A NARRATIVE Of the Royal Fishings OF GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND, with Busses for Pickled Herrings and Barrel-Cod, after the manner of the HOLLANDERS.  
WITH Further Discoveries and Helps for the Management thereof in a profitable way for the UNDERTAKERS.  
Published for the satisfaction of all therein concerned.  
LONDON, Printed by W. Godbid in Little-Britain over against the Anchor-Inn. 1661.   

A NARRATIVE ABOUT The Royal Fishing.  
IN my former Treatise about the Royal Herring-Buss-Trade, printed 1641. I have given directions for the building, rigging, and fitting out of a Buss in an experimental way, practised by the Right Honourable Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household from the year 1632. till the year 1640. which was carried on in the way of an Association; by which many Busses were builded and employed by the Directions of the Netherlandish-Fishermen, whom Sir William Courten of London Merchant procured, and got them Endennized, and they, their Wives and Children, dwelled here, and taught our Shipwrights to build Busses after the Holland manner; and cure the Herrings, and make the Nets, and all things thereunto belonging; by which means our English Fishermen attained to all the Arts and Skill thereof, and made many thousand Barrels of pickled Herrings and Codfish, and did vent them in the places where the Hollander vented, and found current sale, and full allowance of the goodness of the Fish equal to the Hollanders; as by the several Factors Accounts, which the Author of this Treatise hath ready to be produced to any that are desirous to peruse them. Now since the printing of the said Book, which was perused by a Parliament-Committee, and appointed to be published for the general direction of the whole Kingdom; whereof no fruit hitherto hath come to the Nation, though all generally approved of the Work; yet finding no man to put it into action, I was much discouraged thereat, having formerly in my Narrative made it plainly appear, that the ill success we found in the way of our Associations, was not through the unprofitableness of that Employment, but in the unskilful Managers thereof, and the extraordinary discouragements we encountered with; for the Dunkirkers and others the Subjects of the King of Spain in the Low-Countries, have taken sundry of the Busses, imprisoned and evilly treated their Fishermen, some of them died in prison, others they ransomed at great sums. The Damage which the said Earl and his Associates do justly challenge for their Busses so taken, loss of men and Ransoms, detention of their Goods, and preventing of their Fishing, amounts to 50000 l. and upwards. And having since met with a Book called Britain Buss, printed in anno 1615. which doth very exactly set forth such Instructions as the Author could then attain unto, which he took upon enquiry and information, but not on his own knowledge or others practice, only he citys Sir W. Harvy a noble Knight that builded and set out a Buss of 100 Tun, whom I well knew, and had several meetings with at Mr. John Fletcher's shop a Ropeseller in Thames-street, who was Partner with him in the building the said Buss, in an. 1615. which no man seconded until the Lord Chamberlains Association, that began in the year 1632. as is before mentioned. Also I have seen sundry Treatises that have been set forth about this Subject, as I find by the Book called Lex Mercatoria, who citys one Book called, The British Monarchy, printed in the year 1576. Another entitled, Hitchcocks' New-years-gift, printed an. 1685. Another called, England's way to win wealth; and another called, The Trade's Increase, in the year 1615. And the Author of the Book called Lex Mercatoria, doth set forth, That it's not much above 100 years since that the Hollanders Fishing-trade began for Herrings, Cod, and Ling, which took its original from the English. One named Violet Stevens, and other discontented Fishmongers, which departed the Realm of England, and went to the Town of Anchusen, where they procured the Inhabitants to fish for them in the Seas, Streams, and Dominions of Great Britain; which Inhabitants upon the decease of the said Englishmen took the whole Trade to themselves, which afterwards was dispersed into several Towns, whereby the Trade is so increased, that Holland and Zealand have above 2000 Busses and Fishing-Vessels, which by the blessing of God that above 600000 Lasts of Fish are taken yearly in the Dominions of the King of Great Britain. And he saith, that one Tobias Gentleman a Fisherman, made a Treatise, Entitled, England's way to win Wealth; who saith they are seen to sail out of the Maze, Texell, and fly 1000 Sail together to catch Herrings in the North Seas, most of them Ships of 120, some of 100 Tuns, and others of 60 Tuns apiece; having in them 24 men, and some 20; some 16 men in a Vessel, and they continue their course Northwest and by North until they arrive at the