Page:Indian Fish and Fishing - Francis Day.pdf/9

2 computed at about 4611 English miles, throughout the whole of which extent the waters are more abundantly stocked with fish than are those around the British Isles; either due to the greater reproductive powers of the species, or more probably to the less amount of depredation committed by man. While predaceous fish-consuming animals, as porpoises, sharks, rays, skates and sea perches, are far more numerous in the tropics than in these more northern climes. But it is a remarkable fact that due to some cause these fisheries which should afford a plentiful supply of food along the sea-coast are practically nearly unworked, except near large centres of population, or where cheap salt can be procured wherewith to cure the captures. This food harvest, up to within the last few years, has been comparatively untouched even while famines were devastating the contiguous shores.

Maritime fisheries, irrespective of affording food, ought likewise to be serviceable, as producing isinglass, fish oils and manures, as well as necessitating the purchase of materials for boat-building, the manufacture of nets, hooks and lines, the carriage of produce, &c. The principal modes made use of for utilising fish for food along the sea-coasts of India and Burmah may be considered under the following heads: (1) Fresh fish, how far it can be conveyed inland? (2) Dried fish and its varieties. (3) Cured or salted fish, and how prepared?

How far can fresh fish be conveyed inland? In examining this question, if the employment of ice or salt is omitted, the distance sea fish can be carried inland, while fresh, depends upon several circumstances. The season is one important factor, as during the hot months putrefaction commences very rapidly, while some forms, especially the immature, the herrings, and the siluroids or scaleless fishes,