quence of some recent legal decisions in favor of the proprietors." The quantity of salmon taken yearly is very considerable, and it is esteemed of the best quality. Very little is exported, almost the entire being consumed in the town and the adjacent counties. The fish is sometimes taken by nets out of the weirs, and, in great quantities, preserved alive in a house set apart for that purpose, by which means it can be always had fresh, and of any size. The average price for some years past is about a shilling a pound, but it fluctuates according to the scarcity or abundance of salt water fish taken in the bay. On the whole, this salmon fishery, if sufficient capital were expended on it, and that a proper system was once introduced, would prove a source of never-failing emolument to the proprietors, and of considerable benefit and convenience to the town. X 2. Fishings of the Bay. Valuable as is the fishery of the river of Galway, that of the bay is considerably more so. No part of the Irish coast abounds with a greater variety of all sorts of fish, and yet very few fisheries have been so imperfectly cultivated. The fishermen here, particularly those of the Claddagh village,' are very numerous, upwards of It was for a long time a matter of dispute whether those deriving under the patent possessed an exclusive right, or, in law phrase, whether the river was a several fishery, in which only the owner had a right to fish, or a common fishery, in which the public indiscriminately might exercise such a right. The former title was never acknowledged, and the question having at length become a subject of legal investigation, a several fishery was effectually established. There was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes, though with difficulty, passed up and down from the lake to the sea: this particular gap was always kept open from February to August, (being the fishing half year,) when all the others were shut: the proprietors, finding that this diminished the value of the weirs, caused it to be closed: this also became a subject of legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should be, and it has ever since accordingly been kept open. *In 1762 it appeared in evidence before the Irish house of commons, that "the fishery in the harbour and bay of Galway is remarkably good, that there is the best herring and cod fishery there in the kingdom, and a cod-bank near Bophin, about a night's draft from the shore. The bay of Galway on the outside of the Arran Isles is remarkable for sun-fish, which are there in plenty, and of such value, that if a boat be out for two months, and takes one sun-fish, the owners think themselves repaid. The fishermen of Galway supply the city of Limerick with sea-fish and a great part of the inland county. In the fishing season about 200 boats are employed in the bay and harbour, of which about 160 belong to the town, and the rest to the county of Clare side of the harbour.". Com. Jour. Vol. VII. A. D. 1762. According to Doctor Young, (whose information is generally correct,) there were in 1776 from " 200 to 250 boats belonging to the town, 40 or 50 of which were employed in the spring fishery for cod, hake, mackrel, &c. These boats are from 4 to 6 tons, some 9; they cost in building 207. a boat and the nets and tackle about 157. The nets are of hemp tanned with bark; there are 5 to 6 men to a boat; they fish by shares dividing into sixty; they have had this fishing time immemorial. The plenty of fish decreased these 15 years. A middling night's take is 5000 fish; all they get is sold unto the country, and the demand is so far from being answered, that many cargoes are brought in from the north. The fish sell at 1s. 4d. to 2s. 2d. a hundred."-The Doctor further adds-"On the coast of Conomarra there is, from the 10th of April to the 10th of May, a fishery of sun-fish which is done by the herring boats; one fish is reckoned worth 51. 40 or 50 boats employed on this."-Young's Tour. CLADDAGH FISHING VILLAGE. y The following short statistical account of this singular colony (which, though situate within a quarter of a mile from the natives of the town as if they were of another of Galway, is as different in habits, manners and character, country,) may not, it is hoped, be thought altogether uninteresting. Situation and Extent. The Claddagh (an Irish word, which signifies the sea shore,) is a village situate on the estate of Mr. Whaley, near the strand, about a quarter of a mile to the west of Galway. It is irregularly built, but very extensive, and intersected into several streets. The number of houses or cabins, which are all thatched, was returned, in 1812, at 468, inhabited by 500 families, consisting of 1050 males and 1286 females, but the population is now (1820) considerably greater, being supposed to exceed 3000 souls. It is a very ancient village, and, according to tradition, 2500 hands being employed in the inner bay alone; and, though they sometimes exhibit a great shew of industry, they are still so wedded to old customs, that they invariably reject, with the most inveterate prejudice, any new improvement in their fishing apparatus, which is consequently now very little superior to that used centuries ago by their ancestors. The consequence is, that the great mass of wealth which here lies engulfed in the bosom of the deep has been hitherto but partially explored; and the riches which yearly flow into this extensive inlet of the ocean are suffered again to depart, through the indolence, and sometimes superstitious prejudices, of this otherwise useful and meritorious body of men. When they do not themselves think proper to fish, they was the first residence of the settlers in this quarter; a circumstance not very unlikely, from its contiguity to the bay, and consequent convenience for the purpose of fishing, which appears to have been their original occupation. Previously to 1808, the streets and exterior of this large village were as remarkable for want of cleanliness, as the interior of most of the houses was for