Island of Sheteland, which lieth in the height of 60 Degrees of Northerly Latitude; and the Herrings which they take, are presently sent away by other Vessels, called Yagors, into the East-countries, some to Riga and Revel, some to the Narve, Russia, and Stockholme; and all Poland, Prussia, Pomerland, Littuania, Stattene, Lubeck and Denmark, Deep, Bordeaux, Rochel, Nants, Morloix, Cane, Roven, Paris, Amiens, and all Piccardy, etc. Their Cod and Ling is done with smaller Ships of 40 Tuns burden, called Pinks or Well-boats. Also they have a Fleet of Fly-boats of 200 Tuns burden or more, which be at the North-east of Sheteland, having small Boats with them, called Cobbles; and the commodious Fisher-Towns he notes to be Colchester, Harwich, Orford, Alborrough, Dunnidge, Walderswick, Sold, Yarmouth, Blackney, Wells, Lyn, Boston, Hull, Scarborough, Hartlepoole, Whittby, Marske, Stockton and Gisborough, Newcastle and others Northwards, etc. And further he tells us, that St. Dunstan the Bishop, termed to be the Patron of the Goldsmiths, had no other Elixir or Philosopher's Stone than the Cold and Silver, which by the Benefit of Fishing was obtained; whereby the Kingdom's Plate and Bullion was procured. For the advancement of which Fishing-Trade he did advise, that three Fish-days ought to be kept in a week, which caused also more abstinence; and hence the Proverb came, That St. Dunstan took the Devil by the nose with his pinchers. All which recital is to show, that the English formerly had the sole Fishing, and did serve the Netherlands and all other Nations with Pickled-herrings, Cod, and Ling, whereby the Poor were relieved, and Trading thereby much cherished: which Employment the Netherlanders having gotten, the States of Holland and Westfreizland, by their Proclamation say, that the Trade of the general fishing for Herrings, and the great fishings, is one of the principal Means and Happiness of their Countries and the Inhabitants thereof. Now for as much as his Majesty was graciously pleased to receive a Petition exhibited in June, 1660. The Copy whereof followeth.  

TO THE High and Mighty MONARCH CHARLES the Second, By the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, defender of the Faith, etc.  
The Humble Petition of Simon Smith, late Agent for the Royal Fishing.  
SHOWETHS,  
THat Your Majesties late Royal Father of Glorious Memory, did in the year 1632. upon the following Motives, viz.  
1. The great plenty of Fish in the Seas, Rivers, and Creeks of His Majesty's Dominions.  
2. The employment of all sorts of People.  
3. The advancement of Trade.  
4. The increase of strength to the Navy.  
5. The profit that might accrue to His Majesty's Subjects.  
6. The increase of sundry Manufactures for setting at work idle and vagrant people, whereby they may be able to relieve themselves and others, and Merchandise and Traffic may by their industry be improved; Constitute and establish a Society of Fishers, and declared that he was resolved by all good occasions favourably to assist the said Trade, and graciously to accept the forwardness of all those who should express their zeal to His Majesty's Service in so general and public an undertaking; it being then resolved and concluded by His Majesty, that the said Trade in itself was very honourable and necessary for this Kingdom, as also hopeful and likely to prove very beneficial to the particular Adventurers. Now, that the true managing, and most advantageous prosecution thereof, is by experience discovered, as by the Petitioners Book annexed are expressed. Whereupon the Right Honourable Philip late Earl of Pembroke and Mountgomery, and his Associates, did cause sundry Vessels to be built, which employed many Families in making of Nets and other Provisions which yearly went out to the fishing, and performed the taking and curing of Herrings and Barrel-Cods, and found Foreign vent, which continued until the year 1640. although the Adventurers were much hindered and damaged by the Dunkirkers, to the value of ten thousand pounds and upwards, for which no Reparation could be as yet had, whereby the prosecution thereof was given over, and the Fishers and others that were trained up to a right understanding of the business, were dispersed by reason of the National Troubles increasing; which Troubles having begotten great numbers of poor Families and Vagrants in the Nation, who for want of Employment are brought into a miserable condition, and will perish unless some speedy course be taken for their relief. The consideration whereof hath stirred up Your Petitioner humbly to present this Herring-Buss Fishing to Your Majesty, as the only Employment for redress therein; First, For the making of Nets, which will set on work all sorts of people, both young and old, in the Trades of Hemp-beaters, Hatchelers, Hempdressers, Twine-spinners, Netmakers, Beetesters, Brayders, Labourers for tanning the