could be extracted in the
same manner, which would greatly improve its
quality, and the process would be much less
expensive than the common method ; and each
vessel sent out to Greenland would, by this plan,
procure two cargoes in a season, instead of one
only. The livers of the cod may be treated in
the same manner. The heads of cod, as well
as the sounds, are of much more value than is

Ml

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•)i\

f; »•

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8 ICELAND FISHERY.

generally imagined. The Icelanders dry the
heads, and, by proper treatment, they certainly
make as fme soup as the best turtle in the world.

The Dutch had, in the year 1803, eleven
hundred and thirty-three vessels fishing at the
same time off the coast of Iceland, as before sta-
ted. The value of each vessel, with outfit, salt,
barrels, and provisions, could not be less, upon
an average, than jCSOOy making the capital em-
ployed ^906,400. One-third the tonnage of
vessels, and one-third the capital and expences,
would bring as much fish to the Orkneys, salted
in bulk, as was brought by the Dutch to their
markets. A comparative calculation of profits
and advantages need, not, therefore, be further
entered into.

Five hundred vessels, of 150 tons each (and
the Dutch were of 120 to 150 tons burthen)
would bring, in single cargoes only, 75,000 tons
offish to the Orkneys in one season; the bounty
alone upon which would be ^225,000. It is
presumed that government may not continue
this bounty, which would not be required after
the first expence and establishment*.

* Dr. Adam Smith, ^hose views on subjects of political
economy are considered to be good authority, and whose leading;
principle is^ that governments should interfere as little as possible
in trade and commerce, allows that fisheries are an exception; —

u

ICELAND FISHKRY.

The number of seamen employed by the
Dutch in fishing off Iceland, was not less, upon an
average, than from twelve to sixteen thousand,
and, in the whole of their fishing trade, it is said,
they employed above 9000 vessels and 360,000
people, which must have given employment to
more than double that number of other descrip-
tions of persons ashore. By extending the Bri-
tish fisheries in the way now proposed, with all
their appendages, may not as many British
vessels and British subjects find employ ? This
is a subject which requires the most serious con-
sideration and investigation, together with the
niost ample encouragement and support. The
calculation, enormous as it may appear, is much
within the bounds of probability and truth.

I'i

lU

It has been said, that the establishment of an
Iceland fishery might interfere with our New-
foundland and home fisheries. — Shall, therefore,
this invaluable fishery be refused to British fisher-
men, and be given again exclusively to the
Dutch? Would that be any advantage to our

■■ '^'^n > '' ■ ■■ .. ■ ■■ • ■ ■■ -

that their encouragement is a national benefit, and therefore,
that thcic extension ought to be an object for bounties at the
expence of the public.'* — But these bounties should be adminis-
tered 'vith care, otherwise, instead of having the desired effect
of encouraging and extending the fisheries, they may servo
only as a pretext for smuggling,
in the course of lliis work.. ,

which will be further shown

:i

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^1 '

ul

]f

10

ICELAND FISH E II Y.

Newfoundland and home fisheries ? — The Dutch
would always have the preference at foreign mar-
kfcts; the cabaliou, or bacallau of Iceland being
always preferred to the Newfoundland fish, and
it arrives at foreign markets much sooner.

The Dutch fishermen, who were accustomed
to fish on the coasts of Iceland, always ridiculed
the idea of our sending to Newfoundland to fish,
when we could get better fish, in greater quan-
tities, so much nearer home.

tf.

Besides, what is the extent of our fisheries at
home and abroad ? By a recent statement made
to the House of Commons, it appeared that only
20,000 seamen were employed in the British
fisheries! The Dutch employed 360,000 people
altogether, at least, as is stated in a printed re-
port: shall we then confine our numbers to
20,000, and give the remainder of the trade to
the Dutch ? It is not only the number of fisher-
men to be employed that is to be taken into
consideration upon this subject, but the em-
ployment which will be given to women and
children to cure and pack the fish on shore, and
the incalculable numbers of persons of various
descriptions to whom it will give employment,
ibod, and comfort.

Altliou^:;h the local sitiialion oi' Great Britain

ICELAND FISHEIIY.

11

is the best in the world for the extension of
her fisheries, yet the Dutch have always excelled
us as fishermen and curers, which has arisen
partly from their greater steady industry, and
partly from their superior method; for in all
things else they have the disadvantage. It may
not, therefore, be improper to state some of the
probable causes of their superior success.

(i

M

i

1st. The Dutch always paid their fishermen
b}^ shares of the fish caught, to induce them
to be diligent, and procure full cargoes in the
shortest space of time; and the same method
should always be adopted, which is the natural
and primitive mode of carrying on and extend-
ing fisheries, as well as a saving of capital.

fi

2dly. Their most expert fishermen were the
commodores of their fleets, both in finding the
best fishing grounds and shoals of fish, and in
giving instructions how and where to lay their
nets.

rrj

3tlly. The Dutch kept the same fishermen
employed the whole year round, indifi'erent fish-
erics and on diiVerent stations; for herrings are
not found at the same time off the north of Ice-
land, the coasts of Scotland, and at Yarmouth,
but succeed each other. The same with otiior
fisli according to their scahons.

m

12

ICELAND IISHKRY.

' .t

It appears, also, that another great cause of
the superior success and extent of their fisheries
was, that they fished in large companies or fleets,
and made a kind of joint stock concern of their
captures. For instance, off Iceland, there would
be seldom less than 1000 to 1200 vessels fishins
at the same stations; each shared alike, and on
their return home they had merchants ready to
contract for forty or fifty cargoes together to
ship for foreign markets; whereas it is difficult
to find a market for a single cargo, or a purchaser
who would enter upon such an enterprise.*

m

Supposing a single vessel to be sent out to
Iceland, and to return with a full cargo of fish ; —
what is the owner to do with the fish when he
lias got it? He has no connexion in tiie trade;
and instead of receiving the value of his cargo,
and returning again to the same employment, he
must go to a foreign market, where he is also a
stranger, and a new trader, and where he must

* Merchants also contracted for large qiiantiticN of fish, which
they took from l^u fishermen on the coasts of Iceland, and sent
out lar^e vcssciu for that purpose. Fishing- companies should
not be both fishermen and merchants. The Dutch have parti-
cular laws for their fisheries, which arc regulated hy the admi-
ralty of Holland; and which oblige the fishermen to fish in
fleets, &c. and not to interfere or take advantage of each othrr.
They also make verbal agreements of coavtiun among themselves,
which they consider as binding as if inforccd by bond, or cstn-
blishf'd by law.

ICELAND FISHERY.

13

sell his fish at any price that is offered, conse-
quently he is no better off abroad than at home.
This shows the importance of fishing companies
and fishing stations, which still admit of ramifi-
cations, that would give occupation and support
to numberless individuals of different descriptions.
What makes the value of our oyster fisheries, but
being carried on by extensive companies ?

The establishment of an Iceland fishing com-
pany is the more to be recommended, as its
object is not to obtain a monopoly, but to ex-
tend the British fisheries generally, and thereby
give regular employment to multitudes of the
lower classes of the community (particularly
seamen out of employ) and also to furnish a
more abundant supply of a very desirable article
of food ; which can only be effected by the joint
exertions and support of persons of high consi-
deration and distinction. The efforts of single
individuals would be inadequate and unavailing;
and unless prompt and powerful means are
adopted, this trade, so nutural and advantageous
to the British interest, will again fall exclusively
into the hands of the Dutch, or be alienate(^
to the Norwegians.

r

I

!

!^

I

\M

Some people may remark that our fisheries
are already too extensive, and allege as a proof
the present distressed stato of our colony and

14

ICELAND FISHERY.

Vf

fishery at Newfoundland; but this is by no
means ti proof. The local disadvantages, dis-
tance, and expence of our Newfoundland fishery
operate against that fishery ; but the demand
for fish will always exceed the supply to be
obtained, if it can be brought to market at a
cheap rate, and of a good quality.

I^l^j^i

A most striking remark was made by Mr.
M. A. Taylor in the House of Commons, stating
" that the Spaniards and Italians had laid such
heavy duties on our Newfoundland fish as
amounted almost to its prohibition, and that
our ministers should interfere upon the subject.'*
No doubt can be entertained but fish should be
considered a staple article of this country, and
should interest government as much as any
other article either for exportation, or for home
consumption.

The Spaniards and Italians have no cod fish
but what they get from Northern nations, and
in time of scarcity they feel the want of it in a
degree like that of wanting bread; but as they
will give five dollars per quintal more for the
Iceland cod than for the Newfoundland cod, this
alone amounts to a prohibition of the latter. It
should therefore seem that the quality more than
the price is the object to be considered, and 1 am
at a loss to know how this is to be overcome,

ICELAND FISHERY.

l.>

particularly as the Iceland fish could be rendered
cheaper at those markets than the Newfound-
land fish, and they both, no doubt, are subject
to the same duties.

It cannot therefore be expected that mer-
chants will send out their vessels to fish at New-
founland, if they can neither iind markets for
their fish iior make any profit by it.

The West India, Brazil, and South American
markets ought to take immense quantities of
Newfoundland fish, provided it could be sup-
plied at as cheap a rate as by the Americans, or
of as good a quality as by the Dutch : but in
Europe it never can have any chance, when the
Dutch are again fully established.

I have been informed, by a very respectable
gentleman from the Havannah, that the New-
foundland fish is prohibited there.

It is really a disgrace to England, considering
her local and other advantages, that the Dutch,
without any established fisheries, and under many
apparent unfavourable circumstances, should
carry on the greatest fishing trade in the world.
I have been informed that they have sent out
more than one thousand vessels to fish in iho
north seas this season.

\\m

<t

( . 1

, ,15

16

ICELAND FISHERY.

By proper attention and management, the
Dutch could neither send fish to foreign mar-
kets as cheap as we could, nor of better quaUty.
The Dutch fish is certainly considered the best
fish that is now cured; but I have seen better
fish in Iceland than has ever been cured by the
Dutch.

ti

Many plans and attempts have been made to
extend the British fisheries, but it appears, upon
a review of them, that the principal points neces-
sary or requisite have been left out of the
question, namely,

1st. — where to find the Tish;
2nd. — how to catch the fish;
Srd.— how to cure the fish;
4th. — how to dispose of the fish ;

atid all that these plans have effected has been to
raise funds, which have been wasted and ex-
pended in useless theories, formed wi^Souc prin-
ciples or practice to support them.

With respect to the quantity offish to be found
on the coasts of Iceland, nothing can be more
convincing than the number of vessels employed
by the Dutch in that trade, and in corrobora-
tion of my own local knowledge, I can quote
other travellers who have visited that country.

ICEIJVND FISHERY.

17

Before Newfoundland was discovered, our
principal fisheries for cod were in the seas of
Iceland and of our western isles, but the greater
plenty was found near Iceland. This evidently
appears; for Queen Elizabeth condescended to
ask Christian III. of Denmark, permission to fish
in those seas, though she afterwards repented of
her request, and instructed her ambassadors to
insist on the right of a free and uncontrolled
fishery. ....

I:

11

If the Dutch could always have found as
much fish on our coasts as they required, they
would never have gone to Iceland for it. The
quality is superior, and the quantity is also
greater in the deep-sea fisheries than on our
coasts. . '

Mr. Bright says, in his Zoology of Iceland,
" Some parts of the coasts of Iceland, particu-
larly the bays on the west, abound^ with varieties
of very fine cod, for which, before the discovery
of Newfoundland, a very considerable fishery
was carried on ; so that in the reign of King
James I. no less than 150 vessels were employed
in the Iceland fisheries. : ■' i

Mr. Hooker, in his " Tour in Iceland," gives
an account of a fishing party to a small river,
near Reikavig, page 187.—" Before 3 o'clock,"

m

IS

ICELAND FISHERY.

he says, ** 2200 salmon were caught in the I^ax
Elbe, all of which Mr. Phelps bought of the
proprietor of the place, and cured two-thirds of
them for exportation, the remaining third being
allotted to those who gave their assistance at the
fishery, as a compensation for their trouble.
** To catch such a quantity as this," he says,
** would be considered extraordinary, and even
v'onderful in any other country. In this, as in
many other points of view, it is unfortunate for
the islanders that Mr. Phelps's stay was so short
among them, for in former years they have had
no means of disposing of the salmon they caught,
and as the exporting of them on their own ac-
count has been wholly out of their power, all
beyond what might be requisite for their own
consumption has been necessarily wasted."

The Lax Elbe, or Salmon river, which Mr.
Hooker mentions, is very small and unpro-
ductive, compared with many rivers in Iceland,
some of which would produce millions of salmon
each by a very little expence and contrivance.

Salmon is a northern fish, being unknown in
the Mediterranean sea and other warm cli-
mates, and as they live in fresh water about six
months in the year, the rivers of Iceland arc
very favourable for their reception and protcc-
lion, and millions more could be preserved and

ICEIj\ND FISHERY.

19

caught by the construction of weirs and leaps,
as in our rivers. ' '• ■> ^

Mr. Hooker also adds, page 54, in the intro-
duction, " In nothing do the Icelanders excel
so much as in the curing of their cod-fish, which
is of the best kind, so that if the fisheries were
properly conducted, they might prove a source
of inexhaustible wealth to the island; for fish
from that country always sells at a much higher
rate than what comes either from Newfoundland
or Norway."

:-!»■

Sir George Mackenzie, in his *' Travels in
Iceland," says, page 205, " The salmon fishery
of Iceland appears to be an admirable object for
speculation^ while the rents of our British rivers
are so high. From the beginning of June to the
beginning of August, vast quantities may be taken
in the different rivers with very little trouble."
And in page 234, he says, *' The harbour of
Eyafiord is the best on the northern coast, but,
except during the month of June and the begin-
ning of July, and in September and October,
there are no cod fish or haddock found in the
fiord, and it is only at some distance out at sea
that the fish are taken at these times. The
months of April and May are chiefly occupied in
taking the houkal or shark, which is chiefly
carried on at Siglefiord, in a small bay about

I

30

ICELAND FISHERY.

tilty miles N.W. of Ej^afiord. At the last place
herrings appear in vast shoals during the months
of June and July, and are taken with seine nets;
and it is no uncommon occurrence, that 150
barrels of herrings are taken at one single haul
of the net*."

In page 271* he mentions an Icelandic pro-
verb, which I know is common in Iceland.
*' When the Danes shall have stripped us of our
shirts, the English will clothe us anew:" and
he adds, " the possession would not be burden-
some to England. An exuberant and inex-
haustible supply of fish, from the sea and the
rivers, would alone repay the charitable action of
restoring freedom to the inhabitants." At page
338, he says, " There is perhaps no part of the
world where the cod fishery can be carried on so
extensively, so easily, or so safely, as in Iceland.
When the distance of Newfoundland, and the
stormy weather which prevails in that quarter,
are comparatively considered, together with the
expence of our establishment there, Iceland
offers the most important advantages as a fishing
station. The facility with which the fishing is
carried on by the natives is really astonishing. In
the morning they go out in small skiffs to the dis-

* If 8i« George had doubl«d the number, he woulJ ha?f
been iiiticli within the scale of possibility and truth.

ICELAND FISHERY.

21

St place
months
le nets ;
at 150
le haul

ic pro-
celand.
I of our
:'* and
•urden-
inex-
id the
tion of
t page
of the
1 on so
eland.
id the
larter,
ththe
:eland
ishing
ing is

g In
le dis-

Id iiarc

tance of a few miles from the shore, and in the
afternoon return with as many fish as their boats
can contain. Even in the very harbours abun-
dance of cod-fish are sometimes taken. The
rivers are frequented by vast quantities of salmon,
an article in great demand, both in this country
and in the West Indies ; but they are neglected,
no means being employed for a regular capture.
Fish and oil are the chief articles of export; which
could be extended to an indefinite amount.'*

It is, perhaps, needless to add more for proving
the inexhaustible quantity of fish to be found in
the rivers, lakes, and on the coasts of Iceland ;
and certainly, as I have before stated, the first
consideration for establishing a fishing society,
or for extending our fisheries is, to know where
to find a supply of fish. But fish emigrate, and
therefore the same spot may not always be tlie
most favourable one. The Dutch certainly
changes! their fishing stations, and sought for
fish wherever they could find it; we, on the
contrary, wait till it come to our doors, or to
the places where we are accustomed to fish.
Where there have been formerly great fisheries,
there may probably be now but little fish to be
found ; but one thing is certain, which is, that
cod and herrings migrate from the North Pole,
and the course they take may be generally as-
certained.

Ml

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ICELAND FISHERY.

i

Mons. J. P. Catteau Calleville, in his *' Table
of Commerce of the Baltic Sea," &c. states,
" that the first establishments of the Hanseatic
league for taking herrings, were made on the
coast of Scania, in Sweden: that about the year
1400, the Dutch interfered in this fishing ; soon
after which, in the year 1449, Van Beuckels
discovered the art of salting herrings, for v/hich
his country erected a statue to his memory. It
is said, that the Emperor Charles the Fifth and
his sister, the Queen of Hungary, being in the
Low Countries, in the year 1556, visited his
tomb. Before the fifteenth century, herrings ap-
peared in the Baltic; afterwards shoals of her-
rings frequented the coast of Norway. For a
great many years, herrings frequented the east
coast of Jutland, particularly the bay of Lim-
fiord, and near the city of Nibo. About the
year 1748, the first shoals of herrings approached
the provinces of Westrogothia and Bohus, in
Sweden, and at different places in the Cattegat.
They came in such quantities, and so regularly,
tliat the Swedish government encouraged this
fishery by giving rewards, and by advancing
capitals to carry it on. ' / . .

«-*M

This herring fishery formerly took place in
August and September; latterly in the months
of November, and sometimes in January, Long
nets are used, in imitation of the Dutch, to

ICELAND FISHERY.

iii

" take ihe herrings as soon as they appear in the
neighbouring sea, and before they get into the
bays on the coast. The nets used by the Dutch,
in the deep-sea fishery, are very long, and com-
posed of fifty or sixty nappes, or pieces: they
are made of a coarse silk from Persia, which
lasts much longer than hemp. The nets are
blackened by smoke, that they may not frighten
away the fish."

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The cod inhabits only the northern parts of
the world, and seems to be confined between
the latitude of sixty-six and fifty. Those found
in other latitudes are few in number, and bad
in quality. They prefer the vicinity of the polar
seas, to which they always return to spawn.

" Providence," says Ward, "has benevolently
ordained that this fish, so useful to mankind,
should be so very prolific as to supply more than
the deficiences of the multitudes annually taken.

Leuwenhock counted 9>384,OO0eggs in a cod-
fish of a middling size.

The great winter rendezvous of herrings is
within the arctic circle, where they continue
several months,- in order to recruit themselves
after the fatigue of spawning; the seas within
that space being said to swarm with insect food

• ! :M

'4 I ,

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24

ICELAND FISHERY.

in a much greater degree than in our warmer
latitudes.

When they proceed to the south, they divide
in distinct columns, of five or six miles in length,
and three or four in breadth, and they drive with
such force on the northern shores of Iceland,
that ship loads may be taken up with very little
trouble.

tl
n

As very few young herrings remain in our
seas during winter, it is imagined that they must
return to their parental haunts beneath the ice,
perhaps by the deep waters; and it appears that,
when they have cleared the northern seas of their
stock of provisions, they then travel southward, in
search of a fresh supply, and also to spawn.

Their prolificacy, according to their size, may
be compared to, or calculated to surpass, that
of the cod; therefore, these two kinds of fish
are the great sources from which to obtain
great captures, for genera] commerce and general
consumption.

I believe it an undoubted fact, though not
mentioned in the geology of that country, that
the banks of Newfoundland extend in^ direct
line north-east to the coast of Iceland. The gulf
stream^ which forms those banks, runs precisely

li

ICELAND FISHERY.

2r>

that course, and brings annually timber and other
floating substances direct to Iceland ; therefore,
in fishing on the west coast of Iceland, one
might be said to be fishing on the banks of
Newfoundland 5 and it is natural to believe,
that as cod-fish and herrings migrate from the
north, they are first to be found, in the greatest
quantities, off Iceland, and that from thence
they proceed to Newfoundland, Scotland, and
other southern climates.

V

Admitting this hypothesis to be true, the lo-
cality of Great Britain is particularly advan-
tageous, as a central fishing station, or depot
for the fishing trade; and at some seasons of the
year, when fish are not to be found in quantities
on our coasts, we may follow their course to
where they may be found, thereby keeping up
a constant employment for our fishermen.

The business of catching fresh fish, on our
coasts and rivers, belongs to old men and chil-
dren; but for extensive captures of fish for
curing, there must be large vessels fit for any seas,
and large companies to carry on the enterprise*.

• ''•,, ,
* The recent distressing accounts of the loss of our nnaokerel
boats, yi'xW confirm this observation. Mackerel is caught in
quantities only in rough seas and high winds, and we send out
boats to catch them which are unable to bear Ihoio neus, Iherc-
forc accidents must consequently follow.

I

•J6

ICELAND riSHERY.

' To extend our fisheries, the plan must be ex-
tensive: the object is vast, and the pursuit must
be so hkewise.

' Our herring and pilchard fisheries would be
infinitely more extensive under proper regula-
tions. We wait, as I have before stated, until
the fish arrive at our doors, and, when they
come, they are sometimes in such quantities,
that either no preparation is made for taking
them, or, if taken, no means are provided for
curing the half of them, and the rest are spoih.
This would not be tb case under proper regu-
lations.

Although the Spaniards are not to be quoted
for their industry in general, yet there is some
merit in their plan of catching sardinias on the
coast of the Atlantic, where I have seen twenty
thousand men, women, and children, at a time,
employed in that fishery. They come to the
coast with their boats, salt, nets, tents, and pro-
visions, at the proper season, and remain to the
eml of it, which is about six weeks or two months.
Their nets extend for many miles, and the quan-
tity of fish they bring ashore at one draught is
incredible; hundreds and thousands are assisting
and hauling at the same time. In small com-
paniey, how could this be performed ?

^

ICELAND FISHERY.

27

'4

I

TIlis fishery alone, gives not only employment,
but food, to a great number of persons. It is a
perfect harvest, and a harvest of the greatest
Talue to the Spaniards, who with a small quan-
tity of fish, will provide a comfortable meal for
a large family. The Spaniards are very partial
to fish as food, particularly cured or dry fish,
which perhaps is the most wholesome, and cer-
tainly the most substantial. I have had evi-
dence to prove, that a small quantity of dried
or corned fish, will make up a comfortable meal
for a very large family.

The Icelanders eat very little fresh fish, though
they can get it for nothing. Experience teaches
these poor people, that it is injurious to theii
health to make it the principal part of their
food; but they will live upon dried fish, and
little else, and are very healthy when they have
a sufficient quantity, with a little rye meal.
They will give a penny for a dry cod's head,
and they will not give more than a penny for the
whole fresh cod.

;i

ill

The use of dry and corned fish is becoming
very general among the people in Cornwall.
They prefer it to fresh fish, which they can get
at a much cheaper rate, because it gives a relish
to their potatoes, and is a much more substan-
tial and wholesome food: and what an acquisi-

28

ICELAND FISHERY.

tion would plenty of it be, at a cheap rate, to
the poor people of Ireland, who have little else
but potatoes for their food.

There is a great caprice in the choice of our
food, which habit makes familiar, and prejudice
will not suffer us to alter.

In England we neither eat stock-fish, nor
would give it to our dogs for food j but in Paris
it is considered the greatest delicacy.

In England we think of no pickled fish but
salmon j but, in Portugal and Italy, I have
had all kinds of fish pickled in vinegar, for a
voyage, and it is the most wholesome and deli-
cious food imaginable on board ship, and would
be a most desirable acquisition on long voyages
to the East and West Indies.

m

The price of pickled salmon precludes its
general use. The quantity too, in this country,
is inadequate; but the quantity of salmon and
other fish, to be obtained in Iceland for this
purpose, would be indefinite.

Various ways may also be found out of pre-
paring fish, and of rendering it a more general
article of food.

1

f

,'1

ICELAND FISHERY.

29

It has been said, that if the British fishermen
were as fond of fishing, and the British popula-
tion as fond of eating fish, as the Dutch, our
fisheries would be as extensive as theirs ; but I
think it is neither their greater fondness for fish-
ing, nor their greater partiality for fish, that is
the cause of their great trade of fishing. Our
fishermen would like the employment of fishing
as well as the Dutch, if they had as large and
good vessels, and as good accommodation and
regulations on board; and the population of
Great Britain and Ireland would consume six
times the quantity consumed in Holland, if they
could get it at a reasonable rate, and of as good
a quality throughout the interior of the country,
particularly of cured and dry salt fish.

I

1

The great object of the Dutch is, to supply
foreign markets, and by their making larger
captures, they get more money than the English
can do in their small boats, fitted out under the
present confined system.

When we consider the insular situation of
Great Britain, and view the position in which it
is placed upon the globe, when we contemplate
with rapture and gratitude the happy spot allotted
to our being, surely we cannot deny that Nature
has designed us to be fishermen and seamen ;
and I could carry tlio enthiksinsrn of the thought

^

1

30

ICELAND i'lbllLllV.

so fiir, as to wish, that the whole of our coast*
were covered with a population eager and zealous
ill that industrious and happy pursuit, for in
that the safety of Britain can alone depend.

iiiill

41

If we would step from our homes, or have
commerce with the world, we must have the
passport of the ocean, and without it we are
nothing; therefore, to be great and respectable
among nations, we must study always to be a
maritime nation, such as Nature has designed
lis to be. Our valour may make us good soldiers,
but our natural element is the sea; and the rank
which we hold in the estimation of the world, is
due to that naval energy and skill, which Nature
designed we should possess in a superior degree.
It has saved us in times of imminent danger,
and prepared us the way for our further glories j
and if now no naval achievements are further to
be expected, thanks to the bravery of our seamen
who have left us no enemies to contend with.
But time and relaxation may effect ruthful
changes : let not, therefore, the carriers of the
western hemisphere become our rivals on the
ocean. The history of the world will show what
industry and a strict union of interests can ac-
complish, and what disunion and apathy can
destroy. * •

TIic fisheries arc the best schools for seamen.

I

ICELAND FISHERY.

31

and fewer vices are imbibed by youth in that
employ, than in almost any other pursuit in life.

The advantage of extending our fisheries i<!
evident in every point of view. We cannot pos-
sibly find employment or subsistence fpr the ma-
ritime part of our population, nor men for our
navy or commerce without it. Youth, bre<l up
to land exercise alone, can never become sailors,
and without sailors what will become of our
carrying trade and commerce in time of peace;
and what will become of us as a nation in time
of war ? The fisheries will supply both seamen
for commerce, and seamen for the navy.

Sir Thomas Bernard, in his pamphlet " On
the Supply of Employment and Subsistence for
the Labouring Classes, &c." expresses, " that it
would be the excess of weakness and cowardice
to despair of providing an adequate remedy for
our inconveniences, by opening new sources of
occupation in our fisheries, agriculture, manu-
factures, and commerce, so as to augment tlie
call for manual labour." •

( .!'

'IT

The first grand call, certainly, is employment
in agriculture, which, in this country, cannot be
said to be neglected, excepting in respect to the
waste lands, which require great capitals to cul-

32

ICELAND FISHERY.

tivate them, and well deserve the aid of govern-
ment loans; and, like the fisheries, are not to be
undertaken by single individuals without en-
dangering their fortunes.

The next national object is the fisheries, which
certainly have been neglected in this kingdom,
and therefore admit of more amplitude of exten-
sion and benefit than can further be derived
from any improvements or views in agriculture.

And as to the other objects, of manufactures
and commerce, the means are at hand to make
them flourishing, provided markets could be
found for their productions ; but there is the dif-
ficulty, and the misfortune is, that manufac-
tures have been overdone, and mechanical in-
ventions have substituted the necessity of manual
labour, and left little employment for the manu-
facturing poor. Also, during the late long and
ruinous war, the people of the Continent had other
pursuits, and therefore took our manufactures
from necessity, under all restrictions and preven-
tions; now they are at repose, and, with the help
of our inventions, they manufacture for them-
selves and other countries. However, it is to
be hoped that a strict attention, on the part of
government, to remove prohibitory duties in all
foreign countries, particularly in South America,

n

5S

ICELAND FISHERY.

33

will give new life to our commerce and manu-
factories; and the former of which will not a little
be increased by the cultivation and extension of
our fisheries, and the demand for fish will be
greatly increased thereby.

li

m

I

! 1

li

/?4

ON SALT, &c.

The greatest obstacle which can possibly be
named to impede or annoy the fishing trade, is
certainly the duty on salt: for though it may
be obtained duty free for that purpose, yet the
waiting for permits and the attendance of excise
officers J the danger of transport, the fear of mis-
takes, and of incurring heavy penalties, are such
tremendous considerations, that few are bold
enough to run such risks ; and numberless car-
goes of fish are not taken and cured in con-
sequence.

By having proper fishing stations this evil might
in some measure be avoided ; but it is a pity
there should be any impediment to an object
of such national and individual importance.

Sir Thomas Bernard seems to have entered
into a full examination of this subject, and, in
recommending a commutation for the salt duties,
he says, " The commutation should be so cal-
culated as not to subject the individual to more
than what he is now charged under the existing

iH

ON SALT, &C.

S5

bly be
ade, is
t may
Tt the
' excise
of mis-
e such
e bold
ss car-
n con-

salt duties: for example, if a householder's ex-
pence in salt be at present thirty shillings a-year,
it will be an advantage to him to pay only twenty
shillings a~year in lieu of it;" and he endeavours
to establish the fact, '* that every family upon an
average pays 2': least thirty shillings annually
for salt." If this statement of Sir T. Bernard
be correct, twenty-nine shilHngs out of the thirty
ought to go to government for duties; and if this
be the case, the revenue must, some way or other,
be defrauded in this article to an immense extent,
for if twenty shillings salt tax were laid on every
taxable householder, in lieu of the duties on salt,
government would be gainers and the house-
holders also; and here would immediately be a
commutation for the salt duties* i and some addi-
tional amount could also be laid on the great

might
a pity
object
e.

ntered
id, in
luties,
0 cal-
more
isting

* If a fair salt commutation tax vrere established, like the
" tea commutation tax," or a per centage in the pound upon
other assessed taxes» it would certainly be infinitely lesti op-
pressive to the public than the ruinous excise duty on salt; which
is not only collected at a great expence, but is a most evil
impediment to the industry and subsistence of the labouring
and industrious classes, ft, however, produces a million and
a half of revenue to government, and therefore it cannot be
expected to be taken off without some substitute or commutation;
but this does not appear difficult, if ministers had the disposi-
tion to employ the means, and put them in force. Any thing
that is a check to industry, or that lessens the produce of human
food, must evidently be an injury to society, ami sucli is the </«/y
on salt.

.'1.

II

j6

ON SALT, &c.

■'S. '^^'

consumers of salt, in cases where it would not
oppress them.

The cottager and the fisherman would then be
free indeed, and none would be sufferers but a
few poor excise ofliers, who may be pensioned,
and permitted to retire upon half-pay, or become
fish curers, or other useful members of the com-
munity.

As so much has lately been said upon the
importation of foreign or bay salt for our fisheries,
I must preface an apology for giving my opinion
upon this subject.

I have been concerned in saltworks in Cheshire,
and I had a considerable tract of salinas, or salt
pits, in Spain, for making bay salt ; consequently
I have had a good deal of practical experience.

The bay salt is made in low situations, near
the banks of the sea, from whence the salt water
is let into long reservoirs or canals, the same as
at thie salt works at Lymington and other places,
and the process is carried on nearly the same,
with this only difference, that the salt water to
make bay salt is entirely evaporated by the sun,
and at Lymington, when the salt water is evapo-
rated to a certain degree of concentration, it is

I

ON SALT, &C.

37

conducted to the salt pans, where the process is
finished by boiling.

In this process of boiling, the bittern salts, or
sulphats and muriats of magnesia and lime,
which are contained in sea water, fall first to
the bottom of the pans, or remain in the mother
waters, and the salt which is taken up by the
ladles is nearly pure and white sea or culinary
salt; but, by the hasty boiling down of the
brine, it has not time to form regular and large
crystals.

i

m

,*

The new process in Cheshire for making large
salt for the fisheries is, to evaporate the brine by
a very slow heat, in very large pans, by which
more regular and larger crystals are obtained.

