Britaines busse. Or A computation aswell of the charge of a busse or herring-fishing ship As also of the gaine and profit thereby. With the States proclamation annexed vnto the same, as concerning herring-fishing. By E.S.

Britaines Busse .

DIuers Treatises haue bene published heere in England , some long since , some very lately , all of them inviting to the building and employing of English Fishing shippes , such as our neighbour Hollanders call Busses , Principally to fish for Herrings , with which kinde of Fish ( Almighty GOD of his rich bounty , blessed be his name therefore ) hath abundantly stored his Maiesties Streames , on the coasts of England , Scotland , and Ireland , aboue all the knowne parts of the world .

Foure Bookes I haue seene of this Subiect .

One called the Brittish Monarchy , written An. Dom. 1576. which is nere 40 yeares past .

The second intituled Hitchcocks New-yeares gift , printed about 30 yeares since .

The third , named Englands way to win wealth , and to encrease Ships and Marriners , published within these 2. yeares , whose Author ▪ ( I haue heard ) was trained vppe from his youth : and very expert both in Nauigation and Fishing .

The fourth styled the Trades Increase , now newly come abroad .

In all which foure Bookes , but especially in the two last , the Necessity , Faculty , Profit , and Vse of that Fishing trade is proponed and handled .

After I had read three of the former Bookes , and before the fourth and last came to light , I was much affected with the businesse . And the more I consider it , the more is my affection confirmed and encreased . And out of vehement desire to see this worke , which I conceiue to tend so much to Gods glory : To the honour of our noble King : To the generall strength , safety , and commodity of all his Maiesties large Kingdomes and Dominions : And to the priuate and peculiar benefite and aduancement of euery priuate Vndertaker therein . I say out of vehement desire to see this worke in hand , & the prosperity thereof , I enquired as often ( as conueniently I could ) what Busses or Fishing Ships were in building on our Coasts , or were bought or vsed by any English .

At length I was informed ( and that very truely ) that one Roger Godsdue Esquire , of Bucknam Ferry in Norfolke , had begun to apply himselfe to this worthy work , and had on the Stockes at Yarmoth fiue Busses ; whereof I vnderstand one is since that time launched , and that the other foure are in good forwardnesse . But when vpon enquiry after the Gentleman , I heard him to be a man of such vndoubted honesty and integrity , besides his other vertues and worth , Methought I did see God beginning this good businesse in a good hand .

Soone after I heard that another worthy gentleman , namely Sir William Haruie Knight had on the Stockes at Lyme-house in the yard of M. Steuens , Shipwright , another very faire large Busse neere as big as any Flemish Busse : which Busse I did after see my selfe when she was in launching ; and she is now in the Thames before Radcliffe .

But beside these two Gentlemen , I haue not yet heard of any English that haue yet applyed themselues that way .

Now because after many considerations of that matter , I perceiued that none of the foure Treatises before mentioned , had set downe in very plaine particulars the exact charge of Building , Manning , Victualling , and furnishing of such a Busse ; and of the gaine or profite , which by Gods blessing in probability may redounde yearely to the particular Owner and Aduenturer of such a Shippe .

And conceiuing Hope that the publication of such particulars , might be some furtherance of the Action .

I resolued to bestow my best labours to get such Particulars ; and to that end I trauailed and conferred with such both Ship-wrights , Marriners , Fishermen , Net-makers , and others , as I thought to bee able to informe me in the Premisses , that so I also might bring Straw or Morter to that noble Building . Or that I might picke or teaze Occam , or do somwhat , that am not able to do much .

And for that vpon conference with some experienced in this Herring Fishing , I am informed that a Busse of thirty fiue Last , that is , of seauenty Tunne , is of a very good and meete size or scantling , wherewith in a foure months fishing yearely to make the gaine or profite by Herring onely ; Heereafter in particular set downe , besides her imployment yearely also Cod-fishing , &c.

I haue therefore here imparted such Instructions as I could attaine vnto .

1. FIrst , of the precise dimentions or proportions of such a Busse of 35 Last . That is of 70 Tun.

2. Secondly , the vttermost Charges of such a Busse , and the particular of all her Mastes , Yardes , Sailes , Flagges , Pullies , Shiuers , Tackling , Cables and Anchors , together also with her cock-boat and oares .

3. Thirdly , the particulars of her Carpenters store , and of her Stewards store , and of her weapons , and the charge of them all .

4. Fourthly , the particulars of her Herring Nets , and of the Warropes and other Ropes , Cords and lines , Corke , Pynbols or Buyes belonging to those Nets , with the particular charges of them all .

5. Fiftly , the particular Tooles and Implements vsed in dressing and packing of the saide Herrings , and their particular prizes .

6. Sixtly , the charge of one hundred Last of Herring Caskes or Barrels , and of Salt needefull for the packing of C. Last of Herrings .

7. Seuenthly , the particular charge of foure months victuals for 16 persons to serue in the saide Busse : and the particular charge of Physicke and Chirurgerie helpes for those xvi . persons .

8. Eightly , the particular vtmost wages of the saide xvi . persons for the saide foure months .

9. Lastly , the gaine or profit ( by Gods blessing ) hoped for , by such a foure months Herring-fishing .

Afterwards is also set downe the yearely Charges of repayring the saide Busse : and of her apparrell and Furniture . And also of the said Nets , &c.

Together with the rest of the second yeares Charge and Gaine .

By which second yeares Charge and Gaine , you shall see the charge and gaine of euery year following so long as the Busse lasteth : which ( by Gods blessing and good vsage ) may well be twenty yeares at least .

HE that will giue a probable estimate of any Charge , must tye himselfe to some particular proportions , which hee must admit as the very iust allowances .

But I would haue none to imagine that I intend these particulars to be such as may not be varied .

If any be so vaine to make scornfull constructions , I holdsuch fellowes not worth the thinking on .

A Busse of 35 Last , that is of 70 Tunnes , must be on the Keele in length 50 foot And on the Maine beame 17 And her Rake on the Stem forward 16 And her Rake on the Sterne-post Eastward on 7 And her wast from her lower edge of her Deckledges vnto her Ceelings 13

li s d Such a Busse with her Cabins , Cook-roome and other roomes fitted for the sea , and to this fishing seruice , together with her Ruther , Ironwork , bolts Chaine ▪ bolts , Shroud-chaines , Nailes , &c. and her Cockboat and Oares will cost at most 260. li All her masts and yards will cost at most 8 0 0 The making and fitting her said masts and yards 2 0 0 Her pullies and Shiuers at most 2 0 0 Her rigging or Tackling ropes of the fittest sizes or scantlings , will come to at most 8 C. wai . of ropes which will cost at most 30 s a C. which comes to 12 0 2 Her Maine-saile and two Bonnets must bee 11. yards deep and 16 cloaths broad of Ipswitch Poledauis , which comes vnto 176 yardes of poledauis , which at ix d. a yard will cost 6 12 0 Her Maine top saile must be 8. yards deepe , and eight cloaths broad at the yarde , and sixteene cloathes broad at the Clewes , which takes 96. yards of Bungy Canuas , which at eight pence a yard will cost 3 4 0. Her foresaile , the Course , & two Bonnets must be x. yards deepe and 12 cloaths broad , taking vp 120 yards of Ipswitch Poledauis , which at ix . d. a yard comes to 4 10 0. Her Mizen or Backsaile must be 4 cloaths broad and 5 yards deepe , which takes 20 yards of Bungy cloth , which at 8 d. a yard comes to 0 13 4 ▪ So as all the Sailes take 420 yardes of Saile-cloth of both sorts , which 420 yards ( at 28 yardes to a bolt ) make almost 15 bolts of cloth . And the Sailemaker will haue for his work ● s. a bolt which comes to 3 15 0 Boltropes for all the saide Sailes . And Twine &c to make the said : Sailes withall , will cost at most 1 15 8 304 10 0

