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 1 
 
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 1 
 
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 5 
 
 6 
 
REPORT 
 
 VrOH THl 
 
 FISHERIES 
 
 
 kl 
 
 or 
 
 THE BAF OF EM, 
 
 BY 
 
 . M. H. PERLEY, Esquire, 
 
 HIR majesty's emigration OPPICER at saint JOHN, NEW BRUN8WIC1 
 
 Laid be/ore the House of Assembly by commando/ His Excellency the Lieutenant 
 ^ ^ , , Governor, and ordered to be printed, 
 
 #s h' Wth lawh, 1881. 
 
 FREDERICTON: 
 
 J. SIHPSOir, PRINTER TO THE QUEBir's MOST EXCEttEKT MAJB»TT. 
 
 1851. 
 
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 v/ol /-fv it ilji/r but! ; ivii; ' / 'tt» !^t)i*i*»-', '.;:i •' vjk '^ ..f •«• .tiJ 
 'U')r 'ui '»7Kil r - ^. . jliii* tUvI> fi ill-* f'lli 1. - ,! 't'tiii ' i.M,.»:r oj-.t 
 
 Government Emigration Office, * ^" 
 
 j( imli , Hj.-a uiiJ ilii S^*^^ •^«*»» ^- ^-^ 12a March, 1851. 
 
 Sir,— In obedience to the command of His Excellency the 
 Lieutenant Governor, communicated in your letter of 6th July 
 last, that I should examine and report upon the Fisheries of 
 the Bay of Fundy, so soon as my duties as Emigration Officer 
 would permit, I commenced the performance of that duty on 
 the dOth of August, accompanied by George Hay ward Perley, 
 my second son. 
 
 ;?! ii(!i)ii, jtr, ■f-iwni'iufn 
 
 1 1 
 
 The Island of Grand Manan was visited, in a hooker of 16 
 tons, belonging to Deer Island, which I hired for the trip. 
 Campo Bello, West Isles, and the shores in that vicinity, were 
 examined in boats of all sizes, adapted for visiting the several 
 localities* The upper part of the Bay of Fundy, (including 
 Cumberland Bay and the Basin of Mines,) was examined in 
 the Sloop Cutter *' Juno," which I engaged and fitted out for 
 that service. The South Shore of Nova Scotia was examined 
 by land, the season being too for advanced, and the weather 
 too stormy, to admit of its beii^ visited in the Cutter, without 
 great delay. 
 
 I have now the h<niOT to present the accompanying Report, 
 which embodies the information obtained while engaged in per- 
 forming the duty assigned me, tog^her with some other infor- 
 mation in relation to the Fisheries generally, the Markets for 
 Fish in Foreign Countrien, the American Bounty system, and 
 t^ destruction of Fish on spawning grounds. 
 
 II V'l H-t" 
 
 WitJb thi^ Rep^t, I have ajkto the honor to present, a Cata- 
 lipgue {inpfiirt} 4>f t]be Fj^hes of New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia; in which an attempt h^ been made to classify the 
 Fishes of these Co^p^i^^i i|<!^rdii)g to thf system of Baron 
 
 1: 
 
IV. 
 
 ; t 
 
 Cuvicr, in fheir several orders, families, and genera. In the 
 descriptions of the various species, I have embodied observa- 
 tions made during a long series of years ; and with a very few 
 «}xceptions, I have described such fish only, as I have myself 
 seen and handled. .ifOtiMa TWHWPiifMvo,') 
 
 This incomplete Catalogue is offered with the hope, that it 
 may lead to further inquiry, and a more perfect knowledge of 
 the habits, haunts, and seasons of the ^'ishes of our waters ; 
 not merely as matter of interest to the scientific inquirer, but 
 as being of much value to the practical fisherman, who by b^V 
 ter information, may be greatly benefited in his calling. .,{,,,j^ 
 
 ' Before entering upon the duty" entrusted to me, J made 
 application to His Excellency Sir John Harvey, Lieutenant 
 Governor of Nova Scotia, for permission to pursue my inquiries 
 on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay* and a copy of tha Com- 
 mission under Seal, which His Excellency was pleased to trans- 
 mit me, is annexed to this Report. . . , ^ , , ,, , , 
 
 -* A copy of the Circular Letter of Inquiry whicli I caused to 
 be printed and circulated, is also annexed to this Report, with 
 some of the replies thereto. ' " •" ,.' ... iu 
 
 « • t • -.V • 11 ' » f ( ' . . t ... . ( . t J i . 
 
 I beg to direct especial attention to the Letter No. 6, in the 
 Appendix, from the Hon. John E. Fairbanks, of Halifax, which 
 contains information and suggestions possessing much interest. 
 
 The Hon. the Commissioners of British Fisheries, besides 
 noticing my Report of last year in their Annual Report to Par- 
 liament, very kindly forwarded to me a complete set of their 
 Parliamentary Reports, and of the Imperial Acts in relation to 
 the British Fisheries, all which have been of the greatest service. 
 I have also to express my obligation to their Secretary, the 
 Hon. Bouverie Francis Primrose, for his prompt attention in 
 forwarding the prices of Fish in Scotland during the last five 
 years ; and for valuable information respecting the Markets 
 for Fish in Europe, drawn from his admirable Report to the 
 Board of Trade on that important subject. "wlsi'^l 
 
 ^H'. 
 
V. 
 
 In the 
 I observa- 
 . very few 
 i^e myself 
 
 e, that it 
 wledge of 
 waters; 
 lirer, but 
 lo by bet- 
 
 , I made 
 ieutenant 
 inquiries 
 ha Com- 
 to trans- 
 
 caused to 
 ort, with 
 
 The directions for taking and curing Herrings, and for cur- 
 ing Cod and Hake, issued by the Board of British Fisheries, 
 having been approved by His Excellency the Lieutenant 
 Governor, one thousand copies thereof were reprinted, and 
 distributed by me among the fishermen in the several locali- 
 ties visited, by many of whom these directions were greatly 
 approved, and highly appreciated. ' 
 
 At every place visited, my mission appeared to give much 
 satisfaction. The greatest kindness was everywhere shown to 
 myself and my son, and very many persons were at great 
 pains to render us assistance. The hospitality invariably ex- 
 tended to us, and the facilities which were cheerfully grunted 
 on both sides of the Bay, demand my most sincere acknow- 
 ledgements. 
 
 I have the honor to be. Sir, ^ 
 
 w->i 
 
 '•i'»".;f!f''> \ *'' '■ 
 
 Your very obedient servant, 
 
 .:*s.'»f* I'm'Mi.*' hnt, ■ \?ii) 
 
 . >£<m. 
 
 M. H. PERLEY. 
 
 i.'rlH 
 
 ■ ni* 
 
 The Hon. John R. Partelow, Proyincial Serectary. 
 
 6, in the 
 X, which 
 interest. 
 
 , besides 
 t to Par- 
 of their 
 lation to 
 : service, 
 ary, the 
 intion in 
 last five 
 Markets 
 r£ to the 
 
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y 
 
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 1 1 
 
 ^''•'"'' ■*•"' V'"i'-"- --"!» :;,... ./-J. ,aru.\ vu,i,4,.i,..r 
 
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 -.:'*rw <:, ^ jf^ ^i>i,t<VHl VMiMll '-.'17 fto^t ..,.,., .>„ -, , 'H 
 
 , . . • ' • • ' Jf"«t ,J)^'< /?l ;l,(„ U'H /|(t 
 
 .rf 11 1,1 ,/ ., aall Jill '.llL f,,i:i ,„ ,,j ;.,,j,j,„,' 
 
 JiRRATA ET ADDENDA. . • ''->^«"J%li W 
 
 pAr.% 64.— In 13th line from bottom, for " 1800," read "800" feet 
 
 88.— In 16lh line from bottom, for " are compiled," read " is compiled." 
 131.— At the end ofQlst line from bottom, omit the words, "that they." 
 ,.' " 156.— After " SpecieB 1. Petromyzon," add " Americanu;" 
 
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 E^y." 
 
 mas OF REPORT AND APPENDIX.' 
 
 .fv.n 
 
 i^r THE NEW HRUNSWICK 8HORE. ' ,,, ui-iM . i ' 
 
 Grand Maoan, - '3 
 
 Cameron's Cove; Doggett's Cove ; Plngg's Cove ; 
 Long Island ; Bencrafl's Point ; Gull Cove ; 
 X (: Grand Harbour ; the Southern Head ; Dark Har- 
 t^H- hour ; Money Cove ; Long's Kddy ; Whal« 
 , " Cove ; Meeting of Fishermen ; Return of Boats, 
 '"; Vessels, and Men. '"' ^ 
 
 Campo Bello, , , - - - -,.?,.,- - ,, W 
 
 West Isles, ' '" - - - - • - - 28 
 
 Deer Island, ' - - 32 
 
 The Coast from L'Etite Passage to Point Lepreau, 35 
 
 The Wolves, - ^ 
 
 The value of the Fisheries at West lelles, - ' - 87 
 
 EaAtpon, - ^ . - - - .-.;/; e.jH 
 
 Lnbec, ---------42 
 
 The Fisheries of the River Saint Croix, - - - 43 
 From Point Lepreau to the Harbour of Saint John, - 49 
 Fisheries within the Harbour of Saint John, > '50 
 The River Saint John and its Tributaries, *" i " ' - ' 5^ 
 Firom the Harbour ofSt. John eastwardly, to Cape Enrage, 60 
 ^ ,- J Port Simonds ; Black River; EmQrson's Creek; ,.. 
 "' Gardner's Ci-eek ; Teignikidttth ; QtulEico ; Great 
 ^'^ ^ Salmon Rivier ; I^ong l^each ; Little Salmon ' 
 
 River ; Martin's Head ; Goose Creek ; Goose • 
 cH')l River; Point Wolf River ; Heri^ing Cove; 
 
 Upper Salmon River, h >Ji«i'r irfi - i I l> 
 
 fifidm Cape Enrage to the Boundary of N6Va Stotia, ^ 
 
 Shepbdy River ; tti« Petltoodiai!;' Rev; Mk GaUv- ' 
 
 reatl's Letter ; R^ B^ Chaj^mtin's L^tt^ ; from 
 
 Memrftinei0ok to MatanrgUiy ; Sfiekvilte Bay; 
 
 Estiniate of the quantity of f^^A takien On the 
 
 }'7i New Brunswick side of the Bay. 
 
 . i 
 
VIII. 
 
 'I 
 
 > ! ' 
 
 !l^ 
 
 THE NOVA SCOTIA SHORE. 
 
 Cumberland Bay, -• 80 
 
 Amhorst; Minudic ; Mr. Seaman's Letter ; Apple 
 River; the Coast to Capo Chignecto, and thence 
 around to Spencer's Island ; Grcville Bay ; West 
 Bay. 
 
 The Basin of Mines, .-.--. 
 
 Parrsborough ; Five Islands; Economy; Windsor; 
 information from Mr. Burgess as to preservation 
 of Shad nets; Cornwallis River; Habitant River. 
 
 The South Shore of the Bay of Fundy, n*i» ,ll4!.:«,i 
 
 The Basin of Annapolis, - 
 
 Brier Island, ... 
 
 General Observations, - - - - - u <;• 
 
 iii. The cure of Fish ; Mr. Edward Allison's Letter. , ,^,/jy 
 
 Foreign Markets for Fish, _ _ - - - 104 
 
 Fish Barrels, - - i,,n'. 108 
 
 Allowances, or Bounties, to American Fishing Vessels, 109 
 The destruction of Fish on spawning grounds, - - 111 
 
 .•»!foif. : •!':• 
 
 - . ** « * 
 
 86 
 
 91 
 
 22 
 
 96 
 
 100 
 
 . no. 
 
 Bru?h Weirs and Stake Nets, - - - - 
 
 Summary, - - „ - 
 
 Catalogue of Fishes, - j,,,,^;; . -,•: ;;, :,.>-.! isjf^i 
 
 APPENDIX. '•'"'■• "'i'r.^^'""'^ 
 
 ( ; ' 1 1 • '• • T '. I J > * 
 
 '«;6 
 
 113 
 114 
 118 
 
 1 1 » ■ » I .^ 
 
 No. 1. Commission from J^is ExceUen^^ 3/^ John 
 
 Harvey, , - . - .. ' .' , ' jgo 
 
 2. Copy of Circular Letter of Inquiry, , - .. -^ 161 
 
 3. Letter from Cochran Craig, J. P., /.,..-.! ., - 162 
 
 4. Letter from Captain Daniel M'Laughlin, - 165 
 
 5. Regulations for Shad Fishery in Cumberland, 
 Nova Scotia, 166 
 
 6. Letter on the Fisheries from Hon. John £. 
 Fairbanks, - - - - - - 167 
 
 7. Extract of Despatch from Lord Stanley, dated 
 17th Sept., 18i5, relstive to Foreigners 
 fishing in the Qay of Fundy, pre^d.ed by a 
 note of circumstances which led to its trans- 
 mission, - - • : ,T .;;,;r / r.r.fui-tr •/ ■ *■ 173 
 
80 
 
 86 
 
 n 
 
 r. 
 
 91 
 
 22 
 
 96 
 
 • lOQ 
 
 - 104 
 
 n' 108 
 , i09 
 
 t ^*^ 
 113 
 
 114 
 
 118 
 
 160 
 161 
 162 
 165 
 
 166 
 
 167 
 
 •I .. ' • -J 
 
 IlEPOET 
 
 I 
 
 
 IP ON 
 
 1 ( 
 
 • 4 
 
 ,1. .7 ,M I" 
 
 ' '.1 '» . 11 
 
 'I 
 
 THE FISHERIES OF THE BAY OF FIINDV. 
 
 '>i 
 
 
 .■••n; 
 
 I , ) I ^.>> 
 
 173 
 
 There is greater variety in the Fislicile.s of iho Ray of 
 Fundy than in tiio80 of the (fulf uf 8t. Lawrence ; anil owin^ 
 to their peculiar character, und a variety uf local circumslnnccs, 
 they are prosecuted, in ticveral res>]>ect8, in modes wliichgive 
 to them unusual interest. ( „; irii <>..}•.■! f 
 
 The character of the liay itself is very peculiar. Its shores 
 on both sides are rocky and abrupt, while near its head (divided 
 into two separate basins) the tide, pressed in and confined within 
 diminished limits, rushes with much violence and "hot haste" 
 over extensive and wide-spreading nuid-llats, und rises per- 
 pendicularly sixty feet or more. 
 
 It is asserted by geologists, that the Bay of Fnndy has been 
 scooped out by the powerful action of the Ciidf Stream, which, 
 carrying ojff the softer and more friable rocks that anciently 
 tilled its basin, has been checked in its ravages by the stern 
 and unyielding cliffs of primary rock which now constitute its 
 iron bound shores, and frown down upon its rushing waters. 
 
 A modern writer, describing the supposed formation of the 
 Bay, says — "A vast and uninterrupted body of water, impelled 
 by the trade wind from the Coa it of Africa to the American 
 Continent, strikes the Nova . .otia shore between 44*^ and 
 45^ north latitude, with a force almost adequate to its total anni- 
 hilation. A barrier of fifteen miles only in width, between the 
 Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of St. Lawrence, seems to have 
 escaped such a catastrophe — while a space of one Jnmdred 
 miles in length, and upwards of forty in breadth, has been 
 swallowed up in the vortex, which, rolling its tremendous tides, 
 of sixty and seventy feet in perpendicular height, up the beds 
 of the adjoining rivers, has converted them into inland seas." 
 
 Such being the character of this Bay and its extraordinary 
 tides, it may readily be supposed, that its varied Fisheries are 
 influenced by local position arising from the greater sweep or 
 indentation of the coast in particular places, and the position of 
 headknds, islands, and the mouths of rivers, — all tending to 
 
I 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■ 
 
 ' I 
 
 I 
 
 'V, 
 
 increase or diminish the rush of the tide, thus influencing the 
 course of tlic great bodies of fish uhich frequent the Bay during 
 cart? season, while affording to each some es[)ecial or favorite 
 place of resort where food is found in abundance, or in whicli 
 its spawn may be deposited in such manner as will best tend 
 to the propagation of the species. 
 
 In order, therefore, to a comprehensive view of the Fisheries 
 of the Bay of Fundy, it will be necessary, in the outset, to 
 describe the various Fisheries, in their several localities. To ' 
 do this with precision, and in a manner readily understood, the 
 Northern, or New Brunswick side of the Bay of Fundy, com- 
 mencing with Grand Manan, will be first noticed ; after which, 
 the Southern, or Nova Scotia side of the Bay, and its Fisheries, 
 will be described in their oi'der, from the eastern extremity, 
 or head of the Bay, to Brier Island. '■■^hii ...» .;,.^ ;.. -• • 
 
 •I'^t )i::;;if:? -iil'!' 
 
 tr<M*' •'" 
 
 Id, 
 
 THE NEW BRMSWICK SUOBE. 
 
 
 GRAND MANAN. 
 
 
 This Island is in shape an irregular oval, the extreme length 
 being nearly twenty miles, and greatest breadth about eight 
 miles. Its general trend is from south west to north east, like 
 the neighbouring coast of the mainland, from which it is sepa- 
 rated by a passage about fourteen miles in width. The western 
 shore of the Island, throughout nearly its entire length, presents 
 a succession of lofty mural precipices, with few and limited 
 beaches, and deep water in immediate proximity — without 
 shelter even for boats, except at Dark Harbour, which is 
 more particularly noticed hereafter. From the western shore, 
 the land has a gradual slope to the eastern side of the Island, 
 which has many indentations, although destitute of harbours 
 that are secure against easterly or southerly gales. 
 
 The principal Fisheries of this Island, are those for Cod, 
 Pollack, Hake, and Herring ; and the mode of conducting 
 these Fisheries, and curing the fish taken, will be described 
 from information obtained at the several localities which 
 were visited. 
 
 •H?1! 
 
 •j.tlli I 
 
 " Cameron's Cove. — This h a narrow cove at the northern 
 extremity of the Island, to tha i outhward of a curiously pro- 
 jecting spur of rocks, called tne *' Swallow*s Tail," which 
 
 
Slicing the 
 ay during 
 r favorite 
 in which 
 best tend 
 
 Fisheries 
 )utset, to 
 ties. To 
 stood, the 
 tidy, com- 
 ter which. 
 Fisheries, 
 ixtreniity, 
 
 • f "I -j .»!(•! 
 
 f!!i->if (! 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 lie length 
 out eight 
 east, like 
 t is sepa- 
 B western 
 
 presents 
 d limited 
 —without 
 
 which is 
 rn shore, 
 le Island, 
 
 harbours 
 
 for Cod, 
 nducting 
 lescribed 
 ;s which 
 
 iibrtncrn 
 usly pro- 
 " which 
 
 separates it from Whale Cove. At this place, 3Ir. J. li. P<;ttes, 
 an American citizen, has a neat fishing establishment, and a 
 store for retailing merchandize and groceries. It is alleged, 
 that he manages to transact a profitable business, without him- 
 self entering into the fishery, by purchasing green fish from the 
 fishermen, and curing them on his own premises. 
 
 On the 2t5lh August last, the writer visited Cameron's Cove. 
 At that period, the Hake (Phycis Americanus) were in full 
 season. On a bank about two miles from Cameron's Cove, cx- 
 tendiiii;- from the Swallow's Tail to a small island called " Long 
 Island," the Hake were taken in abundance in 28 fathoms 
 water, by fishing during the night, at which time this fish is on 
 the feed, and takes bait greedily. At day-break, the fishing boats 
 return to the shore, when the fish are thrown out upon the 
 beach with a pitchfork. Soon after sunrise, the newly-caught 
 Hake were observed by the writer lying on the gravel beach, 
 sweltering under the heat. There were no splitting tables, as 
 in a well-conducted establishment, but the lisliermcn set up 
 pieces of board upon the open beach in a temporary manner, 
 on which the fish were split ; they could not be said to be 
 cleaned, as no water was used in the operation. The heads and 
 entrails were separated from the bodies of the fish, which, being- 
 split in a clumsy manner, with uncommonly bad knives, were 
 thi'own down upon the gravel ; thence they were carried off on 
 handbarrows, upon which they were tossed in a ''oap, three or 
 four at a time, with pitchforks. From the barj ows the finh 
 were pitchforked into the scale to be weighed ; from the scale 
 they were again pitchforked upon the barrows ; and being 
 carried off to the pickling casks, were once more pitchforked 
 into the pickle ; by this time the fish were perforated in all 
 directions, and looked little better than a mass of blood and 
 dirt. The fish which were drying on the flakes were covered 
 with scales on the inside, or split portion of the fish, wiiich had 
 a most disagreeable appearance. 
 
 The fishermen here, stated, that during the previous night, 
 a Yankee Schooner, called the " John Drake, of Lubec," had 
 anchored on the Hake-ground, not more than a mile from the 
 extremity of the Swallow's Tail, and being provided with 
 abundance of bait and a numerous crew, had soon attracted 
 all the fish about her. The fishermen had gathered around 
 the schooner in their boats, and desired the Skipper to move 
 off; on his refusal, they pulled towards the shore to bring off 
 an addition^ force with £re arms, when the Skipper lifted bis 
 anchor and made sail. The fishermen then returned to their 
 
Il 
 
 I; 
 
 ii; 
 
 ground, ami Imd ^ood fisliin<T dnrlnsif tlio night. Tlioy com- 
 plainod lh;it tlio lary-e Anipricnn Schooners frequently came in 
 this manner upon their ground, and broke up the fishing, if 
 they were not strong enough to drive them away. 
 
 Dogcett's Covr. — This is an open beach, west of Came- 
 ron's Cove, whore Mr. Nathaniel Doggett has a curing esta- 
 blishment. When this place was visited, the fishermen were 
 engaged in splitting Hake, in the rude and dirty manner 
 already described. Mr. Doggett stated that Hake were never 
 washed after being split, but were immediately put in pickle, 
 in all their blood and dirt. In this pickle the fish remain 24 
 hours; then being taken out and Avashed with it, they were 
 put in another pickle, in Avhich they remained eight days. At 
 the end of that time, they were put on the flakes to dry, and 
 if the weather was good, they would cure in three days. The 
 fish are not put into ])ilo to sweat, after being dried on the 
 flakes, but are at once removed into store, and then consi- 
 dered fit to be sent to the markets of the United States or the 
 West Indies. ■'" ' "''-' '-'' '"' "'•^^'^^' ', 
 
 The pickle for Hake is made of exceeding strength, a bushel 
 of salt being used for each quintal offish ; every eftbrt appears 
 to be used to make the fish weigh as heavily, and render them 
 as salt as possible ; the fish are not washed, lest the removal 
 of the blood and slime should detract from their weight. '■''^"*' 
 
 Mr. Doggett described the mode of curing Cod at Grand 
 Manan. He said, that after being split, the Cod are washed 
 in sea-water, and salted in hogsheads, in which they lay four 
 or five days in pickle which they make themselves. They are 
 then taken out, and drained twenty-four hours in kinch, or flat 
 piles, after which they are placed on the flakes. In good 
 weather, they cure in six or eight days ; in general they are 
 not sweated in pile, but are at once piit in the store. 
 
 Pollack are cured in the same manner as Cod. Haddock 
 are cured the same as Hake, except that they are put in kinch, 
 to drain for two or three days, before being put on the flakes. 
 In salting Cod and Pollack, half-a-bushel of salt only, to the 
 quintal, is used. 
 
 ' Flagg's Cove. — In this Cove, there is a wharf or break- 
 water, which gives some shelter to small craft ; but the whole 
 line of Long Island Bay, in which these coves are situate, i^ 
 greatly exposed in easterly gales, when a tremendous sea 
 comes tumbling in. 
 