The finishing process of making bay salt,
when the brine or salt water is evaporated in the
pits, by the heat of the sun, to a sufficient
consistence, though not dry, is, to shovel it into
large heaps, in a pyramidical or conical forn[i, on
the dry land, on the banks of the canals or pits;
and there, by repose, it regularly grains or crys-
tallizes, and the deliquescent salts and moisture
drain from it; and, although muriat of soda does
not appear to contain carbonic acid, yet the
presence of that acid seems necessary to its
crystallization, as is the case with all neutral

:1 fti

'M

38

ON SALT, kc.

salts 5 and this is the only distinction there can
possibly be between the quality of bay salt and
the common salt made in England.

I conceive, therefore, that the rock salt of
Cheshire is as good, in every respect, for the
purpose of curing fish of all kinds, as the bay, or
foreign salt; but if, by experience, it should
be found otherwise, it can only arise from the
crystals being broken by crushing the rock salt;
by which some part falls to powder, and some is
large and unequal ; and the fine part, when em-
ployed in curing, will sooner dissolve, and is
termed weaker than the large salt.

Salt, made by a strong heat, or by being fused,
is more deliquescent, and does not decrepitate
in the fire like large-grained or bay salt; which
shows the disengagement of an elastic fluid, or
carbonic acid.

If large-grained salt, made after the new pro-
cess, were exposed to the air, as soon as taken
from the pans, in pyramids or cones, the same
as the bay salt, I should conceive it would be
even superior to bay salt, which naturally con-
tains a great deal of foul and extraneous mat-
ter ; but the regulations of the excise laws pro-
hibit this method.

ON SALT, &C.

39

The Cheshire salt is some of the purest native
or crude salt in the world. The brine and rock
salt of Cheshire do not contain the sulphat or
muriat of magnesia in a degree like sea water ;
nor sulphat of lime, like most sal gems or rock
salt. In fine, if it be admitted that the purer
salt is, the better it is for curing or preserving
fish or meat, no salt in the world can be better
than the Cheshire is, when properly made. If,
on the contrary, bay salt, or sea salt, should still
be found preferable to Cheshire salt, it must be
owing either to the presence of carbonic acid, or
to the admixture of muriat and sulphat of mag-
nesia ^ and it rarely contains much of either.

As a pretty strong proof of the efficacy of
rock salt for curing fish and meat, I have known
hundreds of tons crushed and sold as bay salt for
that purpose, without any complaint; and had
it been known to be rock salt, it would certainly
not have been used. This salt had been made
foul by dirt, to give it the colour and appearance
of bay salt.

4

The Dutch purchase large quantities of
Cheshire «alt, which they mix with the buy salt,
and some prefer it thus mixed to the bay salt
alone, which they say is so strong that it burns
the dry salt fish ; but the best practice is to use

40

ON SAIT, kc.

li

lljl

11: \i

fine salt in the first operation of curing, and largo-
grained salt in the finishing and packing.

The subject of common salt being of such
wonderful importance to every individual in life,
too much cannot be said concerning it ; and it
would be a lamentable circumstance, if proved,
that none but foreign salt would answer the pur-
pose of our fisheries, or for curing meat, for
times may be when such could not be procured;
and it behoves every intelligent person to endea-
vour to establish the fact, or disprove it, and, by
ascertaining the cause, they may find out the re-
medy, which, I hope, those qualified will under-
take to do. The object is worth the pursuit ;
but whilst opinions upon the subject are so much
at variance, no decision qm be formed in any
way conclusive.

Sir Thomas Bernard appears to be of opinion,
that the importation of foreign salt is impolitic
and unnecessary. Mr. Oxnam, on the contrary,
asserts, ** that pilchards, cured with British salt,
are easily distinguished from those cured with
bay, or foreign salt, and are not only sold at an
inferior price in the Italian markets, but are less
able to sustain the heat of that climate."

till

b(

ml

m\

is

Pi

It may appear, at first, difficult to reconcile

I

li

ON SALT, &C.

41

tliese opposite opinions, and yet I conceive them
both to be virtually true. The common salt
made in England is certainly unfit for the pur-
poses of curing fish or meat, particularly for
warm countries. This has been proved to de-
monstration, and by long experience ; but this
is no proof that salt may not be made in England
precisely of the same quality and efficacy as bay
r^r foreign salt, and thereby preclude the neces-
f importing the latter.

:\m

I will take it upon me to assert, that a small
admixture of the nitrat of potash or saltpetre
with the common salt, will have the most effica-
«3ious effect in curing, corning, and preserving
All kinds of ffsh. It will give the fish a colour.
• learness, and flavour, not to be obtained by any
other method, and it will preserve it much longer
and better than the fish cured in the common
way, which, after a while, turns yellow, black,
and rancid; on the contrary, the longer fish
cured in this way is reasonably kept, the
better will be its flavour; the same as the ling,
cured at the Scilly islands, which, at two and
Ihree years old, has the best flavour; but the
common salt fish at two years old is good foi
very little.

! I

lil

Care should be taken to mix the saltpetre re-
gularly with the otiior snit, which would be best

42

ON SALP, &;c.

1 'it

done in solution, and one pound of nitrat of pot-
ash to one hundred weight of salt would be quite
sufficient. It would add greatly to the quality
of the large fishery salt, made by slow evapora-
tion, in Cheshire, if it were j udiciously introduced
in the process of making that salt.

According to Bishop Watson's observation,
the Dutch have long been famous for preparing
a salt for pickling their herrings, and the prin-
cipal secret consists in evaporating the brine,
made from a solution of bay salt, with the gen-
tlest fire, and mixing with the brine a proper
quantity of very sour whey. " The acid whey,"
he says, ** unites with the uncombined fixed al-
kali, and thus prevents it from adhering to the
common salt as it crystallizes." 1 do not how-
ever conceive that any uncombined fixed alkali
can be found in bay salt ; but it is not impossible
that the addition of this acid, or some other, may
be of benefit in preparing salt for curing fish. If
there be any benefit in the admixture of sour
whey with the salt, (which I conclude and cer-
tainly believe there may,) it can only arise from
the effect of the lactic acid therein contained,
which acid differs little from the acetic acid,
attracts moisture from the air, and forms deli-
quescent salts with the earths and alkalis ; there-
fore, a small portion of the acetous acid, or vine-
gar, may have the same effect, if mixed with the

ON SALT, &C.

43

of pot-
e quite
quality
i^apora-
oduced

•vation,
sparing
e prill-
brine,
le gen-
proper
vhey,"
xed al-
to the
)t how-
1 alkali
)Ossihie
jr, may
ish. If
jf sour
id eer-
ie from
taincd,
i acid,
IS deli-
tliere-
r vine-
ith the

brine, instead of sour whey, or sour whey may
easily be obtained in Cheshire for that pur-
pose.

There can be no want of salt whilst there is
water in the ocean, and the water of the sea on
our shores should yield as good salt as on the
coasts of France, Spain, or Portugal; the differ-
ence can only be in the process of crystalliza-
tion ; or, if some will have it so, that the sun is
not sufiiciently powerful on our coasts to evapo-
rate the whole of the moisture. But strong heat
is not favourable to the crystallization of salt;
and the moisture, or water, is not totally evapo-
rated from the bay salt by the heat of the sun:
it is left to drain, or run dry, in large heaps, as
before mentioned. It is true, that the frequent
rains which we have in England preclude the
possibility of making salt on the open shores, as
in Spain, where it seldom rains during the whole
summer months employed in making bay salt.
It can therefore only be done by graduating
houses.

There is a difference of quality in the mines
of rock salt in almost every country, from its
containing more or less impurities; but sea salt,
or salt made from sea water, should be the same
everywhere, if the process of obtaining it be the
same ; for the crystallization of common salt is

r-

m

•f.

1! f ■

V

1 \i

r

-h

44

ON SALT, &C.

'ii

ililll '

not subject to the same law of organization a^
other salts, it being soluble in nearly the same
quantity of pold, as of hot water, and contain-
ing no water of crystallization^ although it
attracts moisture from the arr.

The subject of salt is worthy of the most
serious consideration. Its usefulness needs not
any exemplification; but as an opinion prevails
that there are diifercnt qualities of salt, this opi-
nion requires the closest investigation.

The production of salt is certainly one of the
secrets of Nature. Its composition is ascertained,
but how its component parts are formed, and
united in such immense masses in the bowels of
the earth, (being soluble in water,) is a matter of
the greatest admiration and wonder.

It is not so surprising to find salt in sea water,
which holds it in solution ; but when we fmd
that mountains, much above the level of the sea,
contain immense masses of this substance, ex-
posed to rain and moisture since its first exist-
ence, how shall we account for its production or
preservation ?

The mountains of Spain are wonderful for this
production, and as its qualities or purities arc
variable, a description of some of them may

ON SALT, &C.

45

ition a<,
le same
ontain-
ugh it

' most

ds not

)re vails

lis opi.

of the
tained,
d, and
wels of
Uter of

water,
^e find
le sea,
e, ex-
exist-
ion or

>r this

IS arc

may

'^

give an idea of the different qualities of salt in
other countries ; but pure salt must be the same
everywhere.

The mine of Cardonna, near the mountaih of
Monserrat, is an immense mass of salt, without
any appearance of stratum, or crevice, raised
about 180 yards above the earth, and extending
about three miles in circumference. The depth
of this heap of salt is unknown. It is free from
suiphat of lime, which is a rare occurrence in
rock salt, nor does it contain any deliquescent
salts; therefore its quality must be similar to that
of bay salt.

The mine of Valterra, in the kingdom of
Navarre> is in a chain of hillsj at a considerable
elevation above the level of the sea. It is in-
closed in suiphat of lime.

The mines of sal gem, that are wrought at
Poza, near Burgos, in Castile, have a remarkable
situation, being placed in a vast crater. Mr.
Fernandez found pumice stones, puzzolana, and
other volcanic productions there.

Sal gem is likewise found at Aranjuez and
Ocanna, in the transition hills between the Sierra
Morena and Madrid.

1

ri

'1

11

i

46

ON SALT, &C.

I have seen these mines and mountains, and
I have always been bewildered to account for
their formation and existence.

,.;,..

The mine of Cardonna is a mass of salt above
the earth, and unprotected ;

The mine of Valterra is at a considerable ele-
vation above the level of the sea ;

The mine of Poza is placed in a crater, no
doubt of once a burning mountain ; and

The mines of Aranjuez and Ocanna are at five
hundred miles distance from the sea.

One might jnceive, or suppose, that the for-
mation of the mine of Poza was produced by a
submarine volcano, evaporating the salt water,
and throwing it up, like the waters of the Gey-
sers ; but how shall we account for the mass of
salt at Cardonna, so much above the earth, or
the mine of Valterra, so much above the level of
the sea; or the mines of Aranjuez and Ocanna,
five hundred miles distant from the sea ; neither
of which show any appearance of volcanic pro-
ductions ?

It may naturally be asked, from whence I
obtained my information or knowledge upon the
subject of salt, and also upon the fisheries; and
I may truly answer and say, " from woeful expe-
rience."

m

ON SALT, kc.

47

ns, and
mnt for

t above

jle ele-

iter, no

and
J at five

he for-
id by a
water,
Gey.
nass of
irth, or
Bvel of
canna>
leither
c pro-

ice I
>n the
; and
expe-

It is not always sufficient that a man should
possess knowledge ; it is sometimes necessary to
prove, as in suspicion of theft, how he came by
that knowledge, c-herwise his opinions may be
doubted ; and, in general, nothing is more con-
vincing to the world than the proof of experi-
ence: and as the circumstances which have
occurred to me are in a great degree connected
with the subjects in question, I must beg leave
to relate them.

The first story will show the destructive con-'
sequences of the duty on salt, in a national point
of view; and the second will prove the import-
ance of the Iceland fishery and trade with Ice-
land. '

It may, by some, be considered a digression
from the subjects I have profess^ ^ to treat upon ;
but such as do not feel interested in the recital,
may pass it over as an exuberance of matter, fre-
quently found in works of this nature, and,
perhaps, in many others,

A few years since, I established, with some
friends of mine, very extensive works in Cheshire,
for the decomposition of common salt, and go-
vernment granted us the privilege of doing it,
upon paying the alkali duty, established by Act
of Parliament, which is tliirty shillings per ton;

t

.''i

i 11

^^I'i.

48

ON SALT, &C.

therefore, in fact^ although we had the privilegc
of government, (the Treasury having the powei
to dispense with the law, in certain cases,) yet
we estabh'shed this concern under the authority
of the Act of Parliament.

■fit

Although we did not pay to government very
considerabJe duties on this manufacture, yet iu
the use and application of it we paid itt least two
thousand pounds in excise duties every week,
and should in a short time have paid full ^3000
weekly. But our success created envy, and a
conspiracy was formed to lay an information
against us, stating, that as we made use of brine,
we should be subject to the salt duties, although
it never became culinary saltj and although the
Act of Parliament expressly stated, that we were
only subject to the alkali duties. A seizure,
however, was made by these conspirators, and, in
consequence of different petitions, our works
were stopped, after having cost us above jCO^jOOO.

Here I must do the Honourable Excise Board
the justice to say, that, as soon as they dicovered
this infamous conspiracy, they restored us our
goods, and ordered a prosecution against the
parties conspirators ; but they had fledj and were
nowhere to be found ; yet, on account of the dif-
ferent petitions from envious and interested par-
lies, and possibly from the desire of obtaining the

ON SALT, &C.

49

higher duties, the privilege has never since been
restored to us.

SHI

We had determined to try the point of law
with government, and had retained Mr. Serjeant
Best, and other leading counsel, who assured
us of our success; but the Excise solicitors gave
us to understand that, though we gained our
cause, government never paid costs, and a law
would soon be made to prevent our going on with
our works, unless we paid the salt duties, which
we could not afford to do, and consequently our
works ceased. I appeal to the Honourable
Board of Excise, and to the Excise Solicitors, for
the truth of this statement.

. I

II

&

50

"'a.;!'

ON THE iiNTUODUCTlON OF THE BRITISH
TRADE WITH ICELAND.

I

The following occurrence having been so mucli
the subject of conversation and misstatement,
and being a history of the first introduction of
the British trade with Iceland, I deem it essen-
tially necessary to introduce the facts which I
shall now relate, and I pledge myself for their
authenticity.

The account is so interwoven with the subject
of our present connexion, and views of further
intercourse with Iceland, that it cannot well be
omitted.

In the winter of the year 1808 it was repre-
sented to myself and partners, by a Dane, that
the island of Iceland, as well as the Ferroe is-
lands, was in a state of famine, and that if we
could obtain from Government permission to
relieve the island, the inhabitants could repay
the amount in tallow, and other products, which
were wasting in their stores.

1 Ik

ON THE INTRODUCTION, &c.

51

'•' I.

JITISH

> mucli
ement,
tion of
essen-
hich I
r their

subject
further
well be

repre-
2, that
roe is-

if we
ion to

repay

which

This person, named Jorgensen, represented
himself to be very well known to Sir Joseph
Banks, and I applied personally to Sir Joseph
B^iks for his character, stating the circumstance.
Sir Joseph Banks said we could not undertake a
more humane, or better thing, and l.e thoi>^ht
Jorgensen was a very proper person to conduct
the enterprise, (and I have no doubt he thoMp-ht
so.) We accordingly obtained an orcer m
council to ship certain articles of necessity to
relieve the island; a list of which may be seen
at tlie custom-house at Liverpool, althoi'ph it
was infamously reported by Count Tramp, in his
appeal to our government, that we shipped no-
thing but luxuries. Indeed, it is true they were
luxuries to the Icelanders, as tl -^y consisted of
biscuit, meal, rye, potatoes, beef, j ork, tobacco,
coarse hats, sugar, coffee, indigo, iron, spirits,
and such like articles, whirl, were enumerated
in the order in council, and the quantities per-
mitted were expressed therein.

We shipped this cargo at Liverpool, on ac-
count of its being the most convenient port at
that season of the year. The cargo, with freight
and charges, amounted to ^8500. The vessel,
called the Clarence, sailed the 26th of December
and arrived at Reikavig the beginning of Janu-
ary. The joy of the natives was great, but the

,U.

m

'•1

■111

) I!

rri

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

rancor of the Danes was manifest. It interfered
with their trade and inhuman oppression, and
fhey determined to be revenged. They at first
refused tiie landing of the cargo, and afterwards,
when landed, they positively persisted that no
article should be shipped from the island in re-
turn; and the vessel actually came back with
only ballast of stones.

1

Excuses were made by the legal authorities,
that it was not the proper season for shipping a
return cargo, but that if we also sent out an ad-
ditional quantity of such articles as were wanted,
immense cargoes could be sent us back in the
month of June. This statement was accompanied
by a convention, declaring that our trade should
he unmolested, and was also confirmed, and the
list was signed by our agent, who remained on
the island, and who, no doubt, was concerned in,
or privy to, the plot.

*l

Having been much encouraged by the Board
of Trade to undertake the first adventure, and
Mr. Mellish having undertaken to relieve the
Ferroe Islands (for which, as I have ' eard,
though not from real authority, he received u
premium or bounty of ^5000,) we again applied
to the Board of Trade, laying before them llir
foregoing documents and statements.

^

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

Ok*

'^1

^

1

■1?

We were again much encouraged to procenl,
and promised protection, and a convoy to con-
duct our operations, which was immediately
granted by the Board of Admiralty, and Captain
Nott, ill the Rover sloop of war, was quickly
dispatched to Iceland, to prepare the way for ns.
He was a brave man and a good officer. On
his arrival at Reikavig, he found that Count
Tramp was come over there from Denmark as
Governor, and had prohibited, upon pain of
death, any intercourse with the English, aU
though the natives were starving, from his having
forbidden them to purchase any more of the
cargo by the Clarence.

The natives petitioned him from every quar-
ter to suffer their wants to be relieved, or that
they must die of famine; that they had stripped
all the moss from the mountains for food. He
returned them for answer, " that there was plen-
ty of sea-weed upon the shores, and they must be
content to eat that ! that they had a good king,
who would feel for iheir wants! and he cited the
Norwegians, who, he said, had lived nine months
in the same state, without murmuring.*'

The fact was, that he had a cargo of his own
to sell, which he offered at four times the prices
demanded for ours, and the people were unable
to purchase it.

Ii!'

Hi

\\

* 11

w

54

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THL

. i\

I brought home the original documents, to
prove these facts, nnd also to prove that Count
Tramp was a spy in England, and il)e basest of
characters in other respects. He was afterwards,
as I have been informed, condemned as a traitor
to Denmark.

I also had proof that Count Tramp obtained a
license under a fictitious name in England, to
send a cargo Irom Leith to Iceland; instead of
which, he took that cargo to Norway, where he
sold it, and proceeded with another cargo to
Iceland, using the same license.

ill

m

Captain Nott, finding that the placards of in-
terdiction against the English were still posted
up in the public streets, and that there appeared
to be no likelihood of any relaxation, determined
to act as a British officer was bound to do against
the enemies of his country, and he informed
Count Tramp that he shoaid immediately com-
mence liostilities, and fire upon the town: upon
which Count Tramp begged to enter into a con-
vention, allowing a free trade and protection to
the English. '^

This being signed by the regular authorities.
Captain Nott took his departure, having done all
that a British officer could do, or, as I suppose,
that his instructions required.

3

'^i

ii

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

o5

Its, to
Count
sest of
wards,
traitor

ned a
nd, to
ead of
ere he
'go to

of in-
posted
peared
mined
gainst
brmed
com-
upon
I con-
ion to

rities,
ne all
'pose,

No sooner had Captain Nott left the port
than Count Tramp sent orders to all the sys-
selmen and other authorities not to pay any at-
tention to the convention he had signed ; " for
what would not a man sign," said he, " before
the mouths of thirty-six cannons ?" and he
ordered the placards to be posted up anew. Of
this I had proof in his own hand writing.

Soon after this, I arrived in IcHand with a va-
luable cargo in the Alargaret and Ann letter of
marque, and other vessels were to follow me,
laden with rye, salt, and other articles necessary
for the trade and the fisheries.

On our arrival in the bay of Faxafiord, a boat
of native Iceland pilots came off to us from a dis-
tant port, and informed us of all the particulars
that had transpired, and added that it was at the
risk of their lives they came out to us, therefore
they hoped we would protect them ; for that the
interdiction of having any intercourse or commu-
nication with the English was still in force; but
they said all the Icelanders owed us so much gra-
titude for having endeavoured to save them from
starving during the last winter, that they deter-
mined to run the risk. Numbers, they said, had
actually died of want in the last winter, and
nearly three-fourths of the inhabitants on the
Westman's islands.

.1

I f

f

1]

66

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

»iikt

' (..

'Y

We afterwards found these reports to be true,
that the placards were still posted up in the
streets, and that none of the inhabitants dared
trade, or have any intercourse with us, and after
waiting about ten days, I was informed by two
of the most respectable Icelanders, that a plot
was formed to bring fifty men from each side the
bay to board our ship in the dead of night and
make us prisoners. No time was to be lost, and
1 instantly determined to fight for it, and if pos-
sible to take the governor prisoner, which could
only be done by landing j and therefore the
master of the Margaret and Ann, myself, and
ten men landed with our boats. We proceeded
to the Governor's house, and on entering I told
him my business; he answered, " that if we did
not instantly desist and return to our ship, every
man of us should be cut to pieces in five mi-
nutes." I gave him to understand that it was
not so easily done as talked of or threathened;
and I immediately disarmed him of his immense
sabre, as we did also the rest of his party then in
the house, amounting to sixteen in number.

Several of his adherents escaped at the back
of the house and called together a great number
of people, who assembled on a plain before the
door, armed with pikes, and other weapons j not-
withstanding which, our little crew marched off
the governor, amidst the smiles and secret satis-

^^

'"'■•»

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

-^1

laction of the native inhabitants, and I followed,
and took that gentleman on board the Margaret
and Ann.

We had too good an opinion of the character
of the Icelanders to believe they would oppose
us, or do us any injury; but the Danes were
sufficient in number, and willingness, to have
annihilated us, if they had possessed the courage
so to do.

On the following day some of the first inhabit-
ants among the natives waited upon me, and en-
treated that I would hoist the British flag, and
take the Island under our protection, exclaiming
the Iceland proverb. " When the Danes shall
have stripped us of our shirts, the English will
clothe us anew." But I informed them that I
should have nothing to do with their politics; that
I adopted those measures from necessity only, to
protect our lives and property, and to compel the
execution of the convention which had been en-
tered into with Captain Nott, permitting a free
trade with that country, and I confess, (if the
effusion of truth may be spoken and pardoned in
this instance,) a thought struck me, that if Go-
vernment did not choose to retain Coj)enhagen
and Zealand, after taking it, surely I should
be blamed, and had no right to retain Iceland.

■' i!

I

#

;

.i-'

58

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

The natives then applied to Mr. Jorgensen,
who, disclaiming all attachment to the Danish
Government and interest, offered to be their pro-
tector till the will of the British Government
should be known, and begged I would consent to
it, v/hich farce I certainly did not oppose.

Perhaps it would have been more prudent in me
to have hoisted the British flag, but the instruc-
tions of the letter of marque were worded in so
vague and indistinct a way, that I did not under-
stand them. Probably there never was a contem-
plation of such an event, and therefore no pro-
vision was made for it.

I could clearly understand, that we were to
annoy the enemies of our country wherever we
found them, but whether we were to hoist the
British flag on that island, the same as after
taking an enemy's vessel, was what I could not
decide.

I knew I had a right to seize the governor, or
the King of Denmark, or Bonaparte himself, if he
had been there, and to carry the convention for
trade into effect, but for the rest, I was unable to
determine. However, Mr. Jorgensen, who had
imbibed all the quixotism of a petit Napoleon,
together with the natives, soon relieved me from
this embarrassment, and the sequel of the revolu-

II

Ml;

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

59

tion, as it is termed, I had nothing further to do
with. I only insisted that a free trade should be
announced throughout the island, and in a few
days, multitudes of people came to the town from
all quarters, and such a scene of festivity and joy
I never beheld. It was a perfect camp for miles
round; every family bringing their tents, with
innumerable horses, and products of the island,
which they pvrh:inged for our goods ; and in a
short space of time, we obtained a most valuable
cargo for the Margaret and Ann.

u

\lt

. I

!'I|n1

Dances and pleasure parties kept up the festive
scene: the Danes grumbling and working re-
venge, and the natives rejoicing; until the Ho-
nourable Captain Alexander Jones, in the Talbot
slooj) of war, entered the harbour, and overset all
that had been doing. The Danes styled him
Alexander the Great! cheered him under the
Danish flag, aud wrote poems in his praise; and
he certainly must have been possessed of amazing
philosophy, had he withstood the adulation
shown him, and not have believed all the egre-
gious falsehoods which were represented to him ;
but there was no fear of such an occurrence, his
vanity was satisfied, and he was satisfied as to
the truth of every thing else; and he told me,
that he certainly thought he shonld receive a
title, as well as promotion in England, for his
interference.

I

iM i

1

60

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

It !

-p:

iii

Count Tramp bad represented to him, that the
permission of trade with Iceland, to any but
Danes, was contrary to the laws of the island ;
however, the Count had not long been a cap-
tive, and had not long impressed this emphatic
law upon the easy and flexible mind of Captain
Jones, who as frequently endeavoured to enforce
it upon me, before an American vessel arrived
with a cargo, which the Count h:id contracted
to purchase. " But ah !" says the Count, " that
alters the case : if I trespass upon the law myself,
i7i case of necessitijy it is no reason that I should
suffer other people to do itj" and I declare the
Count also told me afterwards in England, that,
** had he fortunately known me sooner and
better, he should have made his fortune in Ice-
land.'*

St(
ga

When the American vessel was coming into
the bay, the masts and rigging of the Talbot
were struck, and lying upon the deck; and
whilst Captain Jones was making his vessel very
fine, she was unable to stir from her anchorage.
He therefore insisted that I should send out the
Margaret and Ann to reconnoitre the strange
vessel, which was supposed to be a Danish East
Indiaman expected there, and that he would fol-
low as soon as he could get his ship ready ; and
he enforced this demand, by sending Lieutenant

I

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

61

hat the
"y but
island j

a cap-
iphatic
aptain
?nforce
arrived
racted
" that
nyself,
should
re the

that,
and
1 Ice-

* into

'albot

and

very
rage,
t the
ange
East
Ifol-

and
nant

Stewart and fifty of his men, on board the Mar-
garet and Ann, to get her under weigh.

I thought I was obliged to obey the command
of a British officer in this respect ; the instruc-
tions of the letter of marque implied it ; there-
fore I made no determined resistance; besides,
the Margaret and Ann was the fastest sailer I
ever knew; and, had it been otherwise, it was
best for her safety to go out of the harbour, to
escape from a superior force.

The Margaret and Ann therefore went out,
and soon discovered that the strange vessel was
an American, and she returned in about three
hours to her anchorage in safety.

Captain Jones was now busily employed in
the organization of the affairs of the island, after
his own manner, and willing to figure in the
annals of the country, and hand down his name
to the latest posterity, he framed a new Conven-
tion J but the only merit attached to it, in my
opinion, was that of having the signature of the
Honourable Captain Alexander Jones ; I also
signed it, by way of formality. The Convention
was as follows :

Agreement between his Danish M£vjesty*s Coun-
sellor of State, and Chief Justice of Iceland

\l%

lii

?■'!!,

•iii.j

i i

i

1

1

1 :

1

1

'

' ' i

I

<

1

t
t

6iS

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

the Bailiff in the western district of said
Island, the Honourable Captain Alexander
Jones, and Samuel Phelps, of the City of Lon-
don, Esquire.

Articles.

I. All proclamations, laws, appointments, &c.
made by Mr. Jorgen Jorgensen, since his arrival
in this country, are to be abolished, and be to-
tally null and void from the moment this agree-
ment is signed.

II. The former government is to be perfectly
restored, and the chief command to devolve upon
the said chief justice of Iceland, and the said
bailiff of the western county of Iceland, native
Icelanders, they being the next in power in the
island to Count Tramp.

III. All officers under the Danish govern-
ment are at liberty to return to their offices.

IV. The government shall be responsible for
the protection of all British subjects, and the
property that now is, or may be, on the island,
and all transgressions, theft^ and personal as*
saults committed against British subjects, or their
property, shall be punished with the same rigour,
and according to the same laws as if the pro-
perty belonged to the natives.

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

63

V. No battery is to be erected, and the one
now at Reikavig is to be destroyed. No militia
is to be raised in the island, nor the country in
any way to be fortified or armed.

VI. All officers, or other persons, either armed
or unarmed, who, during the late events, have ta-
ken part with Mr. Jorgen Jorgensen, shall no long-
er be in employment, but their persons and proper-
ty, in every respect, (whosever or of whatsoever
nation they may be) shall be respected and pro-
tected the same as other persons and natives. The
Convention between Captain Nott and Count
Tramp, of the 16th of June last, shall be in full
force, and be published throughout the country,
without delay, together with this agreement.

" If

VII. All merchants* houses which are shut
up in this country shall be immediately opened,
and the merchants of the said island be permitted
to continue, or carry on their trade, as formerly.

VIII. All Danish property and public money
to be restored.

Witness our hands and seals, the 22d day of
August, 1809.

(Signed) Alexai.der JoNES.
Samuel Phelps.
Magnus Stephensen.
Stephen STEPH^iNSEN.

. 11]

'•^•5?

6i

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

I now applied to Captain Jones to convoy us
home, which he refused to do; and unfortunate-
ly, on the homeward voyage, the Margaret and
Ann and her cargo were burnt to the water's
edge, and we saved our lives by a miracle only ;
another vessel appearing in sight whilst ours was
in flames.

Lord Ellenborough decided, that the sailing
out of the harbour to reconnoitre the American
vessel, was a deviation from the voyage, and that
we had thereby forfeited the pohcy of insurance,
amounting, on the ship and cargo, to ^39*500,
and the underwriters of Lloyd's never paid us a
shilling; but the London Assurance Office, much
to their honour and credit, paid their portion of
the insurance, although the law had decided
against us ; which decision was also much against
the opinion of Sir Vicary Gibbs, who was one of
our counsel. >.. •

We were then advised to apply to government
for redress; and upon sounding the matter I was
informed, that if government paid for all the
blunders committed by their officers, the Treasury
would not be sufficient to support it ; that our
only remedy was against Captain Jones ; and
Captain Jones declared, that he had not sufficient
property in the world to pay a twentieth part of
it.

■•4

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

6f;

Thus ended this unfortunate expedition to Ice-
land, leaving us a loss of upwards of ^40,000 ;
although, but for the interference of Captain
Jones, the expedition would have been happy
and prosperous, both for ourselves and for tlie
native Icelanders*.

\ > iy

* It may appear that I have been severe in my observations
upon the conduct of Captain Jones ; yet I have related nothing
but the truth, and have " set down nought in malice ;*' and I
feel as an Englishman, and as an injured individual, that I have
ueen justified in so doing.

But for the interference of Captain Jones, 1 should have made
a very large fortune, in a most humane and honourable way,
and, by this time, hav^e produced some millions of benefit to this
country, and have placed the inhabitants of Iceland in the most
prosperous and happy situation ; I say happy, for I know not
where happiness could be found, surpassing that which would
have been produced by the change I should have efTscted in the
condition of a tranquil and intelligent people, exposed to the ty-
ranny and inhumanity of their rulers, as well as to the incle-
mencies of the Arctic winds and ocean. But, perhaps, a mild
contentment may be found there unknown in happior climes.
The Icelanders are satisfied with the spot and climate which
Providence has allotted them, and the only enemies they dread
are tyranny and famine.

il !

My plan was, to have carried the fisheries to an extent of per-
fection never before known in any country ; and in order to dis-
pose of the woollen stockings, jackets, gloves, and other articles
of Icelandic produce, which are prohibited in England, I should
have traded with the Americans, and have taken lumber and
otlicr arliclcs from them in return. I tried the experiment, by

' II

66

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

I felt so indignant and mortified at the treat-
ment I had received, and at the losses and injuries
I had sustained, that, on my return home, my
pride would not suffer me to make a proper repre-
fcentalion of the facts to Government, otherwise,
perhaps, we might have obtained ^ome redress,
though not for the loss of the ship; but I suffered
Count Tramp and others to make their represen-
tations first, which were as numerous and volu-
minous as they were false and infamous, and f
waited until I was called upon to make my
defence. However, I only once received a letter,
requesting me to call at the Secretary of State's

II

purchasing the cargo of the American vessel which arrived
A^hilst I vas tiicre ; and if this commerce had been continuod
to the lime when our intercourse with America was stopped, T
should have realized a fortune, to an extent seldom known to he
acquired in so short a space of time ; aud wiien the natives, and
others, had been enabled to begin that trade, I should have lift
off and retired.

liPli

As a proof of the service I rendered the island, I gave trade
l'> h(4h Icclurutcrs and Danes (such as conducted themselvel^
with any degree of propriety) by trusting them witli our goods;
add, notwilhstandiiig that these Danes were before in a state
of beggary and bankruptcy, lljey have, since that period, all
retired with good fortunes from that country ; whether by the
most honourable means, tuvvards me aud the Icelanders, must bi>
left AH a matter of further qi estion. This story seems to prove
Adam Smith's observation, " that governments should interfrr
as little as possible in trade and commerce ;" at least, that their
ai;ents shoidd be careful how ihci/ mcd<llc in tliosc matters.