li. s. d Two flagges or Fannes to obserue the winde by with their Staues , at ii . s. a piece 0 4 0. Two or three hand pikes of Ash at most 0 2 0 Two Waterskeits to wet the Sailes at xviii . d. a peece 0 3 0 Two Water-buckets at vi : d. 0 1 0 Six Maps to clense the Busse withal , at vi . d 0 3 0 Compasses and boxes 2. at x s. a piece at most 1 0 0 Houre-glasses 3 or 4 at most at xviii , d 0 6 0 A Lanthorne for the poope 0 10 0 Two other lanthornes at xviii d. a piece 0 3 0 Fenders or long poles 4. at ii . ● 0 8 0 Long Oares vi . at iii s. iiii d 1 0 0 An Iron Crow of 15 li. at iiii d 0 5 0

Cables . 4. One Cable of 9 Inches about , & C fadome , that is CC yardes long , will waigh about xviii . C 81. 0. 0 A second Cable 8 Inches ½ about , and of the length abouesaid will waigh about xv . C. A third Cable 7 Inches ½ about , and of like length will weigh xi . C. The fourth Cable 7 Inches about , & of like length , will weigh x. C. So all the foure Cables wil weigh about 54 C waight , which 54 C. waight of Cables at 30 s. C will cost Ancors 4 One Anchor to waigh about iiii . C 18 0 0 A second to waigh about iii. C ½ A third to waight about ii . C. ½ A fourth to waigh about ii C Foure Ancor stockes and the fitting of them at x s. a peece ii l. So all the 4. Ancors waighing xii . C waight at xxvi s. viij d a C. will cost xvi . li. And so the 4 Anchors and their foure stockes will come to

li. s. d. stewards store . Short Iron pothangers two at 12 d 0 2 0 pothookes 2 paire at x. d 0 1 8 A large Iron peaze pot of 5 or 6 Gallons 0 10 0 A large copper fish kettle about 32 li. wa. at xv . d per li. 2 0 0 A wodden scummer or two 0 0 4 Wodden Ladles 2 or 3 0 4 A Gridyron at most , 0 2 6 A frying pan 0 2 6 Pipkin two or three , 0 0 6 A Chasing dish of Iron 0 2 0 A small fire shouell and a paire of Tongs 0 2 6 A paire of Bellowes 0 0 8 Trayes 2 at xv d. a peece 0 2 6 Trugs 2 at ix d. a peece 0 1 6 Wodden platters 12 at iiii . d 0 4 0 Wodden Pottagers 24 0 2 0 Trenchers 4 dozen at iii. d 0 1 0 Baskets for Mes-bread 6. at 4. d 0 2 0 Beere-cans bigger and lesser 12 0 6 0 Taps and Fawcets 4 or 5. 0 0 2 wodden Butter-seales a paire 0 1 0 Leaden waights , 4 li — 2 li — 1 li — ½ li — q li — at ii d 0 1 4 Tinder-boxes 2. furnished well 0 2 6 Candles at most for 16 weekes xxx li. at iiii d 0 10 0 Candlestickes with Iron wyers 6. at 8 d 0 4 0 A Candlebox with locke and key at most 0 5 0 5 8 0.

li. s. d Carpenters store Iron Essles to mend the Shrowd-chaines withal if any should chance to breake-10-of 1 li. a peece at 4 d. a pound 0 3 4 Fids or Hammers two at 12 d 0 2 0 Orlup Nailes 3 C. at xvi d. a C. 0 4 0 Scupper nailes ii C. at vi . d. 0 1 0 Spikes v li. at 4 d. a pound 0 1 8 Six peny nailes iii C 0 1 6 Foure peny nailes ● C 0 1 0 pumpe nailes 3 C. at ii d. a C 0 0 6 A Sawe 0 3 0 Summe 0 18 0 Weapons , &c. Halfe pikes 10 at ii . s 1 0 0 Muskets with Bandaleers , Rests and Molds 6 6 0 0 Gunpowder 6 li. at x d. 0 5 0 Leaden bullets 6 li. at iii d 0 1 6 7 6 6

The Busse aforesaid must haue fifty Nets .

li. s. d Nettes with the Appurtenances . EAch Net must be 30 yards , that is 15 fathom long vpon the rope . 3 1 3 Each net must also hang full and not stretched on the rope . Therefore each net before it come to be fastned to the rope ( being stretched out ) must be 35 yards long . Each Net must be in depth 7 deepings . Each deeping must be a fathom , that is two yards deepe . So as each nette of 7 deepings , takes 7 times 35 yards of Lint or netting ( of 60 Masks or mashes or holes deepe ) which comes to iust 245 yards of Lint or netting , of a fathom breadth or depth . Which 345 yards of Lint or netting ( ready made or knit ) will cost iii d. a yarde , which comes to for one net — 3 li. 1 s. 3 d. Each net must haue a net-rope on the top of the net . So each net much haue 15 fathom of net-rope . 0 2 0 This net-rope must not be a stiffe tarred rope but lithe and gentle , and is best made of old ropes . This 15. fathome of net rope for each net will cost , ii s. Round about the head and two sides of each net ( but not on the bottome ) must bee set a small cord about the bignes of a Bow-string which is called head-roping or nostelling . 0 0 9. So each net takes 15 fathom , and 7 fathom and 7 fathom , which comes to 29 fathom of head-roping . There is twenty fathome of this headroping in a pound waight of it . So each net takes almost a pound and ½ of this head roping , which is sold for 6 d. a pound . So the pound & ½ costeth ,

The 7 deepinges of each net are to be sowed each to other altogether with a small thred called Twine Masking . 0 0 6. Each net takes a pounde of this Twyne-masking , which is sold for Each net is to be fastned to her ropes with short peeces of Cords or lines of two foote long a peece called Nozzels . 0 1 0. These Nozzels are tied very thicke , viz. at 4. mashes or holes asunder . So each net takes 150. Nozzels . These Nozzels are sold ready cut out for viii . d. C. So 150 nozzels cost Each net must haue a rope 5 or 6 Fathom long and an Inch through , that is 3 Inches and better about called a Seazing to fasten the net vnto the Warroape . This Rope will cost iiii . d. a fathome . So for the saide six fathome 0 2 0. The seaming or sowing together of the saide seuen deepings of each net , and the head roping of each net as aforesaid , And the bringing of each net to the rope or setting on the Nozzels , Al this I say , is vsually done by a woman working it at 4 d. a day meat and drinke , or x d. a day at most finding her selfe , which woman will so dispatch at least two or three nets in a day . So each net so finishing , will cost at most 0 0 5. Euery net must be tanned in a Tanfat which will cost at most 0 0 10.