'hoy com- 
 y came in 
 fishing, if 
 
 of Garne- 
 ring esta- 
 nen were 
 ' manner 
 ere never 
 in pickle, 
 emain 24 
 they were 
 days. At 
 • dry, and 
 ys. The 
 sd on the 
 en consi- 
 tes or the 
 
 , a biichel 
 t appears 
 der them 
 
 removal 
 
 ht. 
 
 at Grand 
 
 e washed 
 
 lay four 
 They are 
 rA, or flat 
 
 In good 
 
 they are 
 
 laddock 
 in kinch, 
 e flakes, 
 y, to the 
 
 r break- 
 le whole 
 tuatc, ii^ 
 ous sea 
 
 Mr. Lorenzo Drake and Mr. John A. Hartt have each sta- 
 tions here, at which they pnrciinse green fish for curing. Cod, 
 Pollack, and Hake, fresh from the knife, are taken at 2621bs. 
 the quintal ; when pickle-salted, they ure taken at 2241b» for 
 the quintal. When these establishments were visited, they 
 were taking in Cod at ten shillings per quintal, and scale fish 
 at five shillings per quintal, payable in merchandize. The Pol- 
 lack were said to be of smaller size than formerly, one hundred 
 of them only making two quintals of dry fish. 
 
 In the evening the writer observed, in this cove, eight boats 
 with torches, "driving" small Herrings for bait. An Ameri- 
 can fishing-boat from a vessel in the offing, came to the shore, 
 ard having procured material for torches, commenced 
 " driving" with the others. Mr. Hartt stated, that on the 4th 
 July last, there were about twenty American fishing schooners 
 at anchor in Long Island Bay, and while they were engaged 
 in firing salutes in honor of the day, H. M. Sloop " Sappho," 
 suddenly rounded the Northern head, when they all weighed 
 anchor, in great haste, and stood out to sea. The " Sappho" 
 having passed along the coast to the southern end of the Island, 
 these vessels returned to their anchorage in the afternoon, and 
 finished firing their salutes. 
 
 It was stated here, that five American vessels fished in this 
 Bay, at about a mile from the land, during all the last winter. 
 The fishermen of Grand Manan complained of these vessels, 
 which were numerously manned, and occupied the best ground, 
 to the exclusion and injury of the fishermen residing on the 
 
 shores. .^^ rd •ru^^i.ir-i oit , . ^ _ uioJ'-^;.,>. 
 
 Mr. Hartt said, there was no inspection of fish whatever at 
 Grand Manan, or any pretence of inspection. Every man 
 cured and packed his fish as he pleased ; and he mentioned as 
 among the evils flowing from this state of things, that he had 
 purchased, in a previous season, several barrels of Herrings, 
 put up near the Southern Head, on examining which, he found 
 that many of the fish were not gibbed, others had become rotten 
 before salting, and the contents of the barrels were quite 
 worthless. 
 
 MiUIUJi 
 
 '.VJiisrV rrt-jj! 
 
 :u .uij'u :yni',<i 
 
 Long Island. — This Island lies in front of the Bay of the 
 same name. Mr. IngersoU is the only resident settler ; there 
 is one clearing of no great extent— the rest of the Island is in 
 
 wood. •*»!• i.twiixr i-isj , «a^iii!iij*1 '' 'io ^^*jii '' 
 
 On the Island there were forty fishermen encamped^ having 
 among them thirteen boats. These men were from Nova Scotia, 
 
1 
 
 6 
 
 nnd it was said that they came over every year from Brier 
 Island, and its vicinity, and remained during the fishing season. 
 The fish they catch they sell in a green state to the Grand 
 Manan dealers, who furnish them with the requisite supplies. 
 It was stated here, that during the preceding weelc, one boat, 
 with two men only, had taken ten quintals of Hake for two 
 nights successively. It was said that the Hake fishing was 
 gradually falling off here ; but that the Pollack fishing was 
 better than it had been for twenty years. 
 
 tri, 
 
 There are three large brush weirs 
 
 Bencraft's Point. 
 near this Point, and a fourth in course of erection. They are 
 intended to take small Herrings for smoking, but the past sea- 
 son very few were taken. These weirs so fill up the channel, 
 that it is somewhat difficult to navigate among them. . i,,, 
 
 High Duck Island. — The fishing establishment on this 
 small Island, belongs to Wilford Fisher, Esquire. There are 
 weirs for taking Herring in connection with this establishment, 
 which consists of a warehouse for goods, two fish stores, and 
 two large smoke houses. These smoke houses, like all others 
 which were observed at Grand Manan, were far too low, and 
 insufiiciently ventilated. The fires were made too near the 
 fish, which thus became heated and seriously injured. 
 
 When this Island was visited, there were a number of l)oat3 
 at the landing, from which Hake were being delivered ; these 
 were pitchforked about in the same reckless and extraordinary 
 manner as at Cameron's Core. There seemed to be the same 
 desire to make the fish weigh heavy, no matter by what means 
 the extra weight was gained. 
 
 At the close of the fishing season, Mr. Fisher (who resides at 
 Eastport) stated, that the catch of Herrings at Duck Island 
 weirs only amounted to 175 boxes ; in 1849 it amounted to 
 5000 boxes. 
 
 Gull Cove. — This pretty little Cove is in Whitehead Islancl, 
 which lies to the southward of Grand Manan, at no great dis- 
 tance from it. There were a number of small fishing schooners 
 in this Cove, at anchor, waiting for the tide. Among them 
 was one American vessel, the '' Glide," which appeared to fish 
 with the British vessels without observation or hinderajace* 
 
 These vessels were engaged in fishing for Pollack, on the 
 "rips" or "ripplings" oflf Grand Manan. These " rips" are 
 formed by ^strong currents and the conflict of tidey, in which 
 the lively Pollack delight to play, as there they fiiod abun- 
 
oin Brier 
 ig geanon. 
 lie Grand 
 supplies, 
 one boat, 
 e for two 
 sliing was 
 filing was 
 
 Hi i>r:'M( "I 
 
 Lisli weirs 
 Tlicy are 
 ! past sea- 
 3 channel, 
 
 t on this 
 
 rhere are 
 
 )lishment, 
 
 ores, and 
 
 all others 
 
 low, and 
 
 near the 
 
 r of boats 
 
 ; these 
 
 aordinary 
 
 the same 
 
 lat means 
 
 resides at 
 ok Island 
 Dunted to 
 
 • it >'ijiti 
 
 id Island, 
 jreat dis- 
 schooners 
 mg them 
 ed to fish 
 ance* ,;; 
 k, on the 
 rips" are 
 in which 
 ;id s^^un- 
 
 dancc of small Herrings for food, 
 the vessels 
 
 >»ff. 
 
 g,., .„. .v,„«. For this description of fish- 
 arc kept under easy sail, the lines being 
 attached to poles of about seven feet in length, which project 
 from the sides of the vessel. A round bright lead is used, about 
 seven inches in length, weighing from half-a-pound to a pound 
 and a half; the bait is a piece cut from the under, or bright 
 part of the Pollack, which is called a ** last ;" this beiug kept 
 in brisk motion by the sailing of the vessel, closely resembles 
 a living fish darting through the water, and is eagerly chased 
 by the Pollack. The fishers often take twenty Pollack with 
 a single *' last," it being a very tough bait. 
 
 On Whitehead Island, immense numbers of the Herring, 
 ,or Silvery Gull (Larus Argentatus) build their nests on trees, 
 and there rear their young. As the fishermen rob these nests 
 of the eggs as often as possible, the birds continue to breed 
 all the season, and when this Island was visited at the end of 
 August, there were numbers of young birds on the nests unable 
 to fly. The Herring Gull is intimately connected with the Her- 
 ring fishing, its presence generally denoting the course of the 
 shoals of fish upon which it preys ; it is therefore closely observed 
 by the fishermen, who draw from its motions tolerably correct 
 conclusions as to the presence of fish, and their numbers. 
 
 Whitehead Island was granted to the late Wm. Frankland, 
 who resided upon it, until his death a few years since. The 
 celebrated naturalist, J. J. Audubon, visited this Island^in the 
 American Revenue Cutter " Swiftsure," and landed at Mr. * 
 Frankland's in Gull Cove, on the 22d May, 1833. In his ' 
 great work on the Birds of America, vol. 7, page 163, Audu- 
 bon thus speaks of his visit, and of the Herring Gulls : — 
 
 " I was greatly ST. rprised to see the nests placed on the bushes, some near the top, others 
 about tlie middle, or on the lower part of the trees, while at the same time, there were many 
 on the ground. It is true I had been informed of this b^ our captain ; but 1 had almost 
 believed that on arriving at the spot I should find the birds not to be Gulls. My doubts 
 however were now dispelled, aud I was delighted to see how strangely nature had provided 
 them with the means of securing their eggs and young from their arch-enemy, man. My 
 delight was greatly increased, on being allerwards informed by Mr. Frankland, that the- 
 strange habit in question, had been acquired by these Gulls within his recollection, for, said 
 he — 'V/hen I first came here, many years ago, they all built their nests on the moss, and 
 ip open ground ; but as my sons and the fishermen collected moat of their eggs, and 
 sadly annoyed the poor things, the old ones gradually began to put their nests on the trees, 
 in the thickest parts of the wqDds. The youngest birds nowever, still have some on the 
 ground, and on the whole are becoming lesa wild, since I have forbidden strangers to rob 
 tiieir nests, for, gentlemen, you are the only persons out of my family, that have fired a gun 
 at Whitehead Island for several years ; and I dare say you will not commit any greater 
 havoc among them, than is necessary ; and to that you are welcome.' " 
 
 " I was much pleased with the humanity of our host, and requested him to let me know 
 when ell the Gulls, or the greater part of them, shonld abandon the trees and resume their 
 former mode of building on the ground, which he promised to do. But I afterwards found 
 this was not likely to happen, because on some other Islands not far distant, to which the 
 fishermen and eggers have free access, these Gulls breed altogether on the trees, even when 
 their eggs and young are regularly removed evary year, so that their original habiu have 
 been entirely given up. My opinion, that aflcr bemg thus molested for some time longer, 
 
B 
 
 ',!' 
 
 th«v iiittv rcvort td llio iiiacueMiblo shelves o( the ruoks u( ilictic Inlninl*, v. an iiireiiglliciicil 
 by Mr. Fraiiklnnd's infuriiilng me, tliut many pairs liad already tukcti refuge in such pluocn, 
 where they bred in perfect security." 
 
 " Some of the nests which I (>aw Sverc placed at a height of nioro than forty feet on the 
 trees; others seen in the thickest part of tlie woods wern eight or ten fent from the ground, 
 and were placed close to the main stem, so as to be with dilKcalty observed. It was truly 
 curious to see the broad-winged birds make their way to and from ihem, in these secb'ded 
 retreats." 
 
 At Gull Cove the writer engaged Mr. William Franklantl, 
 the son of the grantee of the Island, whom Audubon mentions, 
 and who occupies his father's residence, to pilot the hooker 
 among the reefs and crooked channels which are numerous in 
 this vicinity. In sailing from Gull Cove to Grand Harbour, 
 thousands of gulls were observed returning at nightfall, to their 
 nests on lofty spruce trees, in a thick wood on Ross' Island. 
 It was stated by Mr. Franklc..id, that since Audubon's visit, to 
 which he alluded, the gulls had given up entirely their natural 
 habit of building nests upon the ground, and had taken wholly 
 to the trees, in consequence of their constant disturbance by 
 the fishermen, and the robbing of their eggs. 
 
 The flight of the Herring Gull is as strong as that of the 
 great Blacked-backed Gull, but more buoyant, as well as grace- 
 ful. Their food consists principally of Herrings, of which they 
 destroy great numbers, following the shoals, and indicating 
 their course. They also feed on other fishes of small size, as 
 well as shrimps and crabs. The shores of the Islands on which 
 they breed, are covered with multitudes of sea-urchins, having 
 short greenish spines, which give them the appearance of *a ball 
 of moss. At low water, the Herring Gulls frequently devour 
 these animals, thrusting their bill into the shell, and sucking 
 its contents. .„ ^.„.. . _. , . /„. — .,. . ^.....^ ...,„ 
 
 I 
 
 * Grand Harbour. — While piloting the hooker into this Har- 
 bour, Mr. Frankland pointed out places at its entrance, where 
 it was quite customary in former times for a boat, with two 
 men, to take seven or eight quintals of Cod in a day. At pre- 
 sent, there is no line fishing at this place, the fish not coming 
 in, owing to the shoals of small Herring, on which they feed, 
 being broken up and destroyed by the bi^ish weirs. L'im ij 
 
 At this place, Cochran Craig, Esq., J.. P., furnished the 
 numbers of boats and men employed in the fishery between 
 this Harbour and the Southern head, which \. ill be found in the 
 Table hereafter ; and a letter which Mr. Craig subsequently 
 addressed to tKe writer, in answer to the Fishery Circular, will 
 be found in the Appendix. 
 
 The upper part of Grand Harbour is well sheltered, but it 
 
Ill «iren(jtliciicil 
 '■ ill such pluci'x, 
 
 brty feet on thu 
 oiii the ground, 
 1. It was truly 
 1 these secli'dcil 
 
 [^rankland, 
 mentions, 
 the iiooker 
 imcfous in 
 Harbour, 
 ill, to their 
 8s' Island. 
 I's visit, to 
 sir natural 
 ten wholly 
 irbance by 
 
 liat of the 
 
 I as grace- 
 kvhich they 
 indicating 
 
 II size, as 
 ) on which 
 IS, having 
 :e of *a ball 
 tly devour 
 1 sucking 
 
 this Har- 
 
 ce, where 
 
 with two 
 
 At pre- 
 
 coming 
 
 hey feed, 
 
 •t 
 
 lished the 
 between 
 nd in the 
 sequently 
 ular, will 
 
 ;d, but it 
 
 is alinust entirely dry at l<.**v water. It nhoiinds with Jiobsters, 
 which during the season, nii:y Im; tuk('ii with u guff, in ahnost 
 any (juantity. The gull' is moicly a cod-hook, without the 
 barb, attached to a light j)olo, six feet in length. As nuiny as 
 were "oquircd for the liorikcr were (jiiickly taken in this way, 
 in two to four foot water ; the places resorted to by Lofi- 
 sters were easily known, by the hohjs nuidc by thciii in the 
 flats in digging for the clams on wliich tlicy feed. There is 
 great abundance of clams in these flats, and it was stated, that 
 at low spring tides they could be procurod of very large size. 
 A large brook, the largest in Ciiand Manau, falls into the 
 head of this Harbour ; during the winter great quantities o<' 
 Tom-cod (morrhua yruinosa) are taken iVom it, but no 
 Smelts. It was said that Smelts are not found about this 
 Island, and that Trouts are very scarce and sujall, rarely 
 exceeding a <iuarter of a pound in weight. ... • 
 
 The Southern Head. — Mr. Frankland having given thu 
 necessary sailing directions, left the hooker at CI rand Harbour, 
 from which she was beat down to the Southern Head, against 
 a strong soath-wester. Upon the spawning ground within the 
 Head, forty eight fishing vessels were found at anchor, and in 
 the midst of them, the Revenue Cutter " Phantom," under the 
 command of Captain Dudne. 
 
 Although the season was far advanced, (29th August) yet 
 the Herring-fishing had not fairly -commenced, the fish not hav- 
 ing struck in. Subsequently, some were taken, but on the 
 whole, the fishery was a decided failure, not more than one 
 third of the usual quantity having been taken. 
 
 At Wilcox Cove, about two miles to the eastward of the 
 Head, there is said to be a small sand bank upon which the 
 Herrings rush to deposit their spawn. They often congre- 
 gate in such numbers as to overspread it completely, and tliou- 
 sands of fish are thus compelled to drop their sprwn on the 
 very rough, rocky bottom outside the bank. The spawning 
 season is from the 15th July to the 15th September, after which 
 period it is said, very good Herrings are often taken, with a 
 mesh of 2? inches. 
 
 The fishermen set their nets from Wilcox' Point, all around 
 the Head, to Bradford's Cove on the western side of the Island, 
 a distance of nctarly four miles. The nets are set close to the 
 shore, in about ten fathoms water ; each net is from 20 to 30 
 fathoms in length, about 160 meshes deep — mesh from 2\ to 
 3 inches, on the average about 24 inches. ;. -. . ' ' u. - xi 
 
 2 
 
 tf 
 
 V !■ 
 
 1-. V 
 
10 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 Tlio Soutlicni ll(!n<l rises almost pcrpciHliciihii'Iy from the 
 water 2(K^ feet <»r inoro;'tlio settler on its summit is mimed 
 iH'Donald, who tlms occupicjs th(; extreme south western tip of 
 iVevv Brunswick, as Louis Gautier (mentioned in the lieport 
 of lust year) possesses its north eastern extremity, at Point 
 Miscou, on a low sand jjlain, elevated only a few ft;et ahove 
 the sea. The hahitations of hoth are almost equally miscrahle, 
 although McDonald has the advantage of a ^^reatcr cpiantity of 
 land fit for cultivation, and enjoys a milder climate, there hein^ 
 a diirercncc of nearly Jii dej|;rees of latitude between the two 
 locutions. 
 
 Andrew Wilcox, who lives to the (>astward of M'Donald, at 
 much less elevation, has a farm untler some ilegrce of cultiva- 
 tion; although the land is gravelly and poor, his new potatoes, 
 green peas, and other vegctalilcs, were excellent. Andrew 
 Wilcox stated, that he had lived at thia jilace three years, hut 
 was not a fisherman ; he is on good terms with the fishermen 
 who resort here annually, and who r«re good customers for the 
 produce of his farm. The other settlers in the vicinity, not 
 exceeding in all a dozen families, are at open war with the 
 non-residents who come here to fish ; these, he said, had borne 
 the annoyances of the Islanders very patiently, and on the 
 whole, had behaved exceedingly well. It was stated subse- 
 quently by another party, that Andrew Wilcox allowed tho 
 fishermen to land from their schooners and occupy a grass 
 pint in front of his house, for the purpose of mending their nets, 
 l)y which he Iiad obtained the ill-will of his neighbcars, who 
 had subjected him t^ some vexatious annoyances. 
 
 At night fall, the fishermen set their nets by attaching them 
 to the buoys, ropes, and moorings, which arc put down at the 
 beginning of the season and are not taken up until its close. 
 At day light next morning (30th August) when the nets were 
 lifted, it was found that in all that immense number of nets, 
 extending more than three miles, one net only contained fish ; 
 but, from that net sixteen barrels of Herrings were taken. 
 Most of the nets were set with their upper edge at the surface 
 of the water, but some few were set with five fathoms of strap 
 from the cork line, consequently the lower edge, or lead line, 
 was very near, or actually rested upon the bottom ; yet all were 
 equally unsuccessful. Many of the nets were thickly covered 
 with Herring spawn, and in cleaning them, the decks of some 
 of the vessels were covered ancle deep It was said to be no 
 unusual circumstance for the net rope, (9 thread ratline) to bo 
 found in the morning as thick as a man's arm with the spawn. 
 
 I 
 
 ; 
 
 If 
 
 'A 
 
from tiic 
 is miiiiud 
 urn ti|) ol' 
 ic Uuport 
 (it Point 
 i;t*t iibovo 
 tiiscrablc, 
 imntity of 
 icro bciii^ 
 11 the two 
 
 Donald, nt 
 if cultiva- 
 potatocs, 
 
 Andrew 
 ^ears, but 
 ishcrincn 
 rs for the 
 inity, not 
 with the 
 tad borne 
 id on the 
 id snbsc- 
 Dwed the 
 
 a grasH 
 lieir nets, 
 urs, who 
 
 ing them 
 
 vn at the 
 
 its close. 
 
 ets were 
 
 of nets, 
 
 ned fish ; 
 
 ! taken. 
 
 surface 
 
 of strap 
 
 cad line, 
 
 all were 
 
 covered 
 
 of some 
 
 to be no 
 
 e) to bo 
 
 I spawn. 
 
 II 
 
 whih) :i voHscl's cable wouhl be increased to the nizo (»f a five 
 ^'alhui ke«f. 
 
 It havin/f be<'n inlimated that the writer was anxifius to see 
 tlies(!tth!rMat this place, J)(ini(;l M*Jian^'hlin ((Japtain of Militia) 
 with Messrs. Harvey, Worcester, Matthews, M'Donald, and 
 Dyer Wilcox, came on board tlie hooker. They complained 
 of the number of vessels which came upon the fishing ground, 
 considering them as encroaching upon, and usur|)ing a |>rivi- 
 lege which ought to belong to the settlers in tluit vicinity, 
 exclusively. They pointed out among the fleet at anchor, a 
 large schooner called the " 3Iountainecr," belonging to Saint 
 John, which they said had twelve men, with four boats and 
 thirty six nets, more than all the inhabitants could muster for 
 eight miles. The fishery, they said, was continually falling off, 
 and would eventually be destroyed; from the reckless ir»^\nner 
 in which it was prosecuted, and the place being over-fished. 
 As the law formerly stood, each vessel was restricte<l to 30 
 fathoms of net, and a boat to 15 fathoms ; Herrings were then 
 abundant, and so were Cod, close to the shore, where none are 
 taken now. As the Herring come all at once upon the spawn- 
 ing ground, almost in solid bodies, they are taken in such 
 quantities that the fishermen are unable to cure them as fast 
 as caught ; many arc jiut up without being gibbed or washed, 
 after putrefaction has commenced, while fpiantitics of rotten 
 iisli are thrown overboard, to the great detriment of the fishery, 
 ■and its permanent injury. it 
 
 It was stated to these men, that the fishermen in the schoon- 
 ers complained of their nets being frequently cut and destroyed, 
 and often carried ofi' altogether. They denied most jjositively 
 being in any manner concerned in these outrages, which they 
 said were committed by fishermen who came there in vessels, 
 without any outfit but " a rope and a stone," but who de])arted 
 With a full fare of fish, and a good complement of nets. As a 
 remedy for this, they suggested the appointment of an Inspector 
 who should examine each vessel as it came upon the ground, 
 and mark and register its nets ; thus the vessels without an 
 outfit would be known, and prevented from plundering those 
 well fitted. The Inspector also should see that the nets were 
 set at proper intervals, and not too many of them in a given 
 space ; and that he should have power to prevent nets being 
 set in the day time, as nothing tends more to break up and 
 destroy Herring fishing. They pointed out several gangs of 
 nets, which, at the moment, were set for the day, the cork line 
 about two fathoms below the surface ; as the sun was very 
 
liriiilif, fi'xl Hk' wafer rlcar, llicso nets urro ]>lainly to hr neon. 
 Tlir iK'fs s<'t oil Saliudn* ni^ht wcir offrii allowed to reinaia 
 ill tlio wat(;r until 3[ondny niurnin/u^, wiiicli tliey ^aid wn» lii^lily 
 injurious, as it undoubtedly is, to the Honing lishcry. 
 
 In Scptoinher, tiio nunibor of fisbing vessels at \ho Soulh(M'n 
 brad, amounted to on(5 bundred or more ; in 184J), tb«! total 
 number was 120. The presence of the Revenue Cutter alone 
 prevented a scene of disorder and confusion, as well as jj^reat 
 destruction of nets and otber valuable pr()])erty. After tb(; nets 
 %vero set for the night, all the fisbinfr boats were ordt?r(!d to 
 return to the vessels to which they belonged ; while the boats 
 of tbo C/Utter rowed guard during the night, to prcnent persons 
 from injuring or stealing the nets. Yet, notwitlistanding these 
 precautions, and the exercise of great vigilance, n(!ts wore con- 
 tinually destroyed or stolen, especially during dark and windy 
 nigbts, wben tbc depredators could not be seen or beard. It 
 was said, tbat boats with old scythes attached to their bottoms 
 liad been rowed swiftly among the nets, by which great 
 damage had been done. '■''"' ' ^•s .: ' 
 
 While tbc writer was at tbo Southern Head, the skipper of 
 a fishing schooner applied to Captain Dudne of the Cutter, for 
 a warrant to take some nets then on the ground, which had 
 been stolen from him there the previous year. Captain Dudne, 
 not being invested with 3Iagisterial authority, could not grant 
 a warrant ; but he sent for the party who had the stolen nets 
 in possession, and advised him to give them uj>, for fear of 
 consequences — but it was not done. 
 
 The observations on this fishery will be found in the sum- 
 ming up of this Report ; and a letter from Captain M'Laughlin, 
 expressing the views of himself and his neighbours in relation 
 to it, is in the Appendix. 
 
 Captain M'Laughlin having stated, that he was thoroughly 
 acquainted with the mode of fishing for Mackerel, so success- 
 fully practised by the Americans in the Gulf of St. Lawrence 
 and Bay of Chaleur, he was requested to furnish his descrip- 
 tion of it, which he very kindly has done, as follows : — 
 
 (( 
 
 The vessel starts for the fishing ground with the trail line 
 out ; if it catch a Mackerel, the vessel is hove to, on the lar- 
 board side. The baiter stands amidship, with the bait-box 
 outside the rail ; with a tin-pint nailed to a long handle he 
 begins throwing out bait, while every man stands to his berth. 
 If they find Mackerel, the foresail is taken in, and the main- 
 sail hauled out with a boom-tackle ; then the fishing begins. 
 