4

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

07

B treat -
injuries
ne, my
repre-
erwise,
redress,
uffered
jresen-
d vol II-
, and I
ke my
L letter.
State's.

I ariiveil
continued
topped, T
)wn to he
tives, utid
have left

ave trado
einselvcs
ir goods;
I a 8tate
eriod, all
er by tlio
, must be
to prove
iiittrfor
Imt thoir

office, where the Secretary informed me, that
they had received most voluminous accusations
against me from Count Tramp, which appeared
so full of contradictions and inconsistencies, that
lie wished to hear the story from we, and which
I briefly related to him, particularly that part of
it which induced me to make the Count a pri-
soner; and I asked him if he wonld not hr.ve
done the same, in my situation, to protect his
Hfe and property ? He said, " he thought ho
should, under all the circumstances, if he had felt
courage enough to do it."

I represented to him the eager desire of the
native Icelanders to become the subjects of Great
Britain; but he said, government did not appear
inclined to it; therefore I did not present a peti-
tion which I brought with me, signed by a great
number of the inhabitants ; and I was so over-
whelmed with one thing and another, that I did
not press the importance of the subject^ as I
ought to have done.

The possession, or retention, of Iceland would
not have cost Government a farthing, and the
acquisition would have been invaluable to the
Hritish trade, and for establishing the finest
lishery in the world. . ,

However, Ciovcinnient soon afltr issued thr

68

ON THE IN IKODUCTION OP THE

following order in council, declaring the trade
with Iceland to be open and free to British sub-
jects, &c.

At the Court of the Queen's Palace , Feb. 7, 18 IC.

Present, '
THE king's most EXCELLENT MAJESTY,
IN COUNCIL.

AVliereas it has been humbly represented to
Ills Majesty, that the Islands of Ferroe and Ice-
land, and also certain settlements on the coast of
Greenland, parts of the dominions of Denmark,
have, since the commencement of the war be-
tweert Great Britain and Denmark, been depriveil
of all intercourse with Denmark, and that the in-
liabitants of those islands and settlements are, in
consequence of the want of their accustomed
supplies, reduced to extreme misery, being with-
out many of the necessaries, and most of thf
conveniences of life.

\

His Majesty being moved by compassion fo^
the sufferings of these defenceless people, has.
by and with the consent of his Privy Council,
thought fit to declare his royal will and pleasure,
and it is hereby declared and ordered, that the
said Islands of Ferroe and Icelaiul, and the set-
tlements on the coast of (ireenland, and the in-
habitants thereof, and the pioi»cily therein, shall

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

69

le trade
ish sub.

7, 1810.

HT,

nted to
nd Icp-
:oast of
nmark,
ivar be-
ep rivetl
. the ill.
I are, in
istometl
g with-
of th^

(ion roj-
e, has.
ouncil.
ensure,
lat the
he gef-
\\v. in-
ii bhull

be exempted from the attack and hostihty of his
Majesty's forces and subjects, and that the ships
belonging to inhabitants of such islands and set-
tlements, and all goods, being of the growth, pro-
duce, or manufacture of the said islands and set-
tlements on board ships belonging to such inha-
bitants, engaged in a direct trade between sucli
islands and settlemrnts respectively and the ports
of London or Leith, shall not be subject to
t^eizure and confiscation as prize.

His Majesty is further pleased to order, with
the advice aforesaid, that the people of all the
baid islands and settlements be considered, when
resident in his Majesty's dominions, as stranger
friends, under the snfegnard of his Majesty's
royal peace, and entitled to the protection of
the laws of the realm, and in no case treated as
alien enemies,

His Majesty is further pleased to order, with
Ihe advice aforesaid, that the ships of the United
Kingdom, navigated according tp jaw, be per-
mitted to repair to the said islands and settle-
inents, and to trade with the inhabitants thereof

And his Majesty is further pleased to order,
^vith the advice aforesaid, that all his Majesty's
cruizers, and all other his subjects, be inhibited
i'rom committing any acts of depredation, or vio-

Hi

I

n

\ \i\

'it

*k

70 ON THE INTRODUCTION Of THE

lence, against the persons, ships, and goods, o(
any of the inhabitants of the said islands and set-
tlements, and against any property in the said
islands and settlements respectively.

And the Right Honourable the Lords Com-
missioners of his Majesty's Treasury, his Ma-
jesty's Principal Secretaries of State, the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, and the Judge
of the High Court of Admiralty, and the Judges
of the Courts of Vice- Admiralty, are to take the
necessary measures herein, as to them shall re-
spectively appertain.

(Signed) W. Fawkener.

If, ifistcad of this inadequate measure (which
lias been misconstrued and abused by both Danes
and Icelanders) a proclamation had been issued,
and possession had been taken of the islands, in
the name of his Majesty the King of Great Bri-
tain, it would have been a happiness indeed for
the Icelanders, and an invaluable acquisition for
the extension of our fisheries; and it may not
yet be too hite to make some desirable arrange-
ment. The islands are of no worth to Denmark,
and are a great and constant ex pence to that
power. They would not be so to the British
government.

I'M

if'*!

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICF.LAND.

71

oods, of
and set-
the said

s Com-
his Ma-

e Lords
Judge
? Judges
take the
hall re-

KENER.

m

(which
1 Danes

issued,
mds, in
at Bri-
leed for
:ion for
lay not
range-
imark,
to that
British

The island of Heligoland is now of no worth
to England, nor do we want the Danish fisher-
men who inhabit it. Give back Heligoland and
its inhabitants to Denmark, for Icebnd and the
Icelanders, and it will be a good exchange for
both parties.

The Icelanders are a harmless, industrious, and
intelligent people, worn down, and almost extin-
guished by the lyriinny and oppression of the
Danes*.

The order in council is almost tantamount to
declaring the islands -aibject to Great Britain,
and our present situatmii with Iceland appears
to me to be similar to tliat of our understanding
witit the Dutch at Demerara, Berhice, &c.
which settlements are open to the trade of both
countries.

Mr. Hooker, after quoting this order in coun-
cil, adds, *' Thus a way has been opened ^^r
bettering the condition of the inhabitants of Ice-
land, provided the Danish government has com-
passion enough \ipon the most injured of its
subjects, to permit the humane intentions of his

* For a further account, of these inoffensive and inlcllit(cnt
people, load Dr. Holland's excellent History of the Litorfttiire
ftf Iceland, contjiincd i i Sir Cit-orgo Mackenzie'^ work.

■i U

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7'i

ON I'UE IN TRODUC riON OF rHE

British Majesty's ministers to be carried iHlo
effect. Should this not be the case (and such
seems more than probable, from the late decrees
of that country, prohibiting, on pain of death,
all intercourse with the British}, then will the
state of the natives be more wretched than ever^
unless, which I sincerely flatter myself will be
the case, England should no longer hesitate
about the adoption of a step to which every na-
tive Icelander \oo\<s forward as the greatest bless-
ing that can befal his country, and which to
England herself would, I am persuaded, be pro-
ductive of various signal advantages, the taking
' possession of Iceland, and holding it among her
dependencies."

I'i

*' Iceland, thus freed f;om the 3'oke of an in-
efficient but presumptuous tyrant, might then,
guarded by the protection of our fleets, and fos-
tered by ihd liberal policy of our commercial
laws, look forward to a security that Denmark
could never afford, and to a prosperity that the
selfishness of the Danes has always prevented,
while England would find herself repaid for her
generous conduct, by the extension of her
fisheries, the surest source of her prosperity, and
by the safety which the numerous harbours of
the island affoi.i for her merchantmen against
the storms and perils of the \rctic ocean.'' —
Tour in Iceland, page 354,

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

ed IhIo
id such
decrees
death,
will the
n ever J
will be
hesitate
ery iia-
>tbless-
lich to
3e pro-
takii);

r

)ng her

an III-
t then,
nd fos-
nercial
ntiiark
lat thr
rented,
for lier
►f her
y, and
urs ol'
gainst

m.

»t

I think also Sir Joseph Banks told me he luul
endeavoured to impress this important object on
the minds of his Majesty's ministers.

The contiguity of the shores of Ferroe and
Iceland with those of Scotland and Ireland, and
the similarity of the soil and climate, would invite
numbers to those islands, which would soon be-
eome flourishing; and how much more preferable
and desirable would this be to the frequent emi-
s^rations from our northern coasts to America?

It is a natural feeling of the human mind !<•
seek employ, and even new adventures. The
same dull tract of constant and prescribed laboui
does not suit the capacity of ever]/ being. Some
will range abroad for change of scenes, and
in the island of Iceland their pursuits may be
gratified, where thousands of acres of land, a»
well as the fisheries, may be cultivated witii
as great success as in the northern parts of Scoi-
land.

But, supposing that the island of Iceland is
not now to be obtained, vet the fisheries on the
coasts are open to us the same as they have
always been to the Dutch, and formerly to
the English, and the advantage of having the
Orkneys and other convenient places as de-
pots, would render this fishery more valuable

k

!■

^"if

74

ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE

f"f

to tlie British than to any other nation in the §
world.

#

'•ft !

The Scilly islands and St. Ives, in Cornwall,
would also be excellent stations for our home
fisheries, as fishing and intercourse may be car-
ried on there at all seasons of the year. They
would also form admirable depots, connected with
the Iceland fishery, to supply the foreign trade
down Channel, and from Bristol and Liverpool,
and also to supply the coasting and inland trade
adjacent. The voyage from Iceland, round the
west coast of Ireland to these stations, could be
performed, with a leading wind, in a few days*.

Other depots may also be necessary to supply
the home and foreign trade on the southern and
eastern coasts.

The establishment of the Deal Society is a
most noble and laudable association; a spirit of
Immanity and benevolence breathes through their

* Sir Christopher Hawkins particularly recommends St. Ives
M a depot, " it being an excellent harbour, and accessible to
the trade at all seasons of the year." It has certainly also the
advantage of the great pilchard fishery, which would be iticrcased
thereby, and could be connected with a dcjiot of other fish to
(Treat advantage; for nierchai.t« sending their vessels there to
take iu pilcliar<l.s, may be glad to take, at the same time, drv
cod fidhj and rice versa.

T -

I in the

ornwall,

r home

be car-

They

ted with

n trade

i^erpool,

id trade

iind the

;ould be

days*.

BRITISH TRADE WITH ICELAND.

75

whole operations i there is nothing in it of the
arid and narrow views of monopoly ; there is a
stream of liberality flowing through their whole
projections, but their plan is too confined. As a
fishing station or depot, under the grand scale of
a general charter, it could not fail to succeed ;
but under its present establishment, depending
upon the feeble aid of five pound subscriptions,
or even Government loans and rewards, it must
ultimately dwindle and languish, for want of that
stamina and security which a general charter
would give them. It is, however, well situated
for supplying the London market with fresh
fish.

n

I . i|

supply
em and

3ty is a
spirit of
^h their

i'1f

11

Is St. Ives
:csBible to
y also thf
increased
ler fish to
there to
lime, dry

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Tb

GEN DUAL AllGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES

FOR THE

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES.

J FEEL that I cannot say too niucli, or procure too
much information to impress upon the minds of
those who have the welfare of their country at
h^art, t'le incalculable importance of encou-
raging vind extending the British fisheries.

Dr. Colquhoun, in his admirable treatise on the
M'calth, Power, and Resources of the British
Empire, makes the following elegant, emphatic,
and correct observations :

i

*' No doubt," he says, '* can be entertained of
the productive nature of the fisheries, and of the
practicability of rendering this nutritious food an
article of general consumption, not only in the
maritime, but also in all the inland districts of
Great Britain and Ireland, to the great comfort
and rel'ci of the labouring classes. The experi-
ments wl.ich have been rxently made, in the
laudable attempts to affoi .assistance to the dis-
trcs^,cd iniuiuracturcrs in the midland counties of

I

ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES kc. 77

lES.

ure too
inds of
itry at
?ncou-

on the
British
phatic.

ined of
of the
)od an
in the
icts of
)mfort
xperi-
in the
e dis-
ici of

England, incontestibly prove the truth of tliis as-
sertion. Since the introduction of potatoes, great
facihties are afforded towards reconciling the
mass of the people to the use o^ '^sh, which did
not exist when bread only was tin* vegetable food
of the people. The corned fish gives a relish to
the potatoe, and the potatoeto the fish. Already
in the county of Cornwall, and several other ma-
ritime districts, corned fish and potatoes form a
very large proportion of the food of the inftirior
classes of the people; and although fresh fish Is
equally as accessible as salt, to those inhabit! n;^
the coast, they will not purchase it even at a re-
duced price. Certainly this practical resource,
for the support of a more dense population, exists
in a greater degree in Great Britain and Ireland,
than in most countries of the world, (the British
colonies in America excepted,) and hence it is
within the power of the legislature and govern-
ment of the country, by appropriate regulations,
to increase the food of the mass of the people to
an incalculable extent, rendering it accessible to
the poorer classes of the community, whilst it
might give profitable employment to capitals, ex-
tending in the aggregate even to three or lour
millions sterling, besides rearing a hardy race of
men for the naval defence of the country, and
for carrying on its extensive commerce."

" Fisheries upon a large scixle round our

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'8 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

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coasts would be no sooner organized, than hordes
of small dealers, called hucksters, would resort to
the sea coasts, and circulate the corned fish
through every part of the interior of *.he country,
not excepting the villages. In Great Britain,
where there are no less than 1 183 towns, contain-
ing 5,272,712 inhabitants, besides perhaps six
times the number of villages, where fish could be
dealt out to 6,683,591 persons, (forming the ru-
ral population), at very moderate prices, it is
scarcely possible to conceive by what other
means a greater blessing could be conferred on
the nation. Such a state of things would give a
new and improved character to the labouring
people, and independence of mind, which they
cannot feel at present; a security against want ;
a luxury which has been heretofore inaccessible ;
a diminution in a considerable degree of the
parish rates ; and a gradual decrease of the de-
basement of character which parochial relief en-
genders. When new and improved habits should,
through this medium, be fully fixed, the greater
diversity of food, which would be accessible, et
moderate prices, to every labourer, would
speedily produce a moral effect, highly interest-
ing and incalculably beneficial to the nation, by
rendering the surplus labour of the community
more productive, through which medium alone
empires, kingdoms, and states, become opulent
and powerful."

■A

4

A

ii

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 79

Mr. Farrant confirms my opinion of fishing
with both traul and Hne. He says, " in addi-
tion to the mode adopted for catching fish on the
Banks of Newfoundland, I would recommend a
traul, that might be used when it would not be
prudent to ride at anchor, by which means bait
could at all times be procured for the line fishing,
and fishermen would never be unemployed.
Small boats can only put to sea in very fine
weather ; but in the port of Plymouth, not less
than 200 vessels, of 40 to 50 tons each, are em-
ployed in trauling only, with great profit, al-
though the traul vessels lose a considerable part
of their time by calms in the summer season,
which not only render the traul useless, but often
the fish is spoilt before it gets to market." The
mode, therefore, recommended is, to employ the
line, when the traul is rendered useless by calms,
and to traul when it would not be prudent to
ride at anchor.

About the year 1653, in the reign of Charles
II., a very sensible remonstrance was presented
to government, " on the inestimable riches of the
British seas," by which it appeared, that the
fisheries were then neglected by us, and almost
exclusively enjoyed by the Dutch, by whom,
fishing to an immense extent was carried on, at
all seasons of the vcar, round our coasts.

, • ti

m

« Ml

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i

i !•

HI

80 AIlGUMiiNTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

It Stilted, that our small boats, venturing in a
calm among the Holland busses, not far from
Ilobin Hood's Bay, returned full fraught with
herrings to Whitby, and reported, that they saw
some of those busses take ten to twenty lasts of
herrings at a draught, and return to their own
country with forty to fifty lasts of herrings iu
one buss.

;i

It further stated, *« that the Dutch had 8400
vessels fishing on our coasts ; and if we allow
twenty persons to each vessel, the amount would
be 168,000, out of which number, they daily
furnished their longer voyages to all parts of the
worid, by which means the seamen were not only
enabled to bear the seas, but were instructed in
the principles of navigation and pilotage, and
from hence their greatest navigators have had
their education. By this, they extended their
trade to all parts of the worid, exporting, in most
of their voyages, our herrings and other fish, and
receiving the commodities of other countries in
return. But what was most to our shame, they
liad four hundred vessels carrying fish to Yar-
mouth, which they sold to our people, though
taken in sight of our own coasts.'* It was also
stated, " that the herrings and other fish, caught
annually, by the Dutch and other nations, on our
coasts, did not amount to lesu value than ten mil-
lions."

I

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 81

. %

;i'

" AH this considered," says the report, " it
is much to the shame of the English nation, that
God and Nature offering us so great a treasure,
we, notwithstanding, neglect the benefit thereof,
and by paying money to strangers for the fish of
our own seas, we impoverish ourselves to make
them rich; insomuch, that for want of industry
and care, in this particular, 22^ fishing- towns
are decayed and reduced to extreme poverty;
whereas, on the contrary, by diligently endea*
vouring to make use of so great a blessing, we
might, in a short time, repair those decayed
towns of the kingdom, and add honour, strength^
and riches, to our king and country.

n

I

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By erecting 250 busses, of reasonable strength
and bigness, there will be employment made for
1000 ships, and for at least 10,000 fishermen
and seamen, and consequently for double the
number of labourers and tradesmen on land.

lii:'!!

" To carry this into effect, we must endea-
vour to reform certain wants and abuses, which
hitherto have hindered us from effecting that
great and good work.

" 1st. Want of order and discretion in our
fisheries, every man being left to himself, and
permitted to fish as he likes best; whereas,
among the Hollanders, two of the best expe-

it li

. li

i «,»

82 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

licnced fishermen are appointed to guide the
rest of the fleet, all others being bound to follow
them, and to cast their nets according to their
directions.

" 2d. The Hollanders, and other nations, set
forth their busses in June to find the shoal offish;
and having found it, they remain amongst it till
November; whereas, we wait till the herrings
come to our doors, and sometimes suffer them to
pass by; our herring fishery continuing only
seven weeks at most, theirs twenty weeks. ^

'< 3d, The Holland busses are great and strong,
and able to bear foul weather; whereas ov.v cobles,
crayers, and boats, being small and thin sided,
are easily swallowed by a rough sea, not daring
to venture far, even in fine weather, by reason of
their weakness and fear of storms.

*' 4th. The Hollanders are industrious, and no
sooner are discharged of their lading, than they
put forth to sea for more, and seek for markets
abroad as well as at home; whereas, our English,
after they have been once at sea, seldom return
thither until all the money taken for their fish is
spent.

*' 5th. The Hollanders have certain nier-
chaiils, who, during the herring fishery, coiiu^

ni

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 83

to the places where the busses arrive, and
joining together in several companies, presently
agree for the cargoes of thirty or forty busses at
once, that so being discharged, they may return
to their former work 5 whereas, our fishermen
are uncertain of their chapmen, and are forced
to spend much time in putting off their fish by
parcels.'*. ,

The disastrous effects of neglecting our fisheries
were also shown, by stat. 33d. Henry VII I., a
summary of which is as follows :

" Because the English fishermen dwelling on
the sea coasts, did leave off the trade of fishing in
our seas, and went the half seas over, and there-
upon they did buy fish of the Flemmings, Nor-
mans, and Zealanders, by reason whereof, many
incommodities did grow to the realm, viz. : the
decay of the wealth and the prosperity, as well
of the cinque ports and members of the same, as
of other coast towns by the sea side, which were
built and inhabited by great multitudes of people,
by reason of using the craft and feat of fishing;
secondly, the decay of a great number of boats
and ships; and thirdly, the decay of many mari-
ners, both able in body by their diligence,
labour, and continual exercise of fishing, and
expert by reason thereof, in the knowledge of the
sea coasts, as well within this realm as in other

I

ii

t'p

84 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

parts beyond the seas: it is therefore enacted,
that no manner of persons, English, denizens, or
strangers, at this time, or at any time hereafter
dwelling in England, shall buy any fish of any
strangers, in the said ports of Flanders, Zealand,
Picardy, in France, or upon the seas between
shore and shore, &c.*' This Act, by many
renewals, was continued from Parliament to Par-
liament, until the first of Queen Mary, and from
thence to the end of the next Parliament, and
then expired.'*

Mr. Oddy says, ** we have now an opportu-
nity of getting the greatest part of the Dutch
trade in fishing, as we have got it in nearly every
thing else, and the fishing trade is the most im-
portant to get, though not the most easily ob-
tained.*' V

• '*',■ I

I may also apply with propriety, a remark-
able observation of that gentleman, made some
years ago ; *< If, with a prodigious establishment
and heavy burdens, our commerce should be life-
less, we have the happy prospect of its being
compensated, by bringing into action our national
resources with care and attention ; namely, the
resources of our fisheries."

Sir Thomas Bernard also observes, " that these
boundless fields arc already white for the harvest.

:il

HE

acted, 1

ens, or -1

ireafter l

of any 1

^a^and, 1

etween J

many |

to Par-

d from 1

nt, and I

)portu- 1

Dutch 1

Y every' :|

lost im-

sily ob- ^

emark-

■t

e some |

shment j

be life-

; being J

ational ]

5ly, the I

■i'

it these

larvest. t

ENCOUKAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 8.5

and the labourers are ready to enter on their task
as soon as the financial prohibition is removed."

The Downs Society, associated in Novem-
ber, 1815, under the patronage of the Earl of
Liverpool, is a very gratifying example of the
associations which would be formed for this pur-
pose, and of the improvements which would take
place in our fisheries, if the difficulties and im-
pediments created by the salt duties were re-
moved. .,

It is presumed, the legislature never could
have intended, that the duty on salt should be
an impediment to the fisheries, therefore lilt
should be sent to all fishing stations without r >
strictions, and there would be no fear of circula-
ting it ashore by smuggling ; at least, it may as
easily be smuggled from foreign coasts as from
these stations. It is certainly to be regretted,
that a duty on this important article should exist,
and the higher the duty, the greater the tempta-
tion for smuggling. The Downs Society are of
opinion, that if smugglers had full employment
in fishing, they would depart from the practice of
smuggling} but smuggling is a vice, which if
once contracted, like other bad habits, is not
easily conquered. It is like other frailties and
evil propensities, which cannot easily be pre-
vented, whilst their allurements remain. The

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86 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

best way to reform vice is to remove tempta-
tion.

The Downs Society state, in their report, page
26 and 28, that Holland has no herrings near her
own coast, but takes them on the coast of Britain,
from Shetland to the coast of Sussex, commencing
at the distance of 250 leagues, and ending at 50
leagues from her own ports. The cod banks in
the north sea may be considered as common to
both nations, but Iceland is only half the dis-
tance from Great Britain."

It is also observed, in this report, that the ge-
neral extension of the fisheries, by employing
the fishermen, would immediately reduce, and
gradually supplant, the contraband trade, which
has been estimated at the enormous amount
of fifteen millions sterling; and at a loss to
Government, by smuggling, of two millions annu-
ally. ■

III".-

It is certain, that the demand for cured fish of
different kinds, in this and other countries, if pro-
perly introduced as a principal article of food,
would always exceed the supply to be procured 5
and the Downs Society report, that the dispro-
portion between the demand and production,
appeared to the Society to arise chiefly from the
want of funds among the boatmen, to make their

11. (•. -'

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 87

outfits on a suitable scale. Certainly this is the
principal cause, and the same may be said of
every fishing place, and of fishing, to any extent,
in general.

The Downs Society continue to state, that the
fishermen's craft, which consist of small open
boats, are not calculated to withstand the bois-
terous weather that usually occurs during the
herring season ; and it is with pain, the Com-
mittee observe from these causes, that at the late
herring season, and the late mackarel season,
although conducted on a limited scale, many of
the boats scarcely cleared their expences, without
leaving their crews any surplus for the subsist-
ence of their families.

'n

ill

** The ill success of the fishery carried on in
these straits from the English coast, has lately
become more apparent from the contrast formed
by the French and Dutch fisheries, the outfits of
which have, since the peace, amounted to several
hundred sail of craft, calculated to stand the
weather, as well as to remain at sea many days,
and proceed to a considerable distance from their
own ports, by which means, as the Committee
are informed, they last year made successful
voyages, continuing the fishery even to our
coasts, and under the shelter of our harbours, for
several weeks after the boats of this neighbour-

i!'-

i^^iiti

ill

li

'■' ^

88 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

• B

ti

hood were laid up.** Here again is the proof,
that for want of funds, proper establishments, and
proper vessels, fit to keep the sea, our captures,
even on our own coasts, are insigniHcant, com.
pared with the Dutch and other nations, who are
provided with these means, and who always fish
in large fleets and companies.

The report further states, " that in attributing
the low condition of the Downs fishery to the
above causes, (principally the want of funds) the
Committee conceive the remedy, which obviously
suggests itself, is, to raise a fund, and employ it
under proper regulations, in assisting the fisher-
men to make more efficient outfits, &c.'* Here I
do not agree with the suggestions of the Com-
mittee, and cannot refrain from the presumption
of differing from them in this respect. * He who
giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord;* but
neither gift nor borrowing will avail in rendering
our fisheries more flourishing, or in carrying them
on to a greater extent.

'" "','".' ' *, ' . ' <

The late noble contributions for the relief of
the poor, (though so extensive) would not, if
equally divided, have contributed sixpence to
each distressed person throughout the kingdom.
Labour, independent of charity, is a much more
natural and substantial good. r

HE

KNCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES 89

proof,

i^

ts, and

•■■■iiH

)tures,

. com-

bo are

ys fish

t --M

t'A

buting

1

to the

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Is) the

1

'iously

1

)loy it

,1

fisher-

1

Here I

1

Com-

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nption

, ;,5

e who

■^

;* but

''<

iering

them

1^

ief of

lot, if

ce to

fdom.

*Hi

more

The Committee also rely upon the aid of Go^
vernment, to enable them to make loans to the
fishermen ; but lending money to fishermen, to
enable them to fit out their own boats, would
only be lending them money to carry on and in-
crease the system of smuggling. In vessels fitted
out and employed by regular fishing companies,
this evil could not be practised^

If the Downs Society can raise funds by sub-
scription or otherwise, and will build, for in-
stance, fifty vessels to begin with, of sufficient
capacity, broad and round stern, fit for any seas,
either for trauling or line fishing, and will give
employment to their fishermen in such vessels,
paying them partly by subsistence money, but
principally by shares of their cfiptures, under
proper regulations, allotting an established fixed
share for the profit and use of the vessels, (of
which the masters should be always part owners)
they will then, in my humble opinion, soon find
their establishment in a flourishing condition,
and their fishermen, with their families, in a state
of happiness and comfort. The fishermen's open
small boats may also attend the larger vessels, or
still be employed, as they now are, to fish in fine
weather, aud supply the coasts with fresh fish,
which would give occupation to old men and
children. A joint concern sbould be made of the
captures, and as soon as enough fish is caught to

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'■'

90 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

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fill one fast sailing vessel, it should be dispatched
to the best market, or nearest station, if for
curing.

The Committee proceed further lo state,
** that they are assured, whenever it shall be the
policy of this country to introduce into our
fisheries, the same precise system of regulation,
and alTord them the same protection as the
Dutch, we shall not only be able to recover the
supply of our own markets from tiiat nation, by
fair competition, but shall also be enabled to meet
them With advantage in foreign markets; and
should these expectations be happily realized,
the Committee have no doubt, that the redun-
dancy of the maritime classes of the cinque
ports, would be found sufficient to man at least
goo sail of luggers for the fisheries, besides the
smaller craft necessary for the continuance of the
coast fishery." And at the time of their report,
there were more than 20,000 fishermen out of
employ at the cinque ports.

They continue to state, that considering the
amount of our population, and in how small a
part of the country fish constitutes any material
article of sustenance, there can be no doubt, that
if it could be rendered wholesome and desirable
in quality, and cheap in price, so as to become
acceptable to the labouring classes, the demand

THE

''I

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 91

for its consumption would increase beyond any
calculation they can pretend to make, though it
must appear on the most cursory view, that sup-
posing the number of families in the United
Kingdom to amount to 3,600,000, and each fa-
mily consumes only one barrel per annum, (equal
to about four pounds of fish per week,) the whole
consumption would amount to 3,600,000 barrels
per annum; and taking the present fishery at
one-third of that quantity, the additional two-
thirds, which ought to be computed to be produced
b^' extending the fisheries, may be valued at
^4,800,000 sterling, affording maintenance to
960,000 families, in various departments of
labour, arising from this source.

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The Committee confess that they are aware of
the ill success which has attended every attempt
that has yet been made in this country, to form
a national company for carrying on the fisheries,
and that these disappointments can scarcely fail
to operate to the disadvantage of any attempt
that may now be made, although the most un-
tiquivocal proofs of the necessity, as well as the
benefit of such associations, may be drawn from
the former fisheries of Holland, and lately from
the Prussian company in Embden ; and even in
this country, the distinguished favour with which
such proposals have been received, afford the
fairest hope, that any judicious plan of combina-

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92 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

tion would be received with attention, which
should be clearly shown to have been dictated
by motives of public utility, and so arranged
as to be secure from the neglect and malversation,
by which, the Committee understand, several
former attempts were frustrated.

ifl,

♦* They therefore trust it will recommend it-
self on national grounds, to the countenance of
His Majesty's Government, as well as an object
of profit to those individuals who may be dis-
posed to embark a small part of their funds in
such an undertaking, which would render the
revenue more productive by several millions, and
by uniting our neglected resources. Great Britain
would be enabled to meet any other nation in
the foreign markets for fish, and insure her own
fisheries the exclusive supply of her own mar-
kets," which) certainly, is not the case at
present. ,. .

The Committee continue to state, that their
object requires no exclusive favour or particular
privilege, and that they are fondly inclined to
consider their present attempt as a germ of a
productive vine, which, if planted in the metro-
polis, and fostered by a wise government, and a
generous people, could not fail to extend its fruit-
ful branches to every quarter of the kingdom, for
the employment and subsistence of the indus-

•1'

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 93

trious classes; and, further, the Committee are
of opinion, that the union of the several parts of
the empire is so necessary, to give complete ef-
fect to our fisheries, that they would not only be
glad to associate themselves with other cinque
ports, but would be happy to form an humble
branch of any national establishment that might
be proposed for this purpose."

Report of the Downs Society,
17th August, 1816.

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I believe nothing more need be said to esta-
blish the fact, that one of the greatest benefits
which can at this time be rendered to the wel-
fare of the country is, to form an establishment
for the promotion and extension of the British
fisheries.

It is possible that I have said too much upon
this subject, in the opinion of many, and that
few will take the trouble to read the half that I
have written ; for I am sensible that the whole
of the observations contained in this work
may be reduced to a few simple facts only,
which will be presently shown; but if these facts
had not been supported by proofs, and substan-
tiated by authorities, few people would have
given credit to one half of the assertions.

;'!

94 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

I had no idea of becoming an author upon tills
subject, until I was urged so to do by persons
whose opinions I held in high consideration;
and if I have wandered wildly in the under-
taking, I shall still be satisfied if it answers the
purposes intended.

After having gone through the proofs, as I be-
lieve, to show the advantages, if not the absolute
necessity of extending the British Fisheries, and
the innportance of establishing an Iceland Fishing
Company, I shall now begin to elucidate, in
a very summary statement, the mode of car-
rying these important objects into eifect. The
plan will be deduced from the preceding obser-
vations, and be framed upon the foundation of
the following act of parliament, with amend-
ments.

, »

Amio Regni Geo. III. Regis vicesimo sexto.

At the parliament begun and holden at West-
minster, the 18th day of May, 1784, in the 24th
year of the reign of Geo. III. and from thence
continued, by several prorogations, to the 24 th
day of January, 1786.