Nets, etc. Also, Shipwrights, Joiner's, Mast-makers, Pully-makers, Rope-makers, Sail-makers, Smiths, and sundry others; Also the provisions for Casks, Clap-boards, Coops, Cleevers, Hoopers and others; The Manufactures of, and belonging to every Buss will set on work twenty Families, besides the breeding of Country Youths to be serviceable Mariners in short time, the exportation of the Herring to Foreign parts, will employ many Ships, and make a greater importation of commodities, as Hemp, Pitch, Tarr, , Masts, Deals, Clap-boards, Salt, and sundry other Provisions. This Work being of so great consequence, requires Your Majesty's most gracious and serious consideration, to be made a National business, and such persons chosen for the managing thereof, as for conscience sake, may be for the public good, and not self-ends; for if it be recommended to all Corporations in the Nation, and in every County, to raise a stock to buy Hemp and other Materials, to set their poor on work, and to provide Artists to teach and manage the making of Nets, etc. to be sent to a Magazine, at the next Port a B●ss may be there built and furnished out for that County, Town or Corporation, and so in the Fishing-season may go forth to the Fishing-grounds at the Island of Sheteland, where the Hollander hath his Rende●vouz for all his Busses, as by the annexed Book thereof appeareth, and return with great profits to the Employers.  
Your Petitioner therefore most humbly implores Your Majesty's gracious favour to take the Premises into Your Majesty's Consideration, and to give such furtherance and countenance to the same, as to Your Gracious Majesty shall seem fitting, and the benefit of such a business requires.  
And Your Petitioner shall ever pray for Your Majesty's long and happy Reign over us.   
And thereupon▪ His Majesty (manifesting his great desire to have all his poor People employed) did the 23 of July following writ his Letter to the Lord Mayor of the City of London; as is hereafter expressed.  
CHARLES R.  
RIght Trusty and wellbeloved, We greet you well. Whereas Our Royal Father of Blessed Memory, did in the year 1632. Constitute and Establish a Society of Fishers, and Declared that He was resolved by all good occasions favourably to assist, and graciously accept the forwardness of all those that should express their zeal to His Majesty's Service in so general and public an Undertaking; It being then Resolved and Concluded by His Majesty, that it was very honourable & necessary for this Kingdom. Now that the true managing and most advantageous prosecution thereof, is by experience discovered by Philip late Earl of Pembroke and Mountgomery and his Associates, who did cause sundry Fishing Vessels to be provided and built, which employed many Families in making of Nets and other Provisions (one Vessel employing twenty Families in work) besides the breeding of Country Youths to be made serviceable Mariners in short time, as by the Book called The Royal Herring Buss Fishings, presented unto Us doth plainly appear. And whereas We are informed that the Nation doth abound with great numbers of poor Families and Vagrants, who for want of employment are like to perish, unless some speedy care be taken for their relief: And that the several Wards and Suhurbs of this Our City of London and Hamlets adjacent, are burdened with multitudes of poor people, not only which are born in the said places, but such as come out of sundry Countries to seek Relief: For Redress whereof, We do hereby recommend unto the care of You Our Lord Mayor of the said City, to advise with each Alderman, and cause his Ward-moote Inquest to give in a particular of all the poor Inhabitants within his Ward, what their employment is, and how many are without employment, and present the same to the rest of the Inhabitants in his Ward, with a Copy thereof, and excite them to a free subscription for raising a Stock to buy Hemp and Clapboards to make Herring Fishing-nets, and Barrels for the furnishing and fitting out of one Buss or Fishing Vessel to belong to the said Ward, which will give all the Poor and Vagrants employment; the said Ward husbanding the same to their best advantage. The which We shall in like manner recommend to all the Counties, Cities and Towns within Our Dominions, whereby to make it a National employment for the general good, and will give all fitting assistance unto the Undertakers for their encouragement. That, so when Provisions shall be made ready and Storehouses built in commodious places about the River of Thames, (where breaches have been made) and the like in the several Ports, Magazines may be fitted with Nets, Cask, Salt and all things in readiness, the Busses may all go forth to Our Island of Sheteland as their Rendezvouz to keep together in their fishing, according to certain Orders prescribed in the aforesaid Book. And to take that privilege of the Fishing-grounds which belongs to Us before all Nations whatsoever. And so We bid you hearty farewell.  