li. s. d Nets : Warropes &c. All the said 50. Nets being finished must be hanged al arow vpon a strong large rope called a Warrope , which must be in bignesse 4. inches about . 0 18 2 This Warrope must be as long as all the said 50. Nets , that is fifty times 15. fathome long , that is , 750. fathome of Warrope . So each Net taketh vp 15. fathome of Warrope . An C. waight , that is , 112. li. of this rope is sold for at most 30. s. that is almost iii. d. q a pound . An C ▪ fathome of this rope will waigh neere CCCC . waight . At which rate each fathome will waigh almost iiij . li. ½ which at iii. d. q a pound will cost xiiij . d. ob . a fathome . So for each Net 15 fathome at xiiij . d , ob . wil cost Each Net must haue halfe a pound of Legorne Corke placed all along the Net at halfe a yard asunder : At which distance each Net takes 60. Corkes , or 60. halfe pounds of Corke , that is , 30. pound of Corke at ii . d. ob . a pound , that is 23. s. 4. d. a C. will cost 0 6 3 Those 60. Corkes must haue 60 Corke-bands to tye them to the Net : each Corkeband must be a fathome long . 0 1 6 These Corke-bands are made of the aforesaide head-roping line , whereof 20. fathomes waigh a pound as aforesaid . So the said 60 fathomes will waigh 3. pound , which at vi . d. per pound wil cost For euery two Nets there must be a Pynboll or Bwy hooped , which will cost viii . d. So to each Net allow for halfe a Pynboll or Bwy 0 0 4 Each Pynboll or Bwy must haue a Rope of a yard long , to fasten it to the Warrope , which yard of rope will cost at most vi . d. So to each Net allow for halfe such a rope 0 0 3

li. s. d. So it appeares by the particulars aforesaid , that each Net with Warropes and all other her appurten●nces , will cost , 4 , 15 , 3 , 238. 2. 6. And ●o ●h said ●o Nets at 4. 15. 3 , a peece will cost in all

li. s. d. Tooles and Implements vsed indringe and packing of Herring . Gipping or Gilling kniues 14 at 4 d. 0 8 0 Roaring baskets or scuttles 24 at vi d 0 12 0 Addesses for Coopers worke 6. at ii . s 0 12 0 Drifts to beat downe hoops 12. at i d 0 1 0 Irons to pull vp barrels heads 6. at 4 d 0 2 0 Iron pipes to blow and trie Caskes , whether they be tight or no 3. at 8 d. 0 2 0. bended hoopes to supply such as shall chance to breake or flye off , for an C Last , that is of 12 C barrels 24 C of hoopes at ii . s. a C 2 8 0. Iron markes or letters to brand the barrels withal , viz. A B. for the best , S for the second , W. for ▪ the worst , at 8 d. a peece at most , 0 2 0. 4 7 0 Caske . Herring barrels , an hundred Last , that is twelue hundred barrels , which containeth two and thirty Gallons a peece , will cost fifteene shillings a Last , that is xv d. a peece , which commeth to 75 0 0 Salt . A water Bushell , that is 5 peckes of Spanish salt , will salt a barrell of Herrings . 60 0 0 So to salt the said Clast , or 12 C. barels of Herrings , must be 12 C bushels of salt , that is at 40. bushels of salt to a waigh ) iust 30 waigh of salt , with at 40 s. a waigh , that is xii d. a bushel , wil cost ▪

Memorandum . A Flemish Busse doth often take seauen or eight Last of Herringes in a day . But if God giue a Busse one day with another but two last of Herringes a day , that is , twelue Last of Herrings in a weeke .

Then at that rate a Busse may take , dresse , and packe the said whole proportion of an C last of Herrings ( propounded to be hoped for ) in eight weekes and two daies .

And yet is heerein allowance made for victualles and wages for xvi . weekes , as after followeth .

Of which 16 weekes time if there be spent in rigging & furnishing the saide Busse to sea , and in sayling from her port to her fishing place ; if these businesses I say spend two weekes of the time , and that other two weekes bee also spent in returning to her port after her fishing season and in vnrigging and laying vp the Busse . Then I say ( of the xvi . weekes aboue allowed for ) there wil bee xii . weekes to spend onely in fishing the Herring .

Victuall and Fuell for xvi . Men and Boyes , seruing in the Busse aforesaid , for the Herring-fishing time , and the time of her setting out : and of her returne home , viz. from the 24 of May , vntill the 21. of September , which is 112. dayes , that is xvi . weekes , that is foure months .

li. s. d Beere . TO allow for euery Man and Boy a gallon of Beere a day ( which is the allowance made in the Kings ships ) that is for the saide 16 persons , 16 Gallons , that is iust halfe a Herring Barrell full a day , that is , for the whole voyage or xvi . weekes , or C xii . dayes , 56 such barrels of Beere , Seuen of these herring barrels containe a Tun of Beere : so as the saide 56 herring barrelles full of beere , do make iust 8 Tun of beere , which at 40. s a Tun comes to 16 0 0. Bisket . To alow for euery man and boy ( as in his maiest . ships ) a pound of Bisket a day , that is for euery man and boy for the saide 4 moneths or 112. daies , an C waight of bisket , that is for the saide 16 persons , 16 C waight of bisket , which at 13 s 4 d. a C. will come to 10 13 4 Oatmeale or Peaze To allow amongst the said 16. persons a gallon a day , that is halfe a pint a peece euery day , that is 112. gallons for them al , for the said 112 daies or 4 months , which comes to iust 14 bushelles , which at 4. s. a bushell will cost 2 16 0 Bacon . To alow also for each Man and boy 2 li. of Bacon for 4 meales in a weeke , that is for each person for the said 16. weekes 32 li. that is 4 stone of bacon , and so for the saide xvi . persons 64. stone of bacon , which at 2. s. 2 d. a stone , will come to 6 18 8. Freshfish . They may take daily out of the Sea , as much fresh-fish as they can eate , 0 0 0. Butter . To allow euery Man and boy ( to butter their fish or otherwise to eate as they like ) a quarter of a pound of butter a day , that is , for each person ● 8 li. of butter , that is halfe a firkin of Suffolkbutter , and so for the sayd 16. men 8. firkins of butter at 20 s. the firkin 8 0 0. 44 8 0.

li. s. d Cheese . To allow euery of the said 16 men and boyes , halfe a pound of Holland Cheese a day , that is , for each person 56. pound , that is , halfe a C. waight of Cheese . And so for the said 16. persons to allow viii . C. waight of Holland Cheese , which at ii . d. ob . the pound that is , 23 s. 4. d. the hundred will cost 9 6 8 Vineger . To allow amongst the said 16. persons three pintes of Vinegar a day , that is for the said 112. dayes , 42 Gallones , that is a Teirce of Vinegar , which at vi . li. a Tunne , Caske and all will cost 1 0 0 Fuell . To allow for the dressing and boyling of their victuall , viii . C. of Kentish Faggots , that is seauen Faggots a day , and 16. Faggots ouer in the whole time , which viii . C. of Faggots at viii . s. a C. coms to 3 4 0 13 10 8

li. s. d. Summe of all the said 4. months victuall is 57 18 8

I am informed that the Dutch Busses haue not halfe so much allowance of Victualles : But take almost al theirs out of the Sea .