Cap. CVI. An act for incorporating certain
persons therein named, by the name and style of
the British Society for extending the Fisheries,
iuid improving the sea coasts of this kingdom ;

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 95

and to enable them, when incorporated, to sub-
scribe a joint stock, and therewith to purchase
lands, and build free towns, villages, and fishing
stations in the Highlands and Islands of that
part of Great Britain called Scotland, and for
other purposes.

Petitioners.
The Duke of Argyle, Duke of Athol, Right
Honourable George Campbell, Marquis of Lorn,
Marquis of Graham, Earl of Eglington, Earl of
Moray, Earl of Abercorn, Earl of Breadalbane,
Earl of Dunmore, Earl of Kintore, Lord Adam
Gordon, Lord Frederick Campbell, Earl Gower,
Lord Macdonald, Right Honourable Henry
Dundas, &c.

" And be it further enacted, that it shall and
may be lawful to and for the said society to raise
a capital joint stock, to be applied to purchasing,
or otherwise acquiring, lands and tenements in
perpetuity, and for building of free towns and
villages, harbours, quays, piers, and fishing sta-
tions, on such lands, so purchased or acquired,
and on no other lands or tenements whatsoever,
not exceeding the sum of £\50y000 sterling, at
such time, and in such proportions, as at any
general court of the said society shall be directed,
and that the same shall be divided into a number
of shares, each sharo not exceeding the sum of

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96 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

^50; and that no one person subscribing shall
become proprietor of more than ten shares, in
his, her, or their names, otherwise than by be-
quest, or operation of law."

" Provided always, that it shall in no case be
lawful for the said society to borrow any sum or
sums of money whatsoever, and they are hereby
prohibited from borrowing the same."

Clause 13th. " And be it further enacted,
that there shall be (of the members of the said
society, holding one full share of the joint stock
of the same respectively,) a governor, deputy-
governor, and fifteen directors, of whom the said
governor and deputy-governor shall always be
two ; which directors, or any seven, or more of
them, shall be called a Court of Directors, for
ordeiing, managing, and directing the affairs of
the ss.id society. The governor, deputy-gover-
nor, and thirteen other directors, to be elected
on the 25th day of March, in every year, or on
the Monday following, in case the same shall
happen on a Sunday."

16. " The governor, deputy- governor, and
directors, or the major part of them, shall and
may, from time to time, assemble and meet
together, at any convenient place, or places,
within the cities of London or Westminster, and,

. ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 97

then and there, hold Courts of Directors; and
shall, at such courts, have power and authority
to order and direct all the affairs and business of
the said society, subject to the bye-laws and
directions of all general meetings of the said
society -, and shall have power to name commit-
tees of themselves, and to appoint all subordinate
officers.'* Governors and directors are to take
an oath, faithfully to serve the society to the best
of their power. • ; ' •

18. '' And be it enacted, that, out of the said
proprietors, there shall be chosen and appointed,
in like manner, and at the like times, five per-
sons, (not being governor, deputy-governor, di-
rector, or other officer,) to examine and audit
the accounts of the society, once in every year,
and to prepare and lay before the general meet-
ing, the accounts of the society, in a clear, accu-
rate, and distinct manner ; copy of which shall
be^ reserved at the ofHce, for the inspection of
every proprietor.** ^

-.■V

19. " And be it enacted, that there shall be
holden one general meeting, of said proprietors,
on the 25th day of March, in every year, in the
cities of London or Westminster, unless thesan^e
shall happen on a Sunday, and then on the Mon-
day following.'* " • '• :

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yS ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

21. " Proprietors, their successors, and ks-
signs, shall have powerj tit a general meetinfg, to
be called for that special purpose, or by adjourn-
ment frOm a getieral meeting, if fifteeri or m6te
proprietors, 4iolding^ 100 shares, be present, to
make such rules, bye- laws, arid constitutions,
for the government of th6 said-society, carrying
on the business, Well-governing of officers, ser-
vantB, workmfen> and otliers, and for carrying-on
the said society, as to them shall seem meet; but
i^hall not be binding, unless confirmed at the next
general meeting.**

25. " Books to be kept, and open to the
inspection of the proprietors, at all reasonable
times/' . - - ^ ^

/ )•

28. " The cash of the said society shall be
lodged either in the Bank of England, Bank cf
Scotland, or Royal Bank of Sdotlfemd ; and no
governor, diretJtor, proprietor, agetlt, secretary,
clerk, servant. Or person employed by the said
society, shall in any case retain any sum or sums
of money, which shall have been piftced in his,
her^ or tlieir hands, for tlie-vi^G of the said society,
l>8yond the space of 30 days after the receipt of
the same, but shall pay Uxd same into on^ of the
banks aforesaid.^ And the payment of all suCh
rums as shall be issued by the suid wciety, ^hctll

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 90

be made by drafts, under the hands of the go-
vernor* or deputy- governor, countersigned by
the secretary, or his deputy, and two. or. more
direqtors, on such b^nke*" •

.;:;

" This act shall be deemed, and taken to be.

a public aot*.!!, .. ,

'. Ai .KUt ,

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Without wishing to cast any reflections upon
the projectors or framers of this Act ofParliament,
it clearly appears that it was not well matured,
or properly considered.**

rrf

T*

The building of townsj villages^ harbours,
quays, piers, and Ashing stations, might have im-
proved the coasts indeed, but it would not have
Qxtended the fisheries, unless means had been
provided to enable the people to catch fish,
i^4iich seems to have been lefl out of the consi-
deration of the act altogether, not a clause, or
vyDnJi, having been introduced upon the subject ;
nor would jf 150,000 have done much towards
the immense purchases and erections thereUi
contemplated.

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* •' The Fre«» British Fishery" was also established by char-
ter, in the year 1749, as by 33<1 Geo. II. cap. 34, but there is<
iiotliinji; in that act worthy ot'quntHtion.

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100 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORlttES FOR THE

' It is certain, that more than 30 years have
elapsed, and that this act still remains in a state
of nullity. Perhaps the subscriptions were never
filled, or that the utility of the act was discovered
to be insufficient. However this may be, the
act would very well answer the purpose of form-
ing a ground work, according to its title, for the
establishment of " the British Society for extend-
ing the Fisheries,**

By proceeding upon this act of parliament,
funds, no doubt, could be raised, and a fishing
station could immediately be established at the
Orkneys, at a very little expence, where the ex-
periment of the proposed plan may be tried, and,
its utility being proved, the legislature would
assuredly extend the powers of the act next
session of parliament, if required. But the
powers of the act are not properly defined 5 it
does not distinctly state, that the «£150,000 are
to be employed wholly in the purchases of lands,
building of towns, &c.; but it likewise states,
"and for other purposes;'* and, consequently,
its operations are not confined, as in some pri-
vate acts. ■ ' : !'. -- '-V.;'

1 shall therefore proceed to propose the fol<
lowing suggestions, which, if adopted, I have no
doubt will be attended with complete success ;

VIZ. :

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liNCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 101

■ -U :.. : : •.■..■..- ■' •;.*-:■• . • , ■;

PLAN

For extending the British Fisheries, and for form*
ing an Iceland Fishing Society, connected
with establishments and stations on the British
and Irish coasts; namely, . .:

That a committee be appointed to examine
and carry inlo effect, the Act of the 26th Geo.
III. cap. cvi., styled an act for incorporating
certain persons therein enumerated, by the name
and style of ** The British Society for extending
the Fisheries^ and improving the Sea Coasts of
this Kingdom ;** and, if necessary, to adopt mea-
sures for extending the powers therein con-
tained,-. ■■. ;: \'^'\ ■' ':: ..:': '! ,.,-. ;!.,;,■!

That the committee shall endeavour to obtain
the patronage and support of all persons, who
can aid and assist this undertaking, particularly
the distinguished petitioners, enumerated in the
aforesaid Act of Incorporation. / ' .

That the committee shall endeavour to im-
press upon the minds of all persons who have the
welfare of their country at heart, the important
and incalculable advantages of extending the
British fisheries. ; ''-a ' i

'(,

* ^

That the leading principles of this plan shall

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102 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THK

V'e, to establish fisheries in Iceland, and on the
coasts of Iceland, (where there are inexhaustible
supplies of fish) and to bring the fish salted' in
bulk to the Orkneys, or other convenient places,
and there to finish the curing, by barreling,
pickling, or dry salting.

That the committee shall proceed to raise sub-
scriptions to the amount of jCl50,000, in shares
of o€3^5 as expressed in the aforesaid Act of Par-
liament* by which subscribers will only be liable
to the amount ^of their respective subscriptions,
and that 5' per cent, only shall be required in the
first instance, which will be sufficient to pay the
first contingent expences, and prepare the esta-
blishment of the first fishing station at the Ork-
neys, or any other convenient place.

.fi

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^'Tliatlhe remainder of the subscriptions shall
be datted^fpr at the public meetings tif the sub-
scribers> and as the majority shall deem it neces-
sary to advance the same. ' • ^

- 'That when the establishment of this Society
^liiallbdi at full maturity, there slmllbe at least
four'OP five' different stations or depots for receiv-
ing and curing the fish. One at the Orkneys,
one at the Scilly Islapd^^ one o^i the north-west
coast of Ireland, one at the Isle of Man, and at
any other places that may be deemed eligible, by

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 105

whigh, vessels from Iceland will always find a
favourable wind to one of these stations; and at
some seasons of the year, they may be most pro-
iitaljly: employed in fishing contiguous to those
stations.

1 ;

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That depots shall be appointed, properly si-
tuated, to supply the Baltic, West India, France,
Portugal, Spain, Mediterranean, and other fo-
r^«ign markets, as well as the coasting and inland
trade.

That the company's fish shall be cured,
packed, and sold, only at these stations, or depots ;
as the intention of the society iS'iiot to. became
merchants, but to be solely fishermen and
curers.

That the head establishment for conducting
the aiiairs of the society shall be in London, and
be regulated, as expressed and particularised in
the aforesaid act of parliament; namely, that
there shall be one governor, one deputy-governor,
and thirteen other directors.

>' • .' « I I ,

T4iat seven of them shall be deemed sufficient
to form a court of directors, to determine upon
any affairs of the society i or to appoint subcom-
mittees, agents, or officers, subject however to

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104 ARGUMENTS AND AUTHORITIES FOR THE

the bye-laws of the general meetings of the pro*
prietors.

That as soon as a general meeting of pro-
prietors shall so determine, fifty vessels shall be
purchased, of 120 to 150 tons each, the expence
and outfit of which will be from ^800 to
j:i200, making together ^^40,000 to ^60,000.

That the expence of the first station shall not
exceed <£5000, no racks or other erections being
required, as by the method of curing at New-
fpundland.

That the same calculations will serve for the
other stations now proposed; so that the sum of
j6'150,000, limited by the aforesaid act of parlia-
ment, will be fully sufficient to bring this im-
portant object to maturity progressively, and the
result will be a very abundant profit to the pro-
prietors, and one of the most efticient benefits
that can possibly be offered to the support and
welfare of the country j particularly as the object
of this society is not to obtain ^ monopoly, and
that individuals may separately be connected
with its establishment, by commission, contracts,
or in separate associations, under the powers, of
the charter ; which will render the benefit more
general, and require less capital from the society.

ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FISHERIES. 105

And finally,
Should the said committee, upon due consider-
ation, find that the powers of the aforesaid Act
of Parliament are not r.uflicient to carry into
eflect the desired object of establishing this so-
ciety, and of extending the British fisheries
generally; they shall then be requested to make
3^ proper representation and statement, in a ftill
petition to his Majesty's ministers, praying to
participate in the aid allowed by tlie last Act of
Parliament for the encouragement of the fisheries ;
and also that leave may be given to apply to
parliament for a general charter, or repeal of the
bankrupt laws, in favour of fisheries, so as that
fishing societies may be incorporated in the
United Kingdom, as joint stock companies, sub-
jecting the subscribers, or proprietors, to the
amount of their respective subscriptions only, by
which protection alone an elTective ener<i;y can
be given to the Extension of the British Fisheries*.

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* At a meeting of the Committee lately held upon the subject
of the Iceland Fishery, a gentleman present " condemned allso>
cieties," and said, " it was unaccountable to him, if so i^^reat a
quantity of fisli is to be found in Iceland, that individimls, who
are in want of employ fur their vessels, do not send them out
there to fish, or that the Danes do not make better use of these
fisheries."

\ I

A few minutes afterwards, the same gentleman, who was a
member of the " Fish Association for the General BU|)ply of Fish
in the MetropoIiH, and the interior of this Kingdom/' observed,

•ill'

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106 ARGUMENTS AND ALTIIOIU IILS, &.C.

" that the townof Bucking^ham, as well as other towns, scarcely
knew the taste of iish until they were supplied by this society."
It would then have appeared unaccountable to me, that indivi-
duals had not undertaken this smpply before, had I hot been con-
vinced, as I have already stated, that fisheries, and the supply
of fish, to any extent, can only be carried on by extensive com-
panies, particularly in the first instance ; and I am also confident
il)Ht the Iceland fishery, as well as the British fisheries generally,
will always remain in their present state, unless they are first
extended by the regulations and aid of Government, and by the
estalishment of joint stock societies ; for individuals are naturally
afraid to undertake new plans of magnitude, and th€y would fail,
if they did, for want of means to carry Ihrouj^h undertakings of
i\m iialuic.

m I

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scarcely
society."
at indivi-
>een con-
le supply
ive corn-
confident
enerally,

are first
id by the
naturally
ould fail,
\kings of

107

INFERENCE.

1 [•' • >

■ V <

As the Fisheries cannot be carried on id a great
extent, and with full success, without the foster-
rng aid and protection of Government, and with-
out its superintendence and regulations, like those
of the Admiralty of Holland, it would be highly
beneficial to the success of our fisheries, if Go-
vernment would appoint Commissioners, and' a
Board, for that purpose. The ultimate returns
of benefit to Government and the country would
amply repay, and justly warrant, the expence of
such an establishment.

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•-^Up:on( taking a general view 'of the present
^tate of this country, it is evident that somethir^
must be done to assist the labouring classes, and
to revive the drooping spirit of national industry.

;< M

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It may appear presumptuous in me to giv^iny
opinion upon this subject, but I have visited
via?{tj countries, and I have everywhere observed,
that there is alwfty$ wretchedness where a-popu-
hition is in want of employ. That, under op-

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10$

INFERENCE.

pressive governments, the poor are miserable and
desponding. That, under liberal and good go-
vernments, tlieir appearance is cheerful and
happy. That the condition of the poor is the
similitude of the state. That good governments
have ^ood subjects, and that provident govern-
ments make a provident people. That the poor
and labouring classes cannot support themselves
without tlie means of employment. That wise
governments will find them employ, or the means
of employment, and encourage industry, rather
than pauperism and beggary ; and finally, that
true benevolence is to enable the industrious
classes to support themselves, rather than to
suffer them to sink under the necessity of being
supported, either by the boon of charity, or by
the consolation of pity.

Were I ambitious, or desirous, of an elevated
situation in life, it would be from the conso-
lation the human mind must feel at relieving the
wants of distressed objects. The toils of a state
may be burdensome in many instances; but
what gratification in life can equal that which a
sovereign or a minister must enjoy, who by a
single edict, or wise regulation, can dispense
blessings to millions of the human species?

Princes, as well as private individuals, are too
apt to disregard, and even disbelieve, distresses

I *: tt \

INFERENCE.

109

they have never witnessed*. Every one must
know the sensation that is felt at beholding a
fellow-creature in distress; but is the human
heart to be governed by the passions, rather than
by maturer judgment? Should humanity shud-
der at the sight of a single distressed object, and
yet be insensible to the sufferings of millions who
are perishing in concealment, and whom the eye
of pity may never behold? No, true benevo-
lence flows from a soul more expansive; for
many a tear is shed by those who never tell their
woes.

I *

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The late sudden transition from war to peace,

* When I was at Batalha, in Portugal, where Murphy wrote
t)ie greater part of his travels through that country, a priest
related to me a very striking anecdote to prove this observa-
tion.

t

The Prince of Brazil, in reading Murphy's work, camo to a
passage where he described the poor of thai country to be in a
wretched state, and the travelling there most execrable.

I!

The Prince flew in a violent passion, and ordered Murphy to
be taken up and punished ; for he had travelled through all the
country, he said, and had never witnessed a single instance of
what that writer related. " No," said the minister, who was
standing near him, " but, If your Royal Highness had travelled
as Murphy did, his obscrvntlons would have appeared too true !"
" Ah!" replied the Prince, " then I am sorry for it '" and poor
Murphy thus escaped unpunished.

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110

INFERENCE.

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though conducive to future happiness, has occa-
sioned an immense depreciation of property of
every kind* in this country, and has thrown up^
wards of^five TwiV/io;?^ of British subjects^ in dif-
ferent parts of the world, out of employ, wh6
have new occupations to seek, which they
camiot easily find ^ and, until fresh sources
of employment: can jbe procured, industry
and • commerce must remain torpid and para*
Jysed. '■'*'■• * -' « ''■'■."■ ■ fo-: . "v - '.- ..

it may be asked, if the encouragement of the
fisheries will find employment for five millions of
people, and relieve the distresses of twenty mil-
lions of British subjects, who are sufferers in
more or less degree by the depreciation of pro-
perty and the pressure of the times? No;* but
it will do a considerable part, and is one of
the national resources which will tend to that
effect.

* If we except funded property, it wfll amount to the adiw
thing } for Supposing the national debt to have been contracted
wheqi 3>J^r.»^"tt/.^^"'^oif were; at from 50 to 60^ pnd that it be
p#i(i,ofl^ f^v^jifttth^.^e^boyeSO, the jftockjbolder will gaiii
\k^ ^i^x^\\<Sfith\^ tl|^ n^ti|pii mupit lose i;a proportion, It there-
Mo fippiettffh p^i^M^i.tl^aV.^ovcirqinent funds, and Government
meauij Vad l>emr,^e.^plp][^^d ii) suppofting; ini(uftrious objecU
iUid,pttr«iiit8,,jLl)»li .i;i cpdHfiptf the national debt under »uch pir-

cumetances.

• -J'l ' < JVIXU I l^'i

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INFKRENCE. Ill

The population of Great Britain is now im-
mense, amounting to about 13,000i000

Ireland * i 5,000i000

The Colonies, with all our depen- : <•. •.•.

dencies, upwards of 32,000,000*

...» ■ ■ *• ■■'■■! .

Total 50,000,000

And notwithstanding the apparent opulence of
this great community, yet more than four-fifths of
its number, or forty millions of these people,
must be supported by industry and labour, in some
way or other. It is to industry then that the
i2iition must look for its support. Ereiy incite-
ment to industry is a benefit to the state and to
the community.

f }■

Ifany one will take the trouble to calculate
tlie immense losses and expences occasioned to
Great Britain, by the sudden transitions of war
and peace, since thfe year 1813, he will be asto-
nished to find that such losses and expences could
Le borne.

If he take into consideration the reduction

* The population of the Britisii settlements in India id, since
the first edition of this vrork was printed, stated to bo 50,000,000,
and pf the colonies 2,000,000, making together, with the popuhi-
tion pf the United Kintjdoin, 70/)00,000 of British subjects.

I-

112

INFERENCE.

J^j

Pll

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.1. i,

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1,

piroduced by the treaty of Paris, the sudden
preparations for the renewal of the war, the va-
rious operations of commerce and speculations
calculated upon war prices, the hasty termination
of the war, the consequent depreciation of pro-
perty of every description, and the stoppage of
mines, manufactures, and commerce, since that
period, he will fmd that these rapid and sudden
changes and events have left a loss to the nation
of more than sufficient to pay the national debt*.
It is therefore no consolation to a benevolent
mind, that the articles of comfort and luxury may
now be obtained at a cheap rate, when the in-
dustrious part of the community are sufferers
thereby, and that labour is not paid for its hire.

. • .. «

How then are these losses and sufferings to be
retrieved and removed? By incitements to in-
dustry and wise economyf, and by providing em-

M

i

♦ This may appear an enormous and erroneous statement to
some people; but the reduction in the value of laud and houses
alone, although they may recover their value again, is not at
present less than six hundred millions, and the loss on ships, and
the reduction in the price and value of metals and other articles
of commerce and manufacture,will more than make iip the amount
here stated.

1 r

f It is not true economy in governments to check industry, or
to abolish useful appointments and employments, for the sake n(
reducing the national expenditure; on the contrai^, every useful
object of industry should be snpportct] by govern ment means.

ir^:i

III

m

INFERENCE.

113

ployment for the poor; for what cannot an indus-
trious people acconjplish, if a stimulus be given
to their exertions ? ..

=1
i

Every nian, who labours in useful pursuits^
contributes a portion of benefit to the state and
to society; but if the great machine of national
industry be stopped or checked, it is soon visibly
felt throughout the whole community ; and
although the wealth of a nation may support it-
self for awhile, yet it must naturally diminish,
if the source be neglected from which it Hows.

The sunshine of peace has not yet diffused its
brightest influence over an afflicted world. A
cloud obscures its plastic rays ; but it will soon
pass away, and Prosperity will then appear
arrayed in all her glory.

We have means (if properly employed) to
effect all we desire, namely, by encouraging our
fisheries, by cultivating our waste lands, by em-
ployment in, and paying more attention to, our
colonies, thereby increasing our commerce and
the demand for our own manufactures, and fi-
nally, by giving circulation to the wealth of the
nation, and by making every man useful to the
state and to the community, who is enabled so
to be.

■M-!

nrl

ii 'I

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V. I

114

INFERENCE.

The colonies and dependencies of Great
Britain, conjointly with the mother country,
though shut out from the rest of the world,
would, alone, if properly supported and encou-
raged, afibrd sufficient means of provision for our
population^ commerce, manufactures, and iht
necessities of the state ; and if we would wish for
surplus commerce, it should be carried on upon
more liberal and judicious principles than has
hitherto been done with foreign nations.

It is idle to invent new modes or schemes of
additional taxation to be levied in this country ;
but the amount of the national debt, of present
weight of taxation^ would be little felt, if properly
divided among fifty millions of people, all bearing
a portion, in equalization according to their
means. The plan is not difficult, and may be
adopted without oppression ; but this is the bu-
siness of the legislator to explain and accom-
plish.

■■ffl

lemes of
ountry j
present
)roperly
bearing
to their
may be
the bu-
accom-

ADDENDA.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF
EXTENDING THE BRITISH FISHERIES, S^c.

The foregoing part of this small work Was printed
in the beginning of the year IJJl?, but although
the plan and observations therein contained have
been much approved by most people who have
been consulted upon the subject^ yet nothing
bas been done to carry its important object into
effect. What is every one's business is attended
to by no one. It is however observable that
since the period when the first part of this work
was written and printed, not only the importance
of extending the British Fisheries, but the obser*
vations and predictions contained therein, respect-
ing the consequences of the want of employment
for the British seamen, have been completely
verified and fatally fulfilled.

Every one must recollect the distresses of the
seamen during the last winter, and the charitable
efforts which were used, in vain, to afford them
relief. At the present time, it is also well known>
that they have all disappeared, and that able
seamen are not to be found at any of the ports
to man a single ship of war, and that it is only

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ADDENDA.

at high wages men of any description are to be
procured to man the merchant vessels.

The common enquiry now is, What is become
of these people? The natural answer will be,
that having been neglected and left destitute,
they have either sought other empiloyments, or
have fled to some other country, where they ex-
pect to be better treated than at home ; and
should their services be called into action by theii
new friends, (which Heaven forbid they should,
against their native country) not a man of them
will be taken alive, but all will perish before
they will yield to enemies who ought to have
been their friends. .

• • It is unnecessary, however, to enlarge or dwell
upon a painful subject, or to mourn the errors of
past events, which, having been committed,
cannot be prevented. But truth demands a fair
statement of facts, and it is sometimes of import-
ance to show how past evils might have been
averted by common prudence, or by just and
wise policy. The exposition of evils and errors
that have happened may also prevent their re-
.currence in future; andi whatever pains maybe
taken to conceal them, they will not escape the
penetration of those who have the power^ al-
though, it is to be hopedj not the inclination to
lake advantage of their occurrence.

'M

ADDENDA.

117

The constant recommendation, of late, lo
alleviate and console the distresses of the maritime
and other classes of suftering people, has been
patience"* s but patience is a slow and sad cure
for poverty, although it is certain enough in its.
effects ; for the evils of life must have a termina-
tion, and the most wretched mortal knows, that
they cannot last, with him, in this world for
ever. Patience is, no doubt, a friend to sorrow,;
and by whose aid many privations and evils may
be endured j but the want of employment creates
despondency, and a people who are suffering
under the pinching calls of hunger, can be but
ill supported by the virtue of patience alone.-
Would their admonitors be patient under such
trials of affliction? It is easy to approve and
recommend such a principle, but it is difflcult to'
endure the necessity which produces it; for its
effect must extinguish all hope in this world but
one, and that is the cessation of being; but man-
kind, in general, act as if they thought they
should live for ever, and as if no sacrifice or con-
sideration were due to any of the human race
but themselves. . ./

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* The Committee of the House of Commons for the Relief of
the Poor, in their second report, recommend, in the emphatic
words of Mr. Burke, patience, prudence, fortitude, and indeed all
the virtues ; iu order, no doubt, that things may find their level,
but the world now pretty well knows how this level will generally
terminate, when left to itself. ^ / .

I

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118

ADDENDA.

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The grand and powerful objection which has
lately been made to the encouragement and ex-
tension of the British Fisheries is, the ill success
of the fishery, and wretched state of the inhabit-
ants of Newfoundland; which impression, they
say, must be done away, before any effectual
attempt can be made to extend the British Fishe-
ries. It is therefore necessary, that something
should be said of the affairs of Newfoundland
and of the Newfoundland Fishery.

The system and management of the affairs of
Newfoundland and of the Newfoundland fishery
are, perhaps, the most inconsistent of the kind to
be found in the history of the world; although,
it is true, the same inconsistency prevails, in more
or less degree, in the whole of the colonial sys-
tem of this country.

Newfoundland is an island of greater extent
than Ireland, and is situated in a more southern
latitude, being 350 miles in length from north to
south, and 200 miles in breadth from east to
west at the broadest base, and between 47 and
5^ degrees of North latitude. Ireland is situated
l)etween 51 and 36 degrees of north latitude,
and is only 250 miles long, and 150 broad, from
the extreme points.

I

Newfoundland, although it is mountainous tUK)

F^

ADDENDA.

119

cli has
nd ex-
mccess
nhabit-
» they
ectual
Fishe-
ethin?
ndland

Fairs of
fishery
kind to
hough,
In more
ial sys-

extent
uthern
orth to
east to
47 and
tuated
titude,
t from

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I

cold, is capable of producing a great plenty of
the necessaries of life; but the policy of ihiii
country is, only to send people there to fish dur-
ing the fishing season, and only to allow a few
inhabitants to reside on the island. These inha-
bitants can neitl^r procure land ta cultivate and
produce the necessaries of life, nor are they al-
lowed even sufficient land, upon which to build
a hovel, to cover their heads> except upon such
terms and under such restrictions as to render
it almost impossible for them to obtain it. This
is done from the fear of settlers becoming too
numerous on that island. The inhabitants are
thus neather allowed to grow corn in quantity,
or to produce other food; nor are they allowed
to import it from the neighbouring states, from
which they could obtain it cheap and in great
abundance. Every necessary article required
must be brought from England, and in such
quantities and at such prices as a few specula*
tors or monopolizers chuse to afford it to the
inhabitants.

This is the policy^ or political, noercantile, and
colonial system and arrangement of monopoly
and injustice, adopted and practised in the af- •
fairs of Newfoundland. In consequence of which>
the inhabitants are sometimes, (and were parti-
cularly during the winter before last) half starved.
J his weak policy has also the elTect of raising

it

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120

ADDENDA.

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the price of labour to an enormous rate on that
island. A common artificer, such as a black-
smith, carpenter, or the lik6, will earn, at New-
foundland, from half a guinea to twelve shillings
a day, and other workmen and labourers are paid
in proportion ; and then the complaint comes
home, that the Newfoundland colony, if it may
be so called, is in distress; that its fishery can-
not succeed or be continued, and must be aban-
doned; that it will not pay the expences of the
merchants; that the population of Newfound-
land must be removed, or relieved, or they must
starve. But notwithstanding all this, upwards of
one million of quintals offish were shipped from
Newfoundland in 1816, the year of their greatest
distress.

So careful is the Government of this country
to prevent the island of Newfoundland from being
overpeopled, that every owner, or master of u
vessel, who takes out a crew, or fishermen, or ap-
prentices, to fish on the banks of Newfoundland,
and to cure the fish on the island, is bound in a
bond, by the regulation of the law, to bring them
back again at the expiration of a given space of
time, whether they are inclined to return or not;
and as they are not permitted to stay on the
island after the period allowed by the act, many
of them, when they have acquired the art of
catching and curing fish, desert, if possible, to

I

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ADDENDA.

121

the United States, where they get full employ- -
ment in the New England fishery, in opposition
to ours; and although they do not get such high
wages as at Newfoundland, yet the cheapness of
their living and the security and certainty of.
getting constant employment, are more than-
equivalents. The American fishery is carried on
upon a different principle from the Newfound-
land fishery, and affords employment for the
people, as fishermen and seamen, the whole year
round, which is also the principle and system of
the Dutch fishing trade.

i i

4!'

It is impossible that the Newfoundland fishery
can ever be very flourishing, under its present
system and management, for two reasons; first,
as to expence, and secondly, as to the uncer-
tainty of a supply of full cargoes of fish ; tor the
system established in the Newfoundland fishery
is, not to provide cargoes of fish (as the Hud-
son's Bay people do of their commodities) ready
for the vessels when they come out from
Kngland, but this is left to chance and the un-
certainty and inexperience of the crews and
leople who are sent out from England for that
mrpose ; because the residents are not allowed,
4nd are not sufiicicnt in number, to catch and
;ure any considerable quantity of fish, and con-
equently one half of the vessels that go out from
ilngland to fish on the banks of Newfoundland,

J*

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122

ADDENDA.

either from the inexperience of the crews, or
from bad weather, or from not being there at the
time when the greatest q^iantity of fish is to be
found on the banks, or from other circumstanGes,
make unprofitable voyages, and the trade at pre-
sent, they say, is not worth following. Tlie
population of the island was stated, a few years
since, to be about sixty thousand, but, perhaps,
at present it does not actually amount to much
more than half that number of fixed inhabitants,
although it would employ and support, in hap-
piness and comfort, six millions.

It is always through bad management when
any good or valuable undertaking fails of success,
and such has ever been the case with the British
Fisheries. That the business of fishing is of use
and value to society, both in affordio^g employ-
ment for the maritime class of people, and in
supplying food, as well as employment, for num-
berless other persons ashore, cannot be doubted,
and why the Fisheries of this country have not
been more successful, can only be attributed to
the cause before mentioned. Other countries
have succeeded in their fisheries, from which they
have derived their greatest resources of power
and wealth; and this country, thoui;h more pe-
culiarly and more advantageously situated than
any other for that pursuit, and to which it would
aflbrd the greatest good, seems incapable of ap-

t! '■'."*

nil

ADDENDA.

123

predating its value, or too negligent to secure
its benefits.

I V,

It seems as if there were a system of mono-
poly, prejudice, infatuation, and obstinacy, not
only in all kinds of trade, but in all the affairs of
life; and those who have the most right and in-
terest to remove those evils, have generally the
least inclination to produce the means. But the
most difficult part to subdue or remove of all
these evils is, to owercome prejudice s and in no-
thing are people more prejudiced, or capricious,
than in the choice of their food, although this
depends entirely upon habit; for whatever food
people are accustomed to in early youth, they
generally prefer through life. It is difficult, fot'
instance, to make a British peasant eat of a fine
ragout, or to induce a fine gentleman to partake
of beef and plum-pudding; because the differ-
ent habits they have been accustomed to, or
taught, make both ridiculous and unpalatable
to their opposite tastes and different conceptions.
People would not eat bread if they had never
been accustomed to it, and it is astonishing, in
this luxuriant age, that they ever eat of so vulgar
and cheap a food. But perhaps they have more
desire for it when it is dear and scarce than when
it is cheap and plentifuL

It has been lately said, by some interested per-

,1

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*

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124

ADDENDA.

w-

sons, and consequently those who are not very
favourable to the extension of the fisheries, that
fish is not food for man; and the same people
observe, that there is not a demand for beef and
bacon; (a luxury indeed seldom, and but
sparingly enjoyed by the poor.) " Why then,"
say they, ** should the fisheries be extended ?
The fish salesmen and fishmongers also assert,
that if fish were anything but a luxury, and to
be obtained otherwise than at high prices, no
one would purchase it, or eat it.** And this
may be true, as applied to some classes of the
community, and be a faithful representation of
the luxury and folly of the times ; but certainly
it is not the sentiment or principle of the great
body of the people. The assertion, however, is
lerified in some instances, although it does not
leave much mark of respect, or inspire much
esteem, for those who are the authors of it ; for it
has been known, and can be proved, that a cod
has been sold at the West end of the town for
eighteen shillings, and that a finer cod has been
purchased, the same morning, at Billingsgate
market, for half a crown, after the first draught of
the great fishmongers had been taken off; and
this occurrence, or something similar, is not un-
frequent. Good profits are necessary and proper
in such a perishable article as fresh fish, but this
seems to be taking it rather in the extreme, and
weighing it upon too large a scale 5 and the

't

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ADDENDA.

