obviously suggests itself is, to raise a fund, and employ it, under proper regulations, in assisting the fishermen to make more efficient out fits and enabling them to send their produce to the metropolis and inland towns, (to which it seems by nature destined), and in curing the overplus for exportation to the British colonies, or foreign markets."

Sea to the Channel, appear in wonder-
ful abundance in the Downs in the early
part of October, aud remain till the end of
November, about which time they pro-
ceed gradually to the westward, and are
caught off the Isle of Wight till the end of
February; indeed, such is the profusion of
these fish, while they continue between
the Forelands, where they are necessarily
condensed by the conformation of the
Straits, that, as your Committee are in-
formed, the quantities taken on this part
of the coast amount to more than double
the average catch of our great fishery at
Newfoundland, in proportion to the time
and number of hands employed in it.
"Your Committee would be happy if
they could say with truth, that this har
vest bad, in any adequate degree, in-
fluenced our people's exertions-on the
contrary, they have, with concern, to re-
port, that the fisheries are at present limited
to a very insignificant scale, and conducted
in so desultory a manner that, in the early
part of their respective seasons, the article
is rendered too dear for the general con-
sumption of the labouring classes, and, to-
wards the end of the season, when most
abundaut, it is too cheap to enable the fish-
ermen to pursue their employment with
advantage; so that the boats are always
laid up before the season expires, not from
the deficiency of fish, but from the inad-coast of Sussex, com-
equacy of the markets, and the uncertainty
of sale.

"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 fishries, the out fits for which have, since the peace, amounted to several hundred sail of craft, calculated to stand the weather, as well as to remain at sea for many days, to proceed to a considerable distance from their own ports; by which means, as your Committee are informed, they last year made successful voyages, continuing the fishery even on our coasts, and under the shelter of our harbours, for several weeks after the boats of the neighbourhood were laid up-a fact that would naturally excite suspicion of the ignorance and indolence of our fishermen, if they who reside on the spot could not affirm, from actual observation, that our meu, although their characteristic energy is repressed by poverty and neglect, are in no degree inferior to foreiguers, either in diligence or skill, nor is there any situation in the world where the fishernien have greater hardships or dangers to encounter.

"In attributing the low condition of this fishery to the above causes, your Committee conceive the remedy which

"HOLLAND.
"Possesses within
herself neither tim-
ber, iron, hemp,
pitch, tar, staves, nor
salt, but is supplied
with every article,
except the latter,
from the Baltic, in
retura for fish; part
of the salt is ob-
tained from France,
Portugal, and the
Mediterranean; but
a considerable pro-
portion from Liver-

pool.

"Has no herrings
near her own coast,
but takes them on
the coast of Britain,
from Shetland to the

mencing at the dis-
tanse of 250 leagues,
and ending at fifty
leagues from her
own ports.

"Her own popu

lation is computed
to be between two
and three millions:
a large proportion
of her fish has there-
fore always to de-
pend on foreign
markets for con-
sumption, and in
Russia, her fish is
subject to a higher
duty than British.

"Her fisheries are exposed to interruption, and even total suspension, in time of war with Great Britain, from the deficiency of her maritime force for their defence.

the number of families in the United Kingdom to consist of 3,600,000, and each family to consume only one barrel per annum, (equal to about four pounds of fish per week), the whole cousuinption would amount to 3,600,000 barrels; and taking the present fishery at one-third of that quantity, the additional two-thirds which might be computed to be produced from extending the fisheries, might be valued at 4,800,000l. sterling, affording maintenance to 960,000 families in various departments of labour arising from this source."

"In attributing the low condition of this fishery to the causes before stated, your Committee conceive the remedy which obviously suggests itself is, to raise a fund, and employ it, under proper regulations,

"Your Committee, naturally conceiving that any proposals for increasing the production of a commodity should be accompanied with a satisfactory view of the markets on which its sale would depend, have made the best inquiry on this head that circumstances would permit; and, without pretending that either time or opportunity has enabled them to obtain full information on this exteusive part of the subject, they have the satisfaction to state, from the reports of various merchants and others, who have resided in Russia, Prussia, Germany, and Sweden, or are natives of those countries, that the north of Europe has, for several years past, been very inadequately supplied from the Prussian and Norwegian fisheries; while the British herrings have not been cheap enough to com-in assisting the fishermen to make more efpete with those of Norway, for the supply of the lower classes who consume them, nor good enough, in point of quality, to be introduced at the tables of the rich, like herrings cured in the Dutch manner; and your Committee understand that the ill success of occasional shipments from Leith to Russia may be attributed to this cause: the British fish being, as it were, insulated between the low price of the Norwegiau fish, (which, the price current from Petersburgh) in November last, quotes at 50 roubles and the superior quality of the Dutch cured fish, which are quoted at 200 roubles, the British being averaged at 80 roubles.

