Official Reports, the Inspectors print documents which are opposed to the suggestion. The coastguard officers, and the officers of her Majesty's revenue and other ships, know far more about the coast fisheries than the Inspectors do, and their testimony is not in favour of public loans. One says, that "not many fishermen would be benefited by loans, but a few might." Another in county Sligo says, "Fishermen would not be ultimately benefited by loans, or the fisheries advanced by the same. Fishing ought to be self-supporting; adequate means exist for the capture of such fish as appear in quantity." In Waterford, the local witness states that he does "not think the fishermen in this locality would accept loans, or be able to find security." And so on all round the coast, the report of those best able to judge is, that loans might do good to a few, but that they would not be beneficial generally, even if security could be found.

The real hindrances to the prosperity of Irish fisheries I take to be these: I. The indolence and thriftlessness of the fishermen themselves. 2.. The want of encouragement to greater industry, in the absence of regular markets for their produce. Even where means of transit are all that could be wished, there is no constant demand, and few curing establishments, or other ways of utilizing the supply. I had

long conversations with the fishermen, including the famous men of the Claddagh at Galway, and this was the burden of their complaint, What is the use of a good catch when we cannot sell? This was when the papers had reported a wonderful supply of pilchard on the south and west coast. Of the rich harvest of the seas that might be gathered all round the coast, there can be no doubt. Capital is wanted to cultivate this industry, and to secure the produce, and capital is not ready to risk itself in such a country. It is estimated that the coast fisheries could bring nearly half a million sterling, apart from the oyster and salmon fisheries, which are worth nearly half-amillion now. But the spirit is wanting. The salmon fisheries are productive because they belong to a few rich owners, who employ paid labour to cultivate the industry. The other fisheries as yet are chiefly dependent on the exertion of the poor fishermen, who have not the physical energy or mental independence to make a successful enterprise. At the mackerel fishery of 1871 there were about 200 English or Manx boats, 50 French, and only 70 Irish. In the herring fishery on the east coast the Irish held their place better, the Howth boats and men showing a good return; but even here the English, Scotch, and Manx boats were about three times the number of the Irish.

The number of boats and men employed in the

deep sea and coast fisheries has shown a steady and sad decline ever since the famine time. In 1846, there were 19,883 Irish vessels and boats of all sizes, with 113,073 men and boys, engaged in the fisheries. In 1848, 19,652 boats, but only 81,717 men and boys. In 1852, the numbers were 11,789 and 58,789. In 1862, 11,590 and 50,220; and in 1871, 8,999 boats, and 38,629 men and boys. This table is given in the Reports, and in Thom's Irish Directory for 1873; yet the same page states that "the Irish Sea Fisheries were never in a more promising condition, and only require extensive development." This opposition of facts and assertions is an example of the difficulty attending all Irish inquiries.

About the salmon fisheries there is less to say. These have long been private property, bringing in large revenues to the possessors, as similar fisheries do in Scotland and England. I think that as Government has asserted its power in regulating the rights of property in so far as land is concerned, there is also some call for interfering in behalf of the poorer class in regard to fisheries. There used to be free fishing all round the coast by the common law; now every river-mouth and tideway is monopolized by proprietors who alone have legal, if not equitable, right to the whole salmon fishery round the coast.

The fisheries are leased to agents at high rents, and a very small percentage of

the produce is of any direct benefit to Irish fishermen or anglers. To Billingsgate market alone there were sent from Ireland last year nearly 7,500 boxes, besides the great supply to Liverpool and to central England. It was interesting to see the salmon breeding and salmon preserves, and other wonders of this industry, but I confess that the sight of the stake nets and fixed engines, on so many parts of the coast, raised feelings akin to that caused on seeing the enclosing of the commons and open places, for the benefit of the rich at the expense of the poor. Political economy may prove that these enclosures and monopolies, whether by sea or land, are for the greater good of the community, but in regard to Ireland there is some excuse for the scanty industry of the poor coast-fishermen, when they are tabooed from the most productive department of their calling. Some more liberal arrangement might at least be made for rod-fishing at certain times, and the proprietors might be required to allow fish to be sold in the neighbourhood, at a price which would lessen the discontent now felt on seeing so much wealth sent away, without benefit to the dwellers on the banks of the salmon rivers.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE ROYAL IRISH CONSTABULARY.

Organization and Duties of the Force-Special Services-Grievances.

NO stranger can be many days in Ireland without

observing and admiring the Royal Irish Constabulary. On the roads, in the streets, at the railway stations, everywhere in town or country, we see them on duty. Smart, intelligent, good-looking men most of them are, and a more orderly, well-conducted and loyal body does not exist in her Majesty's service. They have military dress and discipline, but the chief part of their duty is that of an ordinary police force. Their barracks are everywhere dotted about the country, some of them large and strong buildings, but generally small stations for only a serjeant's guard. Part of the force is mounted, but the greater part is not. I saw considerable numbers together during the assizes at different towns, perhaps more than usual on such occasions, as there was a good deal of excitement about the Keogh judgment. Later in the season I saw masses concentrated, at