The International Exhibition of Fisheries was opened on Saturday by
the Prince of Wales, in full regal state, with a prayer from the Archbishop of Canterbury, who, by a happy inspiration, alluded to Christ's direct sanction of the catching of fish. The collections forwarded by half the Governments of the States and Colonies of the world almost outrun the capacity of the vast Exhibition buildings at Kensington Gore, and the crowds who visit them are never tired of expressing their amazement. All known fish, all modes of catching fish, all kinds of fishing vessels, all sorts of fishermen, from whalers to Thames punt•fishers, and most sorts of fisher-girls, are there represented, and excite keen interest among a people who never lose the feeling that the sea is their domain. The gathering is described elsewhere, and it is of course too soon as yet to know what we may expect from the Exhibition. Experts say, however, that, so far as can be perceived, the world has little to teach us in catching fish, that no new fresh fish is visible likely to be popular food, but that an important trade is cured fish may be developed by the Exhibition. Barrels of such fish hitherto unknown to Londoners have been forwarded, and will, it is hoped, become familiar, the managers, with un- usual wisdom, having taken pains to show how any fish for which they desire to cultivate a taste ought to be cooked. The English commonalty, aware that " fish is not fillin'," have hitherto too greatly ignored its value as a relish, and most of them have never even seen cured fish, except haddocks, her- rings, and sprats. There are dozens as good, and some of them, will henceforward find a demand.
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