"In regard to the demand for herrings | in our West India Islands, (where, it is hoped, the British fishery will never again meet the competition it suffered some years ago from the Americans and the Swedes) there is every reason to believe that the improvement in curing the herrings caught on the British coast will increase their cousumption in our colonies, which is already so great, that the limited quantity herein proposed to be obtained, in the next season, is not likely to affect the West India markets in any great degree; and it is a consideration not unworthy the benevolent views of this country, that even the negroes should be furnished with wholesome food.

Considering the amount of our populations 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 accessible to the labouring classes, the demand for its consumption would increase beyond any calculation we can pretend to make; though it must appear on the most cursory view, that supposing

ficient out fits-in enabling them to send their produce to the metropolis and inland towns (to which it seems by nature destined), and in curing the surplus for exportation to the British colonies, or foreign markets.

"With respect to the supply of London and the inland markets, with fresh fish, this object, though it constitute the first branch of the proposed experiment, depends, at present, on the adventitious arrival of smacks from the river, and the bargains which the masters can make with the fishermen. This desultory and uncertain mode is generally attended with so much inconvenience to both parties, that, in the early part of the season, the fish, as before stated, is rendered too dear in London for the use of the lower classes, and towards the close of the season, when the produce is most abundant, it fetches too low a price to induce the fishermen to continue their employment so long as they would otherwise do.

"It should therefore be the object of the Society to provide smacks, in proportion to the number of boats connected with them, which should meet the fishermen early in the morning, at some convenient rendezvous, according to the state of the wind and tide, where, taking the fish on board, they should proceed, with the utmost dispatch, to Londou.

"On this plan it is presumable, that sixty boats, which the parishes could immediately furnish, would supply that market with fifty tons of fresh herrings, or about a third of that quantity of mackerel, in their respective seasons, daily, at little more than half the price at present charged for them; nor would it unfrequently happen, under the proposed arrangement, that fish caught off the North Foreland would arrive in London on the same day.

"The Society might also provide carts, and make contracts with horse-keepers, for carrying fish by laud to Canterbury, Chatham, Rochester, Maidstone, and the intermediate towns and villages, where they might arrive, consigned to established agents, within six or eight hours after they were taken out of the water.

ling; and would produce an inverse effect on our manufactures and productions, by keeping foreign articles out of our market, which are purchased only with cash. Thirdly-It would render the revenue more productive by several millions.

Fourthly-It would maintain, without expense, at a point most contiguous to the Continent, an efficient and organized resource of national defence.

Fifthly-It would support at the entrance of the Thames, and the greatest thoroughfare for British shipping, a competent number of those valuable men who are acknowledged to be so able and so necessary for preserving the lives and property of his Majesty's subjects, in the dangers incidental to this navigation.

"Convinced from practical observation, that every association for carrying on a fishery, must be founded on the interests of those on whose fidelity and exertion it must chiefly depend, which will not admit like most other employments, of any effectual superintendance or control, the Committee have endeavoured in the proposed plan, to excite those interests, by requiring the boats' crews to become subscribers of such shares as, though comparatively small in themselves, are sufficient to insure the industry and fidelity of these men, by the strongest pledge that can be required of them; at the same time that the gratifying idea of being admitted members of such an association, is peculiarly adapted to the habits and feelings of the Cinque Port seamen, many of whom are in circumstances to hold shares in the boats in which they Seventhly-By uniting our neglected reare usually employed-and even the rest sources, Great Britain would be enabled are men of such character or connexions, as to meet any other nation in the foreign marwould enable them to obtain loans, if theirkets for fish, and would insure, to her own subscriptions should be required to be paid fisheries, the exclusive supply for her own in anticipation of the adventure; but it markets. would be sufficient that the eventual earn

ings of the crews should be pledged for their respective shares; and, in regard to the boat owners, it appears but just that the property they have already invested in the fishery, should be admitted as their contribution to the capital stock of such an association--not only without any further payment, but even as entitling them on the security of their boats, to some advance from the Society; without which, under their present distress, many of the boats cannot be fitted out, but must perish on the beach, or be employed in a pernicious traffic, which it is one object of the Society to supplant."