Given at our Court at Whitehall this 23 day of July, in the Twelfth year of our Reign. By His Majesty's Command. ED. NICHOLAS.  
To our Right Trusty and wellbeloved, the Lord Mayor of Our City of London, to be Communicated to the Court of Aldermen.  
But although it be thirteen Months since, there is nothing done therein; which His Majesty finding so great remissness in putting the business into action, hath now granted a Commission unto 36 Noble Personages and great Officers, whom His Majesty hath nominated and constituted to be the Council of the Royal Fishing of Great Britain and Ireland, of which His Majesty will vouchsafe ever to be, and be called Protectors; and hath granted many Privileges and Immunities, as to Persons, Vessels, and Goods, as therein is largely expressed; which being under the Great Seal of England, is printed; together with the Letters-Patents for a free Collection over all England and Ireland, and Dominion of Wales, committed to the care of the High Sheriffs in every County, to be read in all Parishes; sent under the Seal of the Right Honourable the Earl of Pembroke, who is appointed by His Majesty to be the Treasurer for receiving and paying out of all such moneys as shall be paid unto him; which Moneys is only to be employed in the building of Wharves, Docks, Storehouses, and Graineries, for the ease and accommodation of all those that shall employ any Stock in building of Busses; the want whereof formerly hindered the Adventurers, and put them unto extraordinary charges, having no convenient places for receiving Provisions, and tanning and drying their Nets, and repacking their Herrings, to make them Merchantable Ware for Foreign vent, according to the Holland Order expressed in the Book called, The Royal Herring-Buss Trade. So that now whatsoever shall be collected in the County, City, or Shire, shall be applied unto that Port which doth thereunto belong, for the building them Storehouses, Wharves, etc. whether the work of the Poor, in making of Deeping or Quarter-nets of 60 mashe deep and 40 yards long, may be sent, and there tanned und made up, and fitted for the Buss or Busses which that County shall build or buy, and fit out against the season of fishing, according as His Majesty's Letter expresseth. And because the setting up a new Trade in the Countries not of late years taught or practised, will seem unacceptable unto some, yet the easiness of learning, which is taught in half an hour to make a Mashe in the right manner, one will teach another; and the publishing of this Employment will bring forth those that are experienced to teach all the Arts thereunto belonging; and the getting of the Provisions of Hemp to be beaten, hatcheled, and spun into Twine, for the making of Nets; wherein the least child may be employed, and the lame and blind may get a livelihood, and the Poor of every Parish raise by their labours weekly a sufficient maintenance thereby to relieve themselves and the aged and impotent of that place; whereby there will be no need of Assessments on the Parishioners for their maintenance, if once the business were in action, the benefit thereof would soon appear. For encouragement, we have the Hollanders flourishing estate before us, who by this Fishing-Trade commands the Wealth of all Nations, and causeth all the Poor of the Netherlands to live comfortably, and not a Beggar or Vagrant to be seen amongst them. For there is not a Maidservant amongst them, but hath her Adventure in the Busses that go out, and hath her proportionable profit at the return of the Busses; which makes them take spare time to make half a dozen of Nets in the winter, and fits them ready against the Season, to send as her Adventure, and at return receives them, and gets them tanned, newed, and fitted against the next setting out, having made as many more ready to put in their rooms; and so every one looks to the preservation and husbanding of their own Nets, which is a great help in the dispatch of the Buss to her Fishing-grounds. And that the Fishermen may have all Provisions ready in the Storehouses, of Salt, Cask, and Nets, with Beer and Biscuit, etc. for their dispatch. And if the monied-men in the County or place where these Magazines shall be erected will be pleased to employ their moneys in furnishing the Storehouses with the Provisions for the Fishers, they will find it their best Trade; for the Merchants and others that will set out Busses, will be much encouraged in their Proceed, when as they know there are Wharves and Magazines for their accommodations, as it is in the Netherlands, where the Shipwrights have in their Docks, Busses to sell ready for the Merchant to buy, or to hire, and Nets, Wayeropes, and all Provisions in the Magazines to be bought, and in a few days they are furnished out to the Fishing-grounds without loss of time; so that any one, either by himself or in an Association, may please to make an experiment of the Trade, and shall enjoy all the Privileges that are granted, mentioned in the Commission, to make his Employment profitable, for his future encouragement.  