 1 
 
 ill'!*' 
 
13 
 
 Voii iiiuil llio line tlir(>ii<;h the Icrt iiniul uitii tlir li^ht, nn«l not, 
 harul-ovor-lijmd, us y'>n «l'> t'"'' ^"il ; tt' yow d<», yon aro sun? to 
 lose your fiwli after it lirouks wattr. VVhcn your fish is iirar 
 roniing in, you must take it, l»y leaning' over tlu; rail, to pre- 
 vent itH Htrikin^ against the Hi(U; of the veHsol, eatrhiny the 
 lino quick, clo.se to the fish, with the ri^ht hand, unhooking it, 
 with a slin^, into the barrel — with the same motion, the ji^ 
 goc8 out in a line parallel with your own berth. You must be 
 tpiick in case a Mackerel takes your other line, and entangles 
 your comrades. You fish witli two lines, most commonly 
 seven fathoms louff — that is, in heavy weather. In culm 
 weather, the ji^rs are lighter than when it blows hard ; there is 
 nn eye spliced at the end of the line, so that the jig may bo 
 shifted at pleasure. There are two other lines used, called 
 fly-lines, with smaller hooks ; when Mackerel are shy in biting, 
 they will often take these — the fly-lines are only three fathoms 
 long. Very often the Mackerel stop biting ; then the fisher- 
 men take the gaffs, and work with these until the fish disap- 
 pear. The gafts nuist not be used while the lines are out, as 
 they entangle them and cause great trouble. No man must 
 leave the rail to pick up fish, which miss his barrel and full on 
 the deck, until the fishing is over." 
 
 " You must take care to dress your Mackerel quickly, as 
 they are a fish that is easily tainted. When you stop fish- 
 ing, the captain or mate counts the fish, and notes down in 
 the fish-book what each man has caught. Then the crew goes 
 to dressing and splitting ; the splitter has a mitten on the left 
 hand, to keep the fish steady to the knife. Two men gib the 
 fish with mittens on, to prevent the bones scratching their hands. 
 One man hands up fish to the splitter, while the rest of the 
 crew draw water, to fill the barrels in which the fish are put to 
 soak. The fish are put in the soak-barrels back up ; in a short 
 time, the water is shifted, and the fish washed out for salting. 
 The Salter sprinkles a handfull of salt in the bottom of the 
 barrel ; then takes the fish in his right hand, rolls them in salt, 
 and places them skin down in the barrel, until he comes to the 
 top layer, which he lays skin up, covering the top well with 
 salt." 
 
 " Herring or small Mackerel are the best bait that can be used. 
 These are ground in a bait-mill, by the watch at night ; if the 
 vessel has no bait-mill, the fish are chopped up with a hatchet, 
 or scalded with boiling water, in a barrel or tub." 
 
 " When there is a fleet of Mackerel vessels fishing, they often 
 lee-bow each other — that is, run ahead of one another, and so 
 
 f-'i 
 
i 
 
 
 14 
 
 ilraw the fish toward tlio slioro. ThniM' tlicy nnclior, nml put 
 H|ii'iii«rH (III \\w\r Miiilos, wJiicli is iIoih; Ity tnkiii;; n strupoiitsidu 
 llir litiiiHe-holt;, fiiHtcriin^ it to tlio rulilc, tli(>ii iiookin^ it to a 
 tackle, uiid Imiilin;^ it tiil, at tli<> Name tiiiio paying oat llio 
 calilo. This brin/^8 the vchncI broadHidc to the wind, or currcat, 
 and tlio fiHhin^ ^o«s on. JSoatH may fish with the same huocumm 
 QH vossoIh, when moored in this manner." 
 
 " Tliis is the whole systein of Mackerel fishing, British or 
 American, and retpdres nothing but activity and energy. These 
 observations are the result of ton years experience ?n British 
 and American vessels." , 
 
 Dauk Harbour. — In rounding Southern Head, it was ob- 
 served, that the water for nearly half a mile from the slun'e, 
 was dotted with buoys, casks, and floats, of every description, 
 while below the surface, there appeared a complete entangle- 
 ment of ropes and lines, so numerous were the moorings. Pol- 
 lack of large size were here taken in pairs, as fast as they could 
 be hauled in ; but after passing the isolated rock on the western 
 shore, called " Statue Rock," or *' The Old Maid," there was 
 no more fishing. The clifls rise from the sea perpendicularly, 
 to the height of several hundred feet ; the rock is trap in 
 columnar form ; and these stern and lofty clifTs extend about 12 
 miles along the shore, without the least shelter for boats, and 
 with scarcely a landing place, until Dark Harbour is reached. 
 This is so singular a place as to require especial notice. 
 
 Dark Harbour is a salt water lake, about one mile and a 
 quarter in length, and half a mile in width ; the water is from 
 five to nine fathoms in depth, the latter being the prevailing 
 depth throughout, except near the shores. It is separated from 
 the Bay of Fundy by a iea-wall of stones and gravel, about 
 400 feet wide, which has an easy slope seaward, but is quite 
 steep on the inside, towards the Harbour. This curious and 
 really beautiful sheet of water was entirely cut off from com- 
 munication with the sea, until 1846, when a channel was cut, 
 through the sea-wall, of sufficient width to admit large vessels. 
 In consequence of this admission of the tide, the water within 
 the harbour was raised permanently eight feet, and very many 
 trees, growing on the landward side, were killed by the rise of 
 the sea water upon their trunks. 
 
 On the western side of the channel into Dark Harbour, there 
 is a breakwater of timber and stone, to break the force of the 
 sea thrown in by the north westerly gales, and prevent the 
 channel from filling up. When the rising tide attains a 
 
 ii,||; 
 
 k 
 
15 
 
 find put 
 
 ^ it to a 
 out tlu; 
 current, 
 
 3 8UCCUHM 
 
 Iritish or 
 . These 
 1 British 
 
 t was ob- 
 lic nliore, 
 scription, 
 entnngle- 
 igs. Pol- 
 iicy could 
 e western 
 there was 
 idicularly, 
 ,s trap in 
 1 about 12 
 oats, and 
 readied, 
 ce. 
 
 ilc and a 
 3r is from 
 )revailing 
 ated from 
 el, about 
 t is quite 
 rious and 
 rom com- 
 was cut, 
 e vessels. 
 ;er within 
 ery many 
 ;he rise of 
 -■'>r" . 
 
 9ur, there 
 rce of the 
 event the 
 attains a 
 
 HulHciont iiei^^ht, it rusiies throu^^h the channel into the harbour, 
 with a Hteudy roar until hi^^i-watei : and on the ehh, rubhetf 
 out with equal noise and turhulenre. 
 
 On the landward side of the harhour, there are about filYy 
 acres of cleared land ; the soil in good, but Honiewhnt stony. 
 On the top of the hill, which slopes rather steeply to the water, 
 there is. some good land, the soil a deep loam. The settlers 
 are John Sinclair, who has resided here 25 years ; John 
 Urquhart, 10 years and upwards ; and Duncan Anderson, a 
 resident of 4 years. There are also the son and son-in-law of 
 Urquhart, wlio live on the eastern side of the harbour; 
 Urtpdiart himself lives upon the gleho lot on the western side. 
 Duncan Anderson is very intelligent, and furnished much in- 
 teresting information, lie stattid that the depth of water in 
 the channel at high water, varies from 8 to 13 feet, according 
 to neap or spring tides. There is considerable outfall on tho 
 ebb, but fishing boats pass out safely, even when there is 8 feet 
 liill ; at low water there is only 2 feet in the channel. During 
 the season of 1849, tho settlers caught 100 barrels of fine 
 Herrings within the harbonr ; but fishing vessels enter the 
 harbour at nightfall, shoot their nets, and leave again early in 
 the morning — it is not known what (|uantities they take. 
 
 Anderson stated, that a Herring net, such as he used, of 20 
 fathoms in length, 2i inch mesh, and 160 meshes deep, costs 
 £3 — made up thus — Twine, 20s. ; netting, 208. ; lead, 5s. ; 
 rope, 10s. ; floats, &c., 5s. — total, .£3. He said there was 
 great abundance of Herrings along the west side of the Island, 
 but nets were not set for them, on account of the numbers of 
 Dog Fish, which cut \iy> the fish, and destroyed the nets. The 
 want of boat-shelter and landing-places has, however, more to 
 do with this neglect, than the ravages of the Dog Fish. Ander- 
 son said, that men without means should not settle here ; but 
 men possessing some property would do well enough. Inside 
 the harbour, Rock Cod and small Pollack are always to be 
 caught ; and sometimes these fish of largo size are abundant. 
 The channel at low water was examined ; the bottom 
 appeared to consist of large boulder stones, thickly covered 
 with kelp. The breakwater requires to be carried further 
 out, in order to protect the channel effectually. Anderson 
 said the necessary extension could be built for i)100, if notice 
 was given the previous winter, so that logs and timber could be 
 hauled out, while the snow was on the ground. He was em- 
 ployed in cutting the channel and building the breakwater, 
 and thougiit himself qualified to judge of the expense. '■■ '■''" 
 
aw 
 
 i 
 
 if'-; 
 
 ii.i:i 
 
 I 
 
 il' 
 
 It would be of ^reut ndvanta^o to tlio valuable fisheries on 
 the west side of Grand AJ^anun, if the ehannel into Dark Har- 
 bour were deepened, so as to admit vessels with the flowinjif 
 tide ; and of still greater importance to the coasting trade, as 
 well as to loaded timber ships, or other vessels with cargo, if 
 the entrance was so improved, that Dark Harbour mi<,^ht be u 
 sure and certain harbour of refuge at all times. Once within 
 the sea-wall, vessels arc as completely land-locked, and may 
 ride in as perfect safety as if in an inland lake, however vio- 
 lently the tempest nay rage without ; and upon such a preci- 
 pitous and iron bound shore as the western side of Grand 
 IVIanan, with nothing but certain destruction to the tempest- 
 tossed mariner who may be cast upon it, this sole place of 
 safety should by all means, and under every consideration of 
 humanity, be rendered easily accessible at all seasons, either 
 by day or by ni<?ht, and readily found. A few hundred p' jnds 
 might well be spent in giving perfect access to this most sin- 
 gular and exceedingly safe harbour, within whose lofty sea- 
 wall, accumulated by the mighty waves of many centuries, the 
 largest ships may lay afloat within a stone's cast of the shore, 
 riding safely with the smallest haAvser, while a fearful surf 
 thunders upon the beach without, apparently Avith sufiicient 
 roar, and uncontrolled violence, to shake the Island to its lower- 
 most foundation, iynn .ilV iiU «bii: :i^ r;!'r n . 
 
 The advantages of Dark Harbour, as a place of refuge, can 
 scarcely be appreciated by those not acquainted with its unusual 
 and extraordinary character and ))osition. The preserva- 
 tion of a single life is of infinitely greater account, than all it 
 would cost New Brunswick to render ^Dark Harbour easily 
 accessible, not merely by fishing vessels, but by ships of the 
 largest class, to which, when attained, it would afford the most 
 perfect safety. The cause of humanity urges the expenditure, 
 independently of the strong arguments which might be adduced 
 with reference to the preservation of valuable ships, and much 
 costly merchandize, i'; 
 
 i'iJ- 
 
 ;--.'At 
 
 Money Cove. — This Cove is some two or three miles east 
 of Dark Harbour ; a brook flovrs down a very narrow ravine 
 between two massive cliffs, which rise on either lalde to the 
 estimated height of 800 feet or more. A slight indentation of 
 the coast affords space for a small gravel beach at the base of 
 the cliffs ; and here Mr. John A. Hartt, during the past season, 
 erected a brush weir, which cost £350. In this weir were 
 taken several hundred barrels of Herrings of good size and in 
 
17 
 
 islicrics on 
 [)ark Har- 
 hc flowiriji; 
 ^ trade, us 
 h cargo, it* 
 niii,'ht be a 
 nee within 
 , and may 
 ivovcr vio- 
 ch a preci- 
 of Grand 
 c tempest- 
 le place of 
 iteration of 
 ons, either 
 red p' inds 
 s most sin- 
 lofty sea- 
 ituries, the 
 the shore, 
 earful surf 
 1 sufficient 
 3 its lower- 
 
 efuge, can 
 
 its unusual 
 
 preserva- 
 
 than all it 
 
 our easily 
 
 flips of the 
 
 d the most 
 
 penditure, 
 
 )e adduced 
 
 and much 
 
 miles east 
 fow ravine 
 IJe to the 
 .>ntation of 
 be base of 
 ast season, 
 weir were 
 lize and in 
 
 fine condition differing materially, both as to si/o and (|uality, 
 from those taken near the Southern Head, and evidently ano- 
 ther variety of fish. These Herrings were only taken on the 
 Spring tides, at the full and change of the moon, us then the 
 fish were swept sufficiently near to the shore to be caught in 
 the weir. 
 
 The bottom of this weir is composed of framed timber 
 of large size, sunk in about six f^ct water at low tide, and 
 ballasted with large stones of a ton or more in weight. Above 
 the strong frame work which forms the bottom of the weir, 
 there is the usual light wicker-work of poles with twigs inter- 
 laced, quite sufficient to retal;- the timid Herrings, but altogether 
 imfit to retoin other small fish of bolder character. The Her- 
 rings will not go out of a weir unless the opening is of large 
 size, while all other fish will dash or struggle through any 
 opening sufficient for their passagQ, even with much squeezing. 
 
 Money Cove gains its name from an ancient tradition, that 
 the noted rover. Captain Kyd, buried two hogsheads of trca- 
 .sure at this unfrequented place ; and many credulous persons 
 have expended much time and labour in digging for the pirate's 
 gold, in the ravine, near the roots of two old French willows, 
 said to have been planted there by Kyd himself as a guide to 
 his buried wealth. The ground appears to have been tho- 
 roughly turned up along the ravine wherever soil was found ; 
 but the much coveted treasure has not yet been discovered. 
 
 liONG*s Eddy. — Between Money Cove and Long's Eddy, is 
 Indian Beach, so called from its being the usual camping place 
 ,of the Indians, who resort there during the season for Porpoise 
 shooting. There were two canoes here, with four Indians, and 
 the pelts of several Porpoises just taken off, were observed 
 hanging up, previously to being boiled for their oil. 
 
 Long's Eddy is formed by a long beach and spit of gravel, 
 which stretches to th westward of Northern Head. Within 
 the eddy there was admirable fishing for small Rock Cod, with 
 which the water seemed perfectly alive. < 
 
 There is a clearing at this place, and some land under cul- 
 tivation, apparently of fair quality. Mr. Cronk has been 
 settled here many years, and his two pons are settled near him. 
 They have three boats, a::d take 500 quintals of fish annually. 
 They fish at half a mile, to a mile only, from the shore, and 
 follow their business every day in the year that the weather 
 permits, when bait can be procured. 
 
 When the writer landed at this place, soon after sunrise, the 
 
 3 
 
 ' ^ 
 
 »: t 
 
18 
 
 ii " 
 
 young Cronks had just taken up the Herring nets, which had 
 been set during the night. There were only a few dozens of 
 Herrings in the nets, several of which were damaged by the 
 voracious Dog Fish, who had apparently carried off many fish 
 entirely. Besides Herrings, the nets had caught six Pollack, 
 one Rock Cod, three Silver Hake (mcrlucius albidus), and one 
 Mackerel ; none of these were injured by the Dog Fish. 
 
 Several Cod of the largest size were shown by Mr. Cronk, 
 as also many fine Pollack recenty taken. This situation is 
 apparently a very good one for prosecuting " line-fishing," 
 which might here be carried on to a much greater extent than 
 at present, fish of large size and fine quality being continually 
 found at very little distance from the beach. 
 
 Whale Cove. — Between Long's Eddy and this Cove are 
 the lofty mural cliffs of the Northern He .d, presenting a bold 
 front to the violent gales from north east which rush with fury 
 down the Bay of Fundy, and offering stern resistance to the 
 mighty waves that dash against them, with sullen and almost 
 ceaseless roar. 
 
 The land about Whale Cove is lower than at almost any 
 other part of Grand Manan, and appears to be merely a nar- 
 row neck connecting the Swallow's Tail with the Northern 
 Head. There is but little shelter at Whale Cove, for when the 
 wind is oflf shore, it sweeps with great force across the low land ; 
 the hooker was forced twice out of the Cove, by heavy gitsts, 
 before an anchorage could be gained very close to the shore. 
 
 It was stated that the American v >)Sels often ran into this 
 cove in fine evenings, and set their Herring nets during the 
 night, being off again at an early hour in the morning. 
 
 Meeting of Fishermen. — In proceeding around Grand 
 Manan, the writer saw many intelligent fishermen, who were 
 anxious that some general meeting should take place to discuss 
 matters. It was agreed that, as the most convenient time for 
 such a meeting, it shduld take place on Saturday evening, (31st 
 August) at the Central School House, near Winchester's. There 
 the writer met about sixty fishermen, and explained to them 
 the imperfections in their cure of Herrings, both pickled and 
 smoked ; and the improper treatment and bad cure of their 
 dried fish was also pointed out. They were told that they 
 could not expect to obtain remunerating prices, or find steady 
 markets for fish so badly cured as scarcely to be fit for expor- 
 tation, and which certainly would not be allowed to be exported 
 
 I 
 
 " 
 
19 
 
 s, which had 
 
 3W dozens of 
 
 m«5ed by the 
 
 )ff many fish 
 
 six Pollack, 
 
 lus), and one 
 
 ; Fish. 
 
 Mr. Cronk, 
 
 I situation is 
 
 ine-fishing," 
 
 extent than 
 
 J continually 
 
 lis Cove are 
 jnting a bold 
 ish with fury 
 tance to the 
 I and almost 
 
 almost any 
 lerely a nar- 
 he Northern 
 br when the 
 he low land ; 
 leavy giists, 
 :o the shore, 
 ran into this 
 s during the 
 ning. 
 
 )und Grand 
 1, who were 
 ce to discuss 
 ent time for 
 eniiig, (3l8t 
 er's. There 
 led to them 
 )ickled and 
 ire of their 
 I that they 
 find steady 
 t for expor- 
 le exported 
 
 If a proper system of inspection were established. The great 
 and wonderful increase in the Herring Fishery of Scotland, in 
 consequence of the excellent regulations and rigid inspection 
 there enforced, was made known ; and the advance in prices 
 which followed the adoption of improved curing after the Dutch 
 mode, was also shown — an advance so great as to enable the 
 Scotch Herrings to beat the Dutch Herrings out of the Con- 
 tinental markets, in spite of a heavy countervailing duty. 
 The fishermen were told, that besides Foreign markets which 
 might be opened under a better system of cure and inspection, 
 there was in Canada an extensive demand for well cured fish, 
 as also in the Western States bordering on the Great Lakes. 
 
 To this it was replied by the fishermen, that unless the sys- 
 tem was general, it was useless for any one person to cure his 
 fish better than his neighbour, as he would obtain no better 
 prices, all the fish from each locality being ' lassed together, 
 and bearing one price, while that price was so low, as to aflford 
 no remuneration for additional labour, or greater care in 
 curing. 
 
 The writer having collected the numbers and description of 
 the boats and vessels engaged in the fisheries in his progress 
 around the Island, submitted the list so obtained to the assem- 
 bled fishermen, who made some corrections and additions, when 
 the following return was declared to be as correct as could 
 possibly be obtained : — ^ . 
 
 .?! 
 
 Return of the numbers of Boats., P^sseh and Men, belonging to Grand Manan, 
 engaged in the Fisheries, 3] si August, 1850. 
 
 
 
 No. of 
 
 
 Ton- 
 
 No. of 
 
 
 LOCALITIKS. 
 
 No. of 
 
 Men in 
 
 No. of 
 
 nar of 
 
 Men in 
 
 Recapitulation. 
 
 
 Boats. 
 
 Boats. 
 
 Vessels 
 
 \ .-c^ _.J 
 
 Vessels 
 
 
 Cameron's Cove, 
 
 20 
 
 60 
 
 o 
 
 22 
 
 8 
 
 
 Doggett's Cove, 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 1 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 
 - ' ■ ■ * ■ ' ' 
 
 Drake's Cove, to > 
 Bencraft's Point, 5 
 
 20 
 
 60 
 
 4 
 
 20 
 
 12 
 
 
 Woodward's Cove, 
 
 8 
 
 24. 
 
 4 
 
 104 
 
 24 
 
 Fishing Boate-» 94. 
 Men in same. ^ 282. 
 
 Lon? Island, 
 Duck Islands, 
 
 o 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 7 
 
 Fishing Vessels, 24. 
 
 Nantucket Island, 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 » , 
 
 , . 
 
 . , 
 
 Men in same, US. 
 
 Kent's Island, 
 
 . . 
 
 . , 
 
 2 
 
 16 
 
 8 
 
 , 1 - '-■,':;.,■•, 
 
 Grand Harbour, 
 
 8 
 
 24 
 
 4 
 
 40 
 
 20 
 
 : • - - * ■ ' 
 
 Thence to Southern Hec^d, 
 
 13 
 
 30 
 
 5 
 
 50 
 
 2.5 
 
 ' ' I •..";'. ■ - 
 
 Dark Harbour, 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 ,, 
 
 . , 
 
 • • 
 
 •) . ', 1 • - . , 
 
 Money Cove, 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 ,. 
 
 • > . 
 
 ._ 
 
 
 Long's Eddy, = •; ; 
 
 3 
 
 9 
 
 ., 
 
 • t 
 
 .. 
 
 ■ ■i-'r .:)!,'•' 
 
 Whale Cove, ,. 
 
 4 
 
 12 
 
 -• 
 
 -- 
 
 •• 
 
 . '.,:,,:-H ■^-U<ii 
 
 Total, 
 
 94 
 
 282 
 
 24 
 
 291 
 
 112 
 
 
 The fishermen stated that the average length of the fishing 
 boats in use at Grand Manan was 17 feet, and the usual 
 
do 
 
 \i- 
 
 if 
 
 breadth of beam 6 foct ; five streaks on each side arc of birch, 
 the rest of the plunks of'pine. Tlicy build few cedar boats, 
 as they are not strong enough for these rocky shores. Although 
 short, these boats are burtliensoine ; but they are not fitted to 
 go out to those banks where the best Cod-fishing is found, and 
 cannot with safety venture any very great distance from the 
 Island. On being asked why they did not build boats of greater 
 length and larger size, it was answered that such boats would 
 not do, where the shores were so rocky and greatly exposed, 
 as the boats had to be Imuled up altogether above the tide in 
 stormy weather, or they would quickly be dashed to pieces by 
 the ground-swell and heavy surf. 
 
 Some of the excellent Sheffield knives (made by John Algor) 
 which are in common use in the Bay of Chaleur, for splitting 
 and dressing fish, were shown to the meeting, and greatly 
 9')proved ; it was resolved that such knives should be procured 
 for another season, as also a supply of the long-shanked hake- 
 hooks used by the Jersey fishermen, which are very superior, 
 for that fishery. 
 
 It was stated, that certain places had been agreed upon by 
 the fishermen as " gurry -grounds," or places where the offal 
 of the fish could be deposited conveniently by fishing vessels, 
 without injury to any description of fishery ; but the Americans 
 were not included in this arrangement, and threw over their 
 offal where they pleased. Many of the Grand Manan fishers 
 did the same ; it was said that the " gurry-grounds " were less 
 used last season than ever before, and thereby the fisheries of 
 every kind were greatly injured. Besides the damage done 
 to the line-fishing by throwing offal upon the fishing ground, 
 great injury is inflicted by its being drifted into the Herring- 
 weirs, which are then said to be " gurried," and will take no 
 fish, for Herrings will not approach weirs when in that stat'i. 
 It was greatly desired by the fishermen, that some law should 
 be enacted, by which fishing vessels could be compelled to throw 
 their ofTal upon the '* gurry-ground," under regulations and 
 penalties that could be readily enforced. 
 