The following are the advantages which the Committee expect will be derived from their plan ::

First-The general extension of the fisheries would open a new channel of employment for the great surplus of our maritime and manufacturing classes, and thus tend to relieve the distress which is so generally felt throughout the country.

Secondly-It would immediately reduce, and gradually supplant, the contraband trade, which has been estimated at the enormous amount of fifteen millions ster

SixthlyIt would furnish a regular, ample, and cheap supply of fish for the metropolis, and for inland consumption, either fresh during their respective seasons, or sulled for winter use; providing a vat luable resource in years of scarcity, without the additional bounty which has been sometimes paid for that purpose, to the amount of 30,0001.

"While the preparations were making at Deal, a deputation was appointed to solicit the Right Honourable the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (Lord Liverpool) to do the Society the honour to become its Patron-and to request the Right Honourable Admiral Lord Gambier to become its President- and these applications having been favourably received, the deputation had the honour to lay the Report and Plan before the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, who expressed his approbation, and kindly assured the Society of his assistance and support.

The deputation also communicated the views of the Society to the Committee of the Association for the Relief of the Mannfacturing and Labouring Poor, who declared that the Fishermen's Friends were entitled to their support, and benevolently granted them a donation of three hundred pounds."

Alderman Atkins said, gentlemen would understand, that the 3001. mentioned in the last place, was given as a donationbut the object of this meeting was, to set on foot a subscription, which would interest, in the whole of this proceeding, all who became parties to it. The subscrib

ers would hold shares, as members of the | be excused when he made the observation) Society, and be entitled to receive a divi- it would be allowed by every person, that dend, or profit, on the sum embarked by the prosperity of this country rested on its them in the concern. By this means, an maritime resources. And where, he would efficient control would be provided; and ask, were those resources to be looked to the right to control the proceedings of the more than in their commerce and their Society-to dismiss or to employ indivi- fisheries? There lay the strength of the duals, should never be lost sight of. The country-by those branches their brave Society was in a great measure formed seamen were furnished. He hoped the with a view to settling the fisherman-to fisheries would be extended in such a manprevent his emigration-and to give him a ner, that, in case of future wars, the greatconstant occupation. For this purpose, est advantage would be derived from the it was determined, that one share of 51. measure. Such a proceeding would not might be divided between five persons-so only be beneficial to the country-it was that every man on board one of the boats, in his opinion, necessary for the safety of would be interested in the success of the the nation. He trusted this would not be fishery. This was the principle on which, a temporary Institution, but that it would alone, the fishery could be supported. possess such a consistency and permanency From pursuing a different course, other as would enable it to produce the effects fishing companies had failed. He had he had alluded to. He hoped it would be been a subscriber to the Nymph-bank regarded as a signal throughout the counFishery, on the coast of Ireland-but it try, for the formation of similar Societies. was conducted on a false principle; and Other attempts had failed-because, as the that was the true cause of its failure; for Worthy Alderman had stated, they were there was a very great abundance of fish conducted on improper principles. But on the Nymph-bank. But, by the pre- the principles now proposed were just and sent plan, a control was established-be- honest-and the Institution founded on cause it proceeded, not on a principle of them, should have his hearty support. charity, but of common profit and common interest; and, in consequence of that control, if any man acted improperly, he could be removed. One single share being divided between five persons, would give to each individual an interest in the success of the

Several Resolutions were then proposed. Mr. Alderman Atkins said,-it was fortunate that there must be a revision of the Rules and Regulations which had just been read; to some of which he felt consiplan, and each of them would have a right to indemnify any individual for the loss of derable objections. One of them proposed to vote. A system of occupation and control being once established, he conceived his boat, in the course of the fishery. they might look forward to a very great out expectations that individuals would be Now if ever they by their resolutions, held consumption of fish, and, of course, a great degree of competition, which would afford remunerated, when they had lost their very extensive employment to our fisher-boats, the Society would be so assailed by The worthy Alderman then pro-that it would be impossible for it to go on. party feelings, interests, and affections, posed Resolutions to this effect.

men.