125

ot very
es, that

people
eef and
id but

then,"
ended ?

assert,

and to
ces, no
nd this

of the
ition of

rtainly
J great
?ver, is
oes not

much
J for it

a cod
►wn for
IS been
igsgate
jght of
Fj and
lot un-
proper
ut this
e, and
id the

worst is, that these exorbitant profits are derived
by those who are least entitled to them, and M'ho
are only unproductive labourers. If such great
prices and profits are necessary upon the article
of fish, why are not the fishermen entitled to a
proportion of the bene^ts ? ,

The food we like, and eat, depends upon what
we have been accustomed to, and the general
habits and diet of a country, or people, with
whom we live. In Holland, no person sits down
to table without two or three sorts of fish. In
Catholic countries the people are not so fond of
fish, because they must eat it by compulsion.
In some places, where there is great plenty of
fresh fish, people get satiated or cloyed with it, as
they are, it seems, with most things easily ob-
tained, and to be had in great abundance, par-
ticularly those who are fond of luxuries and
variety, and have the means to procure theri ;
but there is no place perhaps where poor peo-
ple, in particular, are in the habit of eating
cured or dry fish, but they continue to like it,
and find it a very wholesome food.

Tills has been completely verified in the
county of Cornwall. Some years ago a consi-
derable quantity of corn was imported into that
county. The poor people disliked potatoes and
.would not eat fresh fish, of which they had great

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126

ADDENDA.

abondance. They could not afibrd to purchase
butcher's meat, although it was at a very low
price j they therefore lived wretchedly poor. Of
late years they have the habit of eating great
quantities of corned or cured fish and potatoes;
and can also afford to purchase bacon and
butcher's meat, which the butchers now find
they can readily sell. They also export a con-
siderable quantity of corn> although the popula-
tion of that county is considerably increased,
and the people live so much better than they did
formerly. This may appear a paradox, but it is
a truth ; and the mystery may be easily removed,
if any one will take the trouble to calculate what
a good and wholesome meal will cost, composed
chiefly of cured fish and potatoes, and a small
quantity of toasted bacon, or pork. Those who
are accustomed to this meal are remarkably par-
tial to it, and if this calculation be compared
with a meal made up of other food, it will be
found that enough saving will be produced to
purchase some butcher's meat, and other articles
of variety at times; and, as the people of Corn-
Wall can sell and consume as much fish as they
can catch, they can afford to purchase other
food, when they are so inclined*

The Cornish people are remarkably healthy
and good looking, since they have taken to the
use of this description of food; and it is a com-

ADDENDA.

127

mon proverb in that county, when speaking of a
beautiful female, to say, that ** she is as fair as a
Fowey woman,** at which place the poor people
eat scarcely any animal food but fish, which is
their chief diet, with potatoes.

fOi

The high prices and bad quality of fish, in
general, are certainly the causes of its consump-
tion not being greater or more extensive, al-
though the contrary has been asserted. The bad
regulations of the markets for fish, in the metropolis,
also surpass all comprehension. The Reports of
the *' Association for the Relief of the Poor, and
the general Supply of Fish, in the Metropolis
and the Interior,** contain much valuable infor-
mation upon this subject, as well as in other
matters, and afford evident proofs of the import-
ance of extending and promoting the British
Fisheries.

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111

This Association Was established in May, 1812,
by voluntary contributions, and has, no doubt,
afforded a great deal of benefit to the poor, and
contributed to relieve their distresses, as far as
the powers of charity would extend, or whilst the
funds of the society lasted. But the misfortune
is, that charity soon exhausts its means, by being
unproductive. The contributions, collected by
this society, amounted to ^17,000, which sum

I 1

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128

ADDENDA.

was well expended, and the produce beneficially
administered ; but had it been employed in time,
to promote useful labour, it would have done
much more real and effectual good, and the capi-
tal would not have been sunk, but would have
been increased by the powers of its own produc-
tion.

By a Report of the Downs Fishing Society,
dated July 9, 1817, that society had collected a
capital of only ^5961. 15s., and with this capital
they had not only caught and cured a large quan-
tity of herrings, but had fitted out three vessels
for the Iceland fishery, and one for the deep-sea
fisheryj at an expence, including the investments
. of salt, barrels, and other stores, of .£2795. This
.had given employment to fifty-one men and boys,
the crews of the siid vessels, and had furnished
them with every necessary for the voyage. It
allowed weekly subsistence to above- 100 per-
sons, composing the families of the said crews,
of from five shillings to fifteen shillings per week
for each family. It also furnished occasional
employment, from the preceding September to
the date of the Report, for 1520 men, women, and
children, in the manufacture of nets, barrels, and
other articles j and the society had, at that period,
nearly 70 persons employed, exclusive of those
similarly engaged in the parish workhouse.

ADDENDA.

129

;ficially
n time,
e done
le capi.
Id have
)roduc-

Jociety,
ected a

capital
e quan-

vessels
eep-sea
stments
►. This
id bojs,
roished
ge. It
)0 per-

crews,
;r week
asional
nber to
2n, and
;Is, and
period,
r those

The society had actually disbursed,
in labour and seamen's wages,
from the preceding September, X1619

And amongst various tradesmen,
including the purchases of salt,
staves, and other articles 4400

And had, at the date of their Re-
port, stock in hand, consisting of
salt, nets, barrels, &c. as per
valuation,.. ,. 1250

0 0

0 0

0 0

This society, for the further employment of
the seafaring and other inhabitants of the parish,
was also desirous to fit out, for the ensuing her-
ring season, five decked luggers, to oarry 320
pieces of net, the crews to be composed of forty-
four men and boys; and it was calculated, that
the fitting out of these vessels would give em-
ployment for three months to about 120 persons,
besides the crews, in the various departments of
net-making, coopering, &c.; and the society
would be enabled to allow, to the families of the
crews, the weekly subsistence similar to those
on the Iceland and deep-sea fisheries. But it
appeared, that the society's capital was not suf-
ficient to carry this latter object into eifect, with-
out the further aid of subscriptions. The Report,
however, concludes with stating, that no part of
the subscriptions had been sunk; and that,
should the undertaking meet with common sue-

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ADDENDA.

cess, there was every reason to believe that a con-
siderable dividend would be realised, at the end
of the year.

The Iceland vessels had gone out too late in
the season, and being improper vessels, and the
crews not properly experienced, they returned
with less than half cargoes; but, owing to the
good quality of the fish, it not only paid the men
and their families their advances and expences,
but it left a profit to the society; and such was
the cheerfulness and confidence of success, of the
masters and the crews, that they all offered to
return again to the same employment, at their
own risks, and subscriptions were immediately
entered into to make preparations accordingly.
Such is the difference between charitable dona-
tion and the encouragement and promotion of
productive labour. The one is spent and ex-
hausted, leaving nothing but the remembrance
of its benefits; the other is ever fruitful and in-
creasing in its means and enjoyments.

Sir Thomas Bernard, bart. in his Account of
the Supply of Fish for the Manufacturing Poor,
with Observations, published in 1813, states it to
be a singular but well ascertained fact, that, at
the very time when there is the greatest quantity
of mackerel to be caught in the part of the Bri-
tish Channel which supplies the London market,

t '

ADDENDA.

131

and when that fishery is most abundant, the fisher-
men,who frequent Billingsgate, almost wholly dis-
continue the mackcral fishery. This extraordinary
I circumstance is thus accounted for. The fisher-
men depend, in a great measure, for customers,
on fishwomen, who attend daily at Billingsgate,
with their baskets on their head, to purchase the
mackerel, and carry them for sale about the me-
tropolis. As long as these women continue their
attendance on the Billingsgate market, the fisher-
men are secure of a certain degree of custom for
their fish; but, as soon as the common fruit comes
into season, they give up dealing in fish, finding
the sale of gooseberries, currants, and the like^
to produce them a larger and more secure profit,
with less risk.

\i

The fishermen, being thus disappointed of a
sale for their mackerel, at the time when they are
most abundant, give up, in a degree, that em-
ployment for the season; and an immense quan-
tity of palatable and nutritious food is thereby
annually withheld from the inhabitants of the
metropolis.

fill

This circumstance, of the want of means of
sending their fish generally into the town, not
only prevents the mackerel being caught, but,
even after they have been caught and brought
up the river, precludes a considerable part of it

) 4

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ittlli "

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132

ADDENDA.

from ever reaching the market ; for all that arrives
at this period, beyond the estimated demand of
the fishmongers, hoioever fresh and goody is thrown
into the Thames, and destroyed before it reaches
Billingsgate, with the consequence of raising the
price of mackerel to the opulent part of the me-
tropolis, and of excluding most of the inhabitants
from a participation in this cheap and plentiful
supply of food.

Regulations for aflbrding a more certain sale
to tht; fishermen, and more plentiful supply to
the inhabitants, at reduced prices, have been
since adopted, and had a good effect, but being
partial, they have nx)t been continued.

At the same time that the Committee for the
Relief of the Manufacturing Poor had adopted a
plan for the present relief of the metropolis in
June 1812, with a view to the prospective benefit
of the manufacturing and other poor throughout
England, they contracted for 200 tons of corned
cod; cured on our own coasts in such a way as,
with a little watering, to eat almost like fresh cod.
The mode recommended in preparing it for
dressing was, to steep it forty-eight hours in cold
water, changing the water morning and evening,
and then it was to be boiled and eaten with pota-
toes, (and a small quantity of bacon, toasted and
<lropped upon it, would have been a great ini-

I

ADDENDA.

133

provetnent.) The amount of this contract, exclu-
sive of another contract for 400,000 corned her-
rings, was £3600, for the 200 tons of cod, being
equal to eighteen shillings per hundred weight,
and the intention was to sell it at two pence per
pound. . •

Of this corned cod, parcels of a ton, or two
tons each, were sent to some manufacturing
towns upon trial. From Mr. Heathfield, of East
House, a very active member, and treasurer of
the Sheffield and Rotherham Committee for the
Relief of the Poor, to whom some of the cod was
sent, a letter was received, of which the following
is an extract: — ** A small supply of fish, which
we have recently received, has been found most
acceptable both at Rotherham and at Sheffield.
At the latter place especially, it has been pur-
chased with avidity by the work people of the
few masters who have, hitherto, been able to
offer any for sale. An opinion had partially
prevailed that the poor would not eat salt fish ;
but the evidence is decisive that, the consumption
would be largCy could the supply be obtained. The
distress in this riding, it is to be apprehended,
will be severe during the winter ; particularly at
Sheffield, where a considerable number of hands
have been discharged within these few days,
through the absolute incapacity of the manufac-
turers, engaged in the American trade, any

(i :i

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134

ADDENDA.

longer to employ them. Very indifferent salt
cod is selling there at five pence per pound. Of
white herrings the inhabitants know but little.
When in the market, they have been sold at
two pence each*. Your herrings can be afforded
two for three halfpence, and the cod at two pence
halfpenny per pound, and both are excellent. I
cannot, in this early stage of the investigation,
say what quantity would carry us through the
approaching season ; but it is to be expected that
the consumption would be very extensive. I have
made application for forty tons of cod, which I
hope will be forwarded. It would be impertinent
in me to urge upon the Committee the import-
ance of their own plan; but it may not be im-
proper to say, that, in this part of the kingdom,
it is received as a measure admirably calculated
to ameliorate the condition of the poor, and to
augment the national stock. Some exertion on
the oart of gentlemen, in their respective locali-
ties will, however, be necessary to produce the

* Note by Sir Thomas Beraard. " While very indifferent
white herrings were selling at Sheffield for two pence a piece,
they were to be purchased at Hastings at the rate of sixpence
the hundred, and in t»ome parts of Scotland for half that price.
The bay salt, duty free, for curing a hundred of herrings, costs
about a penny. It should seem therefore that our manufactu-
rers might be supplied at the price of a fiirthing, or, at the most
a halfpenny, with that quantity of food for which they have been
paying two pence."

i

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ADDENDA.

13.^

whole effect which I conceive to be intended,
namely, to place a good meal within the reach
of every family possessing even a trifling weekly
stipend. Bnt if the supply of fish be adequate,
the interposition of a few active persons will ac*
complish that object."

i

Mill

Sir Thomas Bernard observes, that the great
value r. the experiments made by the Associa-
tion f^ < Relief of the Poor, and the general
Supply of Fish in the Metropolis and the Inte-
rior> <* affords a moral remedy for increasing po-
pulation, and the vicissitudes of commerce and
manufactures. The general use," he says, " of
wheaten bread, a great number of horses kept for
parade, wasteful habits of life, increase of manu-
factureS) and the supply of our fleets and armies,
in a necessary war, have so augmented the de-
mand for wheat corn, that every succeeding year
seems to require a degree of miraculous plenty,
or a ruinous importation from foreign countries.
When any thing is wanted in England, nothing
is so easy, or so natural, as to order it to be im-
ported, forgetting that the effect of reliance on
such importation may be a diminution of na-
tional wealth, a depreciation in the rate of ex-
change, and a dependence on foreign nations for
the supply of the necessary articles of life. In
the'year 1800 and 1801, the money remitted to
other countries for the purchase of corn, for our

, iu- 1

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I

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ADDENDA.

home consumption, amounted to <£! 8,905,093;
and above forty-two millions of money were sent
out of England for the purchase of foreign corn
in the period between 1800 and 1810 inclusive.

'■*■ ' • ■

" That species of speculation which reduces
the quantity to a sn^all part of what may be
easily obtained, and enhances the price far above
what will make a profitable and satisfactory re-
compense to the persons employed, is the worst
and most pernicious speculation that can exist
iu any country. Speculators in graifi serve to
check the consumption in the time of plenty,
and to provide a store against the period of scar-
city ; but speculators in ^fish waste and destroy
the abundance which God has intended for the
use of man, and deprive us of that food which is
essential to our existence.

W? I

" Improvements in Agriculture, and ECO-
NOMY in the use of food, are remedies usually
prescribed for an eyrf».«w» of population, and in
times of distress. There is also a third remedy,
at present much in vogue, and is the practice
upon any symptoms of scarcity, which is, the pur-
chasing up large quantities of wheat, rice, pota-
toes, and other necessary articles of life, to be
sold afterwards to the poor under prime cost.
But, it is to be feared that this remedy must be
classed among those quack medicines^ which are

ADDENDA.

137

likely to do much more harm than good ; for, in
the first place, the original purchase, at such a
period, has the effect of raising the price of the
article, to the injury of the poor and of all other
members of the community ; and the retail of it,
at a low price, when the article is becoming
scarce, contributes to increase the consumption
of that which it is then most important should be
husbanded. Increased produce^ either from sea
or land, or increased economy in the use of that
produce, is liable to neither of these objections.

!i:t|>l

" It must be confessed," Sir Thomas Bernard
further observes, " that considerable tracts of un-
productive land still remain in this island ; and
that, so far from the greatest degree of attainable
comfort and nourishment being derived from our
food, there is hardly a country upon earth, where
so great a waste is daily committed of what the
bounty of Providence has bestowed for the suste-
nance of man. But agricultural improvements
and economical cookery, though practicable to a'
certain extent, and desirable, as far as they can'
be extended, have natural difficulties to contend
with, and have confined limits beyond which,
they can never goj limits and difficulties which
do not, in any proportionable degree, affect our
Domestic Fisheries. There are innumerable
acres of water which surround our coasts, inex-
haustible in nutritive ami palatable food ; where

i!

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138

ADDENDA.

no preparatory system of industry is required, no
seed to be committed to the soil, no question
about fruitful seasons : the fields are perpetually
white to harvest, and we have only to reap the
abundance which Providence abundantly sup-
plies.

" The examples of Spitalfields and Sheffield,"
he says, " leave no doubt but that xish will be
purchased with avidity by the manufacturing
classes, whenever it is cheap and good. The
amount of the supply may, in any year, be aug-
mented to more than double or treble the usual
quantity y if circumstances should require it ; and
were it extended only to the use of fresh fish, or
fish slightly corned, in those parts to which it
can conveniently be carried, it would benefit a
considerable part of the population of this
country.

I

t€

•si

M'

An objection has been made to fish as the
diet of the labouring class of people; that it
passes lightly by digestion, and is therefore unfit
to support labour. Upon this it may be ob-
served, first, that the labouring poor and their
children, in fishing ports, where fish makes a
considerable part of their diet, are stout, hardy,
and healthy. Secondly, that fish is not proposed
as the sole article of food, but only in addition to
what they now have. And thirdly, that the ob-

I

ADDENDA.

1S9

ired, no
[uestion
)etually
3ap the
\y sup-

jffield,"
will be
cturing
. The
be aug-
e usual
t; and
fish, or
hich it
enefit a
of this

as the
that it
re unfit
be ob-
td their
akes a

hardy,
roposed
ition to
the ob-

I

jection may, in part, if not wholly, be removed
by the mode of dressing it, as in America, where
cod and other kinds of fish are dressed with
pork, bacon, fat beef, and potatoes, thickened
with rice, or oatmeal, and small suet dumplings,
and seasoned with savoury herbs, and pepper
and salt; the whole producing a palatable and
nutritious stew, which they call Chouder.

A gentleman, residing a few miles north of
Sheffield, stated, that he had witnessed the eager-
ness with which some of the corned fish, sent
there bv the Fish Association, w^s received in
his neighbourhood. To try how far it might be
relished, he had sent to Sheffield for a hundred
weight, and gave it into the hands of a little
shopkeeper in his village, requesting that a cer-
tain quantity might be given to each person who
called for it, unth directions how to prepare it.
In two hours after receiving the fish, the shop-
keeper came to him to tell him it was all gone,
and that the shop was beset with petitioners, who
were clamorous to obtain a share, and begged
to know whether any more was to be had. The
next day, being Sunday, it was known through
the parish, and he had applications from all
parts with entreaties for more. In consequence,
he sent to Sheffield for four hundred weight more,
proposing to give that away in the same manner,
in order that all might have a taste, and then, if

til

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140

ADDENDA.

the demand continued, to have a supply for sale.
In some places the fish was not so much ap-
proved; but, upon enquiry, it appeared to have
arisen from no directions having been given with
it to soak and prepare it properly.

t.i

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■ " In looking to the supply of the metropolis
with fresh fish to almost any extent," Sir Thomas
Bernard observes, " we shall find the chief difii-
culty to be, that, in the greatest and most popu-
lous city in the world, the sale of an essential
article of life is confined to a small and inconve-
nient market, with t' j effect of placing the sale
of all the fish for the supply of this great metro-
polis in the hands of a few individuals. If,
however, this were attended merelv with an
enhancement of price, upon only those ivho value
the articles of life in proportion to their clearness
and scarcity, the power might be so modified in
its exercise, as to be undeserving of public atten-
tion or interference. But it is now ascertained,
that in a period of scarcity, when tyevy effort is
making, by importation and economy, to provide
for the public necessities, a kind of blockade
checks the supply of the metropolis for fish.
Large quantities of fish are withheld, or wanton-
ly destroyed, as they approach the market, and
a million and a half of inhabitants, in London and
its surrounding neighbourhood, have been de-
prived of an article of food, which might have

i

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ADDENDA.

141

for sale,
uch ap.
to have
en with

itropolis
Thomas
ief diffi.
jt popu-
essential
nconve-
the sale
t metro-
ils. If,
with an
^ho value
clearness
dified in
ic atten-
^rtained,
effort is
provide
blockade
for fish,
wanton-
ket, and
idon and
>een de-
ht have

lessened the consumption of butcher's meat and
wheat-corn, to the relief of the whole kingdom.

" It has been long acki.dwledged, that Billings-
gate market, however it might have been well
adapted to the extent and population of London
at the time of the original formation of it in
1699> is not adequate to the sale of even a tenth
part of the fish required for the daily supply and
demand of its present inhabitants. Its access is
inconvenient, and its local situation is distant
from a large proportion of its best and most opu-
lent customers. It has the effect of abridging
the means of life to a numerous body of de^
serving and industrious poor ; of deteriorating
the condition of the middle class of people, who
form so essential a link in the chain of society;
of increasing the consumption of other articles of
food; and thereby augmenting the pressure of a
scarcity which is too severely felt. ^

" The protection of the community against the
monopoly offish, and (what would be the inevi-
table consequence of that protection) the in*
creased consumption of fish in the metropolis,
would bring it into more general use in the other
parts of the island*, and enable our. countrymen
to benefit, much more than they now do, by the
treasures which are to be found on our sea coasts.
It is indeed wonderful that, in an island like ours.

'- I

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142

ADDENDA.

abounding in shoals of fish on its coasts, an en>
terprising and speculating people, in every other
maritime concern, and pre-eminent as a naval
and commercial power, should have so long sub-
mitted to purchace a precarious subsistence by
importatwjis of wheat-corn, instead of converting
their own fisheries into the sources of domestic
supply, and of commercial exchange for the
corn and wine of other countries.

" It would be one of the natural effects of our
preserving cod, mackerel, herrings, and other
fish^ for our own use, that exportations would
be made to Spain, Portugal, and the Mediter-
ranean, which would afford markets for them to
almost any extent. It is obvious, that we are
much more fitted, by our local and insular situa-
tion, for the supply of those countries, than
Holland and America, which at present enjoy
the advantages of that lucrative trade; and by
possessing food of our own to exchange for that of
other countries, we should avoid the ruinous
exportation of capital, and, at the same time,
have the power of retaining our fish for our own
use, in the event of any alarming deficiency in
our own harvests, or of caprice or combination
preventing other states from accepting our fish,
in exchange for the corn or other produce of
foreign countries. Our disadvantage now is,
that, as we cannot eat our own manufactures, or.

wm

ADDENDA.

143

in the present state of the world, convert them
into articles of subsistence, we are therefore, like
Midas, liable to starve in the midst of wealth,
and to give a fatal example of the danger of
relying on strangers for daily and necessary
food."

Since the foregoing observations were written,
some favourable changes have certainly taken
place in respect to manufactures -, but the evils,
in every other respect, still exist, and no method,
or means, are taken or pursued to remove them.
The country is not at present distressed for food,
but the poor are as much destitute as ever of the
means to procure it; and it is only those who
are in afRuent circumstances that can count
upon a full meal ; which will ever be the case,
when the industrious part of the community is
neglected, and in want of employment, or un-
justly paid for their labour. And although Pro-
vidence has been bountiful in yielding the fruits
of the earth, yet this plenitude can only come to
the share of those who are enabled to purchace
its enjoyment.

m

The second Report of the Committee of the
Fish Association, for the benefit of the commu-
nity, respecting the measures to be adopted for
the supply of the Metropolis and the interior,
states, that in looking to their primary object of

I >

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144

ADDENDA.

encouraging and promoting the supply of fish,
both fresh and corned, in the metropolis and the
other parts of the island, the Committee are of
opinion, that, with the natural advantages which
Great Britain enjoys, in respect of the fisheries,
it is of importance, in the first place, to ascer-
tain the nature and extent of the impediments
which, in an island where the coasts abound in
inexhaustible shoals of that article of food, check
the supply and the use of fish, at a time when
an increasing population demands additional
means of subsistence. , . '

The ascertaining of these impediments, and
the adopting of the most effectual and unex-
ceptionable measures for their removal, appear
to the committee to constitute a great part of
what will be done by the Fish Association j for,
whenever these impediments are removed, and
private adventure is once put in action, they en-
tertain no doubt of an ample supply to our mar-
kets, at prices which, without the interference of
regulation, will be proportionable to the cost and
labour of the enterprise, and to the extent of the
supply and demand ; affording, at the same time,
profit to the adventurer and benefit to the pub-
lic.

In their first Report, the Committee noticed
four impediments to thp general use of fish in the

ly of fish,
lis and the
;tee are of
ges which
B fisheries,
to ascer-
pediments
bound in
)od, check
time when
additional

aents, and
ind unex-
a], appear
eat part of
ition 5 for,
toved, and
1, they en-
a our mar-
rference of
le cost and
tent of the
>ame time,
a the pub-

ee noticed
fish in the

ADDENDA.

U5

metropolis ; namely, the size and local situation
of the fish market, the obstructions to an exten-
sive sale, the difiiculty of distributing it ove ■ the
metropolis, and the uncertainty of prices.

They then proceed to notice an impediment
to the regular supply to the metropolis, arising
from the navigation of the Thames.

" Whenever there is a prevalent south-west
wind of any continuance, such as sometimes hap-
pens during a great part of the spring, the fisher-
men finding it impracticable to get up the river,
take shelter in Holy Haven, otherwise called
East Haven, a small bay on the Essex side of the
mouth of the Thames. They there Ww't for a
more favourable wind, to enable them to pass up
the next reach of the Thames, called the Hope ;
and, if disappointed in this, they th'iw their car-
goes overboard, and proceed on another fishing
voyage."

The quantities of fish, thus destroyed, are not
only very considerable, but by this circumstance
the fishermen are discouraged from exerting
themselves, to increase the supply to any thing
like the extent which it is capable of. This is
also the cause of another inconvenience, to
which the principal fishmongers in the metro-
polis are obliged to submit j namely, that of

I.

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146

ADDENDA.

keeping a large stock of fish by tbera in ice, for
the regular supply of those opulent customers,
whose tables must exhibit the same appearance
of unvaried abundance, at all times and seasons.
The fishmongers, therefore, even at a time when
a continued south-west wind has almost shut out
the supply by the river Thames, are still obliged
to make a great display, on their shopboards, of
turbots and other fish, preserved indeed from
putrefaction by ice, but rendered zvoolty, taste-
less, and devoid of nutrition. There is also a
third inconvenience attending this stoppage of
the regular supply of fish at Billingsgate market,
which is, that the basketwomen are deterred
from continuing their attendance on the market,
so long as they otherwise would doj for being dis-
appointed in not finding any fish on sale, at least
within their means of purchase, they give up the
retail of fish and seek some other employment.

In order to obviate these difficulties, it has
been suggested, by some of the principle sales-
men at Billingsgate, that it would be desirable
and practicable, at a moderate expence, to open
a communication, by land carriage, between
Holy Haven and the metropolis. The estimated
distance, by Rainham, is about thirty miles; and
the part where any new road would be required
to be made, or the present road to be repaired,
may be four or five miles, the rest of the road

.Mf

ADDENDA.

147

being very good. It is stated that, if sudi a
communication were made, it would be practi-
cable to produce a daily and regular supply of
fish for the metropolis, sent up in five or six hours
after its arrival in Holy Haven, at an expence of
about a halfpenny a pound ; and that thus not
only a very large quantity of food might be pre-
served for the benefit of the community, and used
while in perfect condition^ but there would b6 a
constant and daily supply of fish in the metro-
polis, at nearly a regular price at all times, even
when the south-west winds are generally preva-
lent, and the fish market might be almost on the
same certainty as that for butcher's meat.

I

i m

It seems therefore to be of great importance,
that such a communication should be opened
between Holy Haven and the metropolis, and
there is very little reason to doubt but that, when
a good road is made, private adventurers will use
it for the benefit of themselves and the public ;
and that the fishermen will generally prefer this
speedy and certain conveyance to the more
tedious and uncertain navigation of the Thames,
as they could immediately discharge their car-
goes, and return on another voyage without de-
lay. The whole of the road from London to
Holy Haven is nearly on a perfect level, and
there being but little thoroughfare on the last
twenty miles, it is generally in so good repair,

ii I

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148

ADDENDA.

that the journey from Holy Haven to London
may be performed in as little time as that from
Gravesend to London, though the distance is
seven miles more, the Gravesend road being
more hilly. And it has been estimated, that the
whole expence of making this new road would
be only .£874 !

/ ^.;

Notwithstanding this, and although the mea-
sure has been strongly recommended, five years
ago, yet nothing has been done to carry this
important object into effect j which seems to
confirm the assertion of the fishmongers, that it
fish were any thing but a luxury, or to be ob-
tained otherwise than at high prices, no one
would purchase it, or eat it. But, notwithstand-
ing an opinion of such good authority has been
pronounced, would not common sense convince
^ny reasonable man, that, if such a measure as
this were adopted, the poor fishermen would find
a more certain market for their fish, and a more
liberal reward for theit' labour ? And would not
this be a better market for them than Billingsgate
market, if established as an open market, upon a
little better principle, and less system of mono -
d control, than the Billincsirate market ?

poly

It evidently appears, that as food and labour
are the just right and deniaiid of every man, or
the meanest subject, that the attention of Go-

t
Ml

ADDENDA.

149

London
at from
ance is

being
hat the

would

le mea-
e years
ry this
ems to
, that it
be ob-
no one
hstand-
is been
)nvince
isure as
[lid find
a more
uld not
igsgate
upon a
mono-
arket ?

labour
nan, or
of Go-

verntrient, in this respect, is not only necessary,
but indispensible. Shall this country have been
expending millions upon millions in schemes of
fancy, or objects of destruction; and shall private
individuals have subscribed a million and a half
to build a bridge, or any other whim of ostenta-
tion, and yet hold back at subscribing ^874, to
make a useful road to convey food, and supply
a necessary article cflife to a million and a half of
people, and give employment to an incalculable
number of industrious labourers, because they are
told that fish is only a luxury to be enjoyed by
the wealthy and the great ? Were London situ-
ated like Madrid, which is five hundred miles
from the sea coast, or any navigable river, there
would be some reason for such an assertion. In
Madrid fresh fish is a luxury which the poor are
unacquainted with ; (and the same may be said in
many of our inland towns); but, in Madrid, the
rich people have certainly the vanity always to
produce what they call fresh fish, whether stink-
ing or fresh, because it is brought from Ferrol to
Madrid, which is five hundred miles by land car-
riage and a bad road. The greater the diflficulty
to acquire an object, the greater is certainly the
desire of some people to obtain it; but those who
are pressed by hunger would like to be relieved
by the easiest and cheapest means.

So well convinced am I of the utility and pub-

.1 1

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'' -K III

I '111 ' , '

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t-'- .

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ADDENDA.

lie benefit of forming a fishing station, or depot,
at Holy Haven, that if the Government will not
adopc and contribnte the means to promote it, I
would gladly (although, from various losses and
misfortunes in life, I am little able to enter into
speculations, or afford much public good) ad-
vance the j£'S74, to make the necessary road my-
self, upon being allowed a toll, which would, no
doubt, afford some interest, and much more than
repay the expence, and return the principal, in
time, to those who may choose to undertake it.

This depot should be an open market for the
Iceland and all British Fisheries ; where the fish-
ermen could immediately discharge their cargoes,
and receive a fair price for their fish, and return
to their regular employment, and when there was
a superabundance of fish at that market, or de-
pot, more than sufficient to supply the metropo-
lis and the surrounding country with fresh fish,
the remainder may be corned, or cured, and thus
the poor would always have a supply at a cheap
rate 3 and, if all the fish coming to the river
Thames were to be landed at that depot, none
would be wasted, or thrown overboard, nor could
any monopoly or n^anoeuvre of the trade to that
effect be practised in this essential and necessary
article of life. I shall therefore propose, that an
association may be first formed, for this purpose,
upon the principles contained in the former part

m

ADDENDA.

151

or depot,
t will not
lote it, I
osses and
;nter into
ood) ad-
road my-
'ould, no
lore than
icipal, in
:take it.

et for the
; the fish-
r cargoes,
nd return
there was
et, or de-
metropo-
fresh fish,
, and thus
t a cheap
the river
Bot, none
tior could
le to that
lecessary
, that an
purpose,
mer part

of this work, and that application may be made
to His Majesty *s ministers, and to parliament, to
carry it into effect without delay.