 It appeared that there were then twenty seven Herring- 
 weirs at Grand Manan, and several ot' f^rs in course of erec- 
 tion. The fishermen agreed very well, and were quite unani- 
 mous upon all points concerning the fisheries, until the ques- 
 tion of Herring-weirs came up for discussion ; then great 
 differences of opinion were exoressed, and an unpleasant 
 altercation took place immediately. Mr. Coddington stated, 
 that one-third of all the fish taken in the weirs were used for 
 
 I 
 
21 
 
 e of birch, • 
 diir boats, 
 Although 
 jt fitted to 
 bund, and 
 c from the 
 of greater 
 lats would 
 f exposed, 
 he tide in 
 I pieces by 
 
 )hn Algor) 
 »r splitting 
 nd greatly 
 [} procured 
 iked liake- 
 j superior, 
 
 d upon by 
 e the offal 
 ig vessels, 
 Americans 
 over their 
 lan fishers 
 were less 
 sheries of 
 re done 
 g ground. 
 Herring- 
 ill take no 
 that stat'i. 
 aw should 
 d to throw 
 itions and 
 
 Herring- 
 of erec- 
 ite unani- 
 the ques- 
 Hen great 
 npleasant 
 )n stated, 
 e used for 
 
 manure; this was promptly denied by Mr. Guptill and Mr. 
 Rencraft in the most positive manner. Mr. Bencraft stated, 
 that from the catch of his weirs during the season of 1849, he 
 put up 3000 boxes of Smoked Herrings, and 50 to (50 barrels 
 Pickled Herrings ; that as numy barrels were used for bait ; 
 and during the whole season, less than 20 barrels were put 
 u])on the land, consisting altogether of snmll and broken fish. 
 This statement was corro])orated by Mr. Dakin, a man of very 
 respectable appearance, who attended 'Pencraft's weirs ; but it 
 was altogether denied by persons p.osent. The assertions 
 deliberately made on one side, were denied in the most uu- 
 f}ualified nmnncr on the otlier, and angry words were freely 
 used. In order to calm the increasing excitement, it was sug- 
 gusted, that as so great a difference of opinion existecF, it 
 would be better for both parties to put their several statements 
 in writing. This was agreed to ; the storm Vvas allayed ; antl 
 before the meeting separated, one of the persons [)resent, 
 whose name was not heard, expressed the satisfaction which 
 was felt by the fishermen there assembled, with the conduct of 
 the Government, in sending a person to enquire into their state 
 and condition, and listen to their representations, as they were 
 thereby convinced that they were not overlooked or altoge- 
 ther forgotten by the Executive. .. ,, A . 
 
 General Remarks. — Owing to the peculiar manner in 
 which the people of Grand Manan conduct their fishing busi- 
 ness, it is quite impossible to ascertain precisely what quantity 
 of fish is taken, or what is the total value of the fisheries of 
 the Island. No Duties whatever are paid l^y the inhabitants of 
 Grand Manan ; in fact, there is no person there authorized to 
 receive Duties. The inhabitants take their badly cured fish to 
 Eastport or Lubec, and there sell them at low prices, taking 
 in return such articles as they need for home consumption. 
 They pay no Duty on landing their fish in the United States, 
 as there is a perfectly good understanding with the fishermen 
 of Maine ; who, in consideration of being permitted to fish 
 within Treaty limits at Grand Manan, and go on shore to pro- 
 cure bait, wink at the importation of British fish from thence 
 Duty free. 
 
 Practically, the people oi Grand Manan enjoy perfect free 
 trade ; they buy what they require in the cheapest markets, 
 and they can build and fit out fishing vessels at three-fourths 
 the cost of American vessels of the same class. Yet, with all 
 these advantages, the Island only owns twenty four vessels, the 
 
22 
 
 ill 
 
 m 
 
 ! li 
 
 '■'ih 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 n. 
 
 largest of which is 45 tons, the next 29 tons, and all the rest 
 under 20 tons ; while the ^shin<^ boats only amount to 94 in 
 all, less than half the number owned in the Parish of Caraquet. 
 Nothing so greatly surprised the writer at Grand Manan, as 
 the comparatively small number of fishing boats and vessels 
 owned there, and the limited value of the fisheries conducted 
 by the inhabitants. A dealer who has for some years been 
 connected with the business of Grand Manan, estimated the 
 value of the fisheries in 1849, as follows : — 
 
 , Produce of weirs, £5,000 
 
 Cod, Pollack, Hake, Oil, & Pickled Herrings, 7,000 
 
 The»estimatc of the value of the produce of the weirs is be- 
 lieved to be too large, but the second estimate may be near the 
 mark. The population of the Island is estimated at 2000 souls ; 
 and assuming the general value of the fisjieries to be as above 
 stated, it is just £6 per annum for each soul on the Island— a 
 very small sum for a community so largely dependent upon the 
 fisheries for subsistence. i - ■ 
 
 The people of Grand Manan are active, industrious, and 
 hard-working, capable of enduring great hardships and fatigue. 
 The young men, from lack of employment at home, engage on 
 board American fishing vessels ; they get good wages, because 
 they are active, hardy sailors, excellent fishermen, and admi- 
 rable pilots for the Bay. The Americans say, " there is no 
 better man on board a fishing vessel than a native of Grand 
 Manan, if you take him away from his own Island." That the 
 people of Grand Manan conduct the admirable fisheries in their 
 vicinity very inefficiently, and with but little profit, is undenia- 
 ble ; and that something may be done for their advancement, 
 by judicious regulations, and a good system of inspection, is 
 not to be disputed. But even then, the greatest difficulty will 
 be untouched — and this is, the low state of education in the 
 Island. The Schools of Grand Manan are very inefficient ; 
 and the people are not sufficiently taught, even in the first 
 rudiments of learning, to compete with their American neigh- 
 bours, who are more acyte and intelligent, simply from being 
 better educated. The lack of learning is one of the greatest 
 evils of Grand Manan ; if the people there were better taught, 
 and posses,sed greater knowledge of the world, they would 
 readily perceive the numerous advantages of their position, 
 and quickly avail themselves of the profits to be derived 
 from it. 
 
the rest 
 to 94 in 
 iiraquct. 
 [inun, as 
 I vessels 
 )iuluctcil 
 irs been 
 Qtcd the 
 
 000 
 000 
 
 rs is be- 
 near the 
 00 sonls ; 
 as above 
 sland— a 
 upon the 
 
 ous, 
 
 and 
 
 rl fatigue, 
 ngage on 
 , because 
 nd admi- 
 ere is no 
 )f Grand 
 That the 
 
 in their 
 undenia- 
 ticement, 
 ction, is 
 culty will 
 )n in the 
 efficient ; 
 
 the first 
 an neigh- 
 om being 
 
 greatest 
 
 r taught, 
 BV would 
 
 position, 
 derived 
 
 23 
 
 CAMPO BELLO. 
 
 The inhabitants of this fine Island prosecute the fisheries 
 witli great diligence, not only in their own immediate vicinity, 
 but also by sending their vessels to distant places to pro<;uie 
 fares. The fisheries close to Canipo Bello, are those for Cod, 
 Pollack, Haddock, and Hake, by line-fishing, on the " slacks" 
 of the tide just before high and low water, and at other times, 
 in the coves, eddies and passages whe»e the tide does not set 
 too strong. The common Herring (clupva elongala) of small 
 size for smoking, is taken in standing weirs of brush. A 
 larger description of fish arc taken chiefly in nets, called 
 " Quoddy Herrings," but which are believed to be the species 
 of Shad, designated by Do Kay, in his Report on the Fishes 
 of New York, as alosa mattowaca. They diff*ei' altogether 
 from the common Herrings in t;heir habits, are taken almost 
 exclusively in " Quoddy Itiver," (as the channel is called 
 which separates West Isles from Eastport and Campo Bello) 
 are generally without spawn, and in the autumn are exceed- 
 ingly fat and fine flavored. 
 
 The writer is under great obligations to Mr. John Alexander, 
 of Welch Pool, for the very efficient assistance rendered by 
 him in collecting information in that locality. The following 
 statement of the fisheries of Campo Bello, compiled with great 
 cp e, and much labour, by Mr. Alexander and John Farmer, 
 Esq., a Magistrate, residing at Welch Pool, is presented as 
 furnishing valuable information of much interest : — 
 
 Statement of the quantity and vahie of Fish, taken in one season hj the Fiahrr- 
 men of the Island of Campo Itillo, in boats, decked vessels, and fish -veirs 
 owned by them; the estimate being jnnde upfront the quantities taken in 1849, 
 
 • corrected by the catch of 1 850, so far as it has advanced. 
 
 Number and 
 
 description 
 
 oi' Boats. 
 
 50 Boau. 
 
 11 decked 
 vessels, 400 
 tons burthen, 
 
 81 Weirs. 
 
 
 Number 
 
 of men 
 
 and boys 
 
 em ploy'd 
 
 iOcT" 
 
 52 
 
 100 
 
 Auantity and description of Fish. 
 
 5,000 quintals Pollack, per quintal, .. 5s. 6d. 
 
 150 barrels Cod and Haddock, perbarrel, lOs. 
 
 500 barrels Herrings, per barrel, .. 12s. 6d. 
 
 100 barrels Oil, . . . . . • C5s. 
 
 1,750 quintals Cod, per quintal, .. lis. 3d. 
 
 340 quintals Pollack, . . . . 58. 6d. 
 
 4.600 barrels Herrings, per barrel, .. 128. 6d. 
 
 480 barrels Mackerel, per barrel, . . 308. 
 
 SO barrels Oil, per barrel,.. .. 65b. 
 
 40,000 boxes smoked Herrings, per box, Is. 6d. 
 
 Total, 
 
 Average 
 price. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 JtJ,375 
 
 75 
 
 312 10 
 
 325 
 
 984 7 6 
 
 93 10 
 
 2,875 
 
 720 
 
 65 
 
 3,000 
 
 £9,825 7 6 
 
 ri 
 
 ^^* 
 
 •■■in 
 
 ■\t !fSiV. 
 
 1? ''"V ;f'>f?"r .'•,;<*) 'ri'.f. 
 
 m:-. 
 
94 
 
 H' ■ 
 
 i 
 
 I i 1' 
 
 m 
 
 im: 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 r^n-JO quintals Pollock, £1,468 10 
 
 1,7.10 Do. Cod ■* 984 7 ti 
 
 ."5,100 Imn-fls Ilrnings 3,187 10 
 
 480 Do. Mnrkcrcl, ^, .. VUO 
 
 I.IO Do. Haddock & Cod, 75 
 
 laO Do. Oil 300 
 
 40,000 boxt!S smoked Herrings, 3,000 
 
 Total value, .. .. jf9,H35 7 6 
 Cainpo Hello, Srptnnber (>, 1850. 
 
 , JOH^f ALEXANDER. 
 
 *• JOHN FAHMER, J.P. 
 
 This statement is compiled from actual enquiry among the 
 resident fi.shermen, and the totals are put down rather below, 
 than above the mark. With this document, Mr. Alexander 
 also furni.shed, in writing, the following interesting observa- 
 tions, by himself, upon the fisheries of Canjpo Bcllo: — 
 
 " Our Herrings are taken in weirs, and with nets ; and 
 Pollack, Haddock, and Hake, with the line. Several of our 
 vessels run down to the Tuskets, the Magdalen Islands, and 
 Newfoundland, in the Spring ; and to St. George's Bay, in the 
 Winter, for Herrings. In the Summer, they go to Grand 3Ianan, 
 and to both Shores of Nova Scotia, for Herring, Cod, and 
 Mackerel. Improvements may certainly be made in our tackle 
 and gear, but experience will be our best teacher." ' • ;< 
 
 " Our Hei ring-season here, is from May until December. 
 Pollack strike in about the first of June, and the fishing for 
 them continues until November. Small Cod and Haddock 
 are taken, to a limited extent, during the whole year ; these 
 are chiefly pickled, and exported in barrels. The Herrings 
 taken by our vessels, in the Winter and Spring, at the Tuskets, 
 the Magdalen Islands, and the Bay of Saint George, as well 
 as those caught, while spawning, at the Southern Head of 
 Grand Manan, are very poor, and any thing but in season. 
 They generally find a ready sale in the markets of the United 
 States ; and from my own experience, I should say, that the 
 poor fish bring nearly as good a price as the best. This arises 
 from the diflference of climate ; the poorer kinds keep better in 
 a warm climate (as instance, the Alewives of St. John) and 
 answer for the food of the Slave population." 
 
 " I am led to believe, that there is much spawn destroyed 
 at the spawning ground, near the Southern Head of Grand 
 Manan, every season. There are but few spawning Herrings 
 taken here, as it is a small sized Herring that answers for 
 smoking. There are but few Herrings taken here, by " driv- 
 ing " with torches ; the fish do not " play " in shore now, 
 

 "i 
 
 as they did sonic years ago. There is j^'rcat diversity of 
 opinion as to the caiifie, and I feci diffident in ju^ivin^'- an 
 opinion. The erratic habits of the Herrin«(s arc uell known 
 — no donbt you hfivo heard many opinions, and you are well 
 able to draw your own conclusions." 
 
 " With respect to weirs, and whether thoy arc, or are not, 
 injurious to the Herring fishery, I should say, as well from tht; 
 opinion of others, as my own observation, that they arc not ; 
 neither arc they destructive to the fry of other fish. Of the 
 twenty one weirs upon Campo Bcllo, there are not more than 
 two that are dry at low-water ; the others have from G to 12 
 feet water in them, at low-tide — and in many of them, seines IG 
 fathoms long and 2 fathoms deep, are used to take out the fish. 
 It is impossible for fish to die in any of the deep weirs ; and 
 the shoal ones arc too carefully attended, for such an accident 
 to happen. I am aware that there are conflicting interests on 
 this question, and very naturally so, as our people, connected 
 with the wch's, arc generally men in good circumstances. 
 Our American neighbours have the shores immediately oppo- 
 site to us, lined with weirs. They neither allow set-nets, or 
 drift-nets, on their shores, as they say nets break up the 
 schulls of Herring, and destroy them by " scaling," (that is, 
 by rubbing off their scales) when they are in any large body." 
 
 " Our weir Herrings are principally smoked } as you have 
 seen for yourself, and taken notes of the mode of cure from 
 those competent to give information, I shall not attempt a 
 description. I would remark^ that our best curers, in that 
 branch, do not put up Herrings in any way inferior to the far- 
 famed *' Digby Chickens." Our barrelled Herrings arc put up 
 in the usual style, that is, by *' striking," and afterwards repack- 
 ing in barrels, either with Liverpool or Turk's Island salt." 
 
 " Small Cod, and Haddock, are put up in the same manner; 
 the dried fish are first pickled, and then cured on flakes in the 
 sun. I believe many improvements might be made in the 
 curing and packing of our fish, for a diffeirent market ; and no 
 doubt it would be done, if other markets open to us ; but so 
 long as we are confined to the United States for a market, I 
 doubt if it would pay. While the Americans make so little 
 distinction, there would be no object in curing our fish in a 
 better manner. I have seen and eaten the celebrated Loch- 
 fine Herrings ; but. I think a well cured " Quoddy Herring " 
 vastly superior." 
 
 " There is another very cogent reason why it would not pay 
 to put up Herrings in the manner pointed out by the directions 
 
 4 
 
 ft'? 
 
 
§: 
 
 2n 
 
 of the Scottish Fishery Board, reprinted in this Trovince — 
 labonr is very iii^ii, in conse(|nence of our proximity to the 
 United SttitcM. At tiic soihc time, I am fully aware, that many 
 of our curers do not pay that attention to tl^c fish which they 
 on<rht to do. But ho long as the merchants will buy them, ho 
 long will the fish be put up in a careless manner ; in fact, the 
 euro lies entirely with the merchant." 
 
 " There are but few Herrings, and none of the fry of other 
 fish, used as manure on this Island. Drifting with nets is the 
 only illegal mode of fishing practised about here, of which I 
 am aware, and that would be quickly stopped, if persisted in 
 to any extent." 
 
 " I have been at some pains to get you a correct estimate of 
 the tonnage, boats, and men, of this Island, employed in the 
 difTerent fisheries, as also their catch, and its actiml value, by 
 approximating this with other years. I think you will acknow- 
 ledge, that if the other fishin*; districts in the Bay show as much 
 as we do in this small Parish, the fisheries are no contempti- 
 ble part of the resources of this fine Province." 
 
 Several of the fishing establishments at Campo Bello were 
 visited by the writer, accompanied by Mr. Alexander. These 
 establishments were found in excellent order, well and conve- 
 niently arranged, and in good repair ; the proprietors appeared 
 to be men in very comfortable circumstances, who were pros- 
 perous in their affairs. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Patch, a very intelligent fisherman, thus descri- 
 bed the mode of cleaning and curing smoked Herrings at 
 Campo Bello. When the Herrings arc dipped from the weir, 
 they are thrown into a large boat which is closely ceiled. The 
 fish are " scaled" by men getting into the boat and working 
 their legs backward and forward among the fish, without lifling 
 their feet from the ceiling of the boat — sufficient wkter for the 
 operation is dipped into the boat with the fish. The men con- 
 tinue to work their legs until the scales are off the fish ; if 
 worked too much, the fish become " belly-broken" and spoiled. 
 After being thus scaled, the fish are washed in small quantities 
 in the dip-nets, to take off the loose scales and dirt ; they are 
 then salted. If large and fat, the quantity of salt used is a 
 bushel and a half to a hogshead of fish ; if the Herrings are 
 small or poor, a bushel answers. They lay in salt from 18 to 
 36 hours, according to size — ^the average time is 24 hours ; 
 while in salt, the fish must be kept cool ; when sufficientiy salted 
 they are strung on sticks, 3 feet 4 inches in length; the smallest 
 
 
 
21 
 
 roviiice — 
 ity to the 
 that many 
 fUwh they 
 them, NO 
 t fact, the 
 
 y of other 
 letfj is the 
 [)f which I 
 Brsistcd in 
 
 tstiinntc of 
 ^ed in the 
 value, by 
 II acknow- 
 vv as much 
 x'ntenipli- 
 
 Bello were 
 r. These 
 mtl conve- 
 i appeared 
 vere pros- 
 
 uis descri- 
 errings at 
 I the weir, 
 lied. Tlic 
 d working 
 lOUt lifting 
 ter for the 
 ! men con- 
 he fish ; if 
 nd spoiled, 
 quantities 
 ; they are 
 used is a 
 rrings are 
 rom 18 to 
 24 hours ; 
 ntiy salted 
 ic smallest 
 
 fisjh arc strung first, as the largest require more salt. After 
 they are on the sti<:ks, the finh are rinsed (juite cleiiii in fresh 
 water ; they are then hung up in the hays of the smoke-house. 
 The usual si/e ofsmoke-houses, is 24 l>y 30 feet, the height to 
 the ridge of the roof, 25 feet. Mr. Patcii's smoke-house is tU) 
 feet high, there are 8 hays in it, each of the usual width of 3 
 feet ; the lowermost row offish haug only five feet from the fire. 
 It was stated by Mr. Patch, that he found by experience, f/u: 
 cooler the smoke, the hit ter the fish ; he had openings made in. 
 the ridge of his smoke-house, as well to let off the dead smoke, 
 as to make the ])lace cooler, and he admitted, that the fish 
 which hung highest were ulways the best. He uses any kind 
 of wood he can get for making smoke ; hard wood is the best, 
 as soft wood fills the fish with white ashes. The la;ge fish 
 require three months smoking ; during that time they need 
 great attention, and much good • management, especially in 
 rainy or damp weather. When sufficiently cured, the Herrings 
 are packed in boxes, of the legal size in Maine — that is 17 
 inches long, 8^ inches wide, and 6 inches deep, measured on 
 the inside of the box. The best quality of smoked Herrings 
 are called " scaled Herrings ;" these are the largest and best 
 fish. Those called No. 1, are Herrings not scaled, and small 
 fish. A " scaled Herring " must be seven inches long, fat and 
 good ; the "No. 1" must not be less than six inches in length ; 
 and large, but poor fish, arc also branded of this quality. All 
 other descriptions of fish are considered refuse. 
 
 Mr. John Batson's smoke-h< uses were found the same as 
 those of Mr. Patch, but not so well ventilated. The mode of 
 scaling and curing was found to be the same as above descri- 
 bed. At the establishment of Mr. William Flagg, the Herrings 
 were observed to be particularly well cured, and of fine color ; 
 this " gilding " as is termed, is given by the use of hard wood 
 only, with which the last smoking is done ; it imparts a rich 
 golden colour to the fish, and gives them the well known tinge 
 of the celebrated " Digby Chickens." The diflference between 
 the modes of scaling, curing, and smoking, in use at Grand 
 Manan and Campo Bello, are pointed out in another part of 
 this Report, in describing the fisheries of Annapolis Basin; 
 and some of the reasons are given, why the smoked Herrings 
 of that locality are so greatly superior to all others. 
 
 Mr. Flagg, who is a person of much observation and long 
 experience, stated as his opinion, that it takes Herrings three 
 years to come to maturity. He has watched them carefully 
 for years ; and seeing them constantly in the weirs, from the 
 
 I ! 
 
I! 
 
 2ii 
 
 size ontii/t, ii|) to the liira^pst Herrings Iip WuAh quite confident 
 UH to tlie |K>i-io(l. lie hiis HoinetinioH, tiioiigli rarely, taken 
 '* Sardines'* on the Hliores of Canipo Jtello ; only a few dayn 
 prcviouHly he had caught a single specimen of this rare fish in 
 the IJay of Fandy. 
 
 This locality was rc-visitcd in the latter part of October. 
 Mr. Patch then stated, that the herring-season was over ; it 
 was considered a failure, us the tpiantity taken in the weirs, 
 was only alioat half the usual, or average, catch. The (|uality 
 of the fish taken was good ; not many small fish had been 
 caught — ho had only thrown away three barrels, while his 
 whole catch amounted to 300() boxes ; at that time, they were 
 worth fifty cents, or two shillings and six pence currency 
 per box in consequence of there being a short supply in the 
 market. . 
 
 I P 
 
 .|,,l(! ' 
 
 11; i 
 
 ,^i,1 
 
 'i: '.I 
 
 WEST ISLES. 
 
 This Parish includes Indian Island, Deer Island, and a 
 great number of small Islands and Islets, in Passamaquoddy 
 Bay, west of the Boundary Line of the United States. Tho 
 inhabitants arc fishermen about exclusively, somewhat peculiar 
 in their manners and habits, but most industrious, hardy, and 
 exceedingly hospitable people. The best fishing grounds arc 
 on the British side of the boundary, which is an imaginary line, 
 passing down the middle of the channel called Quoddy River, 
 and out to sea by the western passage, between Lubec and the 
 western end of Campo Bello. 
 
 The fishing boats from Eastport, and other places within 
 the limits of the United States, ^sh equally, and mingle freely 
 with the British boats on their fishing grounds, near West 
 Isles, where the fi;.h are most numerous ; especially near Black 
 Rock, Casco I?!an:I, and the Big Eddy near Indian Island. 
 It is a very gay ncene on a fine day, to mingle with some two 
 or three hundred boats fishing in the Big Eddy, lying so closely 
 together as to leave little more than space between to pull up 
 the fish. The writer joined this animated throng more than 
 once, in August and September, v/hen Pollack were taken of 
 large size, and in great abundance. The f- ihing began either 
 just before high Water, or just before low water, on what are 
 called "the slacks" of the tide. The boats then lay at an- 
 chor ; as few anchors as possible are dropped to avoid fouling 
 the fishing lines, the boats making fast to each other, stem and 
 stern. Thus they lie until the tide begins to run too strong. 
 
 i 
 
 i * 
 
 t1 
 
2U 
 
 ronfident 
 ly, taken 
 few <lnyH 
 ru fitih in 
 
 October. 
 
 over ; it 
 ;lio weirs, 
 lie ({uality 
 had been 
 while his 
 :hey were 
 
 currency 
 )ly in the 
 
 d, nnd a 
 naquoddy 
 tcs. Tho 
 t peculiar 
 ardy, and 
 ounds arc 
 nary line, 
 dy River, 
 3C and the 
 
 es within 
 gle freely 
 ear West 
 ear Black 
 n Island, 
 some two 
 so closely 
 to pull up 
 nore than 
 
 taken of 
 an either 
 
 what are 
 ay at an- 
 d fouling 
 stem and 
 
 K> J9trOD^» 
 
 when the anchors are liAcd, nnd the )>oat.s then Hwin^ about, 
 nliiiust in a body, with the diflerent Nets of current through 
 the iiassages betwccMi the iHlandM, fishing ** on the drill *' an 
 it in termed — the fish below up|)earitig to move about in the 
 same manner as the boats above. This continues until tho 
 tide begins to set too strong, when the boats proceed to tho 
 coves and eddies near Campo Dello, or some of the snuill 
 Islands or rocky islets, where they drop anchor nnd fish out 
 the rest of the tide. 
 