neatness and regularity. About that time captain Hurdis of the royal navy, then commanding the sea fencibles of this district, persuaded the fishermen to appropriate a small portion of their weekly pay for the purpose of paving and cleansing about their houses, and since that time it has been observed that they have got rid of many of those contagious disorders which generally prevail in large irregular villages. Internal Regulations. This colony from time immemorial has been ruled by one of their own body, periodically elected, who somewhat resembles the Brughaid or head villager of ancient times, when every clan resided in its hereditary canton. This individual, who is dignified with the title of mayor, in imitation of the head municipal officer of the town, regulates the community according to their own peculiar laws and customs, and settles all their fishery disputes. His decisions are so decisive, and so much respected, that the parties are seldom known to carry their differences before a legal tribunal, or to trouble the civil magistrates. They neither understand nor trouble themselves about politics, consequently in the most turbulent times their loyalty has never been questioned, and they are exempt from all government taxes. Their mayor is no way distinguished from any of the other villagers, except that his boat is generally decorated with a white sail, and may be seen when at sea (at which time he acts as admiral,) with colours flying at the mast-head gliding through their fleet with some appearance of authority. As fishing and farming are seldom followed by the same individual, the labours of these people are solely confined to the sea. Their only occupation is fishing; they never trouble themselves with tillage; a milch cow and a potatoe garden are equally rare among them. Fishing Craft, Implements, Sea Excursions, &c. Previously to 1790, the Claddagh fishing-boats were little more than half the size of those used at present. This small craft seldom ventured beyond the Isles of Arran, or more than half an hour's sail from land, but generally coasted along the shores of Conainara, and, on the first appearance of a smart breeze or sudden change of weather, immediately ran for shelter into the next creek or harbour. From that period, however, the fishermen began to build their boats of larger dimensions; the ordinary size of the common sailing-boats at present is from 8 to 10 tons, and some of the largest from 12 to 14. A boat of this description generally costs from 40 to 50l. exclusive of nets and fishing implements; and of these, it is said, there are now about 250 belonging to the village, besides a great number of smaller boats impelled by oars. In the former the fishermen frequently go round to Limerick, and even more to the southward, laden with fish, and also towards Westport and Sligo on the west; and the dexterity and intrepidity with which this hardy race meet and brave the boisterous element, in which they mostly live, is often surprising. When on shore, they are principally employed in attending to, and repairing their boats, sails, rigging, cordage, &c. and in making, drying, or repairing their nets and spillets, in which latter employment they are generally assisted by the women, who spin the hemp and yarn for the nets. In consequence of their strict attention to these particulars very few accidents happen at sea, and lives are seldom lost among them. Whatever time remains after these avocations they generally spend in regaling themselves with their favorite beverage, whiskey, and assembling in groups to consult about their maritime affairs, on which occasions they usually arrange their fishing excursions. When preparing for sea, hundreds of their women and children for some days before crowd the neighbouring strands, digging for worms to bait their hooks. The men carry in their boats some potatoes, oaten-cakes, fire and water, but never admit any spirituous liquor. Thus equipped, they depart for their usual “ fishing grounds," and sometimes remain several days away. Their return (especially if heavily laden) is joyfully hailed by their wives and children, who meet them on the shore. They are immediately regaled at the next public house, the fish instantly becomes the property of the women, (the men after landing never troubling themselves further about it,) and they dispose of it to a poorer class of fish-women, who retail it at market. The annual value of this fishery cannot be well ascertained, but it must amount to a considerable sum, from the multitude of families exclusively and independently supported by it alone. The approach of the harvest and winter herring fishery is known by the flocks of sea fowl which appear in these seasons, hovering with an unusual noise over their invariably prevent every other from attempting it, viewing, with all the monopolizing spirit of any corporation, the bay as their exclusive domain, on which, to use their own words, they never admit any trespasser; and, therefore, should a single boat from any other district venture out to fish, without the concurrence of the Claddagh body, it does so at the risk of being destroyed. Long and serious disputes also subsisted between them and the inhabitants round the bay, as to the mode of fishing by trawling, which though the latter always practised, was invariably and outrageously resisted by the fishermen. A number of gentlemen, convinced of the great advantages to be derived from cultivating this valuable fishery, lately formed themselves into a company; and, having at consi prey in various parts of the bay. It is also usually preceded by an abundant take of large coarse fish such, as cod, ling, pollock, &c. and the sea also appears in many places luminous by night. There are several other unerring prognostics, well known to the fishermen, which proclaim the approach of this fishery. Immediately on its being ascertained, the mayor or admiral of the Claddagh dispatches reconnoitring boats to prevent poachers or stragglers, with full powers to take and destroy