Mr. Cutlar Fergusson, in presenting a Petition from the Magistrates and others of Cromarty, engaged in the cure of Herrings, praying for the continuance of the bounty on that branch of industry, stated that the people engaged in this trade, by aid of this bounty had been enabled to carry it on, and that it nourished 48,000 sea- 3 men, as hardy as any in Britain. If it were withdrawn, these men would be unable to obtain a living. Many of them, too, had been driven from their former dwellings by its having been found expedient to appropriate the land to a different purpose, and they had found a resource from starvation in this fishery. He did not suppose it would be necessary for him to point out to the House the importance, in a national point of view, of our fisheries as forming a nursery for our seamen; but he must say, it would be very impolitic were the Government to embrace any policy which would drive these men from our shores, and compel them to seek a home and employment in a foreign land. He was well aware of the theory on which these bounties were withdrawn; but he must say, practically speaking, to turn such a body of men from our shores, at a time when France and Holland were encouraging their commerce to the utmost of their power, was neither politic nor wise. It was breaking up our naval militia. The petitioners stated, that the bounty would not be wholly lost to the state, but repaid in the shape of various taxes, which, without this bounty, they would be unable to pay, and unable to get a living. The petitioners prayed that the Government would at least continue a part of the bounty, for if it were all withdrawn, they declared that it would be utterly unable for them to carry on their business. On a subject of so much importance, he hoped he might be excused if he earnestly called on the House and the Government to give it their serious consideration.