 While the boats arc congregated together fishing in close 
 column, they appear to attract the finli by the number of 
 baits which are let down at the same time. There aro 
 generally three men in each boat ; all is life, bustle, nnd ani- 
 mation. The line is scarcely down, when the fisherman 
 commences drawing up a fish ; the depth varies from 14 to 28 
 , fathoms, and very often the hook- is not half way down, when 
 it is seized by a fish. While fish are being thus rapidly drawn 
 into the boats, jokes nnd gibes are freely bandied ; any lively 
 story, or piece of stinging wit, passes quickly from boat to 
 boat, and laughter, cheers, and almost invariable good temper 
 prevail among all, whether British or Americans. If one boat 
 falls short of bait, it is supplied from another which is better 
 provided ; and civilities sometimes extend to an interchange 
 of hooks, snoods, and fishing leads. When tho British boats 
 go over to Eastport, as they generally do, to dispose of their 
 fish, no questions are p.^ked as to the character of the boat. 
 If the American boats enjoy the privilege of fishing on the best 
 grounds within the limits of New Brunswick, those of West 
 Isles can sell their fish at Eastport without payment of duty or- 
 charges. The good feeling which springs from this state of 
 things, causes the fishery business to go on smoothly and 
 quietly along the frontier, where, under other circumstances, 
 there would almost to a certainty, be constant quarrels and 
 collisions. 
 
 To an amateur, the Pollack fishing in the Big Eddy, with 
 the crowd of boats to be found there in the season, is extremely 
 amusing and highly exciting ; but when the fish bite quickly, 
 and are taken ,of large size in pairs, as frequently happens, 
 the work soon becomes exceedingly severe. With the Pollack, 
 small Cod and Haddock are also taken, with, now and then a 
 Dog fish, and sometimes a Sculpin or a Skate of large size ; 
 the variety of fish tends to keep up the excitement, ar.d lends 
 animation to the fishery. re 7f> ^ H • ^ 
 
 , In a lecture on the Fisheries deliverecl a few years since by 
 
 Ri 
 
 v\ 
 
 i 
 i. 
 
ao 
 
 iW 
 
 W' 
 
 
 Mr. horen'i.o Sabine, of ' istport, who had paid great attention 
 to the subject, the following description was given of the fisher- 
 men of West Isles : — 
 
 " In closing my remarks on the fisheries, I feel bound to give 
 you some idea of a Bay of Fundy, or as we call him, a " boat- 
 fisherman." In commencing his picture, I cannot say that he 
 is either so moral, so intelligent, or so industrious, as he might 
 be ; but yet, I can say, that he is an improved, and an improving 
 man. Bred to the use of boats from his earliest youth, he dis- 
 plays rare skill in their management, and great boldness in his 
 adventures. He will cross from island to island, and go from 
 passage to passage, through frightful whirls of a tide which 
 ordinarily rises and fall twenty five feet, in alarming proximity 
 to rocks and bars, and in the stormiest wepther. As a whole, 
 lie ir a singular, and withal an interesting being ; and none 
 who have once learned his peculiarities, will ever forget him. 
 If he he naturally shrewd, (most of ihem are,) and past the 
 middle age, occasional intercourse with him will amuse, if not 
 instruct, the wisest and most polished." 
 
 " He is neither a landsman, nor a seaman, nor soldier, nor 
 marine ; ye t, ten to one, if in the course of conversation with 
 him, you do not find that he has figured in them all. He is 
 neither merchant nor mechanic, but no man better understands 
 buying and selling, or mending, altering, and making. He is 
 no doctor, but he will out-talk a medical graduate, and will 
 shame him in a knowledge of ' livers,' * back bones,' the means 
 to cure * runiatiz,' and the like. He is no astronomer, and 
 holds nautical instruments in high derision ; but he knows all 
 about the moon, and let him but hear the moaning of the sea 
 — listen to the scream of the gull— or the sound cf the surf — 
 and watch the cat's paw, or ' glim,^ in the sky — ^and he will 
 reveal secrets, and disclose truths, which put him in high con- 
 ceit with his own wisdom, an^^. shame the landsman." 
 
 " And then, seat yourself beside him, and hear him comment 
 upon his dream book. Listen as he tells you of the feats of the 
 witch, that lives in his particular harbour— or of the accidents 
 that have happened firom doing things on Friday— or what have 
 followed the ^igns and omens that he believes in. Then, there 
 are his tales of wonderful escapes— his * fish stories,' and his 
 sage conclueions in portics— his ncions of religion, or his 
 profbnnd speculations on the causes of the high price of brt.ael- 
 stuiTs, or of the means employed to keep down the price of 
 
 fiah." 
 
 'Ti?- 
 
 71'^m.' 
 
 Tf^'^i » r^^. 
 
E^i 
 
 31 
 
 attention 
 he fisher- 
 
 id to give 
 a " boat- 
 ly that ho 
 he might 
 mproving 
 h, he dis- 
 less in his 
 i go from 
 ide which 
 proximity 
 3 a whole, 
 and none 
 rget him. 
 I past the 
 ise, if not 
 
 Idier, nor 
 Eition with 
 1. He is 
 iderstands 
 V. He is 
 , and will 
 ;he means 
 imer, and 
 knows all 
 )f the sea 
 he surf — 
 nd he will 
 high con- 
 comment 
 sats of the 
 accidents 
 ivhat have 
 len, there 
 ' and his 
 >L, or his 
 of brtrid- 
 j price of 
 
 " But of his dress, and his professional gear — who shall do 
 justice to them?" 
 
 "The oiled garments which cover his upper and nether man, 
 lie calls his ' ile-sute.' The queer shaped thing which he 
 wecrs upon his crown, he names a ♦ sou'-wester.' An article, 
 neither mittens nor gloves, which protect his hands, he calls 
 * nippers.' The mattf)d and tangled mass which grows upon 
 his head, and the long red hair which under his chin, answers, 
 J the purpose of a neckcloth, and in front of his ears, renders him 
 impervious to a dun, he calls brush.' His boots, he says, 
 are * stampers ;' and lest he should lose the moveables he carries 
 in his pockets, he has them fastened to his person by a string, 
 Avhich he calls a ' lanyard.' He uses one knife which he calls 
 ' cut-throat,' and another that is a ' Splitter ;' his apron is a 
 ' barvel ' — the box, or compartment into which he throws his 
 fish as he catches them, is a ' kid.' , When he means to go for 
 Herring, he says he is ' agoing-a-driviug ' — the state of the 
 moon favourable for this purpose are, ♦ Darks ' — the bent-up 
 iron hoops, which he uses to carry his burning torch, bears the 
 name of ^dragon' — ^the small net, with an iron bow and wooden 
 handle, which he uses to secure the fish that his torch attracts, 
 is a ' dip-net.' To another and a larger net, with lead • on its 
 bottom edge to sink it in the water, and with corks fa ^tened 
 along its upper edge at regular intervals, to buoy it up, and 
 preserve it in nearly a perpendicular direction, that the Her- 
 rings may strike it and become entangled in its meshes — 
 to this he gives a name indicative of its use — he calls it, a 
 « set-net'" t 
 
 " Nor ends his dialect here. Chebacco boats and small 
 schooners are known to him as ' pinkies,' ' pogies,' and ' jig- 
 gers.' AH vessels he calls ' craft,' a.id the only distinction he 
 will condescend to make, is to append the adjective ; such as 
 large, small, nice, poor * craft.' He knows nothing about the 
 hours of day or night ; every thing with him goes by tides. 
 Thus, if you ask him, about what time hf^ was married, he will 
 perhaps say — *tother night, about half-Hood !' — or what tir.:8 
 he saw a certain man, his reply will be, * this morning about 
 low water slack,'— or, * on young flood ' — or, * just as the ebb 
 tide made.' '' 
 
 '' If he has fish to sell, and you ask him their size, he will 
 tell you they are ' two-quintal fish,' by which he means, that 
 fifty of them will weigh 112 lbs. His boat anchor he calls a 
 ' killock,' and the rope attached to it he styles a ' rode.' If 
 he speiiks of the length of line required on different fishing 
 
32 
 
 grounds, he will say that on the Banks and in the Bay of Fun- 
 dy, ' two shotts ' are use4> and at the Labrador but ' half a 
 shott,' and by a 'shott' he means a line of thirty fathoms." 
 
 '' Lest it should bo thought I have made too much of thia 
 original, I beg to remark, that should any who doubt his exist- 
 ence ever shake me by the hand at my own home, I promise 
 to show them the very man ; and I have bestowed the more 
 attention upon him, because many of his qualities of character 
 and forms of speech are common to all fishermen, and because 
 the knives and other gear are in general use. Should any 
 of you go with me to the house of this singular being, he will 
 probably ask us to stay to dinner — let me then give you the 
 form of invitation, that you may remember it." 
 
 "He will probably have provided something extra ; it will 
 consist of his favorite dishes, to wit — ^the three p's, — a pot-pie 
 of sea-fowl, pudding, and pancakes. The proper moment ar- 
 rived, he will say — ' come, skippers, down with your killocks 
 and get some grub; don't know as you'll likfj it, : ■♦ our 
 woman has got us some fresh smothers, some dui\, aiid joe- 
 floggies." 
 
 It may be remarked, that since Mr. Sabine gave this qi'aint 
 description of the " boat fisherman " which is copied from his 
 own notes, the labours of the Sons of Temperance have been 
 very successful, and have tendfed greatly to improve his con- 
 dition in every way. 
 
 
 DEER ISLAND. 
 
 rl;'l^ 
 
 This Island is broken and rocky, the central portion espe- 
 cially, and there is comparatively very little land fit for farming 
 purposes ; but such as is fit, is of good quality. Its Harbours 
 are good, and there are numerous Coves which afibrd exec - 
 lent shelter for boats, with deep water close to their shoi e > 
 There is a very considerable number of inhabitants on Deer 
 Island, who are all more or less engaged in the fisheries, of 
 which that for Pollack, holds at present the first place, in this 
 locality; the Herring fishery is considered next in value, 
 after which come the fisheries for Cod, Hake, and Haddock, 
 with Mackerel fishing when it is to be had in the neighbour- 
 hood. 
 
 The boats generally in use at Deer Island are from V^ to 
 18 feet in length ; the 12 feet boat has one man, the li" ivet 
 boat usualiy three men. These boats have sharp, or ph;k 
 Sterne, with one mast shipped very close to the stenii and a 
 
 ii * 
 
 J":" "•> 
 
33 
 
 ly of Fun- 
 ut 'half a 
 
 lOHlS." 
 
 ch of thia 
 ; his exist- 
 I promise 
 the more 
 * character 
 td because 
 Ihould any 
 ng, he will 
 ^e you the 
 
 ra ; it will 
 —a pot-pie 
 noment ar- 
 ur killocks 
 our 
 
 ■ i* 
 
 , aiid joe- 
 
 this qi'.aint 
 
 ;d fVom his 
 
 have been 
 
 ve his con- 
 
 irtion espe- 
 or farming 
 Harbour: 
 Ford excc- 
 eir shoie-i. 
 ts on Deer 
 isheries, of 
 ace, in this 
 in value, 
 Haddock, 
 neighbour- 
 
 from 7^" to 
 the IF tfet 
 
 IP' 
 em. 
 
 or piViX 
 and a 
 
 mainsail very broad at the foot, stretched well out with a light 
 boom, and running up to a point at the to|). These boats sail 
 uncommonly well, and lay very close to tho wind ; they are 
 exceedingly safe in t' e hands of the fishermen, who certainly 
 manage them most admirably. The sail is usually tanned with 
 hemlock bark, which imparts to it a reddish brown colour ; 
 as the boats are generally painted white, they have a very 
 smart and somewhat singular appearance, as they dart through 
 the narrow passages between the numerous small islands and 
 reefs, or sweep down in little fleets of ten or twenty boats to 
 the usual fishing grounds. 
 
 The first place \ iLUted at Deer Island was Chocolate Cove, 
 at which locality James M'Neal, Esq., J. P., and his son, 
 both intelligent persons, furnished the following information : 
 — They said that the most profitable fishing there, was for 
 Pollack and Herring ; the Pollack average fifty to the quintal. 
 The Deer Island fishers have some difficulty in procuring bait ; 
 they are obliged to go over to the American side, and buy it 
 there from the weir owners, who charge two Pollack, green or 
 dry, for a bucket full of small Herrings. They said that Her- 
 rings would not " drive " as formerly ; that the Indians by 
 continually firing at the Porpoises, have destroyed or driven 
 them off", and the Herrings not being chased by Porpoises into 
 eddies near the shore, but keeping out in mid-channel, cannot 
 now be " driven " with the torch as in the olden time. 
 
 The mode of curing Pollack and Herrings on this Island, 
 was stated to be as follows : — After Pollack are split, they are 
 washed, and lightly salted in tubs and hogsheads. During 
 the summer, they remain in salt three or four days ; in the 
 autumn, four or five days. They are then washed in their 
 pickle, and piled in kinch to drain for 24 hours, after which 
 they are put upon the flakes. At night, they are piled on the 
 flakes, in heaps called " faggots ;" in fine weather, they cure 
 in a week ; after this, they are spread out again during a 
 fi) c day, to dry the sweat. In the autumn, the fish are not 
 sweated. 
 
 Herrings afier being gibbed, are washed in a tub, and then 
 salted ; they lay in salt four days. If the pickle sours, the fish 
 are spoiled, as they taint at once. When taken out of pickle, 
 they are packed in barrels, on their backs. Messrs. M'Neal 
 said, that Herrings had too little pains bestowed upon them, 
 and very many were sent away to the country quite spoiled. 
 From want of means to buy a stock of salt, the fishermen used 
 it too sparingly, and hence, too often, the spoiling of the fish. 
 
 5 
 
34 
 
 
 ' m 
 
 The Herrings liere alluded to, arc those called "Quoddy River 
 Herrings ;" they are taken from August until late in the 
 autumn, by drifting at night, in the same manner as for Shad ; 
 those taken latest in the season are best and fattest, but it is 
 then very cold work sitting in an open boat all night, and th'j 
 fishermen suffer severely. 
 
 The smaller Herrings, such as are generally cured by smok- 
 ing, were formerly very abundant on the shores of Deer Island. 
 The fishermen of Campo Bello said, that the people of Deer 
 Island had broken up the schalls, and driven the fish away, by 
 the excessive use of small meshed nets. On the Ame rican side 
 of Quoddy River, the use of such nets is altogether prohibited. 
 
 At Leonard's Cove, the fishing estabUshment of Mr. George 
 Leonard was visited. Mr. Leonard stated, that he had lived 
 at I is place thirty years. He fishes principally for Pollack ; 
 bui '.^e autumn he takes small Cod. He built a brush 
 weir t )ast spring, which cost £75; up to the 9th September, 
 it had only caught 75 boxes of Herring ; but it had been 
 exceedingly useful to the line-fishers in his neighbourhood, by 
 furnishing them with bait. At Deer Island, there are only 
 four weirs altogether ; in Leonard's weir there is four feet 
 water, at low tide. It being near low water, the weir was 
 visited and examined ; in it were found, a few very fine " Quoddy 
 River Herrings," about a bushel of small Cod, one Lobster, 
 eight Mackerel, and some small Herrings, only fit for bait. 
 Mr. Leonard quite agreed with Mr. Flagg, of Campo Bello 
 that Herrings attain their full growth in three years. 
 
 The fishing establishment of Mr. James Neill^ near the 
 northern end of the Island, was also visited. Mr. Neill pur- 
 chases many fish from the fishermen, which he cures hi;wself ; 
 his dealings in fish are somewhat extensive. In his vicinity, 
 Hake are abundant, and also Haddock. At the time this 
 establishment was visited (9th September) the oil made from 
 the liver of a Hake, was more valuable than the Hake itself. 
 The Hake here were better cleaned than at Grand Manan, but 
 there was the same desire to oversalt, and make the fish weigh 
 as heavy as possible. 
 
 Mr. Neill stated-, that the Hake he cured went sometimes to 
 Cuba, but generally to the foreign West India Islands ; the Cod 
 to Boston and New York, for domestic consumption there ; the 
 Haddock were shipped to Cuba ; and the Pollack were sold 
 in Maine, chiefly for consumption in the forest by the lumber- 
 men. At this establishment 2621bs. of green fish were weighed 
 as a quintal. 
 
35 
 
 )ddy River 
 ate in the 
 for Shad ; 
 t, but it is 
 it, and th'j 
 
 d by smok- 
 cer Island, 
 le of Deer 
 h away, by 
 If rican side 
 prohibited. 
 Ilr. George 
 I had lived 
 ir Pollack ; 
 It a brush 
 September, 
 ; had been 
 urhood, by 
 re are only 
 s four feet 
 e weir was 
 e " Quoddy 
 le Lobster, 
 fit for bait, 
 impo Bello 
 
 s. 
 
 f near 
 
 the 
 . Neill par- 
 es hi;Aiself ; 
 lis vicinity, 
 e time this 
 made from 
 lake itself. 
 Manan, but 
 ^. fish weigh 
 
 metimes to 
 Is ; the Cod 
 I there ; the 
 were sold 
 he lumber- 
 re weighed 
 
 i 
 
 The practice of taking Herrings on the spawning ground, 
 at the Southern Head of Grand Manan, was reprobated by Mr. 
 Neill, as highly detrimental to the Herring fishery genernlly ; 
 the quality of the Herring caught there, and the careless manner 
 in which they were cured from want of time, were also stated 
 to be highly injurious to the market, as depreciating the value 
 of Herrings which are really good and well cured. An inspec- 
 tion of Herrings, Mr. Neill said, was greatly required, in order 
 to raise their character in distant markets — the Herrings 
 taken on the " ripplings," about six miles from Grand Manan, 
 were said to be good fish, and needed only proper care and 
 inspection to be highly prized abroad. ^ 
 
 A visit was paid at Indian Island to Mr. James Chaffcy, an 
 aged man, of much intelligence, who has long resided there. 
 Mr. Chaffey said, that Herrings were not so abundant now, as 
 twenty years since ; of late years the quantity has fallen off 
 greatly, and they are now much smaller. He did not consider 
 the weirs injurious to the Herring fishery, but thought the 
 mischief was done at Grand Manan.' 
 
 When Mr. Chaffey first went to Indian Island, hritt were 
 very abundant ; they averaged about three inches in length. 
 These little fish were exceedingly valuable as food for larger 
 fish, but from some unaccountable cause, they have altogether 
 disappeared, not a single specimen having been seen for the 
 last ten years. 
 
 With some trouble the number of fishing boats and vessels, 
 at the following localities in West Isles, was procured, viz: — 
 Clam Cove, Cummin's Cove, Mill Creek, Chocolate Cove, 
 Leonard's Cove, Lord's Cove, Bean's Island, Mowat's Har- 
 bour, Adam's Island, Parker's Island, Minister's Island, Hard- 
 wood Island, Fish Island, North West Harbour, Northern 
 Cove, and Indian Island. The whole number of boats was 
 ascertained to be 99 ; and of decked vessels, 27, of 577 tons 
 register. ■ 
 
 Hi 
 
 THE COAST FROM L'ETITE PASSAGE TO POINT LEPREAU. 
 
 The fishermen on this Coast pay more attention to farming 
 than those of West Isles ; the character of the fisheries are the 
 same, except that the Hake are in greater abundance near 
 the shore, owing to the bottom being soft. 
 
 Captain Jedediah CalifF has lived at L'Etang Island, en- 
 trance of L'Etang Harbour, for thirty years. He stated, that 
 Hake is the principal fishery near that place ; it begins in 
 
36 
 
 July, and continues until November. The fishing fur Cod is 
 chiefly in the spring and .antumn ; Pollack fishing is had dur- 
 ing the summer, as the fish strike in — they run about 35 to 
 the quintal. Herrings are taken during nearly the whole year, 
 more or less being caught every month ; they do not catch any 
 of the large fish, known as " Quoddy River Herrings," but 
 they take the " blue-backs," or " English Herrings," as the 
 flshermen term them — ^these are the fish designated by natu- 
 rahsts in America, clupea clongata, or, the common Herring. 
 There are four brush weirs at L'Etang, intended to take small 
 Herrings for smoking. The catch has greatly fallen off lat- 
 terly, and this Captain CalifF attributed to the enormous 
 destruction of spawning Herrings, and their spawn, at Grand 
 Manan ; he has been there during the fishing season, and seen 
 the Herring-spawn after being shaken from the nets, shovelled 
 out of the boats like snow ! 
 
 In the dead of winter. Herrings frequently enter L'Etang 
 Harbour in large quantities ; they are then taken in "set-nets" 
 of 30 fathoms in length, and 150 meshes deep— the size of the 
 mesh, 2 inches. 
 
 The boats in use along the coast, are from 16 to 22 feet in 
 length, chiefly built of pine ; some fishermen put in a few 
 streaks of birch ; the sten}, stern-post, and keel, are always of 
 birch. 
 
 When the fishermen need bait during the summer, they 
 " drive " the Herrings with torches, and in that way procure 
 the quantity they require. It appeared that Herrings would 
 still "drive" in this locality, probably from the schulls not 
 being broken up, as elsewhere, by numerous brush weirs. 
 
 Between L'etite Passage and Point Lepreau, the number of 
 fishing boats was found to be 90 in all, averaging 3 men eachr 
 These boats chiefly belong to Back Bay, L'Etang, Beaver 
 Harbour, Seely's Cove, Crow Harbour, Deadman's Harbour, 
 Bliss' Island, and Mace's Bay, where the fishermen are prin- 
 cipally settled, and cultivate the soil to some extent. 
 
 THE WOLVES. 
 
 ■■.'. *■:.#;».!. 7 
 
 
 This cluster of Islands lies at some distance from the main- 
 land ; on the largest of the group there is one family, that of 
 James Paul, who constitute the only inhabitants. The fishing 
 around these Islands is chiefly in the spring, for Cod, which 
 remain about a month ; and in the autumn for Hake, during a 
 short time. The best fishing for Cod is on a bank, about nine 
 
 mm 
 
37 
 
 fniles S.S.E. from the Wolves, upon which, in May, some fine 
 fish may be taken. There is also Herring fishing occasionally 9 
 and fishermen from Si. John encamp on these Islands, when 
 fish are to be had in their vicinity. The Wolves are not greatly 
 esteemed by fishermen as a fishing station^ 
 
 During the past season, several hundred barrels of Mackerel 
 were caught (chiefly by fishermen from Eastport) between the 
 Wolves and the entrance to L'Stang ; the British fishermen 
 were not equipped for this fishing, or else they did not under- 
 stand how to pursue it, for they cai^ht a very few fish on days 
 when American vessels made a capital catch. 
 
 THE VALUE OF THE FISHERIES AT WEST ISLES. 
 
 • i i ■» ' I. 
 
 Since this Report was written, a return has been received 
 from Mr. John Alexander, of Campo Bello, of the value of the 
 fish taken in one season, by the fishermen of West Isles, which 
 is here given. It will be observed, that Mr. Alexander states 
 the number of opeii boats at 200, which is believed to be more 
 than strictly belong to the Parish of West Isles ; the return 
 probably includes boats belonging to the neighbouring Parishes 
 of St. George and Pennfield, on the mainland, which fish on 
 the same grounds — in such case, it may be deemed quite cor- 
 rect : — 
 
 Return of the quantity and value of Fish taken in one season by the Fishermen 
 qf West Isks, in boats, decked vessels, and fish-weirs owned by them. 
 
 Boats, vessels 
 
 and 
 Fish-weirs. 
 
 200 open 
 boats. 
 
 97 decked 
 vessels, 577 
 tons register. 
 
 7 weirs. 
 
 No. of 
 Men. 
 
 500 
 
 156 
 
 35 
 
 Quantities and description of Fish. 
 