li. s. d Phisick and Surgery helps Sperma Caeti and a boxe for it 0 3 4 Stone pitch and a boxe for it 0 1 4 Aquauita 16 quarts is 4 gallons , at iii. s. 0 12 0 Zant-oyle 16 pintes is 2 gallons , at vi . s. 0 12 0 Honny , 16 pintes is 2 gallons , at v. s. 0 10 0 Sugar 4 pound , at i. s. 0 4 0 Nutmegges a quarterne of a pound 0 1 0 Ginger ½ a pound 0 0 6 Pepper 16 oz. that is a pound 0 2 0 Wages to the sixteen men Balsome and other Salues and old Linnen 0 10 0 Syzers a paire 0 0 6 A Steele Pleget to spread playsters 0 1 4 A Chest with partitions for all these things 0 12 0 3 10 0 To a Maister for the said 4. months at v. li. a month that is , i. li , 5 , s. o a week , or 4 , s. ii . d. a day for 6 daies or iii. s. ob , q farthing a day for seauen dayes . 20 0 0 To two Mates at 24 s , a month a peece 9 12 0 To sixe other men at 20 s. a peece per month 24 0 0 To sixe other men at 16 s , a peece per month 19 4 0 To a boy at 6 s , a month 1 4 0 74 0 0 Summe of all the Stocke and charge of one intire Busse , &c. the first yeare will be about 935 5 8.

The difference or oddes between Charge & Aduenture .

IT appeares before in particulars , That a New Busse with her Nets and other appurtenances , together with all the first yeares Charge of Salt , Caske , Victuals , Wages , &c. wil come to — 934-5-8 But it is to be obserued , that the owner & Aduenturer of such a Busse , shall not be out of purse , nor Aduenture so much money the said first yeare , by — 171 — 10 — 0 For the Wages aforesaide is neuer paide till the returne of the Ship or busse ; which if it should neuer return ( as God forbid ) then is no wages paid . So wages is parte of the Charge , but no part of the Aduenture . And so the wages is spared from Aduenture , which comes to as before in particulars 74 0 0. Also it is to be obserued , that the busse can conueniently stow at once but 34 Last of Cask , which is but the thirde part of her said C. last of Caske in Charge , and so is also spared from Aduenture two third parts of her cask , which is 66. last of Caske , which at xv . s. comes to 49 10 0 Likewise the Busse cannot conueniently stow at once aboue tenne waighe of Salt , which is but a thirde part of her Salt in charge . And so is also spared from Aduenture ⅔ of her saide Salt , which is 20 waight of Salt , which at 40 s. a waigh comes to 40 0 0. Neither can the busse conueniently stow at once aboue 〈◊〉 her saide 8 Tunnes of beere in Charge . And so also is spared from Aduenture the one halfe of her saide beere , which is foure Tun , which at forty shillings a Tun comes to 8 0 0. Totall spared from Aduenture 171 li 10 0. Which 171 li-10 s-0-being deducted out of the said Charge of 934-5-8 . There resteth to bee aduentured the first yeare onely 762 15 8.

The first yeares gayne in hope and likelyhood .

ABout a month after the Busses are gone out to sea , a Yagar which is a Caruell or a Merchants ship ( employed to seeke out the said Herring-Busses , and to buy of them their Herrings vpon the first packing . ) This Yagar I say ( whereof are diuers so employed ) comes to the sayde Busse ( amongst others ) and buyes all such Herrings as she hath barrelled ( which barrels vppon the first packing are called Sticks . ) And in part of payment for her saide Herring Stickes , deliuers such Salt , Caske , Hoopes , Nettes , Beere , and other Necessaries as the busse shal then want ; ( wherewith the saide Yagar comes alwayes furnished ) the rest the said Yagar payes in ready mony to the Busseman . In this maner comes the Yagar to the busses two or three times or oftner in a Summer-Herring-fishing time . So as the sayd Yagar buies of the saide Busse ( if God giue them to the busse ) all her said C Last of herring Stickes . 1000. li. For which said C. last of Herring-stickes , if the Yagar do pay but after the rate of x li. a Last , that is xvi . s. viii . d. a barrell , then are the saide hundred last of Herringsticks sold for iust

So ( by the grace and blessing of God ) the very first yeares herrings only , may bring in to the Aduenturer or owner all his whole both Stocke and Charges of — 934 — 5 — 8. aforesaid . And also — 65 — 14 — 4 — ouer and aboue .

And so the said Aduenturer or Busse maister , is like by Gods blessing , to gaine clearely the very first yeare . — The Busse aforesayde with all her apparrell and furniture , together with her Nets , &c. And — 065 li — 14 s — 4 d. in mony ouer and aboue , towards the vse or Intrest of the said — 762 — 15 — 8 — which the saide Aduenturer disburseth the first yeare out of Purse ,

Which is almost — 9 li — 0 — 0. in the hundred also for vse .

The second yeares Charge .

li. s. d. Calking or carrying the said Busse yearely wil cost about 5 0 0 Repairing the Tacklings ( which cost at first xii li. as before ) 6 0 0 Repairing the Sayles which cost at first xx li , x s 10 0 0 Repairing the pullies Shiuers and other petty things about 1 0 0 Repairing the Cables ( which cost at first 81 li. ) about 24 0 0 Towards the reparations of the Anchors ( which cost at first 18 li , ) allow 3 0 0 Repairing the Carpenters store ( which cost at first 15 s. ) about 0 12 0 Repairing the Stewards store ( which cost at first 5 li , 8 s. 0 ) about at most 2 8 0 Renewing shot and powder , and scowring the Muskets &c , about 0 10 0 Repairing of Nets with the appurtenances , with 50 new deepings , and a C fathome of Warrope , &c. 77 0 0 ( Which cost first as before in particulars , 238-2-6 ) the third part whereof is iust 79-7-6 . Renewing of Tooles to dresse and packe Herrings with all , ( which cost at first 4-5-0 2 0 0 Renewing the whole C Last of Cask at xv s. 75 0 0 Renewing the whole 30 waighes of Salt at 40 s. 60 0 0 Renewing the whole proportion of victualles aforesaid 57 18 8 Renewing part of the Phisick and Surgery helpes ( which cost at first 3-10-0 ) 1 11 4 Wages as at the first 74 0 0

li. s. d Sum. Tot. of the Charge of the second years Herring Fishing will be as appeares about 400 0 0 But the second yeares Aduenture and Disbursement , will be lesse then the saide Charge , ( as it was for the first yeare ) by 171. 10. 0 And so the Second yeares Aduenture will be onely about — 228 — 10 — 0.

Towards which aduenture and Charge , there is before accompted to be gotten in money by the first yeares Herring fishing as before appeares — 65 — 14 — 4.

So then the second yeares Charge , besides the sayde 65 — 14 — 4. before gained , will be but 334 — 5 — 8.

But the said second yeares Aduenture , besides the sayde gaine , will be but 162 — 15 — 8.