their nets and boats if found fishing, (or, according to their own phraseology, trespassing,) until all shall have an equal chance by a general fishing. For one or two days previous to this the entire Claddagh is in commotion, making preparations for the excursion. On the appointed day all the boats round the bay (which generally muster about 500 large and small,) rendezvous at the quay, and, upon a signal given all sail out at once in regular order. The beauty of this sight is inconceivable, and when viewed from one ofthe heights about the town, is perhaps one of the most gratifying that can be well imagined. When they arrive at the "fishing grounds" another signal is given by the "admiral;" the nets are instantly set, and every boat is then left at liberty to make the best use of its time. When the great shoal of herrings arrives, it is observed that, in order to spawn, they separate into several smaller sculls, which fill all the creeks and harbours; here they are followed by the fishermen and taken. On the return home of the Claddagh boats, the women, as before, exclusively possess themselves of the produce of their labour. Manners and Customs, &c. From what has been already said it may be concluded, that the inhabitants of the Claddagh are an unlettered race, but they seldoin have either inclination or time to be other wise. They rarely speak English, and even their native language, the Irish, they pronounce in a harsh discordant tone, sometimes scarcely intelligible to the town's-people. It is said that they considered it a kind of reproach either to speak English or to send their children to school, and that a schoolmaster amongst them would be considered a phenomenon; but of late there are some exceptions to this rule. How far education would make these poor people happier in themselves, or more useful members of society, is a matter of doubt, but it is certain that the trial has never been made, although a most respectable convent lies at the head of their village, to which they are liberal benefactors. This observation is not here intended as any reflection on that reverend community; perhaps their exertions have proved fruitless; and it is well known that the habits of fishermen are nearly the same in all countries. Here they seem a happy contented race, and, satisfied with their own society, seldom seek, or are ambitious of that of others. Strangers, for whom they have an utter aversion, they never suffer to reside amongst them. The women possess unlimited control over their husbands, the produce of whose labours they exclusively manage, allowing the men little more money than suffices to keep their boats in repair; but they have the policy, at the same time, to keep them plentifully supplied with their usual luxuries, whiskey, brandy and tobacco, of which they themselves also liberally partake. They are equally illiterate with their husbands, and very seldom speak English, but are more shrewd and intelligent in their dealings. In their domestic concerns, the general appearance of cleanliness is deserving of particular praise; the wooden ware, with which every little dwelling is stored, rivals in colour the whitest delft. Marriages. It has been remarked that among this numerous colony matrimonial connexions are seldom formed beyond their native village. They generally intermarry with each other at an early age; and St. Patrick's day, the May and September fairs, but particularly midsummer eve, are the usual seasons for forming these alliances. During these periodical festivities the young man generally singles out the object of his choice. A marriage is commonly preceded by an elopement; but no disappointment or dishonorable advantage, arising from that circumstance, has ever been known among them. A reconciliation between the young couple and their respective friends generally takes place the morning after the elopement; the clergyman's part of the ceremony is then performed, and the nuptials are solemnized with a boisterous kind of merriment usual only on these occasions. A cabin is soon provided for the new-married pair, who now, in their turn, commence housekeepers. The parents, if in good circumstances, contrive to supply the price of a boat (or at least a share in one) for the husband, and this, with a few articles of furniture, commonly constitute the entire of their worldly possessions. The women are generally prolific, and the fine healthy children always to be seen in great numbers at the Claddagh are seldom excelled even in more opulent communities. Although the women are handsome, infidelity is a crime never heard of, and jealousy is equally unknown. Indeed in every instance the relative duties are here piously fulfilled and, in particular, the care and respect with which derable expense, fitted out several boats, provided with legal nets and other necessary materials, their exertions were crowned with success. The undertaking, while it continued, proved highly beneficial to the proprietors, and promised to be much more so; but the Claddagh fishermen, jealous of an infringe. ment on what they called their rights, resolved to suppress this spirit of enterprise by violent means. They accordingly attacked the company's boats, destroyed their nets, cut their sails and cables, threw their anchors overboard, and ill-treated the crews. The gentleman, however, with whom the undertaking had principally originated, and whose property, to a considerable amount, had been thus wantonly destroyed, represented these daring outrages to Government, who gave every possible and prompt assistance on the occasion. The commissioners of customs at the same time directed, that the measurement of the meshes of drag, or other sea-nets, should be three and a half inches from knot to knot, to be taken diagonally. It is therefore hoped that those disgraceful scenes, the effects of which have been so injurious to the entire community, (but to none, if properly they treat their aged parents are deserving of the highest Having at length regained their village, they assemble