 20,000 quintals Pollack and Hake, per quin., 
 
 800 barrels Cod and Haddock, per brl., 
 9,000 barrels Herrings, per brl., . . 
 
 400 barrels Oil, per brl., .. 
 3,750 quintals Cod, per quin.,.. .. 
 
 800 quintals Pollack, per quin., 
 1,500 barrels Herrings, per brl., 
 
 50 barrels Oil, per brl., 
 5,000 boxes Smoked Herrings, per box. 
 
 Average 
 price. 
 
 5s. 6d. 
 lOs. 
 
 12s. fid. 
 65s. 
 lis. 3d. 
 
 5s. 6d. 
 12s. 6d. 
 65s. 
 
 Is. 6d. 
 
 Amount 
 
 £5,500 
 400 
 
 1,250 
 
 1,300 
 
 2,109 
 220 
 937 10 
 162 10 
 375 
 
 Total value, £19,254 7 6 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 90,800 quintals Pollack and Hake, ^15,720 
 
 3,750 quintals God, 2,109 7 
 
 3,500 barrels Herrings, 2,167 10 
 
 800 barrels Cod and Haddock, 400 
 
 450 barrels Oil 1,468 10 
 
 5,000 boxes Smoked Herrings, 375 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 Camjo Bello, February, 1851. 
 
 £12,254 7 6 
 ' J. ALEXANDER. 
 
 h\-: 
 
 I 
 
38 
 
 
 With reference to this return, it may be remarked, that the 
 decked vessels of West Isles, like those of Campo Bello, follow 
 the fisheries at Grand Manan, on the shores of Nova Scotia, 
 and elsewhere, during the season, with much diligence and 
 perseverance, and as appears by this return, with very consi- 
 derable success. ird 
 
 EASTPORT. 
 
 
 
 As the Fishermen of West Isles, Campo Bello, and Grand 
 Manan, find their chief market at this border town of the 
 United States, the fishing establishments there were visited 
 and examined. 
 
 These establishments are all close to the water side, with 
 convenient wharves, landing places, cranes for hoisting, and 
 easy stairs ; the wharf room in each case is ample, and gene- 
 rally well planked over. The buildings consist of large ware- 
 houses for salt and materials ; buildings for storing and 
 packing pickled fish, and stores for dry fish ; and a large chop for 
 cotton and woollen goods, groceries, and a full supply of every 
 description of article usually required by fishermen or their 
 families — ^beyond the buildings on the landward side, is usually 
 a field covered with fish-flakes, for the cure of dry fish. 
 
 During the past year, the decennial Census of the United 
 States was taken, and the writer was kindly permitted by Mr. 
 Charles Loring, one of the Assistant Marshals of Maine, to 
 extract from the Returns compiled by him, the following 
 official estimate of the products of the Fisheries at Eastport, 
 as returned by him to the Government of the United States : — 
 
 <• 
 
 0. I) 
 
 
 V:.\- 
 
 V .')» .<,! 
 
 .^U:-> 
 
 ii 
 
 
 
 ) 
 
 ,'t'iti-nvq. i«;i<:i'< «.Ui .■-■frj,i; 
 
 
 i 
 
 V'. "-.'..id f '»f .(i t C" 
 
 l-'-yH^jjrt ■ 
 
 ■'.' VI 'ji»^.r 
 
 '>^H-.i 
 
that the 
 
 o, follow 
 i Scotia, 
 nco and 
 ry consi- 
 
 (1 
 
 'V).'»V/ 
 
 • ff 
 
 d Grand 
 n of the 
 e visited 
 
 lide, with 
 ting, and 
 nd gene- 
 •ge ware- 
 ring and 
 s chop for 
 r of every 
 1 or their 
 is usually 
 ih. 
 
 e United 
 ;d by Mr. 
 Maine, to 
 following 
 Eastport, 
 States : — 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 I 
 
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 SI 
 
 3 
 
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 39 
 
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 Jfas 
 
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 U'jrMJV.ri : 
 
 -a 
 
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 8 
 
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 stsS'a- 
 
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 S.5 J 
 
 
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 jlill 
 
 40 
 
 In proportion to tlic number of men employed, this Return 
 of products is very great ; but it must be borne in mind, that 
 the fish are chiefly caught by British fishermen, and carried 
 over to Eastport, either quite fresh, or only pickle-salted. 
 
 The establishment of Upham J. Treat, mentioned in the 
 foregoing Return, is on Allen's Island, between Eastport and 
 the neighbouring town of Lubec. At this place, there is 
 a very large weir for taking Herrings, in which considera- 
 ble numbers are caught. The arrangements for putting up 
 Salmon and Lobsters in tin cases hermetically sealed, are 
 very excellent, besides which, fresh vegetables (green peas 
 and Indian corn) with poultry, and several descriptions of meat, 
 are also put up, in similar manner. 
 
 The fresh Salmon put up here, are brought in ice from the 
 Harbour of St. John. Ths Lobsters are brought in smacks, 
 with wells, from the westward ; when too many arrive at one 
 time, they are placed *n the tide, in a sort of crib, or pound, 
 enclosed with bigli palings, and there fed until they can be 
 boiled and packed. The first supply of Lobsters in the Spring 
 comes from the vicinity of Portland ; as the season advances, 
 they are taken further east ; in August, the supply came from 
 East Machias. The price paid at this establishment for Lob- 
 sters, is ,$5 per hundred, equal to three pence currency each 
 Lobster. When the place was visited, on the 20th August- no 
 less than 1200 Lobsters were boiled and packed on that day. 
 It was observed, that a great proportion of the Lobsters were 
 males, many of them of exceedingly large size ; these were 
 boiled 35 minutes. The smaller Lobsters (females) were only 
 boiled 27 minutes ; these were kept apart from the others, and 
 put up separately, as a better articlci the meat being finer, and 
 the flavour much superior. 
 
 The white meat only of the Lobster — ^that which is contained 
 in the claws and tail part — is picked out in a very expedi- 
 tious manner, and placed in the tin cases ; all the rest of the 
 fish is thrown away, or rather, is carted away to the compost 
 heap. 
 
 The smoked fish here, appeared of small size, and were not 
 well cured. They had not a good color, and hung far too near 
 the fire to be of good flavour. The smoke houses were alto- 
 gether too low, and too warm for curing fish of good quality ; 
 in this respect, the Americans seemed no better than their 
 neighbours on the other side the boundary. 
 
 In order to procure exaci information* the fish stores of Mr. 
 John Fi^ench, at E^tport, were yisited Qn the 22d August, 
 
 :# 
 
41 
 
 find Mr. TrtMicli liimsolf pave ovory facility, for which the 
 writor's host acknowkul^innits are thir 
 
 Mr. French stated, that ho had heeu 24 years (>npaped in 
 the hMii business at Eastport. He was then taking in dric^l 
 Cod at $2.5() per quintal, and Poihick, Hake, and Haddock 
 at $1.00 per quintal. Of preen fish, he weighed 202 lbs. as a 
 quintal, at the same prices, bat tli" pay was not so pood — that 
 is — the pay was all in poods, and not partly in cash, as for dry 
 lish. This weipht, Mr. French admitted, would make more 
 than a <piintal of dry fish, especially at that season of the year. 
 Pitkled Cod were |)urchased at $1.75 for 200 lbs. ; fi»r scale 
 fish, the price was $1.(K) for 200 lbs., payable, in both cases, in 
 poods. The prices of some of the poods delivered in payment 
 were as follows : — molasses, 35 cents per pnllon ; flour, $6.25 
 per barrel ; tobacco, 25 cents per pound ; pilot brfcad, 5 cents 
 per pound ; nav} bread, 4 cents per pound ; pork, 10 cents 
 per pound. These articles were all of pood quality, the pilot 
 and navy bread especially. 
 
 The Grand Mnnan Herrings arc bought in bulk by Mr. 
 French, at $1.50 for 2001bs. ; with the price of the barrel, 
 and expense of packing, they cost at Eastport $2.50 per 
 barrel, when ready for shipment, which is just the price they 
 sell for at Boston — the profit is made on the goods that are given 
 in payment. It was noticed here, that the chimes of the 
 Herring barrels were twice as deep as those of English bar- 
 rels ; they hold can-hooks better, and arc considered su])crior 
 in other respects. 
 
 Fish-oil was purchased by Mr. French at $16 per barrel, a 
 higher price than usual, the article being scarce and in demand. 
 In the early part of the season, it takes the livers of 100 quin- 
 tals of Pollack to make a barrel of oil ; but as the season 
 advances, the fish become in better condition, and the livers of 
 25 quintals will make a barrel. , i 
 
 Porpoise oil was bought at one dollar per gallon. An 
 Indian who was delivering some of this oil to Mr. French, 
 stated that ten gallons of oil were usually obtained from six 
 Porpoises. 
 
 It was said by Mr. French, that when he first commenced 
 business at Eastport, the Pollack were taken of very large 
 size ; they have since constantly diminished, and are still dimi- 
 nishing. The small Pollack — which the fishermen call " Har- 
 bour Pollack " — ^when caught formerly, were thrown back into 
 the sea, but now they are split and dried with the others. The 
 decrease in the size of Pollack was supposed to arise from 
 
 G 
 
 1) I 
 
42 
 
 
 tlio ffront dcstnirtion of Niiinll Horrin^n in tlio wrirw, tliiiH diiiii- 
 iiisliiii^- tlio (jiiantity of food for the Pollnck. 
 
 Prior to I8.*J0, tlic*r« wom excellent MiM-Uerel fisliin«? in tlio 
 vicinity of (irund Mannn ; these tiHh then entered the Jiay of 
 Fiindy in immense Hchulls, and the American AHhcrs took them 
 in lar^e qnnntitieH. But since 1H39, the Mackerel 8eem to 
 have Hhifted their ground, as no lar^c body of these fish has 
 heen seen in the Bay since that period. Mr. Fronch stated, 
 that he had seen hir^^e Mackerel, as fat as any ho ever saw, 
 which were taken on Cod-hooks, in deep water near Grand 
 Manan, dnring the winter season ; and he nddnced this as a 
 proof, that Mackerel do not leave the Coast, but merely retire 
 into deep water during the winter. 
 
 11 ;'i. 
 
 I" 
 
 ir 
 
 I 
 
 LUBEC. 
 
 At this town, which is about three miles from Eastport, and 
 very close to Campo Bello, great quantities of smoked Her- 
 rings are put up annually ; at one period, no less than 60,000 
 boxes were cured every season, but the quantity lias conside- 
 rably diminished of late years. There are numerous smoko 
 houses along the water side, most of which ar pen to the 
 objection of heating, rather than coolly smoki <c fish, as 
 
 ought to be done to ensure fine color and good flavour, as well 
 as freedom fi om taint or ranoidity. 
 
 In the passage between Campo Bello and West Quoddy, 
 just beyond liubec, there are extensive weirs on both sides, out 
 to the very edge of th^ ship channel ; in some places the weirs 
 approach each other so closely, as to leave but narrow space 
 between. The channel being crooked as well as narrow, it is 
 difficult for a vessel to get through safely after nightfall, espe- 
 ciall if the night be at all dark or foggy. The steamer " Com- 
 modore," having on board a party of delegates to the Railroad 
 Convention at Portland, in July last, attempted to pass out to 
 sea by this passage during a foggy night, but was fairly 
 caught in one of the weirs, and was compelled to remain there 
 until daylight. The misadventure occasioned some witty, and 
 piquant remarks, at the Convention, in connection with the 
 discussion of steam navigation across the Bay of Fundy, in 
 connection with a Railway through the western part of Nova 
 Scotia. 
 
 A legal gentleman at Eastport was asked, if the laws of 
 Maine permitted the erection of weirs, in this passage, to such 
 an inconvenient extent ; it was stated in reply, that the law 
 
 5 
 
43 
 
 niH(liini- 
 
 \\g in tln! 
 a Hay of 
 itok th(;in 
 Hoeiii to 
 fish lins 
 h Htiited, 
 vcr saw, 
 ir (iruiKl 
 this as a 
 cly retire 
 
 port, and 
 keel Ilcr- 
 m 60,000 
 J conside- 
 [\s Hiiioko 
 en to the 
 <c fish, as 
 ir, as well 
 
 Quoddy, 
 sides, out 
 
 the weirs 
 row space 
 rrow, it is 
 fall, espe- 
 er "Com- 
 i Railroad 
 lass out to 
 was fairly 
 nain there 
 witty, and 
 [1 with the 
 Fundy, in 
 t of Nova 
 
 le laws of 
 re, to such 
 It the law 
 
 neither sanctioned th<Mr construction, neither did it forhid 
 their bein^ ftlurod there. The weirs hud been standing in 
 West Qiiuddy pussn;^'(s this ^entieinan said, for several years 
 without let or hindiiuice ; and as the law was silent on the 
 subject, the proprietors conceived' they hud obtained what they 
 culled ** negative approval/' 
 
 In the channel between Ltdiec and Easfpurt, very large and 
 fine Scallops were formerly found, and in all probability they 
 may be found there still. Major General 11. A. 8. Dearluu'n, 
 U.S.A., now Mayor of Roxbury, in a letter to the writer says : 
 
 •' I was at Eastport in 1811), and obtained very large and 
 excellent Scallops — pecten — but differing from pcclen concvn- 
 tricus, on the Coast of Massachusetts, being four times as 
 large ; many of them were six inches in din meter. 1 used a 
 dredge-net, and procured them, between Eastport and the 
 western end of Campo Bello, in mid-channel, where the water 
 was six to nine fathoms in depth." 
 
 The dredgc-nct might again be employed in this, as well as 
 other localities in the Bay of Fundy, with advantage ; it would 
 perhaps bring to light some varieties of fish not generally 
 known at present, especially < a Flat fish, resembling Plaice 
 and Sole, which are bcliCved to exist in the Bay. With regard 
 to Scallops, it may be stated, that they arc frequently taken, 
 in considerable quantities, and of the large size mentioned 
 by General Dearborn, at Mace's Bay, north-west of Point 
 Lepreau, where extensive beds of this peculiar shell-fish arc 
 known to exist. Of late, the edible portion of these large Scal- 
 lops has been put up by a noted preserving establishment at 
 New York, and sold in glass bottles at a high price, as an 
 unusual luxury. They arc much esteemed, and sell readily ; 
 so this branch of business is open to the people of New Bruns- 
 wick, who have a large supply of the Scallop, easily acces- 
 sible. 
 
 THE FISHERIES OF THE RIVER SAINT CROIX. 
 
 As several complaints were made to the writer of the state of 
 the fisheries in the tide-way of the St. Croix, near St. Stephen 
 and Mill Town, these places were visited in September last. 
 
 The River St. Croix being the boundary between the British 
 Colonies and the United States, the jurisdiction of New Bruns- 
 wick only extends to the centre of the channel of the river ; the 
 remaining portion is under the control of the State of Maine. 
 The fisheries on the American side of the River, arc subject 
 
 H 
 
tmmmmm 
 
 44 
 
 a^i 
 
 'I '". 
 
 
 to the supervision of the Fishery Committee of the Town at' 
 Calais, whose duties ure nearly similar to those of Overseers 
 of the fisheries in New Brunswick. 
 
 The lower dam on the St. Croix is in the tide-way, hetween 
 St. Stephen and Milltown;' at a [)lace formerly called the 
 Middle Landing ; it is a high solid dam from bank to hank ; and 
 upon it there are a number of mills — it is called the Union 
 Mill Dam. Above the back-water occasioned by the Union 
 Dam, arc the Salmon Falls ; the St. Croix is here very nar- 
 row, and there is considerable fall over a rugged ledge of rocks. 
 Piers for a railway bridge were being placed in the river at 
 these falls, upon which, it is said, a factory is to be erect> d. 
 Next above the Salmon Fallsr, are the extensive mills and dams 
 at Milltown, almost filling the River for some distance. At 
 the American town of Baring, five milep above St. Stephen, 
 there is a third dam on the river, extending from side to side. 
 There is a square opening in this dam, intended for sluicing 
 logs when the river is low — this is termed a " fish-way," — for 
 which, however, it is said not to answer. About six miles 
 above Baring, at Sprague's Falls, there is a solid dam across 
 the river, called the " driving dam ;" in that there is no provi- 
 sion whatever for the passage of fish. 
 
 On examining the IFnion Mill Dam, it was found that there 
 was no fish-way. There is a so;t of " roll" on the top of the 
 dam, over which the waste water passes, and it was said tlint 
 fish could get over at high-water ; if so, it is most probable 
 that Salmon only could eflTect the passage — if other fish do get 
 over, it must be with great difficulty and very rarely. 
 
 At Milltown, owing to the peculiar formation of the ledges 
 on which the various dams are placed, there 'n a narrow chan- 
 nel, up which fif^h may pass, if it is kept free from obstructions. 
 This channel was found closely jammed with logs, and the 
 water being low, no fish, even of the smallest size, could 
 pass, it was stated by the millmen at this place, that when the 
 water is high in the Spring, at the usual time for the passage 
 of fi&h, the fish-way is constantly filleu with edgings, rinds, and 
 rubbish, from the mills above, so that it rarely happens a fish 
 can get through. 
 
 Mr. Edward Sydney Dyer, who resides at Calais, stated that 
 hia father's residence w^as near the Salmon Falls ; he m as born 
 there, and resided beside those Falls until after he attained to 
 manhood. About thirty years since, Salmon, Shad, and Gas- 
 pereaux, were exceedingly abundant in the St. Croix ; the 
 average catch at the Salmon Falls was SOO Salmon per day, 
 
 1 
 
 
45 
 
 Town ot* 
 )verseers 
 
 , between 
 ailed the 
 lank ; and 
 he Union 
 he Union 
 very nar- 
 c of rocks, 
 le river at 
 J erect» d. 
 and duuis 
 ance. At 
 . Stephen, 
 do to side. 
 3r shiicing 
 v^ay," — for 
 six miles 
 lam across 
 i no provi- 
 
 that there 
 top of the 
 s said thnt, 
 t probable 
 fish do get 
 r. 
 
 the ledges 
 rrow chan- 
 istructions. 
 s, and the 
 size, could 
 It when the 
 lie passage 
 rinds, and 
 ipens a fish 
 
 stated that 
 le wds born 
 attained to 
 , and Gas- 
 roix ; the 
 m per day, 
 
 for three months in each season. The Gaspereau came in 
 such quantities, that it was supposed they never could bo des- 
 troyed ; and the numbers of Shad were almost incredible. 
 
 Up to 1825, the dams on the river were provided with fish- 
 ways, and while these were maintained, the fisheries of the 
 river did not diminish; but in that year, the Union Dam, (the 
 lowermost,) was built without a fish-way, and the fisheries 
 instantly fell off, continuing to diminish ever since, and now 
 they can scarcely be said to exist. In 1846, the Union Dam 
 was swept away by a great flood, and fish got up the River ; 
 for two years afler, there was very good fishing, but the re- 
 building of the dam again put a stop to it. 
 
 Ninian Lyndsay, Esquire, of Saint Stephen, one of the 
 Overseera of the Fishery for that Parish, r'escribed the quan- 
 tities of fish which formerly ascended the Saint Croix, as some- 
 thing almost miraculous. The fishing in the River was good 
 until a short time after the Union Dam was built ; since which 
 it has fallen ofif amazingly. Gaspereau have become very 
 scarce indeed, although formerly thousands of barrels were 
 taken in the River. i\o Shad are now cau ^ht above the tide, 
 and but few below. Before 1825, Shad were taken at the 
 Salmon Falls, by a large dip-net, attached to a long swinging 
 pole, like a well-pole. The net was heavily leaded to make 
 it sink in the swift water ; it was then swung round, and it 
 was not at all uncommon to take two or three barrels of Shad 
 at a single dip of the net. Mr. Lyndsay mentioned, that some 
 years since he knew a man who stood on a jam of logs, below the 
 Salmon Falls, with a dip-net, and who, in a single day, caught 
 118 Salmon ! The whole catch of Salmon, in the Saint Croix, 
 during the past season, according to Mr. Lyndsay's estimate, 
 would not exceed 200 fish, and a proportion of these were 
 Salmon out of season, lingering below the Union Dam, and 
 endeavouring to ascend. * •^' 
 
 In Mr. Lyndsay's opinion, sufficient fish-ways might be 
 placed in each of the dams on this River, without injury to the 
 Mills or water-power, if the Mill prcjTietors could be compelled 
 to construct such fish-ways, and -leep them free from obstruc- 
 tions. This, he said, was admitted by the Mill owners ; but 
 the law was n jt sufficiently stringent in its provisions to enable 
 the Overseers to compel the opening of the Ssh-ways, for which 
 more sumnary and efficient powers were required. It was 
 also stated by Mr. Lyndsay, that the Fishery Committee of 
 Calais, had expressed their readiness and anxiety to co-ope- 
 rate with the Overseers of Fisheries in S;iint Stephen, in 
 
46 
 
 »:■ 
 
 measures for opening the Rivera and preserving its valuable 
 Fisheries. 
 
 An interview was also had at Saint Stephen with William 
 Porter, Esquire, another Overseer of the Fishery there, whose 
 statements were similar to those of Mr. Lyndsay. Subse- 
 quently, those Gentlemen addressed a, letter to the writer, 
 which is here given in full : — 
 
 4 ., Saint Stephen, 6th December, 1850. 
 
 Sir, — ^^'e have received your Circular Letter of 12th August 
 relative to the Fisheries, and in reply beg to state, that from 
 the first settlement of this country up to the year 1825, there 
 was annually a great abundance of Salmon, Shad, and Gas- 
 pereau, in the Saint Croix ; in fact, bo plentiful were ihe 
 latter, that vessels from Rhode Island, of 100 to 150 tons 
 burthen, followed the fishing business on this River, and were 
 never knov/n to leave without full cargoes. They had estab- 
 lishments on the American side of the River, where they 
 salted the Gaspereau in vats, and repacked them in barrels, 
 for the West India market. There were also several seines 
 belonging to the inhabitants, )vhich were worked in the tide- 
 way of the River, the owners of which' put up, annually, from 
 1500 to 2500 barrels of Gaspereau for exportation, besides a 
 sufficiency for country use. 
 
 At the same time. Shad were taken in great quantities ; 
 very frequently, more than one hundred would be caught in a 
 small net, in a single night. These fish were also caught in 
 large numbers, at the Salmon Falls, by dip-nets, where also 
 Salmon were taken in abundance. 
 
 We have known a lad, hfteen years of age, take 500 Salmon 
 during one season ; and we have known one man with a dip- 
 ?aet, at the Salmon Falls, take 90 to 100 Salmon, two days in 
 succession. Up to 1826, these Salmon were sold at f«»i.r to 
 five Cents per pound ; their average weight was about ten 
 pounds each. After the Union Mill-dam was built in 1825, 
 the Fisheries fell off very soon ; and continued to diminish 
 until 1846, when that dam was partly swept away. Then the 
 Salmon again got up the River, in considerable numbers, so that 
 in 1848, to the joy and surprise of the inhabitants, they were 
 quite numerous; but the rebuilding of the dam once more 
 stopped them, and they have since diminished both in size and 
 numbers.' Very few indeed now get up the River, and we 
 therefore advise, that an Act be passed, at the next l^'esKion of 
 the Legislature, giving the power of g^ttiiQg at offenders in a 
 
 i 
 
 \ 
 
47 
 
 valuable 
 
 William 
 
 re, whose 
 
 Subse- 
 
 e writer, 
 
 ,1850. 
 
 h August 
 that from 
 25, there 
 and Gas- 
 were the 
 
 150 tons 
 and were 
 lad estab- 
 lere they 
 n barrels, 
 ral seines 
 
 the tide- 
 ally, from 
 besides a 
 
 uantities ; 
 lught in a 
 caught in 
 rhere also 
 
 K) Salmon 
 irith a dip 
 vo days iu 
 at f'K-r to 
 about ten 
 
 in 1825, 
 » diminish 
 
 Then the 
 ers, so that 
 they were 
 )nce more 
 in size and 
 •, and we 
 ii'estiion of 
 aders in a 
 
 I 
 
 more summary manner, as it never will do to lose so great a 
 source of wealth, when it can b" so readily preserved. 
 