So it appeares , That if the busse be onely imployed in fishing the Herring , and in that but onely one foure monthes in euery yeare : and that the Busse lye still in her owne port all the rest of the yeare : that is nine moneths in euerie yeare idle , yet she gaines clearly euery yeare in that foure monthes ( onely ) the sum of 600. li — o s — o d. If God giue her in that time , but the said C. Last of Herrings , which being solde but at ten pound a Last , yeeld 1000. li. — o s — o d. Out of which deducting the saide second yeares Charge of 400. li. aforesaid , there resteth as gained cleerely — 600 li. — o — o yearly by the saide Busse .

Memorandum , If the Aduenturer of such a Busse will also hire a Yagar by the Last , to take in his Herrings , and carry them into Danske-Meluyn , Sweathland , France , or elsewhere : Then the Charge and gaine of that course , will be as followeth , or thereabouts , viz:

li. s. d. YOu may hire a Caruill or other Merchants shippe for a Yagar to cary your He●ings from the Busse into Dansk , Meluyn , &c. and to stay there for re-lading 14 or 20 daies , and then to bring backe to London such Wares or Merchandize as you shall there fraught her withall , for which fraught outward and stay there , and fraught home backe againe , the said ship wil haue at most — 2 — 10 — 0 a last , that is 25 s. a Tun in and out . So the fraught of C Last of Herrings into Danske , and fraught of another C Last of Pitch , Hempe , Flax or Corne , &c. backe again to London will cost at most at — 2 li — 10 s — o d. 250 0 0. Toll at Elsanor will cost out and in about 3 0 0. I thinke no Custome is paide for Herringes in the East-country , yet suppose for Custome iiii s. a last , that is 4. d. a barrell , at which rate the C. Last of Stickes comes to 20 0 0. For Cranage , there allow at most is . a Last , which for the said Clast of Herrings is 5 0 0. For Wharfage there allow also after the rate of 12. d. a Last , 5 0 0 For Warehouse-roome there till the Herrings be solde allow at most 2 0 0. The repacking of the Herrings by the sworne Coopers of that place , and for new hooping 75 Last of cask , which will be filled with the said C Last of Herring sticks , alowing 25. Last that is a fourth part of the Clast to be shrunk away , that 75 last repacking and hooping at most at viii . s. a Last will cost 30 0 0. Sum — 315 li. — o s — o d. which neuer goes out of purse , but is paide when the Herrings are solde .

li. s. d So if the saide C. Last of Herring so sent from the Busse to Danske do shrinke a fourth part , then will rest to be solde in Danske , Meluyn , &c. 75. Last of full repacked Herrings , which 75. Last will bee there solde for at least 18 li. 12. s. o. d. a Last , that is 31. s. a Barrell , which is iiii . s. i. d. a C. which is more then 2. Herrings and ½ a peny , by 7. Herringes in a hundred . And so the 72. Last of Herrings will be sold for 1395. 0. 0

Which is for the Herrings 1000 0 d Besides there may wel be gained by the return of 139. li. worth of corn or other Merchandize , at least 120. more . & for the fraught in & out , 315 0 d And so is gained outwards only 80 0 d

Besides , the said Herring-fishing which is performed in foure months as aforesaide , the same Busse may be also employed the same yeare ( presently after the said herring season ) in fishing for Cod and Ling.

For the Herring fishing being begun yearly as before is shewed ( about the 24. of May , and the Busse being returned home againe about the 21 of September , which is 16. weekes after : then the saide Busse and her men may rest in Port about 10. weekes , viz. from the 21. of September , vntill S. Andrewes tide , or the first of December after ; and then set saile againe furnished with Hookes , Lines , Salt , caske , and all other things ( heereafter particularly mentioned ) needefull for the Winter Codfishing , which may by Gods blessing bee dispatched and the Busse at home againe in her owne port by the first of March , which is thirteene weekes after , that is , in 91. dayes .

And so betweene the saide first of March and the 24. of May , which is iust eight weekes , the saide Busse may be carined or calked , and repaired and victualled & prouided of all things against the second or next years Herring-fishing . And so is the whole yeare ended & spent as aforesaide .

Now the Charges of the saide first Codfishing in the Busse aforesaide , with the 16 Men and Boyes aforesaid during the aforesaide time of 13. weekes or 91. daies will be as followeth , viz.

Tooles & Implements . EAch man fishing for Codde and Ling , vseth at once 2 Kip-hooks , so 16 men may vse at once 32 of those hookes : but because they lose their Hookes sometimes , therefore allow for euery of the men a dozen of hookes , that is 16 dozen of Kip-hooks , which at most wil cost 12 d. a dozen ▪ that is , 0 16 0 Stringes for each Man sixe , that is , for the 16 men eight dozen of stringes , euery string must be fifty fathome long & about the bignesse of an Iackline , and it must be tanned . Euery such string will cost about 12 d. and so the said eight dozen of strings will cost 4 16 0 Chopstickes for euery man foure , is in all 64 Chopstickes . A Chopsticke is an Iron about the bignesse of a Curtaine Rod , and a yard long , and vpon this Iron is an hollow pipe of Leade 8 or 9. Inches long , and waighes about 4 pounde , and the Iron waighes about a pound , which Iron and leade will cost about 12 d. a peece , so 64. Chopstickes at 12 d. will cost 3 4 0. For euery man two Garfangle-hookes . Totall two and thirtie Garfangle hookes . This Garfangle hooke is an Ashen-plant 6 or 8 Foote long with an Iron hooke like a Boat-hook at the end of it , one of these Garfangle hookes will cost 6 d. So the 32 Garfangle hookes will cost 0 16 0

Foure Heading kniues like Chopping kniues at xii . d. 0 4 0 Foure spliting kniues like mincing kniues at 12 d 0 4 0 Sixe gutting kniues at 4. d 0 2 0 A Grindstone and Trough 0 5 0 Whetstones two or three 0 3 0 Some of the old Herring Nets , to get Herringes to baite their Hooks . Or else to buy a Hogshead full of Lamprils which is the best baite for Cod and Ling. There is store of Lamprils to be had at Woolwitch , Norwitch , and Hull , which may cost about 2 10 0 Baskets some of those before bought and vsed for the dressing of Herring and 12. other great Baskets at ii . s. 6. d a peece 1 10 0 14 10 0

li , s. d Caske . For barrelled Cod to prouide 35. Last of Barrels , which are the very same euery way , with the Herring barrels aforesaide , so the saide 35. Last of Caske , at xv . s. a Last , will cost 26. li — 5. s. As for the Linges ( in hope ) there is no Caske vsed for them , but they are onely salted and packed one vpon another in the ships hold . And if they take any Ling , then they must bring home the lesse Cod , and then also they saue some of the saide Caske 26 5 0. Salt . Each barrell of Cod will take a bushell of Salt vpon salt . So 35. Last of Cod aforesaide takes iust 420. Bushels of Salt vpon salt , that is , 10 waighes and a halfe of salt , which at 3. li. a waigh , that is 1● . d. a bushell will cost 31. 10. 0 Physicke and Chyrurgerie helpes . To allowe as before is allowed for the Herring-fishing time , which ( besides the Chest ) will cost as before in particulars 2 18 0. Stew store Carp store The Stewards store and Carpenters store aforsaid , will serue this voyage . So for them needeth no allowance 0 0 0. 60 13 0.