Now forasmuch as since the publishing of His Majesty's Letters-Patents in the Churches, the generality not much regarding what was read, having been too often troubled with Briefs, gave in a formal way very sparingly; others not conceiving the business, took some prejudice thereat; and others desiring to be better informed how to begin and set upon the Work, I do humbly offer these particulars following, for explaining and information of the Work.  
First, If any man will propose by himself alone to employ a Stock in setting out of one Herring-Buss, the burden not exceeding 60 Tuns, which is the best proportion, and will require 800 l. stock; for there must be 100 Nets fitted, which is, 50 at setting out, and 50 kept ready at return, when the Buss delivers her first 50 to be newed and tanned against her second return; the Buss may be built or bought, as best can be provided, an able Husband being first gotten, that can manage the business with knowledge and honesty in the frugallest way, who may procure able Fishermen, and may soon be furnished out of those small Boats which are called Traules, Cobbles, and Trinckerboats, which fish all about the Coasts, which being poor men, by those small Vessels can hardly maintain their Families, and therefore would hold it great preferment to be called into such Busses; and from Yarmouth get two or three good Gippers, Salters, and Packers of the Herrings, and good Masters who are trained up thereunto, who would gladly be employed; and their Art and Skill in one Voyage would be attained. The directions of all things belonging, I have particularly expressed in my Book called, The Herring-Buss Trade, to be had at the Widow bourn's Shop, at the South entrance of the Royal Exchange, London, to which refer.  
Secondly, He shall have the accommodation of the Wharves, Docks and Storehouses which are to be builded in all places where the conveniency will be most advantageous for the business, there to have the Nets tanned and dried, newed and fitted up, and their Herring packed and made merchantable for Foreign vent; according to the Hollanders Orders in the said Book; which will be both very convenient and profitable, for it will save 10 per cent. in charges.  
Thirdly, He shall enjoy all the Privileges and Immunities granted by His Majesty's Commission, and reap the Profits to himself, and have his Stock at his own command, only to be ready by the last of May to set forth for the Island of Sheteland, whither all the Busses are first to go as their Rendezvouz, and observe the Orders; whereof every Buss at the setting out from the Port, shall receive a printed Paper of Directions and Orders to be observed, according as the Agents deputed and authorized shall appoint.  
And having met with a Manuscript (the Author and time unknown) concerning this Herring-Fish-Trade, apprehending the same to be worth the publishing, have added it in this my Treatise, directly as the Author hath framed it, which men of ingenuity may make use of to their best advantage.  

A Design for G. B. Mo for Sea-Security.  
THE first thing required is Strength, to Defend and Offend, as occasion requires; that is, the Making and Building of 156 Sail of Ships. And for a Petty Navy-Royal to be Men of War, fitting in all points, in a proportion assigned as may be related in all particulars. And the Charge may be 388000 l.  
If this may be performed, then employ 78 Sail, being the one half of 156, to be at Sea, and there to continue the full time of six Months; and at the six months' end, the other 78 Sail to be with the former, to relieve those Seas and Sea-places, as the former hath done; and there to continue the full time of six Months more. And the former to return presently to the Ports assigned to them. And so from six Months to six Months to continue for ever.  
The Use of this Navy is great, in defending our Seacoasts, as this design requires. First, we begin from Shotland, in 59 degrees 30 minutes North-Latitude, and down round about the South part of England, Wales, and South-South West, and West Coast of Ireland, up to the Black-Rock in 53 degrees 30 minutes North-Latitude. In this Petty Navy-Royal may be employed 7848 Men, both with Victuals and Pay, and the Charge may be 188352 l. a year.  

The Proportion assigned for the 90 Busses, are these 6 Sorts, and according to these, all the rest go generally in propertion the one to the other in their nature.   B. Tun. 1¾ 15 122½ 1½ 15 105 1¼ 15 087½ 1 15 070 ¼ 15 052½ ½ 15 035  90 472½ 
The Charge in general for the 90 Busses, Nets, Victuals, and Pay, in 4 years' time.   l. s. d. 90 B 46164 07 06 5070 N 27330 00 00 1 Y Fish C 57579 08 09 2 Y Fish C 72576 11 03 3 Y Fish C 67281 11 03 4 Y Interest C 43200 00 00 The gen. Charge in 4 Year 314130 18 19  

The Profit of fish taken in the three years' time.   l. s. d. 3 Y Fish P 449550 00 00 3 Y tenth 044955 00 00 R in M P 404595 99 00 4 Y C 314130 18 09 R in M P 090464 01 03 R in Stock M 067281 11 03 R in M cle 023182 10 00  
If this aforesaid being performed, than this design following may well prosper, with great increase to G. B. M. ᵒ both in strength and in wealth, to defend that against any two Kings in Christendom.   