The difficult navigation of the Thames, for the
fishing vessels, may also be overcome, (if all the
fishing vessels were to put into the same harbour
of Holy Haven,) by having two steam vessels
there, which would tow them round the points
of land, and against a head wind, at different
reaches of the river. This experiment I have
tried and proved, down the river, and round the
Isle of Sheppy, the effect of which may be easily
conceived; but this is not so certain and regular a
method, as to land the fish at Holy Haven, where
they may be assorted, and the fish likely to spoil,
would thereby be ^reserved ; and also, if Holy
Haven were made the public market of the
Thames, it would prevent the monopoly and ill
supply of the London market; and by which means
the fishing vessels and their crews would sooner
return to their occupation of fishing, and they
would not be subject to a glut, or want of de-
mand, which is often the case at the Billingsgate
market. Fish of any kind could be cured in
various ways, at such a depot as Holy Haven,
and consequently none would be spoilt, or
wasted, and there would be a demand for all.
Vast quantities of salmon, mackerel, turbot, and
other fish, might be pickU;d in vinegar, and lob-

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ADDENDA.

sters, and other fish potted, which are now
thrown away.

In order that the basketwomen and small fish-
mongers of the metropolis might have a regular,
instead of an uncertain, supply of fish, as at pre-
sent, there should be two public wholesale mar-
kets for fish in the metropolis, one at or near
Billingsgate, and the other at Hungerford mar-
ket, or near Westminster, or Waterloo Bridge,
which, by the means of the establishment at
Holy Haven, would be furnished every morning
with a full supply of whatever fish the season
may afford, and with the same regularity as
Smithfield is supplied with cattle, or Mark-lane
market with corn.

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The Committee of the Fish Association, for
the Supply of the Metropolis and the Interior,
has collected and furnished much useful infor-
mation upon this subject ; but, as the Fish Asso-
ciation was only a charitable institution, by
which no profit was expected to be derived, it
could not be thought that such an association
could put any great object in force or action ;
they could only point out the means, or try the
effects of experiments within their province or
sphere.

Their Committee state, that they had thought

ADDENDA.

153

it expedient, at the time, to enquire how far it
would be practicable to augment the supply of
fish from the Sussex coast. In consequence of
which one of their members iiad an interview
with the persons principally concerned in the sea
fishery at Brigiiton, who had signed a representa-
tion, stating the two principal obstacles to the
large supply which the metropolis might other-
wise receive from that place. The first is, the
collection of the post-duty, on the horses em-
ployed in their fish carts, which had only been
recently exacted, and is so heavy, that a fish- cart
with four horses, carrying, fish otily, is compelled
to pay twenty-eight shillings duty, on every car-
riage to London, of that article of food. This
has the double effect of lessening the quantity of
fish sent to town, and of enhancing the price of
it when it arrives; and they venture to express
their opinion, that it never could have been the
intention of the legislature, that this duty should
be levied on the carriage of provision from one
town to another, it being the reverse of the policy
generally adopted, of avoiding every tax on do-
mestic articles of food brought to market.

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The other obstacle which they stale, affects
the disposal of their fish after it arrives in town ;
BiUingsgate market, the only fish market now ex-
isting in the metropolis, being not only locally
inconvenient, but utterly inadequate in space for

1 ■

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ADDENDA.

P ■•

the sale of the quantity of fish already brought
up the Thames. They therefore observe, that it
cannot offer any certain accommodation for the
sale of the additional quantity offish which might
be obtained from the Sussex coast.

The establishment of another fish market,
however, might cost Government another seven
or eight hundred pounds, or at least a little
trouble and opposition, from interested people,
and therefore, although it is a doubt if it wouW
be any expence, but be a benefit and profit to
the undertakers, yet this great object, as well as
the Holy Haven road, may not, on account of
interested interposition, or necessary trouble, be
in our time accomplished. The Brighton fish-
ermen in their representation state, that if a
place of sale could be obtai'^.ed near Westmin-
ster bridge, a daily supply of fish might be sent
there, to a very large amount, so as to reach the
place of sale at five o'clock every morning,
and to afford a very great relief to that part of
the metropolis. These gentlemen have con-
cluded their representation by requesting, th^t
it may be ascertained how far these two obstacles
may be removed ; undertaking that, if it can be
done, they will use their best endeavours that a
large supply of fish may be daily and regularly
sent to the metropolis. Still no proper answer
is given, nor any thing done to carry their object

ADDENDA.

155

brought

, that it

for the

h might

market,

jr seven

a little

people,

t wouW

jrofit to

well as

ount of

ible, be

on fish-

lat if a

^estmin-

; be sent

ach the

lorning,

part of

fe con-

ig, th^t

bstacles

; can be

s that a

jgularly

answer

r object

into effect, though much has btcn said about
it*.

Brighton, however, is not so well situated, or
capable to supply the London markets with fish
as Holy Haven* Brighton is a bad and incon-
venient harbour for landing the fish; Shoreham
would be much better, but neither could supply
any but the fish of the Channel. Holy Haven
would take in all the fish of the North Seas, as
also of the channel, and is a fit place for curing ;
but both places may be of utility, as fishing sta-
iions,to supply the London market and the interior.

The Committee of the Fish Association, for the
supply of the metropolis and the interior, con-
ceiving that it would very much improve the
supply of the metropolis, if such caravans offish
were sent off" every evening, to reach the west
end of the town early the next morning, especi*
ally from Brighton, where there is a short and
excellent road, and a good supply of horses,
directed a case on the first point to be laid before
Mr. Serjeant Onslow 5 and, on the two points laid
before him and the Attorney General, they
received for answer, on the latter point, the opi-
nion of these two learned gentlemen in the
following words : — " We do not apprehend that

* The post duty has, however, since been removed, in sonic
degree, through the cxertioiiH of the Fish Association.

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i.

there \s any legal impediment to any person or
persons engaging a warehouse, yard, or other
convenient place, at which to receive and sell,
by retail or wholesale, fish or other victuals. But
such individuals cannot by law erect a market,
in which to exact tolls or other incidents to a
market." Upon the subject of the post-horse
duty, the Committee received Mr. Serjeant
Onslow's opinion as follows : — " The last act, I
find, that imposes a duty on post-horses is, the
44th Geo. III. cap. 98. The words there used
are, * horse, mare, or gelding, hired for drawing,
on any public road, any coach or other carriage,
used in travelling post or otherwise.' I do not
think that, under that expression, a duty is im-
posed on a mere fish-cart, or caravan, carrying
Jishonly^ in respect of the horses by which it is
drawn."

It is singular that all acts of parliament should
be so worded as for itw people to understand
them, or at least none but lawyers, who are also
often mistaken. It seems as if the English lan-
guage were intended only to be completely and
perfectly understood by lawyers and politicians;
or that, like physicians, they have a language
and hieroglyphics of their own, which other
people must not understand. The two points of
the law upon the subjects of building a fish mar-
ket, or places for selling fish, and of carrying fish

ADDrNDA.

157

to market, rest as here stated ; neither decided
upon with certainty, nor acted upon satisfacto-
rily. If there be any certainty in the opinions
given upon these cases, it can only be in one,
which is, that ** individuals cannot by law erect
a market in which to exact tolls or other incidents
to a market ;' and one must be a pretty good
lawyer, to understand exactly even what this
means, for whether one read the opinions, or read
the acts, it is as difficult to understand the one as
the other. It appears that individuals are not to
erect a market in which to exact tolls or other
incidents to a market, which must mean, to buy
or sell, or to pay or take money, which is the bu-
siness of a market, and therefore it should be pre-
sumed that no individuals can build a market ;
and as Government does not appear inclined to
build another fish-market for the metropolis, we
must be content to remain without one. But
again it is said, " that it is apprehended there is
no legal impediment to any person or persons en-
gaging a warehouse, yard, or other convenient
place, at which to receive and sell, by retail or
wholesale, fish, or other victuals;" which seems to
be a contradiction to the conclusion of the same
opinion ; but the meaning must be, as it appears,
that people may have any ' ' convenient place"
they like, at which to receive and sell fish, by
retail or wholesale, provided they do not call it a
market.

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158

ADDENDA.

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The Committee of the Fish Association advert
to two circumstances which they conceive may
be deserving of attention, as confirming the in-
ference deduced from the effects of the contract
for mackerel, entered into the May preceding,
by the Committee for the Relief of the Manufac-
turing Poor. The first of these they give on the
authority of some gentlemen who had been con-
cerned in, or connected with, the herring fishery
on the Goodwin Sands. Having contracted in
1810 and 1811, to a limited amount, with the
fishermen for herrings, at J0l2, the last, to be
cured for the West Indies, they varied their con-
tract in the year 1812, and agreed to tsike all
their surplus herrings^ at £^ the last, (of twelve
thousand,) being fourteen pence the hundred.
The consequence of this unlimited agreement
was, that the fishermen went out every day, and
the quantity caught was three or four times the
average of the preceding year, so as to occasion
a remarkable increase in the supply of the me-
tropolis, the following winter; a hundred tons of
herrings, or 240,0001b. weight, having beeii
caught and sold, or cured in one day.

A similar circumstance to this had been stated
to the Committee, by a principal salesman of
Billingsgate, to have occurred there on the Ja-
nuary preceding their Report, when the quan-
tity of cod for curing, then required by the Com-

<^-<.

ADDENDA.

159

■j.

n advert
ive may
the in-
contract
seeding,
[anufac-
e on the
;en con-
j fishery
acted in
ivith tlie
it, to be
eir con-
take all
>f twelve
lundred.
reement
lay, and
imes the
occasion
the me-
i tons of
g been

n stated
sman of
the Ja-
3 quan-
le Com-

mittee for the ReUef of the Manufacturing Poor,
produced so hirge a supply of that sort of fish at
Billingsgate, that the salesmen there could not
obtain for it more than three halfpence a pound.
It seems indeed to be clear, that if the fishermen
could obtain, even at a moderate price, a certain
sale for alt the fish brought to market in good
condition, that the increase of supply might be
carried to almost any extent; but in order to
dispose of the daily surplus which would then be
brought to sale, it appears to the Committee that
a salting warehouse should be connected with
every wholesale fish-market, for receiving, at
a certain hour, and at a reduced price, all the
surplus fish of the morning, to be corned for the
use of the interior parts of the country, or for ex-
portation." But the Committee must have for-
gotten that the duty on salt, and its tremendous
consequences, even though it should be obtained
duty free, would render this a dangerous specu-
lation.

For the purpose of diffusing more generally the
knowledge of the wise and judicious measures^
which the legislature, on the suggestion of Go-
vernment, had adopted, of a remission of the salt
duty, for the purpose of encouraging the preser-
ving of fish for food, the Committee had thought
it expedient to print, in a cheap form, f r the

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160

ADDENDA.

use of the public, the acts of parhament which
relate to that subject.

The Committee state, that they entertain no
doubt but that corned fish, if properly cured,
and sold at a moderate price, would be very ac-
ceptable to all classes in this country. Upon
this si'bject they had recently received the opi-
nion of Mr. Boase, of Penzance, who is well ac-
quainted with the subject, and who mentioned a
circumstance well deserving of attention. " Pen-
zance market,*' he observed, " supplies a very
populous district, where fish is three-fourths of
the animal food of the lower classes. The
average price of fresh fish, during the last twelve
months, has been about one penny per pound ; of
salt fish, nearly Mree pence; and, notwithstand-
ing this, the hucksters carry off ten loads of
salted for one of fresh fish»*'

In the course of his observations on this sub-
ject, Mr. Boase notices the effects which the in-
creased use of corned fish would have on the
cultivation of potatoes, an article of subsistence
much more productive in quantity, and much
more certain as to crop, than wheat, or any
other kind of grain. Upon this subject Mr.
Boase states an interesting fact, as follows : *' The
population of the district of Penzance has, for

^

ADDENDA.

161

which

tain no
cured,
iry ac-

Upon
he opi-
I'ell ac-
oned a
" Pen-

a very
rths of
The
twelve
ind; of
istand-
ads of

is sub-
the in-
on tile
istence

much
)r any
;t Mr.

" The
a?, foi

some years, required an annual importation of
com or flour. The crop of 1811 was entirely
exhausted before the end of March, 18 12. Great
supplies of grain were necessarily imported, and
retailed to the labouring classes, at reduced
prices, causing an enormous addition to the poor
rates. The alarm, thereby occasioned, pro-
duced" (the remedy of necessity) " a timely
and larger increase of potatoe planting. The
consequence has been, that although the corn
crop of 1812 was not above average, and ;vas
broken into even in the first week of harvest, ri
grain or flour has been imported hercy nor i'. any
expected to be loanted** To this he adds, that
large quantities of potatoes hau been exported
from Penzance, and that they were then sold
under a halfpenny a pound, retail price.

The Committee of the Fish Association con-
clude their second Report with some brief obser-
vations on the Fishery of the Nymph Bank.
This bank lies off the southern coast of Ireland,
and has been made the subject of a letter, ad-
dressed by the late Mr. Dixon to the Earl of
Hardwicke, then lord lieutenant of that island.
It was explored in 1736 by Captain Doyle, who
reported it to abound in large cod, quantities of
hake, and ling; which report was confirnicd by
Captain Frazer, on a survey of it in 1802. Tlie
Committee mention this fishery not as pecii-

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ADDENDA.

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liarly necessary to, or connected with, the supply
of the metropolis, but rather as offering very ad-
vantageous means of giving employment and
subsistence to the poor in that part of Ireland,
and of affording, by exportation, great supplies
to the West Indies, and the southern parts, of
Europe.**

If a fishing station and company were esta-
blished at the Scilly islands, connected with the
Iceland fishery, and depots and stores, connected
with it, were established at St. Ives, Penzance,
and Cork, or some other southern port of Ireland,
il would be the finest fishing station in the world,
to supply foreign trade down Channel, and also
for home consumption. It is remarkable that
the three vessels, which were sent from Deal, last
year, by the Downs Society, to fish off Iceland,
attempted to go up St. George's, or the Irish
Channel, and after beating about a considerable
time, were driven back, and obliged to proceed
round the south and west of Ireland, and had a
very good passage by that route to Iceland, but
had the masters known the Nymph Bank well,
at that season of the year they woul J, no doubt,
have procured full cargoes without proceeding
any farther. It is also remarkable, thV- one of
these vessels, in returning from Iceland by the
west and south of Ireland, put into Penzance,
not being able to proceed up Channel, which

I

ADDENDA.

163

plaiiily indicates that Penzance, St. Ives, and
the Scilly islands are the proper stations con*
nected with the Nymph Bank and the Iceland
Fishery, to supply the trade for the West Indies,
Brazils, and the south of Europe. The cod is
first to be caught in the early part of the season,
on the west coast of Iceland, then on the west of
Ireland, and afterwards on the Nymph Bank, by
which means vessels and their crews may be em-
ployed nearly or wholly during the whole year
round, upon those stations, for that and other
iish.

.1*

i

The second Report of the Association for the
Relief of the Manufacturing and Labouring
Poor, relating chiefly to the general supply of
Fish to the Metropolis and the Interior, dated
the 5th of July, 1815, states, " that their Com-
mittee having renewed their enquiries, and fur-
ther circulated the intelligence of the relief they
v/ere enabled to afford, proceeded to a due exa-
mination of the nuiperous t ases of distress still
calling for assistance in the manufacturing dis-
tricts." Continuing to act upon the principle
which had regulated their former gifts, they af-
forded help to local charities, for the relief of
places, and to the extent which they subjoin.

These donations were received with the most
grateful feelings, and alTorded timely and import-

^;| t!

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164

ADDENDA.

aiit relief. In the statements of distress for-
warded to the Committee from the manufacturing
districts, the leading subject of complaint was,
the scarcity and exorbitant prices of all the ne-
cessaries of life. From the commencement of
their labours, the Committee had, therefore, en-
deavoured so to administer the bounty of the
subscribers as to increase and economise the ge-
neral stock of food. To promote the consump-
tion of fish among the poor of the interior was
thus suggested; and supplies of corned and
salted fish were obtained, on moderate terms, by
offers to the fishermen to take their surplus quan-
tities of cod and herrings in good condition.
The fish procured through this expedient would,
without the encouragement afforded by it, have
been thrown overboard.

As soon as these cheap supplies were fur-
nished, the Committee substituted grants of fish
for those of money; and the readiness with
which the poor received this diet, in parts where
it was before generally unknown, encouraged the
Committee to increase their attention to a sphere
of labour connected with so many important ob-
jects of general good.** It therefore appears
clear, though contrary to the opinion of the fish-
viongerSy that the poor will cat-fish, when not at a
dear price, and even {f it can be obtained for no-
thing.

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ADDENDA.

165

By fully promulgating the bounty of the sub-
scribers, the Committee had obtained the most
ample information as to the wants and sufferings
of the manufacturing districts, at the time of
their last general meeting, and lost no time in
affording the assistance intended by the liberality
of the contributors. The number relieved, very
shortly after that period, was thus considerable,
and the means of furniKhing that relief were
greatly augmented by coKectious of clergymen,
and ministers of various denominations, which
the Committee then availed themselves of the
opportunity thankfully to acknowledge.

The " Fish Association," formed nbout the
same time^ ^-onsiderikig that this Committee were
efficiently pursuing its own object, had more re-
centl}^ in the most liberal manner, transferred
the whole of its rem ."uiing stock, being £5S^,
2s. 2d. in further augmentation of their funds.

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Happier times, for all classes of manufac-
turers, were, however, from that period fast ap-
proaching. Trade had bogun to revive, the
necessaries of life were s'»oii afforded to the
manufacturing poor throu^ii the usual channels,
and the circumstances which, in the first in-
stance, had called fortli the benevolence of the
public, ceased to exist. The Committee, how-
ever, had ^eeu gratified to observe, that although

r4 '

166

ADDENDA.

the mej»sures originally adopted, were intended
merely to furnish a particular relief, and to sur-
mount a temporary evil, they were found to be
such as were connected with general interests of
uniform value and importance.

The Committee state, they had been happy
to reflect, that the Assoc' ation approved of the
extension of the origin? 1 objects of the Insti-
tution, to so important a measure of public
welfare as an increase of the consumption of
fish, anu the encouragement of the British Fishe-
ries s for an extension of the original object of
relief of the industrious poor, it certainly must be
considerer!, and it is one which well provides for
them, V hile it opens a source of benefits to all.
The reinstatement of the labouring classes of
society, togethe ' witii the tendency which the
elForls of the Committee ha^l, nearlv from their
outset, taken, towards assisting and obtaining
assistance from the fisheries, were circumstances
which thus necessarily directed their late opera-
tions almost entirely and exclusively to that im-
portant purpose.

^.m

** It would seem, on a cursory view, to be an
unaccountable fact, for which no adequate or
satisfactory reason can be given, t'.at while so
many of the inhabitants of this country are com-
mendably employed in toiling hard for the culti-

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ADDENDA.

167

[intended
to sur-
[nd to be

ierests of

n happy
d of the
e Insti-
f public
)tion of
fk Fishe-
►bject of
must be
vides for
Its to all.
lasses of
lich the
om their
btaining
tistances
e opera-
Lhat im-

o be an
|uate or
'bile so
e com-
e cultj-

vatit'Ti of the earth, in the laborious exertions
neceii.mry for opening and enriching the soil,
gathering in the harvest, and attending to all the
uetail of labour, even to the ultimate distribution
to the consumer, with an ample deduction of
expence from their hard-earned profits, an ampk
supply of excellent and nutritious food, surround-
ing our coasts, and in a state always ready for
use, should be left comparatively untouched, or
for strangers to possess, and sometimes to collect
for us, to purchace from them ; and that this
should be the case when the taking of it secures
to us collateral benefits of inestimable import*
ance, and forms a main support of that national
dignity and pre-eminence which is derived from
the excellence and bravery of our sailors, in-
itiated to maritime toils by early employment in
the ^sheries,**

The Committee repeat, that these resources
arc comparatively untouched; for it is a fact
that, with the exception of a small proportion of
the country, there is no supply of fish which
merits the name of a supply, or it is such a sup-
ply as would readily be considered a famine,
were it applied to any other article of food in
general use among us.

Th** Committer state, that although no reason
can be Assigned which can. suHiciently account

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168

ADDENDA.

for so little having been effectually done, to sup-
ply the country with fish, it will not be difficult
to point out what have been, and what in a great
measure continue to be, the sources of this evil,
as they now present themselves, and may ever
have been noticed.

1. The unskilful interference which, from the
earliest times, has been practised with the fishe-
ries, in order to promote their interests, and the
want of encouragements suited to their nature,
and the character of the persons engaged in
them. . <

** Were we to judge of the condition of the
fisheries from the number of attempts which have
been made for their regulation and improvement,
we must certainly conclude, that nothing could
be wanting to render their prosperity complete.
The Statute Book abounds with enactments, in»-
tended to give them every sort of encouragement;
repeated ordinances, even under protestant go-
vernments, for the eating of fish on particular
days; compulsory regulations for entering into
the service of the fisheries, and for not deserting
them ; ("Just encouragemeyit, however, would have
been much better;) prohibitions against taking
fish, except of proper sizes and at suitable periods
of the year; companies almost innumerable,
established with capitals, varying in amount, up

ADDENDA.

169

to the extent of half a million, which, for the most
part, have adopted the measure of becoming
themselves concerned in the trade, and engaging
in fishing adventures, and v^^hich, also, for the
most part, have thus completely failed in their
purpose, and broken up their establishments; for,
in this case, little of that superintendance can be
exercised, wliich, in other cases, must serve to
promote attention and quicken industry. Here
there is no inviting spot where the owner of the
soil may survey the progress of cultivation, and
daily ascertain the sloth or diligence of those who
labour in it. The scene of operation is, in this
instance, remote from observation. The produce
of such toils is such as baffles all calculations of
its probable amount, and whether the servants of
the adventurer have been negligent or industri-
ous, whether they have brought home all their
produce, or done that which is known to have
been frequently done in these cases, sold it on
the opposite coast, he has no means of ascertain-
ing.'* All this t however, might be prevented, or
remedied, by proper regulatioiis. By the Dutch
regulatiotts and method o/^ fishing in fleets, and by
giving the masters and crews a due share arid in-
terest in their captures, . .

-'
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Tlie Committee endeavoured to profit by the
attempts which had been before made to pro-
mote the general supply of fish, and the effects

170

ADDENDA.

4

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!|f

which had followed them, and to avoid, as much
as possible, the errors which they had the advan-
tage, not possessed by their predecessors in this
sphere of exertion, of having thus suggested for
their caution. They therefore entirely avoided
any immediate and direct interference in the ob-
taining offish; they only attempted collaterally
to afford the fishermen encouragement, to con-
tribute to their existing and natural inducements
to exertion, and not further to connect themselves
with their concerns. The nature and effect of
these attempts they then notice as follows.

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" Many years since, there existed a cod-
fishery, carried on from the shores of this coun-
tty to the North Seas and Iceland, in which
about two hundred vessels were employed j but
this fishery, from the operation of the duties on
salti had been nearly, if not completely, annihi-
lated.

"In the year 1782, some gentlemen ofYar-
ntouth represented this public loss to a Commit-
tee of the House of Commons, and offered to re-
establish that important fishery, if this impediment
were removed. // not being found expedient that
the measure should then be ad ^ed, the fishery
".vas not revived.

W

The willingness which had been discovered, in

i

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ADDENDA.

171

as much
e advan-
d in this
ested for
avoided
the ob-
laterally
to con-
cements
emselves
effect of
Vs.

the manufacturing districts, to receive and to
purchase supplies of fish, together with the pro-
spect offered of the sale of it, in the general mar-
ket of the metropolis, for home consui tion, en-
couraged the Association to propose, to the
general body of fishermen, to purchase, at the
rate of ^18 per ton, all the corned cod taken
and cured at the North Sea and Iceland Fish-
eries, which they could not otherwise dispose of,
and should bring to Mr. J. E. Saunders, the
Agent of the Association, in good marketable
condition.

i^ii

v.'

a cod-
lis coun-
n which
ed; but
duties on
, annihi-

of Yar-
IJommit-
Bd to re-
lediment
ient thai
e ^fishery

^ered, in

" It should be understood, that the vessels em-
ployed in this fishery are furnished with large
wells, in which a considerable quantity offish is
preserved, and brought alive to the London mar-
ket. The live fish form about one-third of their
cargo, and the rest of it consists of the fish which
they salt, and pile in the holds of their vessels."

In the first season that the above inducement
was offered to the fishermen, the Committee had
the satisfaction to find, that one hundred tons of
salted cod and fifty tons of fresh cod were brought
tr the London market, which woulcl not have
been otherwise taken. In the next season the
Committee renewed an offer, which had before
produced so useful an effect. The consequence
was, that the supply then brought amounted to

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two hundred tons of salted and one hundred tons
of fresh cod. And in the year 1813, when the
Committee again renewed their offer, no less a
quantity than six hundred tons of salt cod, and
three hundred tons of fresh cod, were thus added
to the common stock of human food. The whole
of these large quantities of fish were disposed of,
in the manner before noticed, and formed a ma-
terial article of the food of the French prisoners,
who have since quitted our shores.

In the year preceding this report, the Commit-
tee were again preparing to adopt a measure,
fraught with such important benefits, when an
impediment occurred, which they mention with
deep regret.

* .

The allowances of salt, duty free, for the pur-
poses of the North Sea and Iceland fisheries, are
regulated by the 25th Geo. III. cap, 65, and the
curing of the fish, in the former instances, in
which the Committee were concerned, had pro-
ceeded with due sanction under that act. When,
however, the fishermen were about to proceed
on their voyages, in the last year, difficulties
arose as to their entering under that statute; and
it was suggested, that the allowances of salt, given
by it, had been repealed by subsequent enact-
ments.

<.,

1

ADDENDA.

173

Seventy- five pounds weight of salt, for the dry
salting of one hundred weight of cod, are barely
(and not J sufficient for the purpose ; but, proba-
bly, through some obscurities which had inciden-
tally arisen on a multifarious subject, the S8th
of Geo. III. cap. 89) allows only fifty pounds
weight of salt for the cure of one hundred weight
of c6d; and even the 41st of Geo. III. cap. 21,
by which twenty-two pounds of salt per hundred
weight oT fish are allowed, to preserve fish for a
few days after its landing, were successively
mentioned as the act under which their entries
should be made.

i\

H

i

" It has been since %iind, that one of the
masters of a fishing boat, achially entered under
the latter statute, having been directed so to do,
and concluding that all was right An alarm,
however,immediately spread throughout the body
of fishermen, and when, by the kind interfereHite
of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, an order of
the Excise was obtained for the fishermen being
allowed the like quantity, duty free, which they
had before received, they, for the most part, had
wholly abandoned that fishery for the season."

The number of vessels, which were about to
proceed to it, was double that of the preceding
year, in which nine hundred tons of cod were
obtained, and the injury thus produced may be

™

174

ADDENDA.

•11

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readily estimated ; for only about one hundred
and fifty tons of live and salted cod were fur-
nished by these fisheries in that year.

The Committee submitted to the consideratiou
of Government a measure which, they state,
would have completely obviated the impediment
to the prosecution of those fisheries, connected
with the renewal of the 41st Geo. III. cap. 211,
being the act under which the bulk of the salt
fish, consumed in London, is cured. But owing
to the slow progress which the regular enquiries,
perhaps in some degree necessarily, make, the
Bill passed only a few days before the close ot
the Session, without a remedy to these fisheries,

<< The Committee however state, that they
had every reason to acknowledge the great at-
tention paid to their representations, by his Ma-
jesty's Government; but it is a fact which they
could not but seriously lament, that owing to the
allowance of salt, duty free, not having been in a
state of complete arrangement, fish to a very
large amount, which had been taken during the
preceding three or four months, had been thrown
overboard hy the fishermen, to the great loss of
themselves and the public.

<< The Committee add, that they mention the
above circumstances as they occur in the course

ADDENDA.

175

of a Btatement of facts; but feel it incumbent on
them also to add, from observation, that a more
anxious desire for assisting the British Fisheries,
and that deserving class of persons who labour in
them, can no where more warmly be felt, than in
that quarter where they naturally look for their
chief support and encouragement." It is asto*
nishing then that something more is not done to
carry this desired object into effect.

The measure which the Committee next men-
tion is, the purchases they had made of large
quantities of salt for sale, to the fishermen, as the
particular circumstances of the Osheries may re-
quire it. The quantity of salt consumed in the
North Sea and Iceland stations had become very
considerable, and purchases proportionably large>
had been made by the Committee the year pre-
ceding their report, to meet that demand, and
encourage the exertions of the fishermen em-
ployed in those fisheries j but through the hinder-
ances and occurrences before stated, so large a
stock had been left on hand that the Committee
must, at least, have greatly limited the amount of
their encouragement in the year of their Report,
if indeed the contingencies of a measure, which
had become so considerable, should have cm-
dered any attempt on this subject, with their
reduced means, at all advisable. ^

\ I

I

i

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176

ADDENDA.

Rt .*>

Another expedient of encouragement, adopted
by the Committee, and opemting on the like
principle, had, been, that of offering to the fisher-
men to take all their surplus mackerel, at the
rate of ten shillings for one hundred and twenty
mackerel. This stimulus was continued from
the year 1812 to the date of the Report, with a
success much beyond the most sanguine expecta-
tions.

11!

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if

With the certainty of obtaining at all hazards,
some reward for their labour, fresh adventurers
were thereby attracted to the mackerel fishery ;
the utmost activity and perseverance were ex-
cited among the fishermen ; the daily supply
continued to increase long before any necessity
existed for purchases by the Association ; and at
length so much attention had been excited at
home among the lower order of retailers and
others, that the quantity necessary for the Com-
mittee to purchase, had been comparatively of
very trifling amount, the loss by no means consi-
derable, and many millions of this fish, a plenti-
ful supply of which is so important a benefit to
the poor in the metropolis, had been added to
the general store of food, that, without this sti-
mulus, the public would never have obtained.

The Committee had also, at various times, pur-

ill

ADDENDA.

177

chased quantities of herrings for the supply of the
interior; and these purchases had operated on
the like principle of encouragement to the fish-
eries, which influenced the other attempts that
have been noticed.

"'i

The true secret of stimulating the industry of
the fishermen, and promoting the supply of fish,
appearing to the Committee to have been thus
discovered, th^y directed their attention to ex-
tend the benefit beyond the supply of mackerel
and Iceland cod, to the general supply of cod
and flat-fish, in the metropolis. They soon found,
however, that their limited revenues presented
an insuperable obstacle to their making the at-
tempt. The total sum which the public had en-
trusted to their management, including the re«
ceipt from the Fish Association, had not amounted
to j£^ 17,000, for the relief of all the manufactur-
ing districts, and for their general purposes. They
therefore submitted to the consideration of his
Majesty's Government the following proposal :

N !

i:

A bounty of five shillings per cwt. to be granted
on all the live (no doubt meant fresh) cod-fish,
haddocks, ling, and halibuts, taken by British
fishing vessels, which, in the months of Octo-
ber, November, December, January, Febru-
ary, and March, shall be sold at Billingsgate
market, at, or under, four pence the pound;

m

178

ADDENDA.

i' i

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m

and which, in the other months, shall be sold
there at, or under, two pence per pound. And
that a bounty should be granted, of two shil-
lings per cwt., on all the live plaice, skate,
thornbacks, maids, and other flat-fish, taken
by British fishing vessels, which, in the first
mentioned months, shall be sold at Billings-
gate market at, or under, two pence per pound ;
and which, in the other months, shall be sold
thefe at, or under, one penny per pound. The
bounty in each year to be continued in distri-
bution, until the sum of jC4000 shall thus be
expended. .

The proposed bounty, they state, would ope-
rate precisely on the same principle as the pur-
chasing of the surplus quantities of fish. It would
afford, to the extent of it, an indemnity against
absolute loss, when the supply should be very
large, and the prices consequently low. It
would be distributed only when the necessity
was greatest ; and, as in the other cases, since all
the fishermen would seek to obtain the higher
prices, it would be a benefit which all would wish
to avoid, in the losing sales, on which atone the
bounty would be payable.

1 , 3 •-! :

l/'l ;• I .«S! t r!

From thr experience which the Committee
had acquired, on this method of encouragement^
and from the opinions of those who were well qua-

ADDENDA.

179

be sold
id. And
two shil-
e, skate,
\\t taken
the first
Billings-
' pound ;

be sold
id. The
in distri-
1 thus be

luld ope-
the pur-
It would
r against
be very
low. It
lecessity
since all
e higher
mid wish
.lone the

>mmittee
gement,
irell qua-

lified ;o judge of the effect, it would seem satis-
factorily evident, that the general supply of fish,
in London, would be augmented by this bounty,
to an extent very far indeed beyond the increase
obtained by any former one of the like amount.