 The Grant i:om the Crown, of the premises on which the 
 Union Dam is built, is subject to conditions, with reference to 
 the passage of fish, which have not been complied with, and it 
 has thereby become forfeited. It is to be hoped, that after your 
 Report is presented, the Attorney General will take steps to 
 enforce the conditions of the Grant, or else to revest the 
 premises. in the Crown. 
 
 Respectfully yours, &c. 
 
 Wm. Porter, 
 ^ N. Lyndsay. 
 
 To M. H. Perley, Esquire. , ' , ' 
 
 The premises on which the Union Dam stands, were granted 
 to Abner Hill, of Saint Stephen, by letters patent, dated 16tli 
 December, 1824, which contain very special provisions. There 
 is a recital, that Abner Hill, the grantee, had presented a 
 petition, setting forth that there is a good site for erecting Mills 
 in the River Saint Croix, opposite the dwelling house of 
 Robert Hitchings, at a place commonly called the Middle 
 Landing, which is nearly midway between the Saltwater T lis, 
 so called, and the Falls below the Mills at Mill Town, called 
 the Fishing Falls, and • praying a grant of the premises ; that 
 the petition had been referred to the Justices of the Peace in 
 the County of Charlotte, to report if there was any objection 
 to its prayer ; and that the Justices, in Sessions, had recom- 
 mended that it should be coninlicd with. The premises 
 described in Mr. Hill's petition o then granted to him under 
 several restrictions and conditions ; the undisturbed right of 
 fishing in the River is expressly reserved « ' Hi.s Majesty, and 
 all his subjects. Among other conditions of the Gran', is the 
 following : — 
 
 le 
 
 '' Provided also, and this Grant is upon condition, that 
 said Abner Hill, his heirs and assigns, shall and ^vill cause a 
 good and sufficient fish-way to be made in each and every 
 Mill-dam, which may be erected and constructed, in the said 
 River, on the said premises ; and that the same fish-w , or 
 fish-ways, shall always be maintained and kept in sii< i state 
 of reparation, so that the passage of the fish to and from the 
 Sea may not be impeded by such dam or dams ; and also upon 
 this further condition, that a free passage shrill always be left 
 for the floating down of ton timber, logs, aad other lumber, 
 from the rpper parts of the said River, by all and every of Our 
 
 i I 
 
-.M(H»i*" "'Plfl 
 
 48 
 
 'iff 
 
 
 subjects. And it is Our will and pleasure, and Wc» do hereby 
 expressly ordain and declare, that in case the said Abner Hill, 
 his heirs and assigns, shall' not, or do not, fulfil and perform 
 the said several conditions, in every part thereof, according to 
 the true intent and meaning of the same, then this Grant shall 
 be void, and of no effect, and the land and premises hereby 
 intended to be granted, shall revert to, and revest in Us, Our 
 Heirs and Successors." 
 
 In the face of so special a condition, it is really surprising, 
 that the proprietors of the Union Mill-dam should so long have 
 been permitted to evade its fulfilment, to the very great 
 damage, and almost the destruction, of the Fisheries of the 
 Saint Croix. A Scire Facias on the part of the Crown, to 
 enquire as to their compliance with the provisions of the Grant, 
 would no doubt quicken the perceptions of the proprietors, as 
 to the necessity of fulfilling those conditions, truly and fairly. 
 Upon the proprietors *of the Union Dam must rest much of 
 the blame, for the damage that has been done by obstructing 
 the free passage of fish ; although there is no doubt, that the 
 dams higher up in the River, have contributed their share 
 toward the general injury, for which there is such just ground 
 of complaint. 
 
 When the Union Dam was visited on the 4th September, 
 there were two Salmon nets set, in open daylight, just below 
 the waste-way ; they were both on the British side of the 
 River. One of the nets was a very long one, and the two 
 were so arran^ou, that it was almost impossible for a Salmon 
 to reach the dam ; but, as if to prevent even that possibility, 
 there was also a net on the American side. Not far below the 
 dam, a party of Passamaquoddy Indians were encamped, for 
 the purpose of spearing Salmon by torch light ; the fish not 
 captured, were turned back by the nets, and then fell a prey 
 to the Indians. At this late period of the year, the Salmon 
 were, of course, <iut of season, quite black, and almost worth- 
 less. If this state of things is permitted to exist during 
 another season, the last remnant of the once valuable and 
 extensive Fisheries of the Saint Croix will be wholly extin- 
 guished. 
 
 The two great Branches of the Saint Croix, with their 
 numerous tributaries, and the large Lakes at the head of each 
 Branch, present every variety of River, Lake, and Stream, 
 adapted to the breeding and feeding of fish. When this is 
 considered, it is not at all surprising, that such great and 
 
 A 
 
 :j 
 
49 
 
 
 a hereby 
 ler Hill, 
 perform 
 irding to 
 ant shall 
 s hereby 
 Us, Our 
 
 irprising, 
 ong have 
 ;ry great 
 es of the 
 >own, to 
 he Grant, 
 ■ietors, as 
 ind fairly. 
 t much of 
 bstructing 
 , that the 
 leir share 
 st ground 
 
 eptember, 
 ust below 
 de of the 
 i the two 
 a Salmon 
 possibility, 
 below the 
 imped, for 
 le fish not 
 fell a prey 
 le Salmon 
 ost worth- 
 ist during 
 uable and 
 oUy extin- 
 
 with their 
 ad of each 
 d Stream, 
 len this is 
 great and 
 
 almost incredible bodies of Salmon, Shad, and Gaspereaux, 
 as are described by every old resident, should have passed 
 through the narrow gorges of the Lower Saint Croix, in their 
 annual migrations from the Sea. The wide-spread extent 
 and the magnitude of the inland waters connected with the 
 Saint Croix, are so well adapted to the propagation of fish 
 on a large scale, and are such favorite places of resort for 
 all that can reach the ancient haunts of the various species, 
 that it will be highly discreditable to allow the extinction of 
 the Fisheries of this River, now threatened with total anni- 
 hilation. 
 
 FROM POINT LEPREAU TO THE HARBOUR OF SAINT JOHN. 
 
 There are several harbours, and inlets, along this line of 
 coast ; but owing to its rocky and rugged character, the settle- 
 ments are limited, and the inhabitants are not numerous. 
 There are no regular fishing establishments ; the settlers, in 
 connection with the cultivation of the soil, follow fii^iing, chiefly 
 with the view mf supplying the markofk at Saint John with fresh 
 fish. ' ' 
 
 The principal fisherii.. are those for Cod and Herrings ; 
 small Haddock are also taken during the Summer, but Hake 
 and Pollack are comparatively rare. Along the coast from 
 Point Lepreau up to Negro Head, just below the entrance to 
 Saint John, Cod are taken with the long-line (or bultow) from 
 Christmas until the first of June ; the best fishing is in April 
 and May — after that, the Cod follow the English Herrings 
 {clupea elongata) up the Bay. The long lines, or bultows, 
 with 350 to 600 hooks, are set at the distance of one to two 
 miles from the sh )re, in about 18 fathoms water. The hooks 
 are on snoods, 3 feet in length, which are placed 7 feet apart 
 on the '* back," or long line. 
 
 In the Autumn, when the Herrings again appear along this 
 shore, Cod are taken with hand-lines, on the *' slacks" of the 
 tide. In November last, fine Cod averaging about 30 to the 
 quintal, were taken by hand-line fishing, between Mlisquash 
 and Lepreau. At that time, very fine Herrings had made 
 their appearance, requiring nets with 2i inch mesh ; these 
 continued to increase in numbers until January, — and while 
 this Report is being written, they are taken daily in considera- 
 ble quantities. The appearance of large bodies of Herring so 
 close to the shore, during the depth of Winter, is an unusual 
 circumstance ; in general, they do not approach this coast until 
 
 7 
 
 i !1 
 
 fjr- 
 
i 
 
 50 
 
 the latter part of Winter, or in early Spring, and-then only in 
 moderate numbers.* 
 
 The fishermen of Saint John also prosecute the fisheries for 
 Cod and Herring on this shore, in their own boats and vessels, 
 whenever fish are to be had. During the early part of Sum- 
 mer they also drift all along this coast, at some distance from 
 the land, for Salmon, while later in the season, they drift over 
 the same ground for the Sea Shad, then on the way to their 
 feeding grounds in the upper part of the Bay. 
 
 There is an abundance of Lobsters about Dipper Harboiir, 
 from which place the Saint John Market is principally sup- 
 plied ; they are not large, rarely exceeding three pounds 
 weight, and sell at three pence to six pence each, according to 
 the season and the supply brought in. If better arrangements 
 were made for bringing these Lobsters to market, and for 
 keeping them alive, when brought in large quantities, they 
 could be sold even at less prices, with greater profit to the 
 fishermen than at present. i 
 
 FISHERIES WITHIN THE HARBOUR OF SAlNT JOHN. 
 
 The fisheries within this Harbour belong to the citizens of 
 Saint John, by a special clause in the Royal Charter incorpo- 
 rating the City, and are therefore under the management and 
 control of the Common Council, subject, however, to such 
 enactments as are made by the Legislature, lor the general 
 regulation of the fisheries of the Province. 
 
 The Various fishing-berths, or lots, 'within the Harbour, are 
 disposed of annually amon^ tlie freemen of the City, and the 
 widows of freemen, being residents, by lottery. The lots on 
 the eastern side of the Harbour appertain to the freemen on 
 that side ; while those on the western shore, belong exclusively 
 to the freemen residing there, in that part of the City usually 
 designated as Carleton. There are from eighty to one hun- 
 dred lots, on each side, which possess some value ; varying 
 from number one, of late years worth about JC40, down to 
 number eighty, which may be worth a dollar, or even less. 
 
 - The mode of disposing of the fishing lots in this Harbour is 
 highly objectionable, and in direct violation of the principles of 
 the Provincial enactments, which strictly prohibit lotteries in 
 
 * While tbis Report ia being printed, Mr. Jpha SandaU, of ^int John, 4mt«i «• follows, 
 under date 17th March, 1851 : — " At present, we are taking Herrings, in nets of iSi and 3'| 
 inch mesh, in great abnndance. I have neter known them to be so plentiful at this aeason 
 of the year. I shonid imagine, that from 3000 to 4000 barrels have been taken witbin the 
 last tliree weeks — the poor fishermen have great reason to be thankful." 
 
 ■ 
 
 'f: 
 
 u.i 
 
61 
 
 !n only in 
 
 iheries for 
 id vessels, 
 t of Sum- 
 ance from 
 drift over 
 ly to their 
 
 Harbour, 
 pally snp- 
 ee pounds* 
 ccording to 
 angements 
 t, and for 
 lities, they 
 ofit to the 
 
 '.li'tS U"i-.«f> » 
 
 citizens of 
 
 er incorpo- 
 
 gement and 
 
 er, to such 
 
 the general 
 
 arbour, are 
 ity, and the 
 The lots on 
 
 freemen on 
 ; exclusively 
 City usually 
 to one hun- 
 le; varying 
 10, down to 
 Fen less. 
 3 Harbour is 
 prindples of 
 
 lotteries in 
 
 , writ«» M follows, 
 
 neU of SJ and ?i 
 
 ittfal at thii season 
 
 Q uVen within the 
 
 every form — this fishing lottery being alone excepted. When 
 the City was first settled, sixty eight years ago, and the popu- 
 lation consisted of a few hundred families only, of whom yary 
 many were engaged in the actual business of fishing, it may 
 have been very proper to dispose of the fishing stations among 
 them by lot, as the most simple and equitable mode of annual 
 distribution. But the reason has ceased long since. The 
 wealth of the City has become very considerable, and its popu- 
 lation has increasod to 20,000, and upwards. The fishing lots 
 are now purchased by the fishermen from those citizens, or 
 widows of citizens, who are fortunate enough to draw good 
 numbers in the lottery ; and it is not at all uncommon for the 
 wealthiest petsons in the City to be waited upon by the hard- 
 working fisherman, to know at what price they will sell their 
 " prize in the fishery." The sums received by persons in easy 
 circumstances for prizes in the fishery, are too often treated as 
 other '' prize money," and wasted in the like manner. 
 
 Instead of distributing the fishing lots, as at present, in a 
 manner which does the least possible amount of good, and in- 
 flicts positive evil by inducing the spirit of gambling, with all 
 its attendant evils, it is proposed by the writer, that the fishery 
 numbers shall be disposed of annually by auction, and the pro- 
 ceeds applied to the formation of an educational fund, for the 
 establishment and support of a Public Free School., in which 
 the children, or orphans, of citizens, shall have a preference 
 over all others. 
 
 There may, perhaps, be other objects of public utility, to 
 which the fund arising from the annual sale of the fishing lots 
 might be judiciously applied ; but there are, probably, few 
 which could be suggested, that would do more real good, or 
 meet with more hearty and cordial approbati/^n from the great 
 body of the citizens, than that which is now proposed. It is 
 believed to bp only necessary to draw the attention of the citi- 
 zens of Saint John to the existing evil, and point out in what 
 way it may be turned t^ a great public good, in order to have 
 the object efifected. 
 
 The fisheries of the harbour are those for Gaspereau, Shad, 
 and Salmon, which enter it for the purpose of ascending the 
 River Saint John to their usual spawning grounds. The Gas- 
 pereau, /^^'a tyrannus) enter the harbour about the 10th of 
 April, or very soon after. The first of these fish was taken 
 last year on the 13th April ; on the 22nd they were abundant, 
 and the fishing continued until about the 10th June. The Shad 
 (alosa mpidissima) make their appearance about tlie n^iddle 
 
 
 •^^^1 I 
 
 I I 
 
M 
 
 if) 
 
 of May ; these are closely followed by the lordly Salmon, (iaU 
 mo salar) which continue to. pass in large numbers until the 
 first of August, although some, chiefly grilse however, con- 
 tinue to be caught in the weirs until the end of that month. 
 
 The following letter from John Randall, Esquire, who has 
 long been actively engaged in the fisheries, contains much 
 valuable information in a condensed form : — 
 
 Saint John, /V. B., 2l8t January, 1851. 
 
 Sir, — In reply to your circular of 12th August, I beg to 
 state, that the Gaspereau or Alewives, Spring Shad, and Sal- 
 mon, are taken in this harbour by weirs and drift-nets. The 
 weirs are made by setting up nets of about 2 j: iifch mesh, upon 
 tall poles. A great many Salmon are taken outside of Par- 
 tridge Island, in the Bay, by drift-nets. The fall Shad arc 
 all taken in the Bay, during the night, also with drift nets. 
 The drift-nets for Salmon and Shad, are 40 meshes deep, 
 and each boat has 200 fathoms of net. 
 
 I cannot say much about the Cod, Pollack, or Mackerel 
 fisheries, as it has been found, that they will not pay out of 
 this harbour. 
 
 The Gaspereau ^shery commences with us, as soon as the 
 river opens, and continues about six weeks ; this fishing de- 
 pends in a great measure on the Spring freshet. The Spring 
 Shad come in about the middle of May, but this fishery is of 
 little consequence. Salmon fishing begins the middle of June, 
 and continues until the first of August, but the weirs catch a 
 few up to the end of that month. 
 
 The greater part of our Gaspereau ai'e shipped to Boston, 
 and all our Salmon are sent there, either packed in ice or 
 smoked, and we have to pay a duty of 20 per cent. 
 
 Herrings are taken around Grand Manan and West Isles, 
 by torch-light, and by brush-weirs ; these weirs, must destroy 
 a great quantity of Fry every season. 
 
 The Herrings and Gaspereau, as soon as possible after being 
 caught, are placed in casks for the purpose of being " struck," 
 as we call it ; when sufliciently salted, they are packed in bar- 
 relS) wliich should contain 200Ibs. of fish, by the inspection law, 
 . but the law itself appears to have become a dead letter. It is 
 desirable that we should have a good strict inspection law ; it 
 would perhaps cost us some six pence or nine pence per barrel 
 more than at present, but I am confident we shcdd be gainers 
 by it. 
 
 I know of no fish being used as manure, but it is notorious 
 
53 
 
 that the whole of'lho Bay of Fiindy is fished hy vessels from 
 the United States. 
 
 The fishery in this harbour is gradually falling of)', as I 
 believe, from the great quantity of saw dust thrown into the 
 harbour, and the erection of saw mills, and mill dams, on the 
 different streams falling into the Saint John, to which the Sal- 
 mon and Gaspereau usually resort to deposit their spawn. 
 
 I would. also mention, that in my opinion, the deep-sea fish- 
 ing will never be followed to any extent in this Province, unless 
 there is some encouragement granted to our fishermen in the 
 shape of bounty, and also jyotection, by compelling the Ameri- 
 cans to fish within the Treaty limits. Gentlemen may telk about 
 American enterprize, but give us an equal chance with them, 
 and if we do not match them, it is our own fault. The Ame- 
 rican Government not only grants their fishermen a bounty, but 
 also a heavy protection, in the shape of duties on foreign-caught 
 fish ; and when you consider, that all our fish have to go to the 
 States for a market, is it any wonder we cannot compete with 
 them ? V 
 
 I believe you are aware, that most of the young fishermen 
 of Grand Manan, are removing to the United States, in con- 
 sequence of the high wages given them for their skill in fishing, 
 and as Pilots in the Bay of Fundy. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN SANDALL. 
 
 M. H. Perley, E«q. 
 
 In addition to this letter, Mr. Sandall has been good enough 
 to furnish the following, as his estimate of the value of the 
 fisheries in the harbour of Saint John during the season of 
 1850:— 
 
 32,000 Salmon, which brought 5s. each, £8,000 
 
 , 14,000 barrels of Gaspereau at 15s. per barrel, 10,500 ,, 
 
 • The Shad-fishery amounted fully to 1,500 ..^ 
 
 h! 
 
 u 
 
 
 a notorious 
 
 }'-> 
 
 Total je20,000 
 
 ■\ The prices thus stated by Mr. Sandall, are those obtained 
 by the actual fishermen, and at least twenty five per cent, 
 must be added for the net prices received from abroad by the 
 dealers, for the same fish. The persons who packed the Sal- 
 mon, in boxes with ice, for the Boston market, last season, 
 paid to the fishermen an unvarying contract price, of five shil- 
 lings for each fish, whether large or small ; and there is good 
 reason to believe, that the same fish sold at the average price 
 
 1i 
 
54 
 
 ill 
 
 
 \ * 
 
 
 I'i ; ■ 
 
 ^ 
 
 ikM 
 
 of ten Hhillings each, in Boston. The price of Gaspercaii, 
 especially if well cured, was in the saiue way, 17m. 6d. per 
 barrel. Mr. Sandall states the price obtained by the fialiernnen, 
 after deducting the expense of the barrels and salt. 
 
 The Shad which pass up the river in the Spring, are spawn- 
 ing lish, of large size, heavy with roe, and very thin. As a 
 matter of course, these fish have but little flavour, as compared 
 with the fat and luscious sea Shad, taken in the Autumn, and 
 are scarcely worth salting. The value of the Shad fishery, 
 stated above by Mr. Sandall, is that for sea Shad, taken out- 
 side the Harbour, by drifting duriuj^ the night; Shad so taken, 
 although of very fair quality, are, however, inferior to those 
 caught at the head of the Bay, which are fully described in the 
 subsequent part of this Report. It is much to be regretted, 
 that the Spring Shad should be caught at all ; they are of lit- 
 tle value when taken, and their capture, by destroying the 
 breeding fish, tends greatly to the injury of the valuable Shad 
 fishery of the Bay, which ought to be most carefully preserved 
 and protected. 
 
 There can be no doubt, that the large quantities of saw-dust 
 and rubbish from the saw. mills, which have been cast into the 
 harbour of late years, have been highly detrimental to the 
 fisheries, and most injurious to the harbour itself. The wri- 
 ter's official duties, as Emigration officer, during the last eight 
 years, have rendered it necessary for him to be much afloat 
 within the harbour every season, and. to visit Partridge Island 
 at its entrance very . frequently. The damage done to the 
 harbour within that period, and the injury to its navigation 
 especially for large vessels, can scarcely be appreciated 
 by those who have not watched its progress, or examined 
 its results. 
 
 The great floods of the Saint John, occasioned by the melt- 
 ing of the snow and ice at the close of winter, or by heavy 
 rains at other periods, bring down large quantities of fine silt, 
 or alluvial matter, rendering the water at those periods ex- 
 tremely turbid. This alluvial matter encounters the saw dust 
 in the harbour, and jointly, they form a deposit, which soon 
 attains much solidity wherever it happens to rest. The wes- 
 tern channel into the harbour has shoaled very considerably, 
 as well from the deposit of silt and saw dust, as the aggrega- 
 tion of slabs, rinds, and edgings, also sunk there ; while the bar 
 at the eastern end of Patridge Island, is found to extend and 
 increase year by year, threatening to damage the eastern 
 channel very considerably. 
 
55 
 
 crcaii, 
 d. per 
 rmcn, 
 <t 
 pawn- 
 As ii 
 n pared 
 and 
 fishery, 
 en out- 
 taken, 
 those 
 d in the 
 ^retted, 
 e of lit- 
 ing the 
 le Shad 
 eserved 
 
 law-dust 
 into the 
 to the 
 rhe wri- 
 ast eight 
 ;h afloat 
 re Island 
 le to the 
 ivigation 
 ^reciated 
 xannined 
 
 the melt- 
 by heavy 
 fine silt, 
 riods ex- 
 saw dust 
 lich soon 
 rhe wes- 
 liderably, 
 aggrega- 
 te the bar 
 :tend and 
 } eastern 
 
 It is the opinion of several competent nersonix, that an ex- 
 penditure of jC10,0()0 would not probably bring those chnnneU 
 into the same condition and fitness for navigation, as existed 
 prior to 184<). Notwithstanding the able and careful rc|)ort 
 of the Commissioners appointed to enquire into the saw dunt 
 nuisance in the harbour of Saint John, (printed in the Appen- 
 dix to the Assembly Journals for 1849 ) the evil will probably 
 continue to increase, until the Legi^Uturo is called upon tr> 
 mnke a large appropriation for improving the navigation of 
 tliirf fine harbour, which must be done at no very distant day, 
 if the present state of things is allowed to continue. 
 
 The weirs in the Harbour of Saint John, as described by 
 Mr. Sandall, are made with nets stretched on long poles, and 
 they are all dry at low water. From the beach, at high water, 
 a net is stretched out toward low water mark, at right angles 
 to the shore ; this is called a lender — it serves to conduct the 
 fish through narrow openings, into the circular chamber, also 
 formed of nets on poles, from whicli they are taken when the 
 tide is out. This description of weir is sometimes called a 
 " fyke," — nothing can escape from it, unless it be so small us 
 to pass through the meshes of the net. 
 
 Great quantities of Gaspereau and Salmon are taken in the 
 Harbour by drift nets ; and although this mode of fishing is 
 prohibited by law, yet it is openly followed in broad daylight. 
 Some years ago, attempts were made by the Overseers of the 
 Fishery, to prevent drifting in the Harbour ; but latterly they 
 have looked on quietly, and allowed the fishermen to do as they 
 pleased. 
 
 The Common Council have, more recently, gone a step fur- 
 ther. By a bye law for regulating the fisheries within the 
 limits of the City of Saint John, passed 1^ that body on the 
 4th December last, it is provided, that " no drift net shall be 
 used after the tenth day of June, in any year, for the purpose 
 of catching fish, in any part of the Harbour of Saint John, on 
 the westerly side of Partridge Island, nor within, or to the 
 northward of straight lines to be drawn, the one from a point 
 commonly called Black Point, on the western side of the said 
 harbour, to the most westerly point on the said island, and the 
 other from the most easterly point on the same island, to a 
 |)oint called Lower Battery Point, on the eastern side of the 
 said harbour, under the penalty of Ten pounds for each and 
 every offence." 
 
 This bye-law, by implication, sanctions the use of drift-nets 
 up to the 10th day of June in each season, and is believed to 
 
 ; hi 
 
 
 i: 
 
 fi 
 
 < ii 
 
66 
 
 
 
 H' 
 
 l>o ill direct violHtion of the Acts of Aii»tieinbly relating to the 
 tisiieties. 
 
 The 1180 of notH on the SabbaHi, in prohibited by the law of 
 the Province, and although drift-nottt are not generally used 
 on that day within the harbour of Saint John, yet it ii not at 
 all unuHuul to nee them employed on the Sunday, by parties 
 who appear perfectly indiflferent to public opinion, for no other 
 force is UHod to prevent this desecration of the Sabbath. The 
 woirs are fished on that day, as on other days of the week, and 
 they generally get a better catch on Sunday, owing to the drift- 
 nets being less used. 
 