A Proportion assigned touching the Art of Fishing.  
If 90 Adventurers put in 1500 l. a man, to make a Stock of a 135000 l. to continue for 4 years' time, and allowing Interest 8 per cent. for the ●●●e.  
And the Stock of 135000 l. will perform this design; that is, to build and make those 90 Busses in a proportion assigned: and 5070 Nets to furnish these 90 Busses, and also to Victual and Pay, Cask and Salt, as it may be in particulars appear.  
Here it appeareth, that the Stock 135000 l. is all paid, and in 3 years' time of Fishing and Interest 43200 l. paid; and the tenth of Fish 44955 l. paid, which is in all 223155 l. paid.  
And rest in Stock,  l. s. d. Re. in Stock 90 B 46164 07 06 R in Stock 5070 N 27330 00 00 R in Stock in M 67281 11 03 RG in Stock b.n.m. 140775 18 09 R in Cash in M 23182 10 00 l.     13500  l. s. d. 043200 Rest in Cash in M 23182 10 00. 044955     —     223155      
The 90 Adventurers out of this R. in Cash take 250 l. a man clear gain, and R. in Cash 682 l. 10 s. 00 d. over and above all charges deducted: And in 4 years' time a good profit.  
So here it appeareth, that the 90 Adventurers hath gained 140775 l. 18 s. 09 d. for a continual Stock always yearly to be employed, with allowance yearly in the charge before propounded, 67281 l. 18 s. 09 d. therein for the repairing both of Busses, Nets, Salt, Cask, as need requires.  
And every Adventurer hath clear to himself 250 l. in ready money for their pains, and yet a rest in Cash 682 l. 10 s. over and above all charges. And if good-husbandry be therein performed, there may be the better part of 20000 l. saved, and made by the best advantage, in managing the same. But I leave that to their wisdoms, that shall perform the design.  
All this is gained, and that in 4 years' time.  
After this time, than every years Fishing for Herring, Ling, and Cod, there may be gained by well employing this Stock 67281 l. 11 s. 03 d. the sum of 700 l. a year to each Adventurer; a fair purchase, and without any money given for it.  
If it prove but 600 l. a year, it is a great increase; and maintain better than 100000 persons, Men, Women, and Children.  
Now admitting 16 men and boys to serve in a Buss, they may be these, a Master, a Mate, 4 fishermans, 4 ordinary Sailors, and then 6 Land-men and boys to be trained up by the former in the Art of Sailing and Craft of Fishery, it will be a means that every Buss shall be a Seminary of Saylors and Officers; which will be no small addition to the strength of this Kingdom.  
And whereas its doubted, we shall not find utterance and sale of Herrings when we have them; I am informed that there is yearly uttered and spent in His Majesties own Dominions, 10000 Lasts of Herrings, which being served by ourselves, will keep in the Land abundance of Treasure, which the Dutch yearly carries out for the Herrings which they catch on our own Coasts and sell to us.   

Sundry Quaries and Objections offered to consideration.  
1. Whether the raising of stock in the Parishes for setting of the poor on work, whereby they may get 3 s. 4 d. a week a piece for their maintenance, either by beating of Hemp, spinning of Twine, making of Nets, etc. or by way of Assessment in every Parish, to allow them 6 d. or 8 d. a week to maintain them in idleness; and so lose that profit which their labours would produce, is most profitable and honourable for the Kingdom?  
2. Whether any other Employment for the Poor is more profitable to the Kingdom than the Herring-fishing is? for the consumptive charge is only Salt and Barrels, the cost thereof is but 4 s. for a ●●rrel of pickled Herrings or Codfish, which is sold for 20 s. And so there is gained by the labours of the Poor 16 s. per Barrel, for the wear and tear of the Buss and Cordage. Or that the Stranger shall be permitted to ta●● the Herrings and Fish at our own doors, and make us to buy them at their own price; whereas we might serum th●●, and employ many Ships in the exportation o● them, and in the imp●rtation of their proceeds.  