The Committee further observe, " that a va-
riety of little grievances and hardships, which
must be expected, even under the best public
arrangements that could possibly be suggested,
are constantly occurring to the fishermen, through
ignorance, inadvertence, and accident, which
fi^quently demand the attention of the Com-
mittee. They are too minute to particularise,
and separately may not b .: f'onsidered of any gene-
ral moment. They are ofion, however, of serious
consequence to the poor fishermen they con-
cern, and render it quite necessary that such an
institution as the Fish Association should exist,
to obtain for them the proper remedy. «'!' : *>f

" 8. The duties on salt are constantly pro-
ducing the most serious impediments to the pro-
gress of the fisheries. The present bearing of
this evil may thus be stated. "<» ^ J-f' 'sj* ^

'* The duties on salt amount to more than twen-
ty-nine times the price of it, (without the duties,)
or, in other words, when salt is purchased, more
than twenty-nine equal parts of the sum are paid

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180

ADDENDA.

Sfcl* s

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1*1

I". J ,

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for duty, and less than one such part for its in-
trinsic value. The salt, with the duty on it, thus
becomes so expensive, as to be placed quite be-
yond the procurement of the fishermen. No fish
could therefore be salted by them, but for certain
allowances of salt, duty free, afforded under the
superintendence of the Excise.

« The large amount of these duties offers the
roost powerful inducements to the commission of
frauds on the revenue ; and, consequently, were
it not for vigilant attention and heavy penalties,
they would be practised to a great extent. The
acts which have provided the allowances are ex-
tremely numerous, and not a little confusion has
prevailed among them. . .

f !;)•'

• '. }

" With regard, however, to the removal of these
duties, there are some to whom it may be proper
to remark, that it is much easier to point out a
mischief, than to suggest a remedy. They have
continued for centuries, during the administra-
tion of all the eminent characters which have,
for so long a period of our history, occupied the
stations of authority.** And it is therefore now
quite time, that common sense should shozv the ne-
cessity/ of their removal, " But none of these
great men have seen the period, at which the
abolition of the salt duties was thought expedient i

M I .= i '

- J-

■ill ■■

' * i y < *

ADDENDA.

181

and they have now become a very important
source of revenue.

i

•* It can therefore be scarcely necessary to
add," they say, " with reference to the allusions
made, in the course of this Report, or to one
branch of them, that the Committee are by no
means to be understood as complaining of an in-
convenience overlooked, or needlessly tolerated.
The public may be assured, it is a subject which
is not forgotten, and that a complete remedy
would be provided, were it immediately practi-
cable."

i i

'11
i

The public will, no doubt, be very happy and
thankful, should this practicability and time ever
arrive; but the Report of the Committee seems
to give little hope for such expectation. If cen-
turies more are to pass away in thinking of the
removal of the salt duty, as well as centuries have
passed away in continuing this unjust and impo-
litic tax, it will have the effect of the kind inter-
ference of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when
the Excise Board ordered the fishermen their pro-
per allowance of salt. It will come too late to be
of any service.

» }

If this doctrine is to be supported, in this and
other cases, little amendment is to be expected,
in the condition of the poor and industrious

I . II

182

ADDENDA.

ii .1

It "

classes ; for it is of little consolation to them, that
the subject is not forgotten, if it is never to be
acted upon. The convenient time, in every re-
spect, and to all people, will never arrive. The
good intentions of the Committee are not, how-
ever, intended to be arraigned by this remark.
Their opinion may be founded on facts, as they
have stated, and on true principles ; for we all
know the difficulty of parting, by consent, with
any of the good things of this world, either in
public or private life. The duty on salt yields to
Government a revenue of one million and a half,
and it is not natural that a minister will give up
this revenue (in the present times and under the
present circumstances) without a substitute, or
commutation, as an equivalent.

sv ♦.?

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It is not the province of these pages to enter
much upon politics, but as the duty on salt so mate-
rially affects the fisheries, and the poor in general,
as yfeW as the general industry of the country,
this digression may be fairly allowed, on that ac-
count; and it may with propriety be said, that
there is not a more impolitic and inhuman tax,
than that on salt; which, if all the consequences
attending it were to be stated, might be sufHci-
ently proved, and any substitute would be bet-
ter; but ministers are not entirely to blame, in
this respect.

ADDENDA.

183

A sufficient revenue must be raised to pay
the interest of the national debt, and amount of
expenditure, (and it should also pay oiT some of
the principal of the debt,) or the country must
sufifer in honour and credit, and its creditors will
not otherwise be properly satisfied. No fairer
way to do this was ever proposed, than the pro-
perty or income tax, if it had been justly and
more judiciously levied and raised; and if the
same mode were again adopted, upon a better
principle, it would be a benefit and happiness to
the country. ' '

It is certain that this doctrine will not meet
with the sentiments and approbation of some cla-
morous people, who reviled, and with great rea-
son, at the enormity and oppression of that tax,
owing to its evil execution ; but this does not
destroy the principle of the tax, nor cannot, for
it is the only just political tax that can be put
upon mankind, except a duty on imports of
foreign goods and produce. All other taxes are
an injury to the industry, comfort, and happi-
ness of every country where they exist; except,
perhaps, some stamps upon evil deeds, vices,
and contracts, which honest men are not other-
wise bound to perform. •. 1

■j>(:M» '-liKl.*'

To use the example of the Committee, and
show that I am not influenced by any private

184

ADDENDA.

I

k

•It

*i[

motives to recommend a property tax upon its
former principles, or to admire the practical
severity of its former arrangement, I have only
to relate a fact vtrhich happened to me in that
particular. Being engaged, some years since, in
a large concern, I gave in the profits of that con-
cern at more than they really were, (it having
sustained considerable accidental losses) but this
did not satisfy the Commissioners, and an order of
a surcharge was made of S600, notice of which
order ought to have been delivered by the col-
lector in time for appeal, but who certainly ne-
glected it, and a levy for the amount was decreed
by the Commissioners, which was conclusive,
and to which there was no appeal in any of the
courts of law, therefore the £600 were forcibly
exacted and paid ; but what is very singular, (as
money ill got i^ generally badly spent, and has
more evils attending its injustice than one,) the
tax gatherer ran off with the money, and most
likely has by this time met with his just reward ;
but his poor securities perhaps have not met
with equal justice.

This shows that the best of things, if abused,
may be bad in practice; but every just and good
thing, if not perverted by the abuses of its prac-
tical application, must be good. The salt duty
can never have done any good, except that of
contributing a revenue to the Government upon

ADDENDA.

185

a false and erroneous principle, if that can be
called good : and every one knows that it has
(lone a great deal of injury to the industry, com-
fort, and welfare of the country, and therefore its
principle and tendency must be bad, and nothing
can justify it ', for what is gained by Govern-
ment one way is more than lost by it in another ;
by the injury produced to the industry of the
country.

The reader will perhaps pardon this digression,
when it is considered, that although it does not
appear immediately the purport of the subject
in pursuit, yet if it be examined as to its general
tendency, it will be found intimately connected
with it. Every one who is able to work, or who
has property, should contribute something to the
support of the state, more or less, in proportion
and according to his means -, and out of seventy
millions of British subjects, one should suppose
that sufficient revenue might be justly raised and
collected, without continuing the injudicious
duty on salt.

li

It is time that more universal justice should
reign among mankind. In this case there is no
semblance of justice. The poor pay as much
duty for salt as the rich, or they are otherwise
debarred from an essential necessary of life. If
they eat meat or fish, it must be that which is

186

ADDENDA.

m\

V

hfeii r • 1

salted or corned, for they cannot afford to pur-
chase it fresh ; nor is it i^o substantial or relishing
a food; and, because this cannot be done, great
quantities of food are spoiled, and thrown away ;
but what is still worse, the fisherman, the labourer,
the farmer, and the manufacturer, cannot exer-
cise the full and free ftse of their labour for this
abominable tax, and may literally be said not to
be able to get *• salt for their porridge." That
only can be said to be just which is founded on
justice, true policy, and equity; and there can
be' neither equity, justice, nor policy, in such a
tax as the duti/ on salt,

•* 5. The Committee of the Association for the
Relief of the Poor, relative to the general supply
of fish in the metropolis and the interior, enume-
rate another general impediment to the progress
of the British Fisheries, which is, the inability of
poor fishermen to incur the heavy expence of
purchasing vessels, and the excessive charges of
their outfits." How are poor fishermen to do this ;
and how are they to give security for salt en-
trusted to them for that purpose ? and if they
could, what is to be expected by them but a
prison, if, by any accident, negligence, or inatten-
tion, they should not be able to make up their
account ? The fisheries, for many reasons, can
never be extended in this way. If they are ever
intended to be encouraged and made to succeed,

ADDENDA.

187

)

1 to pur-
relishing
G, great
n away ;
abourer,
lot exer-
' for this
d not to
That
nded on
here can
n such a

•n for the
il supply
, enume-
progress
ability of
pence of
larges of
) do this ;
salt en-
1 if they
n but a
inatten-
up their
^ns, can
are ever
succeed,

it must be after the Dutch system and establish-
ment, and with such full protection and encou-
ragement of Government, as have been known
and fully proved to be effectual. Therefore, why
should new plans and inventions be proposed,
'when there are examples to go by, which have
been known to succeed and cannot fail? The
whole that is wanting is, the more free and secure
use of salt, duty free, the proper protection and
encouragement of Government, and the esta-
bhshment of a board for that purpose, and of
open joint stock companies, without monopoly,
exclusive privileges, or other impediments.

The Committee report that, " from a very
early period the Dutch have been our most suc-
cessful rivals in the fisheries. This may be rea*
dily accounted for by the consideration that, in
addition to their being wholly free from the salt
duties, and the encouragement of the fisheries
being there nationally and individually almost a
principle of action, the expence of every sort of
necessary to making a fishing voyage, in Hol-
land, is trifling, compared with what British fish-
ermen incur. The business of a master fisherman,
with us, requires some substantial capital for it:»
support. It is all hazard and uncertainty ; with
deductions from his profits so large as to form a
serious hinderance to his acquiring that pro-

irl

t

188

ADDENDA.

portion of property which is adequate to the pur
suit.

I

;!■(■

" Thus a material part of the capital, which
supports the fisheries, belongs to the salesmen,
between whom and the fishermen the most inti-
mate connexion of interest subsists $ and with-
out whose assistance it may much be doubted
whether, in the present state of things, the Bri-
tish Fisheries could retain their standing. For
all the capital, disposable in the fisheries, ample
outlets present themselves through the ordinary
channels. The improvements of the fishermen
are slow, their prejudice strong, and their condi-
tion, neither of mind nor body, is such as to sti-
mulate them to any zeal in correcting errors in
their modes of business.

** From the earliest times it has been a just
subject of complaint, that the inhabitants of our
island have been constantly paying a large sum
to the Dutch for the produce of the ocean
around it It is said, that in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth, four hundred Dutch boats were con-
stantly employed in obtaining fish to be sold to
the English. In the year 1750, the inhabitants
of LowestofTand Southwold, in Suffolk, were un-
der the necessity of petitioning the House of
Commons for relief; the Dutch having per-

I

ADDENDA.

189

severed in fishing so near the shore, and with
such effect, as to sweep the fish out of their
bays. The Dutch annoyed them with one hun-
dred vessels at a time, and, as they stated, did
not allow the British fishermen in those parts to
follow their occupations, either by night or by
day. ..

if

ill

'* The Committee had found that a trade for
turbots, very injurious to the revenue, was still
carried on with Holland, in which several thou-
sand pounds per annum were paid wholly in
specie to the Dutch by our fishermen, to take
for them turbots out of the ocean. The Com-
mittee thought it proper to make a representation
of this circumstance to Government* and to sug-
gest the propriety of a bounty, small in amount,
being offered to British fishermen, in order to
afford them some relief from their peculiar dis-
advantages, and induce them to enter on the
turbot fishery, which they were then almost
hopelessly attempting. Were some trifling en-
couragement given them, there was every reason
to expect that their superior skill and perse-
verance would soon render this fishery their own,
and allow that excellent fish no longer to be
confined, as a luxury, to the tables of the rich.

!•!;

** Lastly, they observe, as another general im-
pediment, that the market of this immense me-

190

ADDENDA.

li

tropoiis naturally induces the body of fishermen
to resort hither with their cargoes of this perish-
able article, while scarcely any exertion has been
made to forward it for the general supply of the
interior, nor any sufTicient arrangements for its
due distribution even throughout the ample range
of London and the parts adjacent.

Vi -f^*

M0'*'

" So powerful an attraction is the London
market, that it is not a rare occurrence for sea-
ports to be worse supplied than the metropolis,
from whence fish is not unfrequently forwarded
to the inhabitants of those parts. Fish has been
forwarded to the London market, there purchased,
and returned for the supply of persons residing
at the seaports, from whence it first came for
sale. The attraction of the London market is,
however, a necessary effect, which must continue
to operate in its natural course. To give it a
more beneficial operation in that course, has
been attempted, and the attempts are thus stated,
with the local impediments which they are in-
tended to remedy, .

" The Committee, in the first place, notice the
impediment to the supply of fish in the metropo*
lis, arising from the variations of wind and tide,
in conveying the fish through the windings of
the river. Before the encouragement offered by
tiic Association to the mackerel fisheries, it was

ADDENDA.

191

shermen
s perish-
las been
y of the
s for its
le range

London
for sea-
tropolis,
rwarded
las been
rchased,
residing
ame for
irket is,
lontinue
Ive it a
se, has
3 stated,
are in-

tice the
etropo-
id tide,
ings of
Ted by
it was

the common practice, when a very slack market
was expected, to throw all the fish overboard at
the mouth of the Thames, a sufficient induce-
ment not being afforded for encountering the
hazards and expence of conveying it to London.

" This practice siill prevailed with regard to
other kinds of fish, and even in the mackerel
season, which was then just closed, immense
quantities of them were lost, by reason that, the
wind being unfavourable, many of the fishermen
were, with their utmost exertions, unable to reach
the London market with their fish when in good
condition.

" Two remedies had been proposed for this
evil; the one was the establishment of a road
from Holy Haven, on the Essex side of the river*
for the conveyance of the fish by land carriage,
and the other, which had more recently been
suggested, was, the use of boats to tow the vessels
against wind and tide by a steam power.

iVi

'* With regard to the former measure, the
Committee notice, that fish was already frequently
landed at Gravesend and brought from thence
in machines. But although Gravesend is nearer
to London, yet the distance from Holy Haven
to Gravesend, though not very considerable, is
sometimes a very difficult part of the voyage.

192

ADDENDA.

" The Committee having understood tliat the
Fish Association were attending to this measure,
suspended their consideration of it; but which
they were then resuming. A serious, though
not, possibly, an insurmountable obstacle, arose
from the circumstance that the Haven is not in
the line of any public road; that horses would be
wanted for the conveyance of fish only when
the wind should be, in a degree, unfavourable;
that, when required, they might often be so in
considerable numbers; and that a new road,
which should be made, or an old one, which
should be repaired, would lead to a public road
where post horses cannot be obtained; an ob-
stacle unknown on the Gravescnd route.**

n
If! *

It! ' 'vjf *

I -I'M
■K '■

;: ' 'I

This preference to Gravesend, or any thing
that can be said against a depot at Holy Haven,
can only originate from want of due attention
and consideration, or from a rivalry of interests
in persons who chuse to give information upon
the subject, for no real foundation for it can exist.
The regular supply of fish from Holy Haven to
the London market would employ horses as re-
gularly as the mail coaches from any town in the
kingdom, and fishing vessels can at all times
reach Holy Haven at one tide, with any wind,
when they cannot often reach Gravesend. And
if all fishing vessels for the Thames were obliged
to discharge their cargoes at Holy Haven, there

ADDENDA.

19s

that the
neasure,
t which

though
le, arose
s not in
vould be
y when
Durable;
)e so in
w road,
e, which
)Iic road

an ob-

»»

ny thing
r Haven,
attention
interests
on upon
!an exist,
laven to
les as re<
i^n in the
ill times
ly wind,
I And
i obliged
in, there

would be constant and regular employ for the
horses kept for carrying the fish to London; but
then, it is true, there would not be any scope for
monopoly and manoeuvres among the fish sales-
men, nor could they treat the fishermen, nor
regulate the fish market just as they liked, parti-
cularly if Holy Haven were made an open and
free market, or port, for fish.

In order that mankind may be properly sup-
plied and supported, there should in all things be
a proper division of labour, and consequently
there should be fish carriers and fish venders, as
well as fishermen to procure fish. This cannot
be effected, unless employment for all be made
regular and certain ; and, in order to make this
secure to both, all fishing vessels for the Thames
should be compelled to put into that harbour,
whether the winds and tides are favourable for
the London market or not, which would insure
a certainty of supply to the London market
every morning, a certainty of sale to the fisher-
men, and a certainty of constant employment for
the horses kept for that purpose ; and the fish-
mongers, basket women, and others who attended
Billingsgate, or any other market, would never be
disappointed of fish, which would generally be at
a regular price, according to the season.

No great establishment, nor indeed any of the

o

i^

n^

<i

•1'

194

ADDENDA.

M

affairs of life can be carried on with success, un-
less regularity and certainty attend its opera-
tions.

liH

I J-

It is only the greater certainty and regular de-
mand for fish that make fishermen prefer the
London market to any other; and it is only the
general certainty of a supply offish at that mar-
ket which makes fishmongers, hucksters, and
others follow that trade and attend that market.
Both these objects would be secured, as well as
the public much more regularly and cheaply
supplied, in a superior and certain degree, by
a general depot for fish at Holy Haven.

The Committee of the Fish Association state,
that steam boats, for towing the fishing vessels up
the river, was a measure recently brought before
them, and to which they should give due atten-
tion. I also recommended this measure three
years ago to the people of Paris, to tow the
fishing boats up the Seine, and it has now been
adopted. Paris is at a great distance from the
sea coasts, and as the fish carriages there have
to pass over rugged paved roads, the fish is much
bruised and mangled before it reaches that city.
This would not be the case from Holy Haven to
London, and as the conveyance would be much
more regular, it would be much preferable tu
steam boats.

\m

ADDENDA.

195

The Committee of the Fish Association like-
wise notice some other circumstances connected
with the London fish market. The London fish
market appears to have been, in early times, at
Queenhithe. This spot, however, seems to have
suited the convenience of the public more than
that of the fishermen. In 1226, the eleventh
year of the reign of King Henry III. the consta-
ble of the Tower was ordered to compel the boats
arri vingwith fish to proceed tothemarketat Queen-
hithe; and Edward IV. in the year 1462, and
third year of his reign, directed that two out of
three vessels arriving with fish, should proceed to
the market at Queenhithe; that the other should
remain at Billingsgate, and preference be always
shown to the market at the former place.

I

t :i

" At that early period, when the population
of London appears not to have been a twenty-
fourth part of its present amount, the metropolis
was furnished with ttvo fish markets. The mar-
ket at Queenhithe has been wholly discontinued,
probably for some centuries past, and it is not
known that any other attempt has been made to
establish a second market for fish, except that
near Westminster Bridge. ' ' f

" The latter was opened under the authority of
an act, 22nd Geo. II. for the amendment of
which a bill was brought in, which was lost, and

ii '1 ■

•n

196

ADDENDA.

u

^ i

two acts were passed, one in the 32nd year, and
another in the S9th year of that reign. The
inhabitants of Westminster were extremely anxi-
ous for the success of the measure. It excited
much interest, and underwent abundance of dis-
cussion. It appears, however, never fully to
have taken effect, and its failure was, at the time,
attributed to the difficulty which the fishermen
had to encounter from the variations of the tide,
the fall of water at London bridge, and the in-
crease of distance." These obstacles would be
avoided by land carriage from Holy Haven.

V

The Committee further express their surprise,
" that all the fish, for the supply of this great
metropolis, should have so long continued to be
brought to a place, in size so completely unfit for
the purpose as Billingsgate, and which appears
unaccountable. The crowding and confusion
prevailing there during the early hours of sale, are
not to be described ; the injurious effect of this
inconvenience to the interests of the fisheries and
the public, will, however, be readily understood.
The fish is sold in a kind of auction; the place
is completely forbidden ground to all unaccus-
tomed to combat with its difficulties ; many sales-
men are scarcely able, in the general scramble, to
seize a spot at which to sell their fish, and some
are ready to resign their engagements, despairing
of relief from this intolerable inconvenience.

ADDENDA.

197

ar, and
Tlie
y anxi-
excited
of dis-
ully to
le time,
hermen
le tide,
the in-
ould be
en.

urprise,
is great
id to be
unfit for
appears
>nfusion
ale, are
of this
ies and
jrstood.
i place
laccus-
r sales-
ible, to
i some
pairing
e.

" The spot occupied by the fish stalls and
standings is a small contracted slip of ground, of
sufficient breadth only to permit one row of them
on each side, and leave a narrow passage for pur-
chasers. There are houses on one side of this
place, the owners of which claim the exclusive
right of all the adjoining standings, and would
thus convert into private property one entire half
of that part of the market which is appropriated
to sales. A small part of it is unavoidably ap-
plied to other general purposes.

" The consequence of the fearful crowding
and tumult unavoidably arising is, that the sales-
men are obliged to sell the fish in a random
manner; with a preference to any one who will
buy a large proportion, and thus a system of re-
grating is established, clearly injurious in its ef-
fect, (to the public and to the poor fishermen) and
of which the public are probably little aware.'*

Were not this report proved by the evidence of
all the world, no one could certainly believe it to
be true, though coming from such high autho-
rity. And is it not a disgrace, that this and other
circumstances relative to the fisheries, may be
related with truth in such a city and such a
country as this ? A fine building is erected ad-
joining the fish market, but that fine building
brings in a revenue of about eleven millions to

II

rl!

' ' ^1

■^i

19«

ADDENDA.

Government, and a fine fish market would bring-
in no direct revenue to the state, and this ac-
counts for its neglect j and also the greater the
difficulty to procure fish, as has been observed,
the greater is the desire of people to purchase it.

I

< I

' I*

r
I") '

** There is a numerous set of persons who
attend Billingsgate, passing under the quaint ap-
pellation of * Bomarees,* whose business it is to
watch all the favourable opportunities of the mar-
ket, and to interpose their dealings between the
salesmen and the fishmongers, as the variations
of the market shall appear expedient. They are
generally very active and expert, and are fre-
quently the most successful in occupying stations
of sale, while many of the regular salesmen are
absolutely thrust out of it. The salesmen, whose
business is not considerable, are thus particularly
inconvenienced. These intermediate dealers
are the persons who are expecVed to buy large
quantities offish, which, in the general tumult, it
is contended, would otherwise be sold with great
difficulty. The fishmongers purchase to a great
amount of these persons, who of course charge
them precisely the prices which their dexterity
has been able to promote. When the supply is
very scanty, their opportunities of bargaining are
proportionably multipliedj and when it is not
so, there is often an unequal competition be-
tween them and the fishmongers, who, when

ADDENDA.

199

they are offering a price for a small quantity,
will be superseded by a * Bomaree' proposing a
larger purchase.

" The market is under the superintendence of
the City of London, whose officers attend it,
and hold situations there of expensive purchase
and considerable gain, derived from fees greatly
augmented by tlie attendance of the irregular
dealers before mentioned. These persons are
perhaps very successful in concealing the nature
of their pursuitsj for it is certainly understood to
be the duty of the officers to prevent these prac-
tices j and, some years since, a regulation was
enforced, that they should not commence their
sales before ten o'clock, which is after the fish-
mongers have generally completed tlieir pur^
chases.

ii

" The first object to which, at this point, the
Committee directed their attention, was that of
increasing the size of the present market, or of
removing it to some contiguous spot, of suitable
dimensions. The fire at the late Custom House
seemed to afford a place in every respect fit for
the purpose. It is understood to be held by the
crown at a fee farm rent. The measure ha<l
been laid before his Majesty's Government, had
been received with the accustinncd attcniion. aud
Js now under their consideration.

200

ADDENDA.

Im ">■

i\

m^

" The profits of the market actually derived by
the Corporation of London amount, as is believed,
to the sum of but sixty to seventy pounds per
annum. The multiplication of shops and stand-
ings for the sale of fish, within the ample range
now proposed, the proportionate increase of any
fees that may be due to the city, as the regular
supervisors, on account of them, the various ad-
vantages which would thus be derived by the
fishermen, the salesmen, the retailers, and the
community at large, awaken the greatest anxiety,
that no trifling obstacles should supersede this
great improvement." It is certainly capable of
being made as fine a wholesale fish market as
any in the world; and another might be establish-
ed near Westminster or Waterloo Bridge, which
would be of equal convenience, and both would
be sufficient for the supply of the metropolis.

" The Committee having thus noticed two ma-
terial impediments to the supply of fish in Lon-
don, proceeded to consider some circumstances
relative to its consumption, as affecting the me-
tropolis and the country in general, and state the
endeavours they had made on that subject. From
the intimate connexion between the demand and
the supply, this, however, had in some degree
been anticipated.

** There is no sort of public or general arrange-

II

iii

ADDENDA.

201

erived by
believed,
iinds per
id stand-
pie range
se of any
e regular
rious ad-
by the
and the
anxiety,
>ede this
ipable of
arket as
^stablish-
e, which
th would
polis.

two ma-
in Lon-
nstances
the me-
itate the
t. From
and and
5 degree

ment for the distribution of fish, on its arrival at
the few yards of ground appropriated for the mar-
ket at Billingsgate. A fishmonger residing near
it may have the fish that he has purchased taken
to his shop, by the inconvenient method of hiring
a porter. If it be at a distance, he must con-
stantly employ a horse and cart; and no one, un-
able to afford that expence, should open a fish
shop far from the market. The poor walking
dealers, frequently, after traversing a distance of
two or three miles to this general resort, find there
is no supply within their reach, and thus have to
return with the loss, probably, of the earnings of
an entire day.

«* The indispensible necessity of a constant
outlet, for all the fish brought to the market, ren-
ders the dealings of these persons of serious im-
portance to the public, particularly in distri-
buting the fish in the metropolis, when the supply
happens to be excessive. Indeed, the utility of
encouraging and increasing the number of these
little retailers, seems to be universally acknow-
ledged. The Committee had, therefore, by no
means considered it beneath their notice to afford
them some assistance, suited vO their situation,
and the result had fully induced them to perse-
vere in so doing.

i

ill

«i

tk

rrange-

*» The method adopted, was that of purchasing

■ ft'

lis?!
i

202

ADDENDA.

some asses and panniers, to let them at a trifling
sum for hire, under the superintendence of one
ofthe servants of the institution; and they thought
it might be useful to state, that benevolent per-
sons, wishing to assist any poor individuals, and
who would engage for their honesty, may in this
way materially serve them, and benefit the pub-
lic. Parish officers and masters of workhouses
might thus very usefully employ many poor per-
sons, who are unfortunately a burthen to the
community.**

i

An application had been made to the Com-
mittee, on the subject of a supply of fish, from
some respectable individuals residing in the parish
of St. Pancras, and in the northern parts of that
of St. Mary-le-bone, who stated, that throughout
a very large district, in that quarter, of immense
population, fish was scarcely ever to be obtained,
by reason of fishmongers not having been in-
clined to open shops, at so remote a distance
from the market.

('

•* It was suggested to the Committee, that one
or more large depots might be formed there, and
be supplied with fish by caravans, to be forwarded
from Billingsgate, in quantities proportioned to
the prices and supply for the day ; and that such
arrangements, as to the prices of sule at these
establishments, might be made^ so as to render

ADDENDA.

203

a trifling
of one
thought
ent per-
\iSLh, and
ly in this
the pub-
rkhouses
)oor per-
to the

he Corn-
ish, from
tie parish
s of that
'oughout
immense
)btainecl,
been in-
distance

that one
ere, and
•rwarded
ioned to
lat such
at these
0 render

them an accommodation to retail dealers choosing
to resort thither, as a general benefit to the inha-
bitants." But it has been clearly proved that,
at the most, two wholesale markets for corn, cat-
tle, or fish, would be sufficient, and none others
would succeed. Two would be better than one,
because it would afford competition and more
convenience.

" The Committee informed the applicants of
St. Mary-le-bone, that they were ready to supply
them, at the cost prices, so soon as they should
be prepared to receive the fish. The Committee
state, that it will be seen by what they had done,
on the same principle in country places, that the
measure is clearly practicable j and that, if the
inhabitants of the parts before mentioned, or any
parts alike contiguous to the metropolis, should
still remain unsupplied with fish of the best qua-
lity, and on very moderate terms, it will really be
only for the reason, that sufficient zeal does not
exist to raise a trifling fund, in order to com-
mence operations and provide for contingencies,
and to take a little trouble of superintendence
and arrangement.

" The fish obtained by persons resident in the
country, is little more than that which a person,
calling himself a fishmonger, purchases generally
from some London fishmonger for a gentleman's

r^A

i!l

!! <

^

I!

204

ADDENDA.

table, in fulfilment of a particular order; or,
which is less frequently the case, it is that which
is bought, for such an occasion, directly of the
London fishmonger. Thus, to the price at the
market is added the usual profit of the London
fishmonger, with that addition which the pro-
fessed dealer in the country finds it necessary to
make, for the trouble of an occasional order, so
that their fish may generally be considered as for-
bidden food. The Committee were informed,
by the clergymen of one of the midland county
towns, that fish was as great a rarity with them,
as in the interior of the Continent.

i

II ' i

I'

I

" The natural anxiety of the fishermen to
press with their cargoes to the London market,
and the disqualifications of these persons, and in
truth for the most part of the body of dealers
in fish, both personal and circumstantial, to pro-
duce any considerable improvement in the trade,
have been already noticed. The latter must
serve as a reason for ^iio singular fact, that, not-
withstanding the comparative greatness of the
London supply, and that the country is so \ery
scantily provided with that food, no particular
exertions had been made for forwarding it thither
by land carriage. The steps which the Com-
mittee had taken for promoting this object they
proceed to mention.

ADDENDA.

205

" They conceive it might be useful to premise
that the first attempt made for the conveyance
of fish by land carriage to the metropolis, was by
Captain Blake, at the commencement of the
reign of his present Majesty. That active per-
severing friend of the fisheries caused several fish
machines to be constructed at his own expence,
and shops to be opened at all the principal mar-
kets in London, to which fish from Torbay, and
various seaports, were conveyed for sale. The
undertaking was, however, too considerable for a
single individual, and he was compelled to resign
the measure. But he had established its practi-
cability and value ; and from that period to the
present, large quantities of fish have constantly,
from time to time, been conveyed to London, on
the plan which he arranged, from seaports where
the industry of the fisherman is proportionably
excited by this additional facility of sale. The
Committee endeavoured to extend the like mea-
sure to the supply of the interior with fresh fish.

.fi'ii

They had offered to towns, within a circuit of
about one hundred miles from the metropolis, to
afford them a supply of fresh and corned fish by
carriages, which contain from about 20 to30cwt.
if at a distance exceeding forty miles, and by
light carts, which would carry about seven hun-
dred weight, should this method be preferred,
where the place is within that distance, on re-

n

.j^*'

20G

ADDENDA.

spectable persons in the particular towns under-
taking the superintendance, and early returns of
payment. The fish was to be sent as regularly
as the cost price in the market would permit ; to
this was to be added a sum to cover all expences
of carriage, &c.

r ,

Mi

111'

l:« I

The Committee mention Marlow and Wick-
ham, in Bucks; Birmingham with the adjacent
towns ; Henley in Oxfordshire ; and Maidenhead
in Berks, as having received a supply. At Bir-
mingham, a very few months after it commenced,
and a proportionate demand was raised, private
individuals began to embark in this measure*.
The Committee state that they were much gra-
tified at being informed that the dealers at Bir-
mingham were bringing great quantities of fish
from tlie Yorkshire coast, on such moderate
terms as would render it necessary for the parties
to close their engagements with the association.

* The writer of this book has also been informed at other
lovsns, and from undoubted authority, that altliough the Com-
iiuttcc put no profit upon their fish, yet the towns could get
better, cheaper, and more regularly supplied by their purchasing
at Billingsgate market, than by giving their orders^ to [the so-
( iety's agent. But this, however, as at Birmingham, had also
the cfTect of inducing individuals to take up the trade, and they
wore infinitely better supplied than formerly. One town in par-
ticular (Farnham) where only one woman before carried about n
basket, with a small quantity of fish occasionally, was now sup-
idicd in great abundance; and every town in the kingdom, and

ADDENDA.