The proper way would be to leave it to the Lord Gambier could not avoid express-poor man, who had been unfortunate, to ing the strong desire he felt to assist the memorial the Society for relief:-then, if Society. He certainly should use his cou three-fifths, or any other stipulated number, stant endeavours to promote, to the ut- of the Society, thought his was a proper most possible extent, the objects which it claim, let him be relieved. There was had in view. The great benefits likely to another point also which called for reviarise from this Institution, if carried to the sion. He alluded to that resolution, which extent they might hope for, would go far secured 15s. a week to each fisherman, beyond the most sanguine calculations. under certain circumstances. That ought The employment of the poor was a matter to be reduced to 7s. For, when a douaof the first importance to the well-being of tive was held out, it ought to be as small society; and, by the plan now proposed, as the circumstances could possibly admit. not only would the fishermen be occupied, Were the sum of 15s. a week to be given profitably for themselves and for the com- to men, who, perhaps, could not earn munity, but their families, their wives and more, it would be in vain to hope for inchildren, would also be employed in mak-dustry. The reduction which he mening nets, and in other avocations connected with the fisheries. He was sure (and, though a naval man, he hoped he should

tioned would not, however, prevent the Society from granting 10s. to 15s. per week to a man with a number of children. He

'Mr. Pettigrew stated the plan, which began with representing, that among the generality of the poorer classes of society, there was an almost total neglect of the many advantages that presented themselves to persons engaged in pursuits connected with the rural affairs of this country; that various materials of spontaneous growth were to be found in hedges, road-sides, and waste lands, which were convertible into useful articles; that great numbers of domestic articles, manufactured abroad, or made up of materials imported at considerable expense, might be substituted by

was also hostile to the Society embarking in any trade; and he made this observation on account of what occurred in the Report on the subject of Cooperage. It was better for them to contract with the cheapest workmen in that branch, than to speculate in it themselves. As to any calculation, founded on the present price of fish, he considered it futile. That must always be governed by the state of the fish market. He hoped that they would be enabled to supply the Straits with fish at 20s, the barrel. It was necessary they should sell as cheap as possible—for certainly there was no use in their encourag-productions calculated to give considerable ing the catching of fish, unless they so re- benefit both to the poor and the commugulated the price as to insure a market.-nity at large, supplying sources of labour The Worthy Alderman then proposed

"That the present Rules and Regulations be referred back to the Committee, to re-consider the same; that they bring forward such Rules and Regulations as may procure employment for the distressed fishermen, and also provide for the security of the property embarked in the undertaking; and that they be empowered to add other names to the Committee for that purpose."-Agreed to.

On the motion of Lord Gambier, the thanks of the meeting were voted to Mr. Alderman Atkins.

and profit to the country people at different periods of the year, and capable of being worked by children and others who are unfit to execute more laborious employments.

The following illustrations were then made:-The rushes used for candle wicks were to be found in waste and boggy lands, and if collected and prepared would afford labour and profit during the winter season.

The rush,a weed of the most noxious kind, but when prepared, worth 2s. 9d. per lb. applicable to a variety of purposes, casily collected, and converted into articles of great use with much facility. The bullrushes, of which floor matting, chair-bottoms, baskets, &c. are made, are found in this country in small quantities; and the deficiency is supplied from Holland. The quantity imported in the year 1815 was 149,229 tion was 1s. 34d, amounting to the sum of bundles; the price per bundle on importa£9,501. In 1810 the importation price was 4s. 9d. per bundle. The typha lati-folia, commonly growing in ponds and stagnant waters in many parts of this country, is convertible into mats and baskets in every respect equal to those worked with Dutch rushes. At Hammersmith there are great quantities of this species of plant, the use of which is almost unknown. The willow tree affords materials for making excellent baskets. Nut-galls are imported into this

INDUSTRIOUS POOR OF THE KINGDOM. We are not to suppose, that the poor fishermen have entirely enjoyed the attention of the well-informed: the sea is valuable, undoubtedly, by reason of its productions; but it must be acknowledged, that this nation has not yet made the most of those riches which are furnished by the soil. If the consequence of the present distress should be, a more diligent examination of the serviceable wealth, accruing from the bounty of nature, the result will continue to be felt, many years after the urgency of the cause has ceased. As we are fully persuaded of the truth of this pro-country in great quantities for the use of position generally, we have great pleasure in laying the following remarks before our readers.

Lately a Meeting took place at the Mansion-house, for the purpose of taking into consideration a plan, snggested to his Roya! Highness the Duke of Sussex and the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, by Mr. Salisbury, for benefiting the industrious poor of the kingdom..

The Duke of Sussex was in the Chair.

dyers, but they might be collected from our own oaks, and our woods afford them in profusion. It is extraordinary that no more than two vegetables of this country's growth are used by dyers; while various articles grow on our waste lands calculated to answer their purposes, to the fullest extent. Woolwich sand-pits, and the chalk-pits at Guildford, yield some of them in great quantities. The poor people of Wales and Scotland find in the hedges, plants, the stalks or leaves of which afford permanent