Victuall and Fuell for 16. Men and Boyes , to serne in the said Busse for the said Cod fishing time , and the time of setting out , and Returne home , viz. from about the first of December , vnto the first of March , which is iust 13. weekes , that is , 91 dayes .

li. s. d Beere . TO allowe euery person a gallon of beere a day ( as in the Kings ships ) that is for the said 16 persons 16. gallons , that is iust halfe a Herring-barrell a day , that is for the whole voyage , 91. halfe barrels , that is almost 46. of those Herring barrels full of beere . Seuen of these herring barrels containe a Tun of beere : so as the said 46. barrels contain six Tun and a half of beere , which at 40. s. a Tun will cost 13 0 0. Bisket . To allowe for euery person ( as in his Maiest . ships ) a pound of Bisket a day , that is for all the saide 16. persons 112. li. that is an C. waight of Bisket a weeke , that is for the saide 13. weeks 13 C. of Bisket , which at xiii . s. — 4. d — ● C. will cost 8 13 4. Peaze . To alow for euery person halfe a pint of peaze a day ( to bee watered and eaten with butter or else with bacon ) that is a Gallon a day amongest them all , that is in all 91. gallons , that is 11 bushels and a pecke and a halfe of Peaze , which at 4. s. a bushell , will cost 2 5 6. Bacon . To allow for euery person 2. li. of Bacon a week for 4. meales in euery weeke , that is for the saide 16. persons 32. li. that is 4. stone of Bacon a week amongst them all , that is for the said 13. weeks , 52 stone of bacon , which at 2. s. 2. d. a stone , wil cost 5 12 8. Freshfish . Fresh-fish they may take daily out of the Sea asmuch as they can eate 0 0 0.

li. s. d Butter . To allow euery person a quarter of a pound a Butter a day , that is , 4 li. of Butter a day amongest them all . So for the saide 13. weekes or 91. dayes must be 364 li. of Butter , that is iust six firkins and ½ of Suffolke Butter , which at xx . s. a firkin will cost 6 10 0. Cheese . To allow euery person halfe a pound of Holland cheese a day , that is 8 li. a day among them all . So for the said 13 weeks or 91 daies , 728 li. of cheese , that is 6 C ½ waight of Holland cheese 〈◊〉 at 2 d. ob . a li. that is 1 li. 3 s. 4 d. C. will cost 7 11 8. Vineger . To allow amongst them all three pints of Vineger a day , that is , for the saide 91. daies almost 34. Gallons , allow a Teirce , which at 6 li. a Tun Caske and all , will cost 1 0 0 Fuell . To allow also 8. Kentish Faggots a day , which for the said 91 daies will come to 7. C. and a quarterne of Faggots , which at 8. s. a C. will cost 2. 18. 0

li. s. d. Sum of all the saide 13 weekes victuals and fuel , will come to as appeares 47. 11. 2

Wages . To a Maister for these 13. weekes at 5. li. a month that is 25. s. a weeke a peece , is for both 16 5 0. To two Mates at 24. s. a moneth , that is vi . s. a week a peece , is for both 7 16 0 To six other men at 20. s. a peece per month , is 5. s. a weeke a peece 19 10 0 To six other men at 16. s. a peece per moneth , is 4. s. a weeke a peece 15 12 0 To the Boy at 6. s. a month , that is xviii . d a weeke . 0 19 6 60 2 6.

Sum of all the Charge of the first winters Cod-fisning , will bee as before in particulars about 182 16 8

li. s. d But heere is to be remembred that the wages is no part of the Aduenture ( though it be part of the Charge . 122. 14. 2 at most . And so the Aduenturer shal be out of purse for this first Codfishing voyage , but only

Now if it please God in this voyage to afford vnto this Busse the filling of her said Cask , that is 35. Last of Cod only , that Cod will yeeld at least 20. s. a barrell , that is but 12. li. a Last : So the said 35 Last , will yeeld at least , 420. li — o s — o d.

Of the Lyuors of those 35. Last of fish , may well bee made 5. Tun of Traine oyle , worth at least 12. li. a Tun , that is but 12. d. a gallon , at which rate 5. Tun of oyle wil yeeld 60. li.

So by the blessing of God this Codfishing may bring in to the Aduenturer , as before in particulars iust 480 0 0

li. s. d Out of which 480. li. deduct the Charge abouesaid of 182-16-8 , and then resteth to be cleered yearly by the said Cod-fishing 297 3 4

And so it appeares that there may bee gained yearly by one Herring Fishing and one Cod Fishing in such a Busse yearly , the sum of 837-3-4 . all Charges borne , and without any stocke after the first yeare 897. li. 3 s 4. d

BY that which is before set downe , it appeareth , that one Aduenturer or diuers Partners , buying or building and furnishing such a Busse , and aduenturing her to sea as aforesaid , shall disburse before and in the first Herring voyage , the sum of 762 — 15 — 8. out of purse .

And that the same 762 — 15 — 8. is clearly inned againe , together with all other charges , and 65 — 14 — 4. ouer and aboue within lesse then a yeare , & so the Busse with her Nets and furniture , and the saide 65 — 14 — 4. in money is gayned clearly the first voyage .

And that if the Busse do also that yeare make a Cod-fishing voyage as aforesaide , then I say , within the space of the said first yeare , the Aduenturer or the said Partners shal haue all their stocks into their purse againe as aforesaide , and shall also haue in purse gained cleerly the said first year 362-17-8 which gaine is more then is to be disbursed the second yeare in repayring the said Busse , with her appurtenances , &c. And also in furnishing her with new Herring Cask , Salt , Victual , &c. for the second yeares Herring fishing .

And that the said Aduenturer or Partners , after the saide first yeare , shall neuer be out of purse any money at all .

But that the first yeares cleare gaine will stocke him or them so sufficiently for the vse of this Busse , as by the same they may get cleerely after the saide first yeare , by two such voyages in that busse , yearly ouer and aboue all charges .

li. s. d. 897 3 4.

And that if the said Aduenturer or Partners will make but onely one Herring voyage yearely , then by that one onely Herring voyage yearely , the saide busse may get cleerely per annum , as is before declared .

600 0 0 Ouer and aboue all charges .

I Confesse the priuate gaine to euery Vndertaker before propounded , may seeme too great to be hoped for : but before any conclude so , let them read the Proclamation concerning this businesse , made by those thriuing-States of the vnited prouinces of the Low Countries , and let them consider what should mooue those States in that publique proclamation , to call this Herring fishing , the Chiefest-Trade , and Principall Gold-Mine of those vnited prouinces , and to shew such Iealousie , and prouide so very carefully for the preseruation thereof , If the gaine thereby were not exceeding great and extraordinary .

That Proclamation translated out of Dutch into English , is affixed to the end of the Booke before mentioned , called Englands way to win wealth : and is here also againe annexed to these presents , as a thing to be often seene and considered of vs .

And for my selfe , I say that I know , that No man may doe euill , that good may come of it : Therefore I would not deuise a lye to perswade any to a worke how good soeuer ; nor commend that to others , which my owne heart were not first strongly perswaded to be commendable : yet as I denye not but that I may erre in some of so many particulars : so I disdaine not , but rather desire to see such errors , honestly and fairely corrected by any that out of more skill , and desire of perfecting and furthering this good worke , shall finde out any such errors .

