12,216. Of course, where the men are fishing independently, and curing their own fish, there is no arrangement with the merchant for the skipper's fee?-No; that is an understood thing between the skipper and the fish-buyer, and I don't think the men know anything at all about it. There is no fee at the ling fishing, and the men can go to whom they please. They are different there from what they are in the Faroe fishing.
12,217. Do you buy any hosiery?-I buy it little, and I pay for it in the same way which Mr. Georgeson explained. It is all done by barter.
12,218. Do you also pay for eggs and butter by goods?-Yes.
Lerwick, January 24, 1872, JOHN JOHNSTON, examined.
12,219. You are a merchant at Bridge of Walls, in Sandsting?-I am.
12,220. You are a son of Mr. George Johnston, merchant at Tresta?-Yes.
12,221. Is that in the same parish, but at some distance from your place?-Yes; I think it is about eight miles away.
12,222. Your father is in delicate health, and has not been able to come to-day?-Yes. He has not been able to come in consequence of the rough day.
12,223. Were you concerned in his business before you set up business on your own account?-Yes.
12,224. You are acquainted with his business at Tresta as well as with your own?-Yes.