in praise. Amusements. Drinking, dancing, and listening to music, are their principal amusements: the feast of St. Patrick is one of their grand gala days. After pouring copious libations to the honor of the patron saint during the forenoon of this festival, they assemble towards evening in groups, to partake of plentiful repasts prepared at their favorite public houses. Here they and their families continue for two or three days in one continued scene of merriment and ebriety, and never, during the happy octave, so much as think of going to sea. At other times the Sunday and holiday evenings are entirely devoted to dancing; and, though these people are passionately fond of such music as itinerant pipers and fidlers can afford, yet it has been remarked that even a passable song has never been heard amongst them. The Nativity of St. John the Baptist (24th June) they celebrate by a very peculiar kind of pageantry. On the evening of that day the young and old assemble at the head of the village; and their mayor, whose orders are decisive, adjusts the rank, order and precedence of this curious procession. They then set out, headed by a band of music, and march with loud and continued huzzas and acclamations of joy, accompanied by crowds of people, through the principal streets and suburbs of the town: the young men all uniformly arrayed in short white jackets, with silken sashes, their hats ornamented with ribbons and flowers, and upwards of sixty or seventy of the number bearing long poles and standards with suitable devices, which are in general emblematic of their profession. To heighten the inerriment of this festive scene, two of the stoutest disguised in masks, and entirely covered with party-coloured rags, merrymen," with many antic tricks and gambols, make way for the remainder. In the course of their progress they stop with loud cheerings and salutations opposite the houses of the principal inhabitants, from whom they generally receive money on the occasion. as groups, dancing round, and sometimes leaping and running through their bonfires, never forgetting to bring home part of the fire, which they consider sacred; and thus the night ends as the day began, in one continued scene of mirth and rejoicing. That the entire of this exhibition, though unknown to the actors, is a remnant of an ancient pagan rite, is evident to any one acquainted with the early history of this country. Male and Female Dress. Three flannel vests, under a fourth of white cotton or dimity, trimmed with tape of the same colour, over these a fine blue rug jacket with a standing collar and horn buttons, a blue plush breeches never tied or buttoned at the knees, blue worsted stockings, a pair of new brogues, a broad trimmed hat neither cocked nor slouched, and a red silk handkerchief about his neck, completes the holyday dress of a Claddagh fisherman: at all other times they wear the common jacket and trowsers usual with persons of their occupation. The women stil retain their ancient Irish habit, consisting of a blue mantle, a red body-gown, a petticoat of the same colour, and a blue or red cotton handkerchief bound round the head after the old fashion. On Sundays and festivals, however, they make a more modern appearance; a matron's dress being generally composed of a blue rug cloak trimmed with fine ribbon, a rich calico or stuff gown, with the red flannel bodygown, however, occasionally worn over it, and a silk handkerchief on the head. The dress of the young women differs but little from that of their mothers, except with the addition of a fine muslin or cambric cap, trimmed with the richest lace. They have been seldom known to wear ribbons in their head-dress here, though esteemed such indispensable ornaments in other places. The cause of this omission is rather curious: In the west of Ireland it is a custom, rather general amongst the lower orders, that females who cannot speak English are not allowed to wear ribbons in their caps. Hence a stranger, on entering a fair or market town, may, considered, more than to the infatuated perpetrators themselves,) will never again be repeated. Notwithstanding these defects, a great quantity and variety of fish are taken in the bay; amongst which the following are to be had daily in the public market, during their proper seasons, viz. herrings in great quantities, turbot of the largest and finest kind, soal, plaice, cod, haddock, hake, whiting, ling, mullet, black and white pollock, mackrel, bream, eel, gurnet, and several other varieties, with abundance of lobsters, crabs, cray-fish, oysters, shrimps, cockles, muscles, &c. and at very reasonable prices. 3. Herring Fishery. The herring fishery, which is the most valuable on the coast, sets in twice every year, first in harvest and afterwards in winter. For some years past the herrings, from some unknown cause, make their appearance much later than formerly: the winter fishery, which usually began early in November, and ended on Christmas eve, does not now commence until the end of February, or beginning of March, but the vast shoals annually taken are astonishing. The herrings are larger and esteemed of a much better quality than those taken on the coasts of Scotland, but that industrious nation far exceeds us in curing and saving the fish. On the commencement of the season, vessels from England, Scotland, and many parts even of Ireland, attend in the different creeks and harbours of the bay, and purchase the fresh fish, which is immediately cured and prepared for exportation. It is much to be lamented that this practice does not awaken the attention of the merchants of the town, who might individually, or by forming themselves into companies, take advantage of those treasures which people of other countries annually carry away from their doors. The liberal encouragement, however, now held out by Government to the Irish fisheries, may, perhaps, stimulate their industry. For this encouragement the country is not a little indebted to the the interment of their dead, a custom rather of a sin- |