And whether this Fishery be Necessary for this Common-wealth or no , let the present condition and estate of our shipping and Mariners , and Sea Townes , and Coastes , which ( as the meanes ) should be the wals and strength of this Ilandish Monarchy ; I say let them speake . I will say no more to this poynt , as well for other reasons , as also because this matter is but for a fewe alas : namely for those onely that preferre the Common wealth to their owne priuate : and they are wise , and a word is enough to such .

If any be so weake to thinke this Mechanicall Fisher-Trade not feasible by the English people : to them I may say with Salomon Goe to the Pismire looke vpon the Dutch thou sluggard , learne of them , they do it daily in the sight of all men at our owne doores , vpon our owne coastes . But some will needs feare a Lion in euerie way , because they will imploy their Tallents no way , but lie vnprofitable at home alwaies .

The difficulties that Vnwillingnes hath obiected , Consists in want of Men , of Nets , of Caske , of Timber , and Plank , of Vtterance or Sale , and of the feare of Pyrats , of euerie of which a word or two .

THE 16. Men and boyes before admitted to serue in the saide Busse , may bee these : ( viz. ) A Mayster , a Mate , foure ordinary Sailors , and foure Fisher-men , there is ten , and then six Land-men and boyes to bee trained vp by the former Ten men in the Art of Sayling , and Craft of Fishery .

By which meanes euery Busse shall be a Seminary of Saylors and Fishers also , for so shall euery busse breede and make sixe new Marriners : and so euery 100. busses breede 600. new marriners to serue in such other busses as shall be after builded , which is also no small addition to the strength of this state .

Marriners . Now if there were 100. busses presently to bee builded , I would make no doubt ( as hard as the world goes ) but before they could be fitted for the Sea , there may be gathered vp about the Coast-Townes of his maiesties Dominions at least an C. able Maisters to take Charge of them . And another C. of Marriners to goe with them as their Mates : and foure C. Saylors to serue vnder the saide C. Maisters , that is in all but 600. Marriners and Saylors . For I finde in the 35. page of Englands way to win wealth ( the Author whereof was a Yarmouth man ) that the last winter but one , There were in that one Towne of Yarmouth 300. idle men that could get nothing to do , liuing poore for lacke of employment , who most gladly would haue gone to Sea in Pinkes , if there had beene any for them to goe in . I haue reported his owne words .

Fishermen . And for the foure hundred Fishermen to serue in the C. Busses , they would soone be furnished out of those poore Fishers in Small boates , as Traules , Cobbles , &c. which fish all about the Coastes , which poore men by those small vessels can hardly get their bread , and therefore would holde it great preferment to bee called into such Busses where they may haue meat , drinke , and wages as before is liberally propounded for such . Besides , which if neede be there are too too many of those pernitious Trinker-men , who with Trinker-boates destroye the Riuer of Thames , by killing the Fry and small Fish there , euen all that comes to Net , before it bee eyther meate or Marketable . Which Trinkermen ( if they will not offer themselues ) may by order and authoriry of our State be compelled to giue ouer that Euil , and to follow this good Trade .

Landme for a Seminary . But for the saide 6. C. Land-men to serue in these C Busses we neede not study where to finde them ; if such shoulde not seeke for seruice in these Busses , the verie streets of London and the Subburbs will soone shew & afford them , if it were so many thousand I thinke . Idle Vagrants so extreamely swarme there as all knowe . So much for men .

Nets . Nettes will be the hardest matter to prouide at the first ; yet I vnderstand that the before named Knight , Sir William Haruey , had in few weekes or moneths prouided all his Nets for his great Busse . And my selfe was offered Nettes for halfe a dozen Busses , if I would haue had them the last Sommer : and if there were now 100. Busses in building , I am informed of one that will vndertake to furnish them all with Nets . And after these Busses shall once be seene , many for their owne gaine will prouide for Hemp , twine , & all necessaries to the making of Nets enough . And doubtles Scotland and Ireland will presently afford good helpe in this behalfe .

Caske . Caske will be plentifully serued by Scotland and Ireland , though we should make none of English Timber .

Timber & Plank . And for all the great and pittifull waste of our English Woods , yet will England afford Timber & Plank enough for many Busses : but ( to spare England a while ) Ireland will yeeld vs Busses enough besides many other good Shippes , if need be ; and Scotland will help vs with Masts , but if we would spare so neare home , we may help our selues out of Virginia and Sommer-Islands . I wis the Dutch who haue no Materials in any Dominions of their owne , haue made harder and deerer shifts for their multitudes of Ships of all sorts : If they had shifted off the building of Ships , because they had no Timber or other shipping stuffe of their owne in their owne Lands , what a poore , naked , seruile people , had that free people beene ere this day ?

Touching Vtterance and Sale of Herrings when we Vtterance or Sale . shall haue them : I am informed that there is yearely vttered and spent in his Maiesties owne Dominions , at least ten thousand Last of Herrings , which being serued by our selues , will keep in the Land aboundance of Tresure , which the Dutch yearely carry out for the Herrings which they catch on our own coasts , and sell to vs . Now , if such a Busse as aforesaide get yearely C. Last of Herrings , as aforesaid : then an hundred Busses taking yearely C. Last a peece , doe take in all ten thousand Last of Herrings . So then his Maiesties owne Dominions wil vtter all the Herrings which C. Busses shal take in a year . And then if wee shall haue 500. Busses more , I am perswaded we may in France , and in Danske , & in other forraigne parts , haue as good and ready sale for them , as the Dutch haue for theirs ; for I heare that the Dutch could yearely vtter double so many as they doe sell if they had them . But if that should not bee so , surely it were too great pouerty for English mindes ( like Horses that know not their owne strength ) to feare to set foote by the Dutch , or by any other people vnder Heauen , or to feare to speede woorse in any Market or place then they : and yet not be driuen to beat down the Markets neither , except the Dutch should prooue more froward and food then I can yet mistrust : but if they should , I will not bee perswaded to thinke , but that the worser part would fall out to their share at last .

If there will bee imployment but for 1000. Busses , me thinke they should thanke vs , ( as for many other benefits , so for this , ) that wee will bee contented that they share with vs , by vsing onely 500. Busses , & to fish frendly in consort , as it were with other 500. Busses of ours . But if they should alleadge , that they now hauing a thousand , shall haue ( in that case ) imployment for the other 500 : why then perhappes wee may in friendly manner cope with them , and buy of them the other 500. of the said Busses .

I thanke God I neither hate nor enuy the Dutch ; nay ( for good and due respects ) I preferre them to all other forraigne Nations in my loue ; and they acknowledging vs as they ought , wee shall I hope doe them no wrong , and they must doe vs right .

I haue herein bin longer then I meant , onely because there came euen now to my minde some reports that I haue heard , ( but doe not beleeue ) of very foule and insolent dealing of their Busse-men with our poore weake Fisher-men vppon our Coastes . But if it were true , as I doubt it at least ; yet I would not hate nor speak euill of a whole State for the sawcie presumptions of a particular man , or of a few men , and those perhappes prouoked thereto , by our owne Double-Beere of England .

