§ 48

“We are looking ahead now,” said one to another. “We are facing, not avoiding, the consideration of anxious possibilities.” “Each Commune of Britain is busy with problems to solve which will make us safe in emergencies; the policy of ‘Wait and See,’ than which none could be more dangerous to welfare, is treated (as it should be) with contempt. ‘Up and doing’ has taken its place; we have had enough of fallacious epigrams as catch words for opportunists.” The River Severn, one of the most productive in England, has been taken from German hands and is producing a goodly yield of food. There was a prejudice against “coarse fish as an article of food; we are returning to an old English habit of using it.” In old days most of the monasteries were erected near a river; where that was not possible, lakes were dug out and plentifully supplied with fish. We have returned to use an important and nourishing food in localities where it can be employed, and a great and growing industry is proving a success, it is feeding a large section of the people. Sea fishermen did not like it at first; it appeared to be an innovation of their right, but since it has proved not to interfere with their business it is accepted.