3. Whereas it is d●●●red 〈◊〉 the Fishmongers in London, that the Nation may be 〈…〉 eat Saltfish certain days in the week, for the better vending thereof; it shall not need, for the Foreign vent will carry 〈◊〉 more than out own Fishers can take; and that if such an Injunction should be, it would be a great damage to the Nobility and Sentry of this Kingdom, because their Tenants could not subsist without raising of  for the improvement of their Farms, whereby they may have money to pay their Rents.  
4. This Fishing-trade will be both profitable to Pishmongers, Crasiers, and Farmers; for every Fishing-Buss is victualled forth with a quantity of Flesh and Fish, and Bacon, Biscuit, Pease, Oatmeal, Beer, Butter, Cheese, and sundry Implements, etc. which sundry Tradesmen will find benefit by the furnishing of all Necessaries; and as the Busses do increase, so the expense will be more and more; and their victualling with fresh fish will cost them nothing but their pains to catch them.  
It remains now, that men will up and be doing, to put so great, honourable, and profitable a business into action, without any further delay, putting the poor and vagrant People to work, for the making of Nets and other Provisions against the 30 of May next, which is the time the Busses must go to the North Seas fishing, according to the seasons wherein the Herrings rise first at Sheteland, and the Doggerbank in June and July, about 100 Leagues eastward; which Herrings are called Seasticks, and are bought at Sea, and carried to Danzick and Hamborough, and those places near for vending of them, being fat Herrings, and must be spent.  
This great Work of the Royal Fishing being put into a National Employment, and not by way of a Corporation, or in a joint stock, is left to every man's liberty to employ his own stock as he pleaseth, either by himself apart, or in a way of Association, setting the Poor on work to make his Deeping and Nets, and all Provisions there unto belonging, and then he shall enjoy all the Privileges granted by His Majesty; and all the Profits he shall raise thereby, he shal● enjoy to himself. So there will be no need of any Subscription●●or raising a stock as the way of the East-India Company is. But th● several Wards and Hamblets about, and all the Towns, Cities, and Parishes in His Majesty's Dominion●●f England and Ireland, may raise stocks amongst themselves for setting of their poor on work, either by Subscriptions or Assessments, or b● Legacies ●nd Gifts, and enjoy their Stocks and Profits to themselves, together with all the Privileges granted, or to be gran●●● by ●is Majesty. And those Honourable Lords mentioned in the ●●mm●ss●●●, have nothing to do with their Stocks; they only appoint Law and Orders to be observed for the batter government of the Tra●●, ●●●●●ermen and Mariners, and to delegate Judges in all convenient places near the fishing Ports, to decide those controversies that shall arise; and to elect, constitute and depute, make and authorise, Officers, Ministers, and Agents, to manage, act, and perform all such Affairs, Business, Transactions and Employments, as concern or be effectual and advantageous to, and for, the carrying on this good and great Work; and to procute of His Majesty from time to time all such other Privileges and Immunities necessary, as shall be desired; and to cause that the moneys gathered by the Briefs, and raised by the Lottery, shall be truly employed in the building of Storehouses, Wharves, and Docks, for the benefit of all those that shall set forth Busses, etc. And the work which the Officers, Ministers, and Agents, whom they shall delegate Power unto for managing this great Business, is.  
1. To procure the moneys collected by Briefs, and by the Lottery, to be speedily brought in to the Treasurers.  
2. To visit all the Po●ts for the best conveniency of building Storehouses and Docks.  
3. To contract for the Grounds with the Owners thereof.  
4. Treat with able and honest Workm●● about the Buildings.  
5. To provide the Timber and Planks, and all materials.  
6. To place Overseers and Visitors over the workmen and Labourers to take care that they and every of them perform and do their works and labours sufficiently and honestly.  
7. To settle Clerks to keep a Register of all Contracts made, and to keep account of all the Materials bought and spent, that nothing be wasted or imbesseled.  
8. To keep a Leger-book of Accounts, wherein to post up all the Journals and Cash books belonging unto the business, both Debtor and Creditor, which may always show the Lords Commissioners the true state of all the Transactions of their Business.   
FINIS.