Pirats & Enemies . It is too true that all seas are too full of Pirats , and that amongst them ( which wee haue great cause to lament ) our English abound , who are too ready to iustifie their lewd errors with the want of imployment . It is true also , that men are not to get their liuing by sinful ▪ violent , and vnlawfull courses ; yet I would they were stript of that colour and pretence , ( which a good fleete of Busses would doe : ) Beside , such a fleet of Busses will ( by Gods grace be soone able to maintaine about them a guard of strong warlike ships wel appointed to defend them . And in time of neede also to serue his Maiesty , and offend his enemies : and such a guard will be very requisite , althogh God hath so laid and placed the Herrings , as our Busses shall seldome need to lie or to labour out of the sight of our owne shores . So much of the facility .

Lastly , touching the vse of this famous Fisher-trade , I will onely commend vnto your considerations , that which is written thereof in all the foure Bookes before mentioned : namely , in the Brittish Monarchy , and Hitchcocks New-yeares-guift , and in Englands way to win wealth &c. and in the Trades increase . The Dutch haue thereby as by their onely or chiefe meanes curbed and bearded their aduersaries ; what then may wee doe by it , if God please , we I say to whome he hath vouchsafed multitudes of other helpes ( which Dutch ▪ land hath not ) to second this ; this trade sets awarke all their idle , it keeps their gold & siluer in their dominions and multiplies it .

And I see not why the same trade should not bee of the same vse to vs .

1. NOw Aboord our Busses again , which once wel established and followed , will in short time I hope by Gods blessing set many Ploughmen heere on worke , to sowe Hemp & Flax , both in England , Scotland & Ireland .

2. And wil conuert our Idle bellies , our Beggers , our vagabonds and Sharkes into lusty Hempbeaters , spinners , Carders , Rope-makers , Net-makers , Coopers , Smiths , Shipwrights , Calkers , Sawyers , Saylers , Fishermen , Bisket-bakers , weauers of Pole-dauis , Sayle-makers , and other good labouring Members .

3. And will more warrant and incourage our Magistrates to punnish the Idle , the sturdy begger , and the Theese , when these Busses shall finde imployment for them that wil worke .

4. And will be a meanes that the True , poore , aged , and impotent shal be better and more plentifully , yet more easily and with lesse charges releeued , when onely such shall stand at deuotion , and no valiant Rogues shall share in the Almes of the charitable as now they do .

5. And will helpe to bring euery one to eate their own bread .

6. Yea , and will supply his Maiest . Armies and Garrisons in time of neede with many lusty able men insteede of our Bare-breeched Beggers and nasty Sharkes , that are as vnskilfull and as vnwilling to fight as to worke .

7. And will keepe and bring in abundance of Gold and Siluer .

I know and confesse that it is not in Man to promise these or any of them peremptorily , but all these are the euident effects of this Fishery amongst the Dutch.

And therefore I may conclude , That we are to hope for like blessing , by our like lawfull and honest endeuors in this trade of fishery which almighty God hath brought home to our doores to imploy vs in , whereby he also giues vs a comfortable calling to the worke .

TO begin withall , if but some of our Noblemen ▪ and some of our Gentry ▪ and some Cittizens and others of ability , each man for himselfe , would speedily prouide and imploy at least one Busse a peece , so as some good store of Busses may ( amongest them in that manner bee speedily prouided and imployed , to ioyne with Sir William Haruey , who is already entred the field alone . No doubt but his Maiesty will bee pleased ( at their humble suite ) to encourage and incorporate them with priuileges , immunities , and authority ; and so they may choose amongst themselues , some meet officers and ouerseers , and make meete lawes and orders for the due and seasonable taking , curing , packing , and selling of the saide Herrings , &c. As the French and Straights Merchants who being so incorporated , yet haue euery man his own ship , or the ship hee hiers : and each man by himselfe or by his Factor , goes out , returnes , buyes & sels , not transgressing the priuate lawes and orders of their respectiue companies .

But if at the first entrance there will not bee any competent number of Busses so prouided , and Aduentured as abouesaid . If his Maiesty will be pleased so to incorporate some fit for this worke ; and ( out of that corporation ) a sufficient Treasurer , and other needefull officers be here chosen & made known ; then may all that please , ( of whatsoeuer honest condition ) bring in ( by a day to be assigned ) what sum of money any shal like to Aduenture herein , from 5. pound , vpwards .

And when there shall be brought in 70. or 80. thousand pounds , then presently the said Officers to prouide an hundred Busses , which with that money will be royally built and furnished , and all their first yeares charge defrayed .

And as more stocke shal come in , so also more Busses to be so prouided and added to those former , &c. All which may bee ( as in the now East India company ) the ioynt stocke and Busses of the company .

Of which Ioynt stocke and Busses , euery aduenturer according to the proportion of his said Aduenture , may yearely know , giue , and receiue his proportion , as it shal please God to dispose of the whole fleete and businesse . But whereas in the said East India company , and others such like , as haue a common Treasury , whereinto euery Aduenture is promiscuously put , the saide Aduentures once brought in , are there still continued in banke , and often additions cald for . In this Fishing company , euery Aduenturer shall but onely ( as it were ) lend the mony he aduentureth for one yeare or there abouts , as before is shewed .

Now for the good gouernment and sincere disposition of this Ioynt stocke , &c. It would be specially prouided ( amongest other ordinances and prouisions ) that all Officers be only annuall ; and that those be freely chosen and yearely changed by the more voats of the company , yearely to be assembled for that purpose . And that whatsoeuer gratuities , or rewards , or fees , shall be yearly giuen to such Officers , may ( not onely in grosse , but ) in particular be distributed or set down by the more part of voyces of the company so assembled ; and not one grosse sum giuen , bee deuided or distributed by any one man ▪ for so may the company with their owne money arme and enable one man , ( first thereby made proud ) to ouer-rule and keep vnder themselues , by binding his fellow officers to himselfe , to the neglect of the generality , whose proper gifts they be , though by that ill meanes it be not acknowledged , besides many other mischiefes & inconueniences , which may come by the ouerweening of one or fewe men , whilest others of better deserts perhaps are neglected and not looked on , to the mouing of much offence , murmur , and enuy in some ; and of pride , insolency and arrogancy in others .

By this last mentioned promiscuous course of Ioynt-stocke , after the rate of Aduenture and charge & gaine , before in particulars set downe , it appeares : That Euery Aduenturer of C li. may gaine clearly per annum . 75 0 0 Euery Aduenturer of xl li may gaine clearly per annum 30 0 0 Euery Aduenturer of xx . li may gaine clearly per annum . 15 0 0 & euery Aduenturer of v. li. may gaine clearly per annum 3 15 0

Surely I hope this famous Citty ( euer forward for the kingdomes good ) will for their part prouide and furnish the first C. of Busses at the least , and thereby according to their former noble examples , ( as the cresset of the kingdome ) giue light to the rest of the land to follow them by .

And I thinke the East India company will liberally further this worke : for that thereby some of their greatest wants are like to be supplied .

I speake as I thinke without insinuation , which I hate as much as rayling .

And I neither hope for , nor desire any other gaine hereby , then my share in the common good that all this land shall by Gods blessing reape by this businesse , and the proportionable gaine of mine Aduenture therein .