207

" At Maidenhead in Berks, which is a place by-
no means of large population, the quantity offish
purchased within the six months prior to the date
of the Report, was estimated at no less a quantity
than fifteen tons ; for which, and all expences,
^501 had been charged; being little more than
threepence halfpenny per pound for the fish, and
all the costs of conveying it thither. Nearly all
the sorts of fish of the season had been afforded ;
cod, soles, turbot, salmon, &c. and they state
that the demand appeared only to be limited by
the price. The Committee had succeeded at
this place certainly beyond their expectation,
and they attributed much of that success to the
excellent and judicious plan and arrangements
which were made to that effect by the gentle-
men of the town. The same success, they ob-
serve, must however, be attainable, by the same
means, in the many other towns which are in
like circumstances.

II

mi

iii

" The Committee further state, that they could

both rich and poor, would be so supplied, if proper regulations
were adopted. It should be the business of every town, within a
proper distance of the metropolis, to establish a cart to take
poultry, butter, or other objects from the country to London
every morning, or twice a week, as may be required, and to
return with fish in proper time for the supply of the town and
neighbourhood that day, and the two objects cuiiibiucd would
lessen tlte cxpence on the iish.

208

ADDENDA.

not conclude the subject without acknowledging
the benefit of a special exemption of the post-
horse duty, from the thirty-first day of January
preceding, on all horses solely employed about
the conveyance of fish, as another proof of the
interest taken by Government in this important
subject, and of their obliging attention to the
applications of the Committee.

!." >

** The Committee thus point out some of the
hinderances to this source of national prosperity,
and the principles and measures of encourage-
ment which they have adopted for the relief of
the fishermen, and for the benefit of the commu-
nity. They consider that they have stated
enough to establish the practicability of extend-
ing this important good to all classes, both in the
metropolis and the interior, and they then sum
up their Report by earnestly appealing to the
British public for their support and co-operation,
and entreating them to reflect, whether the zeal
which so long distinguished them for promoting
their own fisheries, and the important interests
connected with them, should now be permitted to
droop or to expire.

** The object of this appeal relates to assisting
our fishermen in their career of toil and hardship;
augmenting our naval strength, and maintaining
its superiority; increasing the general supply of

ADDENDA.

209

)wledging
tlie post-

January
^ed about
)of of the
important
on to the

me of the
prosperity,
ncourage-
e relief of
3 commu-
.ve stated
of extend-
)oth in the
then sum
ng to the
operation,
^r the zeal
promoting
t interests
;rmitted to

0 assisting

1 hardship;
laintaining
I supply of

food, by an article which 'seems the common
birthright of an islander, and rendering the benefit
accessible to the lower and needy class of society;
keeping open an inexhaustible resource in any
emergency of want, and, in short, daily doing
good to all without exception ; and they particu-
larly inrite every person, into whose hands their
Report may fall, to use any influence they may
possess, of making the arrangements therein sug-
gested, for the benefit of themselves and others,
in furnishing a supply of this invaluable article
of food. And should the evil so justly complained
of still exist, they consider that it must be
because the object having been so long overlook-
ed, sufiicient public spirit is not now felt, to sus-
tain the little trouble and expence which are re-
quisite for the purpose. But this surely cannot
be the case. An appeal on this subject was,
perhaps, never before made to the British Public

IN VAIN."

The way to make a people happy is, to im-
prove their morals, and to furnish them the means
to procure food and employment, without which
much morality cannot be expected ; and every
thing that can tend or contribute to that end,
must be of public as well as individual benefit.
And no one will have the hardihood to assert, that
this great object may not, in a considerable de-
gree, be assisted by the promotion and extension

l"i

rl

^

ini

-210

ADDENDA.

of the Fisheries. It is evident and clear what
might be done, what ought to be done, and what
still remains to be done, in this respect ; and the
only difficulties that now remain are, to know
when it is to be done, and who are to do it.

It is perhaps unnecessary to say more, in or-
der to convince any reasonable mind of the im-
portant advantages and benefits to be derived
from promoting and extending the British Fish-
eries; but candour requires, that every thing
should also be stated that has been advanced to
the contrary ; or, at least, such inferences as have
been drawn, from practical proof and experience,
as do not appear very encouraging. But if pro-
perly examined, their evil tendency to discou-
ragement will easily be removed, and the proof
of utility will be strengthened, by having been
drawn from the source or cause of its failure.
For, finding out the causes of past errors^ is the
most sure way to avoid them in future^

.ii '

It is frequently found, that great and the most
valuable undertakings fail, or have difficulties, in
the first instance. They are then, sometime or
other, taken up upon different principles; and,
by correcting former errors, with better experi-
ence and management, and with more accurate
attention, they generally succeed, and are seldom
known to be unsuccessful. ,

W^

III

ADDENDA.

211

lear what
and what

; ', and the
to know

io it.

ore, in or-
of the im-
)e derived
itish Fish-
ery thing
Ivanced to
;es as have
xperience,
3ut if pro-
to discou-

the proof
ving been
its failure.

ors^ is the

] the most
cultiesj in
metime or
iles-y and,
er experi-
3 accurate
ire seldom

That the extension of the British Fisheries
would be of great national and individual benefit,
needs not any further confirmation. It is allow-
ed, even by all its opponents, if a practical sys-
tem could be properly applied ; but that it has
not as yet produced much benefit, although
many attempts have been made to that effect,
must also be admitted*.

Dr. Smith, in his Wealth of Nations, although
he appears generally a warm advocate for the
promotion of the fisheries, and allows that they
should be supported by Government means, yet,
in order to support a favourite opinion with him,
he has introduced a proof or inference drawn,
certainly, from practical facts and experience,
which, coming from such authority, has given
more discouragement to the extension and pro-
motion of the fisheries, than any thing besides

* Mr. Scott> of the house of Sir P. Pole, hart, and Co. in his
examination before the Committee of the House of Commons, for
the relief of the poor, particularly recommended the encourage-*
ment of the fisheries, to relieve the maritime class of the peo-
ple ; and it vronld have been a happiness for the country, as >veil
as to those people, if his recommendation had been attended to.
It was long ago remarked, that a naval militia and naval schools
would be of great benefit to this country, as by those means ten
thousand men might be raised on the most sudden emergency.
It is still to be wondered at, that something of this kind has not
been adopted. The fisheries would be the best schools to truin
them in.

1:1

213

ADDKNDA.

II

Bi'l t '

1.1 .

that has been advanced against them. But his
statement is not properly defined. It contains
facts, tending to the discouragement of the fish-
eries, but it does not explain the causes which
produced them. It does not appear that Dr.
Smith had well considered the subject; for his
statement, in this particular, is not consistent
with the general sentiments evinced, in many in-
stances, in different parts of his work. It is in-
troduced merely, and even unfairly and incon-
siderately, as a matter of fact, to favour and
strengthen a favourite hypothesis, which he uses
every effort to support, though not always with
success; namely, the impolicy and inefficiency
of Government bounties.

He says, " that the usual effect of bounties is,
to encourage rash undertakers to venture in a
business which they do not understand ; and what
they lose by their own ignorance, more than com-
pensates all thatthey can gain by the utmost libe-
rality of Government. This is often proved to be
true; but it is the fault of management, and not
the natural effect of bounties. Bounties should
certainly never be granted, except to assist desi-
rable undertakings, in the first instance, or in
cases of necessity; but they may be of the great-
est national benefit, in many instances, upon pe-

* Wealth of Nations, vol. ii. p. 290.

ADDENDA.

213

But his

t contains

f the fish-

ses which

that Dr.

t; for his

consistent

1 many in-

It is in-

ind incon-

avoiir and

ch he uses

I ways with

lefficiency

l)ounties is,
nture in a
; and what
than com-
tmost hbe-
roved to be
it, and not
ities should
assist desi-
ince, or in
fthegreat-
j, upon pe-

culiar occasions and circumstances, and under
proper regulations.

Dr. Smith observes*, ** that somethino: like a
bounty upon production has been granted, upon
some particular occasions. The tonnage boun-
ties given to the white herring and whale fish-
eries may, perhaps, be considered as somewhat
of this nature. They tend directly, it may be
supposed, to render the goods cheaper in the
home market, than they otherwise would be. In
other respects, their effects, it must be acknow-
ledged, are the same as those of bounties upon
exportation. By means of them a part of the
capital of the country is employed, in bringing
goods to market, of which the price does not re-
pay the cost, together with the ordinary profits
of stock*.'*

* Mr. Playfair, in a note upon this paragraph^ says, " Boun-
lies on fisheries are not merely to be regarded in a commercial
point of view, for they operate as an encouragement towards a
nursery of seamen, who arc necessary to the protection and in-
dependence of the British nation. The military school, at W'^ol-
wich, is a bounty to encourage military engineers ; and, t'.iough
a dead expence to the nation, is a very wise one. A bounty for
raising hemp is of the same nature; it is partly political, partly
commercial." Dr. Smith, also, always argued upon the errone-
ous idea, that there was not capital sufficient to support the in-
dustry and commerce of the country ; and, therefore, auy thing
that took from it, by any new plan of industry, was a disadvan-
tage. But time has proved that this opinion was fallacious.

214

ADDENDA.

h i]

** But, though the tonnage bounties to these
fisheries do not contribute to the opulence of the
nation, it may perhaps be thought th£.c they con-
tribute to its defence, by augmenting the num-
ber of its sailors and shipping. This, it may be
alleged, may sometimes be done by means of such
bounties, at a much smaller expence than by
keeping up a great standing navy, if I may use
such an expression, in the same way as a stand-
ing army.

'^ Notwithstanding these favourable allegations,
however, the following considerations dipose me
to believe, that, in granting at least one of these
bounties, the legislature has been very grossly
imposed upon.

" First, the herring buss bounty seems too
large. ./

** From the commencement of the wmter fish-
ing, 1771> to the end of the winter fishing, 1781,
the tonnage bounty upon the herring buss fishery
has been at thirty shillings the ton. During these
eleven years, the whole number of barrels, caught
by the herring buss fishery of Scotland, amounted
to 378,347. The herrings caught and cured at
sea, are called sea sticks. In order to render
them what are called merchantable herrings, it is
necessary to repack them with an additional quau-

if

(I

ADDENDA.

215

is to these

ice of the

they con-

the num-

t may be

ns of such

than by

may use

s a stand-

legations,
Jipose me
J of these
y grossly

>eems too

nter fish-
ig, 178J,
ss fishery
ing these
3, caught
imounted
cured at
o render
ngs, it is
lal quan-

tity of salt j and in this case, it is reckoned, that
three barrels of sea sticks are usually repacked
into two barrels of merchantable herrings. The
number of barrels of merchantable herrings, there-
fore, caught during these eleven years, will
amount only, according to this account, to
252,23 U. During these eleven years, the ton-
nage bounties paid amounted to ^155,463. 1 Is.
or to 8s. 24d. upon every barrel of sea sticks, and
to 12s. 3id. upon every barrel of merchantable
herrings.

" The salt with which these herrings are cured,
is sometimes Scotch and sometimes foreign salt ;
both of which are delivered, free of all excise
duty, to the fish curers. The excise duty upon
Scotch salt is at present (at that time) Is. 6d.,
that upon foreign salt 10s. the bushel. A barrel
of herrings is supposed to require about one bushel
and one-fourth of a bushel of foreign salt. Two
bushels are the supposed average of Scotch salt.
If the herrings are entered for exportation, no part
of this duty is paid up ; if entered for home con-
sumption, whether the herrings were cured with
foreign or with Scotch salt, only one shilling the
barrel is paid up. It was the old Scotch duty
upon a bushel of salt, the quantity which, at a low
estimation, had been supposed necessary for en-
ring a barrel of herrings. In Scotland, foreign
salt is very little used for any other purpose but

WE I

I

^t ■ i)

■111

216

ADDENDA.

the curing of fish. But from the 5th of April,
1771, to the 5th of April, 1782, the quantity of
foreign salt imported, amounted to 936,974
bushels, of eighty-four pounds the bushel; the
quantity of Scotch salt, delivered from the works
to the fish curers, to no more than 162,226, at
fifty-six pounds the bushel only. It would ap-
pear, therefore, that it is principally foreign salt
that is used in the fisheries.

" Upon every barrel of herrings exported,
there is, besides, a bounty of 2s. 8d. ; and more
than two-thirds of the buss-caught herrings are
exported. Put all these things together, and you
will find that, during these eleven years, every
barrel of buss-caught herrings, cured with Scotch
salt, when exported, has cost Government 17s.
md. } and, when eiitered for home consumption,
14s. 3|d. 5 and that every barrel, cured with fo-
reign salt, when exported, |ias cqst Government
jCl. 7s. 5id. ; and, when entered for home con-
sumption, JOI. 3s. 9id. The price of a barrel of
good merchantable herrings runs from seventeen
and eighteen, to four and five and twenty shillings;
about a guinea at an average.

" Secondly, the bounty to the white herring
fishery is a tonnage bounty, and is proportioned
to the burden of the ship, not to her diligence or
success in the fishery ; and it has, I am afraid,

■— "Ksasw^K

ADDENDA.

217

>1' April,
antity of
936,974
Jhel; the
he works
,226, at
ould ap.
eign salt

exported,
nd more
ings are
and you
s, every
n Scotch
lent 17s.
imption,
with fo •
ernment
me con-
barrel of
^venteen
ihillings;

herring
ortioned
fence or
1 afraid.

been too common for vessels to fit out for the sole
purpose of catching, not the fish, but the bounty.
In the year 1759, vvhen the bounty was at fifty
shillings the ton, the whole buss fishery of Scot«
land brought in only four barrels of sea sticks.
In that year each barrel of sea sticks cost Go-
vernment, in bounties alone, ^113. 15s.; each
barrel of merchantable herrings, ^^159. 7s. 6d."
This proves that a tonnage bounty, on the ves-
sel, is the most impolitic measure that can be
adopted, to encourage and extend the fisheries;
but it does not prove that bounties would have
the same effect, if granted on the weight of fish
caught.

" Thirdly, the mode of fishing for which this
tonnage bounty, in the white herring fishery, has
been given, (by busses, or decked vessels, from
twenty to eighty tons burden,) seems not so well
adapted to the situation of Scotland, as to that of
Holland; from the practice of which country it
appears to have been borrowed. Holland lies at
a great distance from the seas, to which herrings
are known principally to resort; and can there-
fore only carry on that fishery in decked vessels,
which can carry water and provisions, sufficient
for a voyage to a distant sea. But the Hebrides,
or western islands, the islands of Shetland, and
the northern and north-western coasts of Scot-
land, the countries in whose neighbourhood the

Ht'i

'1 r .'

i^i.

218

ADDENDA.

herring fishery is principally carried on, are every
where intersected by the arms of the sea, which
run up a considerable way into the land; and
which, in the language of the country, are called
sea- lochs*.

" It is to these sea-lochs that the herrings prin-
cipally resort, during the seasons in which they
visit those seas; for the visits of this, and, I am
assured, of many other sorts of fish, are not quite
regular and constant. A boat fishery, therefore,
seems to be the mode of fishing best adapted to
the peculiar situation of Scotland : the fishers
carrying the herrings ashore, as fast as they are
taken> to be either cured or consumed freshf."

" But the great encouragement which a
bounty of thirty shillings the ton gives to the
buss fishery, is necessarily a discouragement to
the boat fishery ; which, having no such bounty,
cannot bring its cured fish to market upon the

* It appears by this, that Dr. Smith w&b most partial and
fevourable to the lochs and small boats of Scotland, but it docs
■ot equally prove, or confirm, that he was a practical fisherman.

t If the visits of this, and other sorts of fish, are not quite
regular and constant, as Dr. Smith has just before stated, and
which no doubt is correct, the boat fishermen must always be
subject to disappointment and uncerlttinly, • .»;,.. ^ ,.j;

ADDENDA.

219

are every
a, which
nd; and
.re called

igs prin-
ich they
nd, I am
not quite
herefore,
lapted to
e fishers
they are
•eshf."

which a
s to the
ment to
bounty,
jpon the

4

partial and
but it do«s
fisherman.
• ».
e not quite
itatfcJ, and
t always be

same terms as the buss fishery*. The boat
fishery, accordingly, which, before the establish-
ment of the buss bounty, was very considerable,
and is said to have employed a number of sea-
men, not inferior to what the buss fishery em-
ploys at present, is now gone almost entirely to
decay. Of the former extent, however, of this
now ruined and abandoned fishery, I must ac-
knowledge that I cannot pretend to speak with
much precision. As no bounty was paid upon
the outfit of the boat fishery, no account of it
was taken by the ofiicers of the customs or salt
duties.

" Fourthly, in many parts of Scotland, dur-
ing certain seasons of the year, herrings make no
inconsiderable part of the food of the common
people. A bounty, which tended to lower their
price in the home market, might contribute a
good deal to the relief of a great number of our

* This is undoubtedly true, and proves that bounties have
seldom been properly and wisely regulated. The fishing- vessels
that receive the bounty on the deep-sea fishery to this day, as I
have been credibly informed, smuggle between the north of
Scotland aud the Fcrroe islands, and employ fishermen to catch
fish in their boats near the western islands, which they return
and take merely to get the bounty. Thus, they certainly
catch the bounty on smuggling, and not for calching fish. This
practice it suid to be curried on to an enormous extent ; some
Danish houses on the Ferroe islands having lately made im-
mense fortunes bt it.

220

ADDENDA.

'■in-

I? m

fj

lit;

fellow subjects, whose circumstances are by no
means affluent. But the herring buss bounty
contributes to no such good purpose. It has
ruined the boat fishery, which is, by far, the
best adapted for the supply of the home market,
and the additional bounty of 2s. 8d. the barrel
upon exportation, carries the greater part, more
than two- thirds, of the produce of the buss
fishery abroad. Between thirty and forty years
ago, fthat time J before the establishment of the
buss bounty, sixteen shillings the barrel, I have
been assured, was the common price of white
herrings. Between ten and fifteen years ago,
before the boat fishery was entirely ruined, the
price is said to have run from seventeen to
twenty shillings the barrel. For these last five
years it has, at an average, been at twenty-five
shillings the barrel. This high price, however,
has been owing to the real scarcity of the her-
rings upon the coast of Scotland." Then xvhy
recommend boat ^fishing?) " I must observe too,
that the cask or barrel, which is usually sold
with the herrings, and of which the price is in>
eluded in all the foregoing prices, has, since the
commencement of the American war, risen to
about double its former price, or from about
three shillings to about six shillings. I must like-
wise observe, that the accounts I have received
of the prices of former times> have been by no
means quite uniform and consistent ; and an old

I

ADDENDA.

221

e by no
bounty
It has
far, the
|market,
barrel
t, more
le buss
ty years
It of the
I have
'f white
irs ago,
led, the
teen to
last five
nty-five
owever,
he her-
?n why
rve too,
Ily sold
e is in-
ice the
isen to
about
St like-
sceived
by no
an old

man, of great accuracy and experience, has as-
sured me, that more than fifty years ago a guinea
was the usual price of a barrel of good merchant-
able herrings; and this, I imagine, may be still
looked upon as the average price. All accounts,
however, I think, agree, that the price has not
been lowered in the home market in consequence
of the buss bounty.

" When the undertakers of fisheries, after
such liberal bounties have been bestowed upon
them, continue to sell their commodity at the
same, or even at a higher price, than they were
accustomed to do before, it might be expected that
their profits should be very great ; and it is not
improbable that those of some individuals may
have been so. In general, however, I have
every reason to believe, they have been quite
otherwise.

** In 1750, by the same act which first gave
the bounty of thirty shillings the ton for the en-
couragement of the white herring fishery, (the
2drd Geo. II. chap. 224) a joint stock company
was erected, with a capital of five hundred thou-
sand pounds, (an imperfect^ wild, and frantic
scheme, like that 0/ the South Sea Company; J to
which the subscribers (over and above all other
encouragements, the tonnage bounty just now
mentioned, the exportation bounty of two shil-

.» »

^22

ADDENDA.

'^:

if ' ■* 3

lings and eight pence the barrel, the delivery of
both British and foreign salt duty free) were,
during the space of fourteen years, for every
hundred pounds which they subscribed and paid
into the stock of the society, entitled to three
pounds a year, to be paid by the receiver-general
of the customs, in equal half yearly payments.
Besides this great company, the residence of
whose governor and directors was to be in Lon-
don, it was declared lawful to erect different
fishing chambers in all the different out-ports of
the kingdom, provided a sum, not less than ten
thousand pounds was subscribed into the capital
of each, to be managed at its own risk, and for
its own profit and loss. The same annuity, and
the same encouragements of all kinds, were
given to those inferior chambers, as to that of
the great company. The subscription of the
great company was soon filled up, and several
different fishing chambers were erected in the
different out- ports of the kingdom. In spite of
all these encouragements, almost all those diffe-
rent companies, both great and small, lost either
the whole or the greater part of their capitals -,
scarce a vestige now remains of any of them, and
the white herring fishery is now fai that time)
entirely, or almost entirely carried on by private
adventurers."

This was exactly as might have been expected,

ADDENDA.

223

ivery of
) were,
every
nd paid
io three
general
yments.
ence of
n Lon-
ifferent
ports of
han ten
capital
and for
ty, and
I, were
that of
of the
several
in the
ipite of
e diffe-
t either
ipitals ;
m, and
t time J
private

»ected.

because these societies had no regular plan or
fixed principles to act upon. What was the use
of granting bounties, and raising large sums of
money, unless proper plans had been adopted
for encouraging and supporting the fisheries in
other respects ? There does not appear to have
been any plans for those fishing companies, ex-
cept those of having grand chambers with gover-
nors and directors; raising money, and contriv-
ing how to spend it, and all concerned trying
who could get most in the scramble, and it is not
improbable, as Dr. Smith observed, that some
individuals found their profit in it. They were
to fit out vessels, it is true, and they were to
catch fish on the coasts, if they could find it; but
it does not appear by the returns that they ever
found, or probably ever wished to find much.
Nor had they any regulations or plan in this
respect. They considered every thing but that
of knowing where to find the fish, how to catch
the fish, how to cure the fish, and how to dispose
of the fish; and these trifling matters seem to
have been left quite out of their contemplation.
And their object was only to catch and cure
white or barrelled herrings, which according to
their plan and arrangement could only be done
during a month or six weeks in the year, and
that very uncertain, either as to time or quan-
tity; depending entirely upon whether the her-
rings would come to the places where, and at the

224

ADDENDA.

*i

A

time when, they were prepared to catch them.
What was to be done with the fishermen and
others, as well as the vessels, during the remain-
der part of the year, does not appear to have
been determined, or calculated upon. How then
was it possible that such establishments could
succeed under such arrangements ? And how is
it possible that they could have failed to suc-
ceed under better and more proper arrange-
ments, with good management? The Dutch
keep their fishermen employed in different fishe-
ries the whole year round.

n*

.'^

The failure of the white herring fishery was
exposed by Dr. Smith, as before observed, merely
with a view to discourage bounties generally, but
at other times he held that fisheries were an ex-
ception, and that they ought to be encouraged by
Government means. It is not fair to condemn a
system or principle because its application or ex-
ecution is defective or abused. And as Mr.
Playfair justly remarked upon Dr. Smith's ac-
count of the white herring fishery : " The result
was unfavourable for individuals, but it does not
by any means appear to have been so to the
public." The consequence and failure of the
white herring fishery, as is well known, arose
from mismanagement, malversation, bad plans,
and bad regulations ; and from the concern being
established by "rash adventurers, who undertook

ADDENDA.

225

ch them,
men and

lemain-
r to have
low then
Its could
id how is

to suc-

arrange-

le Dutch

ent fishe-

hery was
d, merely
Tally, but
re an ex-
iraged by
3ndemn a
ion or ex-
l as Mr.
lith's ac-
'he result
does not
0 to the
re of the
/n, arose
id plans,
jrn being
ndertook

a business they did not understand ;" except at
liiASt their own views and interest ; and the result
of every undertaking is never known to be other-
wise, when established upon such principles,
and under such circumstances. Mr. Playfair also
very justly observes, upon this occasion and re*
markable subject, that, *< although adventurers of
this kind may, by their negligence and ignorance,
lose more than the utmost liberality of Government
can compensate, yet, though this may be the case
at first, it cannot continue to be so for any length
of time; and in human affairs there is always
some evil attends every possible arrangement."

Had this act of parliament been followed up
by proper regulations, and by wise and good
management, it seems totally impossible but
the tnost beneficial results would have been de-
rived from it, both to the public and to the asso-
ciations ; and its failure appears very easily to be
accounted for. As Government was so much in-
terested and concerned in this establishment,
there should have been a committee and a board
appointed, for that purpose, of men the best in-
formed upon the subject; and after having further
obtained the best information of others, rules
and regulations should have been established,
by which these associations should have been
governed, which appears to have been a neces-
sary security for Government; for it seems to

^N

11' i .^

ir

Ki,

'{

f^

n

226

ADDENDA.

have been a weakness or neglect in Government,
to accord so freely the public money, and' not to
take care that it was applied for the public good.
If money get into the hands of men who are im-
provident, unjust, dishonest, or who do not pro-
perly understand the business they undertake,
the result must be generally the saine, as is well
known in all cases; and this Was liteirally the
cause of failure in the white herring fishery.

If fisheries are never to succeed, or that it is
impossible they ever should succeed in this coun-
try, why has not the Dutch fishing trade, with
less advantages, been unsuccessful ? and how is
it that country has received from it its greatest
benefits ? It has been proved by the Fish Asso-
ciation, that sufiicient quantities of fish might be
caught, by our people, and sold in this country, if
proper stations>and markets were established to re-
ceive and vend the fish, and there were no impedi-
ments of salt duty or otherwise to discourage the
fishermen, and that proper laws and regulations
were made to protect and encourage them. What
th0y want is, a certain market, or markets, for their
fish, and such regulations as wouM enable them
to form associations, the same as in Holland ;
which a general charter, and a proper committee,
or board, with proper powers for that purpose,
would soon edtablish, with little expence to Go-
verument, and without a^y danger of IO06 to indi-

ADDENDA.

227

eranaent,
tid' not to
•lie good.
0 are im-
> not pro-
ndertake,
as is well
)t9.\\y the
lery.

that it is
his oouD-
ide, with
id how is
greatest
ish Asso-
might be
ountry,if
[led to re-
0 imped i-
linage the
gulations
n. What
> for their
ble them
fiolland ;
mmittee,
purpose,
e to Go-
s to indi-

viduals ; or without the necessity of raising im-
mense capitals, as heretofore, to be spent in wild
and gigantic schemes of monopoly; and this
appears to be the only way to promote the
fishing trade generally in this country.

It is clear, as before asserted, in the former
part of this humble attempt to promote their en-
couragement and to show their importance, that
the British fisheries have never been made, pro-
perly speakings a national object o{ proper inves-
tigation ; for, although many attempts have been
made, and every encouragement appears to have
been given, even to excess, by Government, yet
there have been no fixed plans or principles esta-
blished to insure their success, by which reason
the objects intended have always been defeated j
and the facilities and encouragements which Go-
vernment has accorded have always been ren-
dered fruitless and unavailing. The fisheries,
(as well as the fishermen) have always been left
to the control of unjust monopolizers and
scheming adventurers; or, like other things," left
to find their level ; but neither these, nor other
things, have ever yet found, or ever will find,
i\\e\v proper level, without proper regulations.

No people can be happy, who are either in want
of food or employment. The fisheries will contri-
bute, in a great degree, to relieve both ; and if other

• ' ii

9^8

APDENDA.

m

branches of industry were also attended to, and
properly encouraged and supported, there are no
difficulties which an industrious apd energetic
people may not overcoipe by those means.
The state of this country, generally speaking,
is worse than most people imagine. Those peo-
ple can know yery little of the distresses of the
country, who have every comfort they want within
themselves, and who keep entirely within the cir-
cle of their own society; nor can they a.!<* r^
perceive it by walking the streets; for indig .' /^
is not always covered with rags, and ppverty
often disdains to murmur. On this account every
thing appears to go on well, to some sorts of
people ; and, to hear them speak, one would sup-
pose that there is no such thing as poverty, or
misery, in this country. Compared with other
cpuntries, they say, there is no such thing as
poverty, or any poor, in England. This may be
true; for some other countries may be wqrsf!,
perhaps, but it is ^o rei^son why this country
inay not be better. Let, however, such people
survey the coasts of the United Kingdom, (al-
though the major part of the inhabitants have
fled to other countries,] and let theni also exa-
mine the interior of the country, not in the man-
sions of the great, but in the habitations of the
poor ; let them explore the miserable huts on the
mountains of Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the
poor crammed lodgings of towns, and even the

ADDENDA.

229

once peaceful and happy dwellings of the middle
class of people, and there is no doubt but they
will find misery enough in this country, which
they had never before believed or witnessed.
This may perhaps excite their feelings of charity
and pity, but it would be of more benefit to
society, if they would prevent those evils by
promoting the industry of the country.

Recent accounts iVom the Sciliy Islands, reprc*
sent the inhabitants there to be in a miserable state
of distress, and literally starving. Government, it
is said, has sent them some relief, in provisions or
money ; but how are they to live, or be support-
ed, afterwards ? This is a famous country for
relieving the distresses of people by charity;
though little is done to prevent the necessity, by
the noble and equitable principle of enabling peo-
ple to support themselves. The inhabitants of
the Sciliy Islands are said to amount to near five
thousand people. All their employment now is,
to raise and procure a small quantity of provi-
sions, and the chance of meeting with a merchant
vessel to take some of their fish, and afford them
s^ little barter. If a proper harbour were made
at the Sciliy Islands, (and one of the safest and
the best could be made,) it would be the means
of saving and relieving numberless ships, that are
lost and distressed, at the mouth of the Channel.
Vessels are now often obliged to leave Mount's

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230

ADDENDA.

Bay, for better protection in the harbours of the
Scilly Islands. If a fishery were established there,
for whieh it is the finest situation in the world, it
might be carried on to an incredible extent, and
be of great benefit to commerce and the indus-
try of the country; it would give employment to
an immense number of people and be a fine nur-
sery for seamen, of whom it would always be able
to supply from five to ten thousand, upon an
emergency.

If commerce, the fisheries, and the general in-
dustry of the country be neglected, and not pro-
perly and efficiently supported, it must plainly be
seen what will be the fate of this country. No-
thing but those means will relieve it, or prevent
its inevitable ruin. It must be industry of every
kind, to establish its firm structure and preserva-
tion ; for it requires many artists to build up, or
to repair a house, although the most stupid la-
bourer may pull it down. The agricultural
commercial, and general industry of this coun-
try, of which the fisheries form no inconsiderable
part, would, if properly encouraged and sup-
ported, effect a change, which no human wisdom
or means can otherwise accomplish ; and if these
sources of relief be suspended or neglected, the
country will not only languish under existing
misery, but ultimately be completely and irre-
trievably undone.

ADDENDA.

231

>urs of the
shed there,

|e world, it
:tent, and
the indus-

foyment to
fine nur-

[ys be able
upon an

general in-
d not pro-
plainly be
try. No-
)r prevent
Y of every
preserva-
iid up, or
stupid la-
ricultural)
his coun-
isiderable
and sup-
n wisdom
J if these
:ted, the
existing
md ir re-

It has been purposely intended, in the course
of this small work, to touch as little as possible
upon politics, particularly where it did not im-
mediately relate to, and was not absolutely neces-
sary for, the support of, the subject in question.
On this account, much has been ommitted which
might have been said, on the state of Newfound-
land, and other matters, for fear of agitating, still
further, the tremor of alarmists; but, although the
world may not be so enlightened as to understand
all the secrets and policy of cabinets, yet the
plain common sense of politics is now as well
understood by people in general, as by the most
learned lawyers or i^tatesmen, and many things
are known, which are supposed to be concealed.
It is therefore plain, to every man of common
sense, (whether it be spoken or not, and to con-
ceal it would not make it less known, to those
who may wish to take advantage of it,) that, in
case of any dispute with America, about a few
acres of barren land, or a sand bank in the sea,
(which, for the sake of humanity and the good of
both countries, it is hoped never will happen,)
Newfoundland will then, either not be in the pos-
session of the English, or will occasion a torrent
of bloodshed, which might be avoided by adopting
the plans proposed in this work. For, supposing
the Americans ever to be possessed of Newfound-
land, England will then, according to the present
system, have no fishery. Supposing the fisheries

232

ADDENDA.

tabe encouraged nearer home, England will then
not want Newfoundland, which although it may
fully supply America and the western world, it
could not come in competition with other fish-
eries, as before stated, to supply Europe^

THE END.

;;' ' I;

t -„

I

J. Swill, Prka*r, 76» tltit Strettf London.

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id will then
igh it may
ti world, it
other fish-

es

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