 In Ireland, where this description of weir is much employed 
 for Salmon fishing outside, or to seaward, of the mouths of 
 rivers usually frequented by Salmon, it is required by law, that 
 the nets shall be lifted out of the water at the first time of low 
 water after Saturday at noon, and they must not be set again, 
 until after sunrise on Monday morning.* 
 
 This wholesome and judicious regulation ought for a variety 
 of reasons, to be strictly enforced at Saint John ; and it is 
 somewhat surprising that "The City Fathers" should have 
 neglected this very important provision in their bye law. 
 
 If the citizens of Saint John desire that laws should be made 
 and strictly enforced, for the protection and preservation of 
 fish after they have ascended the Saint John, and reached their 
 spawning grounds in its tributaries, they must set the exau:- 
 ple of obedience to the laws within their own limits, by fishing 
 in a fair and proper manner, and only during six days of the 
 week. The fishermen of Saint John exclaim loudly, and not 
 without cause, against mills, mill-dams, and other obstacles to 
 the free passage of the fish up to their spawning beds ; they 
 denounce in the strongest manner, and very justly, the prac- 
 tice of taking Salmon by torch and spear, after reaching those 
 beds, and when out of season ; they deprecate in unmeasured 
 terms, the casting of saw dust and mill rubbish, into streams 
 frequented by spawning fish, which is undoubtedly productive 
 of serious injury to the fisheries, by diminishing the propaga- 
 tion of the various species which breed in fresh water ; but at 
 the same moment, they are very likely prosecuting the fishe- 
 ries at the entrance of the Saint John every day in the week, 
 Sunday not excepted, and by modes of fishing, which in some 
 respects, are equally objectionable, as well as illegal. 
 
 * See Brabazon on the Deep Sea Fisheries of Ireland, page 55, where also will be found 
 a description of Uiis mode of nshing, with drawings of the nets, and the manner of arranging 
 
WT 
 
 the 
 
 THE RIVEIl 8AI.NT JOHN AND ITN TRIBt'TARIEP. 
 
 The; Guaptsrcau iiikI Shad rarely OMceiid tho8aintJohn higher 
 than Frodericton, aliout 80 iiiileM from the Sea, — four niilvH 
 ubove which the vwifl water and strong rapidH comntcnce. 
 Their favourite places of resort are Darling's Lake, (a part of 
 the Kennehecasii Kivci ,) the Ocknabog Lake, the Washade- 
 moak Lake, the Grand Lake, and the Oromocto Kiver ; all 
 pieces of water rather sluggish in their character, and, gene- 
 rally with muddy hottoms. In (mssing up the Rivers to their 
 spawning grounds, many Gaspereau and Shad are caught hy 
 the inhabitants, chiolly during the night, in set nets. 
 
 Salmon proceed up the Saint John to tlie Grand Falls, u|>- 
 wards of 200 miles from the Sea ; and they ascend many of its 
 brunches and tributaries, for very considerable distances. The 
 writer, at various periods, and at diflferent seasons of the year, 
 having traversed the Saint John, from Partridge Island to the 
 head of Lake Temiscouata, (about 300 miles) and proceeded 
 up nearly all its principal tributaries, generally in light canoes, 
 is enabled to offer a general view of the state of the different 
 Uivers usiuilly resorted to by spawning fish from the Sea. 
 
 The first River which the fish enter, after passing the Falls 
 above the Harbour of Saint J:^Mn, is the Kennebccasis, flow- 
 ing in from the eastward. Salmon ascend the main stream to 
 Sussex Vale; and also the Hammond River, one of its branches, 
 to Titus' Mill-dam, which has no fishway, and stops their fur- 
 ther progress upward to their former spawning grounds, very 
 far up that River. From Darling's Lake to Titus' Mill-dam, 
 on this tributary, and from Hampton Ferry to the head of 
 Sussex Vale, on the main stream, the Salmon are hunted and 
 destroyed, in every possible way, by nets, and with torch and 
 spear, — in season, and out of season. The inhabitants appear 
 to be actuated by an insane desire to destroy every Salmon 
 which appears in these Rivers ; and no sooner is it reported, 
 that Salmon have been seen, in any particular pool, than the 
 whole neighbourhood is in commotion, with preparations for 
 their destruction — ^the fish are pursued with untiring zeal, until 
 all are captured, except a very few, which, perhaps, escape to 
 some place of shelter and safety. 
 
 The next River, in ascending the Saint John, is the Nerepis, 
 which falls in from tht westward. This is a swift-flowing 
 River, with a rocky and»gravclly bed. In the summer season, 
 there is but little water in it ; but it is subject to sudden floods, 
 from the high hills in its vicinity, which pour down great bodies 
 
mr 
 
 - -■■?fHi^wwf<^ > ^!5aWW 
 
 58 
 
 of water after rain Btorins. Fortunately, there are no Mill- 
 dams on this River, and therefpre, no obstruction to the free 
 passage of fish. The spawning-grounds are far up the IVerepis, 
 in secluded places, near springs of very cold water ; and, as 
 the Salmon are able to reach these distant spots, they breed 
 in comparative safety. There is a valuable Salmon Fishery 
 near the cntiaiice to this River, at Brittain's Point, (Alwington 
 Manor,) where, from 1500 to 2000 Salmon have been taken 
 annually, for a long succession of years. 
 
 The Washademoak is next in order, ascending ; it enters 
 from the eastward. Gaspereau and Shad go into the Lake ; 
 but Salmon pass through it, and ascend the New Canaan River, 
 which feed it. Here they are caught in considerable numbers, 
 without regard to season ; but it is believed that many fish are 
 bred in these waters. 
 
 .V The Jemseg is a narrow, deep channel, which connects the 
 Grand Lake with the River Saint John ; its entrance is three 
 miles above Gagetown, flowing in from the eastward. Salmon 
 pass through the Grand Lake, in order to ascend the Salmon 
 and Gaspereau Rivers, at its eastern extremity. The Gas- 
 pereau River is now barred at its very entrance by a Mill-dam, 
 which wholly excludes fish from that River. The Salmon 
 River was also barred by a dam for some years ; but this 
 was swept away by a flood, about seven years ago, and Salmon 
 have returned t ^ *;he River in large numbers, as it is a favorite 
 breeding place. They are, however, poached and destroyed 
 in every way, throughout the entire season, both by Indians 
 and lumbermen, in every part of this fine stream, up to the 
 Richibucto Portage, and even beyond it. 
 
 ' The Oromocto, as its name implies, is a deep river, entering 
 the Saint John from the westward. For twenty miles, or more, 
 it is navigable for vessels of sixty tons burthen, or river steam- 
 ers of large class. Then it separates into two branches, both 
 flowing from large lakes, up to which, Salmon, Shad, and 
 Gaspereau, formerly ascended ; but now they are prevented 
 by mill dams, on each branch^ at short distances above navi- 
 gable water. The dam on the South Branch has no fishway, 
 and that on the North Branch has a sort of sluice, intended as 
 a fishway, but it is not sufficient. Many Gaspereau have been 
 caught below this dam, whilQ struggling to g«t up to the 
 Oromocto Lake, formerly a favorite lAunt. 
 
 The Nashwaak flows into the Saint 9ohn from the eastward) 
 nearly opposite the City of Fredericton. Salmon formerly 
 ascended tliis river, for 'forty miles or more, but are now 
 
 .t 
 

 69 
 
 ri 
 
 Mili- 
 5 free 
 repis, 
 id, ns 
 breed 
 ishery 
 ngton 
 taken 
 
 enters 
 Lake ; 
 River, 
 mbers, 
 ish arc 
 
 cts the 
 
 3 three 
 
 Salmon 
 
 Salmon 
 
 le Gas- 
 
 U-dain, 
 
 Sahnon 
 
 jut this 
 
 Salmon 
 
 favorite 
 
 jstroyed 
 
 Indians 
 
 ip to the 
 
 entering 
 or more, 
 tr steam- 
 les, both 
 lad, and 
 revented 
 ave navi- 
 . fishway, 
 lended as 
 Mve been 
 ip to the 
 
 eastward) 
 formerly 
 are now 
 
 
 prevented by the substantial mill dam which crosses the river, 
 from bank to bank, about three miles from its mouth. From 
 the vigour with which the Salmon have been persecuted below 
 the dam, while struggling to ascend, very few are now taken 
 in the river, and shortly, they will cease entirely to frequent 
 its bright and swifl-flowing waters. 
 
 Between Fredericton and Woodstock, several small tribu- 
 taries enter the Saint John, from both sides, in most of which 
 there are mill-dams The Maduxnakeag, at Woodstock, for- 
 merly abounded with Salmob ; but the mill-dam at it» mouth 
 now excludes them altogether. The Begaguimic, above 
 Woodstock, is also closed by a dam at its entrance ; while 
 other small rivers, up to the Tobique, are also obstructed, in 
 t greater or less degree. 
 
 The Tobique is a magnificent river, which waters a wide 
 extent of country, east of the Saint John. A mill-dam which 
 was erected at the Red Rapids, about fourteen miles above its 
 mouth, was cut away by the lumbermen, because it obstructed 
 the navigation, and was therefore a public nuisance. There 
 is nothing now to prevent Salmon ascending this river, and 
 very many still go up it every year ; anciently, they passed up 
 in thousands. There is an Indian village at the mouth of the 
 Tobique, which is the principal settlement of the Milicetes of 
 the Saint John ; and these Indi&ns, aided by lumbermen, and 
 poachers of all shades, from every clime and country, pursue 
 the Salmon up to the very sources of the river, and destroy 
 them by every species of contrivance, without the slightest 
 regard to season, or the condition of the fish. 
 
 The Arestook is another noble tributary of the Saint John, 
 entering it from the westward, about two miles above the 
 Tobique, on the opposite side. Owing to some lofly falls on 
 this river, about four miles from its mouth, and within British 
 territory, Salmon can ascend it n6 further, and here also, they 
 are subjected to great slaughter. Very few Salmon ascend 
 the Saint John above the Arestook, although some occa- 
 sionally reach the basin below the Grand Falls ; when they do, 
 they are netted and speared in such an effective manner, that 
 few ever escape. 
 
 From this brief notice of the principal tributaries of the 
 Saint John frequented by Salmon!, it v*riU be seen how greatly 
 fishway» are required in the various mill-dams, and the neces- 
 sity that exists for some superintendance over these rivets, as 
 otherwise, th* breeding ftshtwill be wholly destroyed ere many 
 je«t6 elapse) and the vieiluable fishery in the Harbour of Saint 
 
 :! ,' 
 
 it 
 
 Ml 
 
 ■f 
 
60 
 
 John, and along the lower part of the river, will scarcely 
 exist. 
 
 The attention of the fishermen of the City of Saint John i» 
 especially directed to this iniportant matter ; they, and all 
 others interested in the preservation of the Salmon fishery of 
 the Saint John, now exceedingly valuable, and yearly beconi- 
 ing more so, should exert themselves, by all legitimate means 
 to maintain, and if possible, increase the fishery. A small 
 subscription might be set on foot, to send fit persons up some 
 of the principal rivers, especially the Nerepis, the Salmon Ri- 
 ver at Grand Lake, and the Tobique, to prevent the destruction 
 of breeding fish there. Under proper enactments, and efficient 
 management, great good would speedily arise, without any 
 very serious expense. The numbers of Salmon would be 
 found to increase, as rapidly as they have done in those rivers 
 of Ireland and Scotland, which, when nearly exhausted, have 
 been again filled with fish in abundance, after a few year» 
 watching and preservation. 
 
 'id 
 
 FROM THE HARBOUR OF SAINT JOHN EASTWARDLY TO 
 
 CAPE ENRAGE. 
 
 
 This line of coast is generally bold, and rocky ; up to Point 
 Wolf it is fully entitled to be designated an '< Iron-bound 
 shore." The harbours are few and small, and accessible only 
 at high water, or a little before. There are no regular fishing 
 establishments ; and fishing is followed by the Settlers on the 
 coast, in an irregular and desultory manner, just as fish liappen 
 to strike in, or as it suits their convenience. 
 
 The first inlet east of Saint John, is Port Simonds ; at its 
 head it receives the Mispeck River, which flows out of Loch 
 Lomond. Formerly, Salmon ascended the Mispeck and were 
 caught ill the Loch ; but they were wholly excluded from the 
 River about twenty five years ago, by mill-dams just above 
 the tide-way, and none have since been seen in it. Occasion- 
 ally, some few Salmon are yet caught in the Port, as also 
 Herrings. In June and July, there is tolerable line-fishing for 
 Cod and Pollack, near Black Rock, at the ** slacks" of the tide. 
 
 Cape Spencer is a bold promontory stretching out into the 
 Bay, and causing a very powerful race, or tide-rip. In the 
 season, Pollack may be taken in this race in great numbers, 
 but it is considered a dangerous fishing ground. Beyond Cape 
 Spencer, the shore is bold and lofty to Black River, which finds 
 its way to the Sea, through a very narrow gap with high cliffs, 
 
« 
 
 II 
 
 
 on either side. There is a solid Dam without a fish-way across 
 Black River y beyond this, the shores are not so high, a narrow 
 slip of the red sandstone for>nation commencing a little east of 
 Black River, and continuing about eight miles along the coast, 
 being in that distance intersected by Emerson*s Creek, and 
 Gardner's Creek. Up both these Creeks, Salmon formerly 
 ascended to spawn ; but mill-dams, without fish-ways, now 
 exclude them. At Gardner's Creek, there is an exceedingly 
 line farm on the red sandstone formation, occupied by Messrs. 
 Dewar, which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Peter Dcwar 
 stated, that Capelin come in on this shore eariy in June ; he has 
 seen them in great abundance, at various periods, not only 
 here, but also at Quaco. When the Capelin are in, Cod are 
 also abundant ; but after the Capelin leave. Haddock only arc 
 taken durmg the summer, but they are very numerous. Her- 
 rings strike in here every season, but the quantity varies 
 greatly. During the season of 1850, Messrs. Cunningham, 
 who live to the eastward of Gardner's Creek, caught twenty 
 five barrels of Herring with one net only, twenty fathoms long 
 and one hundred and twenty meshes deep — the mesh two and 
 a half inches. The Herrings make their appearance about the 
 15th of June, or soon after, and the fishing for them continues 
 until the end of August ; they are full fish, nearly ready to 
 spawn. No Shad have been caught, but Mackerel are occa- 
 sionally taken in the Herring nets. During August, every 
 year, Messrs. Dewar have set a Salmon net at the entrance to 
 Gardner's Creek, and caught two or three Salmon every night. 
 Lobsters are very abundant ; almost any quantity may be 
 taken, with proper nets or pots. * - 
 
 The entrance to Teignmouth Harbour, better known as Ten 
 Mile Creek, is very narrow ; the Harbour is dry at low-water ; 
 at high tide, there is sixteen to eighteen feet wat6r. The 
 lower dam on this Creek, is one mile from the Sea ; it is said 
 that Salmon may get over this dam, but they can ascend no 
 further than the second dam, only half a mile above the first, 
 as that effectually bars their progress. The Harbour was 
 visited on the 17th September ; a Salmon net was then set 
 completely across the entrance, so that not a fish could enter. 
 Within the Harbour, Messrs. Lovett and Parker were building 
 a Ship of 800 tons. Mr. Lovett said, that fish were abundant 
 at Teignmouth ; formerly they had a spring-weir across the 
 mouth of the Harbour, but it was carried away the previous 
 spring, and had not been repaired ; it secured a great many 
 Herrings, as also Salmon and Cod. This spring-weir consisted 
 
 4 i 
 
 I 
 
 i''l 
 
62 
 
 of a strong net, stretched on stout poles ; it lay flat upon the 
 bottom while the tide was flowing, and at high-water it was 
 " sprung," or raised to a perpendicular position, by powerful 
 capstans. Messrs. Lovett and Parker caught one hundred 
 and fifty Salmon during the past season, at the entrance to the 
 Harbour, from twelve pounds to twenty one pounds weight 
 each ; they also took a number of Grilse. The first Salmon 
 are usually taken at the end of July ; but the fishing for them 
 continues as late in the season as any can be caught. Lobsters 
 are abundant here ; Capelin have been often taken in the weir, 
 and also very small Gaspereau, but no large ones. Mr. Lovett 
 gave it as his opinion, that a very good Fishery might be 
 established here. One year the firm had no Ship on the 
 stocks ; they turned their attention to the Fishery during that 
 season, and succeeded very well. They fished at Stanley's 
 Cove, (about two miles west of Teignmouth,) and caught one 
 hundred barrels of Herrings ; they had only two nets of thirty 
 fathoms each, with a mesh of two and a half inches. At 
 Roger's Pond (two miles east of Teignmouth) they found 
 good line-fishing, at a quarter of a mile from the shore ; Cod 
 were plentiful during June, and after that, came Pollack and 
 Haddock. Large Halibut, some of them weighing six hundred 
 pounds, were aLo taken on this ground. 
 
 In the road-stead of Quaco, and off the Head, the fishery is 
 of the same general character as that just described. Besides 
 line-fishing occasionally, Herrings are taken in nets, and also 
 in weirs ; but the inhabitants are so actively and earnestly 
 engaged in Ship building, which is carried on extensively at 
 Quaco, that they have little time for fishing — and from the 
 want of shelter during south easterly gales, the place is not 
 visited by fishing vessels. 
 
 At Great Salmon River, there is a small but very safe har- 
 bour for small vessels, within a high sea-wall of gravel ; but it ' 
 can only be entered at high water. The River is a large and ^ 
 powerful stream ; for nine miles from the Sea, it rushes with 
 much impetuosity through a deep, narrow gorge in the hills, > 
 the cliffs on either side rising to the height of 600 to 800 feet. 
 Beyond this gorge, the River flows more gently, through an,-; 
 undulating country, with much good land, exceedii^ly welf 
 timbered. 
 
 Just where the River makes its final leap into the Sea, there - 
 is a solid dam from bank to bank, upon which there ore two^ 
 double Saw-mills ; a quarter of a mile above, l^ere is another' 
 dam of similar character, upon which there is one single senv- 
 
 ii i 
 
G3 
 
 mill. In neither of these dams is there any fish-way, and fish 
 are therefore wholly excluded from the River. 
 
 Mr. Patterson, who has charge of the Mills here, said the 
 River formerly abounded with Salmon, and thence derived its 
 name ; now, none whatever are taken in it. There is a waste- 
 way for surplus water at the eastern end of the lower dam ; and 
 Mr. Patterson admitted, that a fish-way might be placed there, 
 without damage or inconvenience, as also at the eastern end of 
 the upper dam, the situations being almost precisely alike. 
 Outside the harbour, on the sea-beach, Mr. Patterson has a 
 small weir ; during the last season, he caught 36 Salmon in it, 
 as also some Herrings, and a few good Shad. Capelin appear 
 in June, and while they remain, there is good line-fishing for 
 ,Cod, off the harbour, at very little distance from the shore ; 
 during the summer. Pollack and Haddock are taken, but there 
 is no line-fishing duking the autumn. 
 
 Long Beach is about two miles above the entrance to Great 
 Salmon River ; there are three families settled close to the 
 beach, who fish a little and farm a little, but do neither efi'ec- 
 tually, and they appeared in great poverty. A very long and 
 wide gravel bar juts out into the Bay, which is left entirely dry at 
 low water ; between this and ihe shore, wholly within the bar, 
 is a mud-fiat on which stands a brush-weir for taking Herrings. 
 It id built in an irregular semi-circle, and is about 200 yards 
 in length ; in the centre it is five feet high, gradually diminish- 
 ing to one foot at each end. Herrings are usually abundant 
 at this place during the month of July ; they are then full of 
 spawn, which does not attain its full size until August — afiter 
 that, it is supposed they spawn on the coast. During the 
 season of 1849, Herrings were unusually abundant here, but 
 the settlers had no salt to cure what were takeiT in the weir ; 
 they gave away Herrings to every body that would come for 
 them. One tide, they gave away five large boat loads to 
 people from Quaco, reserving 30 barrels for themselves ; but 
 these all spoiled before they could procure salt. 
 
 The settlers here (Jabez Wright, and two families named 
 Tufts) cured sixty barrels of Herrings from the catch of this 
 weir, during the season of 1850 ; these, on examination, were 
 found to be the true Herring, from 10 to 12 inches in length, 
 and of very good quality. 
 
 It was stated by Jabez Wright, that in former years, during 
 the month of June, he had seen the Capelin come on shore here 
 in "windrows" — ^the Pollack would pursue them up to the 
 very beach, upon which the Capelin came in with the surf to 
 
 • 1 
 
 I .] 
 
 
64 
 
 1^4 
 
 1*:- 
 
 f;pawn, as is iheir custom — for the last two years, they 
 have not been so abundant. There is good line-fishing for 
 Cod, at very little distance from the beach, during June and 
 July ; after that, some Haddock and Pollack may be taken-r- 
 Hake are rare, and Halibut are only caught occasionally. 
 
 Long Beach appeared to be one of the best stations on this 
 lino of coast for prosecuting the Herring fishery, or for line- 
 fishing. Besides the insufticiency and small size of the weir, 
 it has a water-gap near its centre, to let out the waters of a 
 brook, which flow through it ; and it is only when the fish arc 
 sufficiently abundant to choke this gap, that any quantity 
 can be taken. The situation is recommended to the attention 
 of fishermen seeking a location. No set-nets have yet been 
 tried here ; it is supposed that sea Shad might be caught by. 
 drifting, as they are frequently found in the weir. 
 
 The settlers here said, that before the dams were built across 
 Salmon River, the fishing was excellent, and persons came 
 from all parts to catch Salmon thei 3. One man had caught 
 as many Salmon there, during a single season, as sold for £§0 ; 
 and during another season, fifteen years since, Wright and the 
 Tufls caught 40 barrels, while some others who fished in com- 
 pany, caught 20 barrels more — now, not a single Salmon is 
 caught in the river ! 
 
 Little Salmon River was next visited ; it is very similar in 
 its character to the larger river, but its banks are even more 
 lofty, being said to be at least 1000 feet high in some places. 
 The mill-dam is about half a mile from the sea, and it effectu- 
 ally precludes the Salmon from ascending as they did formerly. 
 The mills and buildings are in a very picturesque situation. 
 Directly behind the dwelling house of Mr. McDonald, who 
 manages the mills, there is a very steep hill, whose summit 
 was stated to be 1500 feet above the sea. There is a road to 
 the interior, which rises from the mill-pond, by zigzags, up the 
 side of another thickly wooded hill, to the height of 600 feet ; 
 by this road there is a communication with Sussex Vale, 
 through the valley of Trout Brook. 
 
 Mr. M'Donald said he had only caught one Salmon during 
 the season, and that was accidentally left in a pool below the 
 mill, by the ebb tide. He has a small Herring weir on the 
 beach, near the mouth of the river, in which he caught 16 bar- 
 rels of Herrings during the season of 1850. In 1849, he fre- 
 quently let out 100 barrels on a tide, having no salt to cure 
 them. There is very fair line-fishing off this river, but there 
 is nobody to pursue it. . ■ 
 
 
 
66 
 
 Tf 
 
 The singular bluff known us Martin's Head, is connected 
 with the main !and by a long gravel beach, which is well 
 adapted for fishing purposes ; there is also a fine fnrni, but it 
 is now tenantless. There is good line fishing off the Head ; 
 in July last, two boys in half an hour loaded a boat of 16 feet 
 with Cod. There was formerly a large brush weir at the 
 beach ; last season the mill-men at Croose Creek put some nets 
 upon its remains, and caught a fair supply of Herrings. It is 
 to be regretted, that so good a farming and fishing station an 
 Martin's Head, should remain unoccupied. 
 
 At Goose Creek, about three miles above the Head, there is, 
 as elsewhere, a mill-dam which wholly prevents the passage of 
 fish. This dam was built twelve years ago ; before that time, 
 Salmon ascended the stream in considerable numbersi but of 
 late years, none whatever have been seen, even at its entrance. 
 Herrings are taken occasionally near the mouth of the creek, 
 but the fishing is only followed ivhen the settlers have no other 
 occupation— one person here builds a .vessel occasionally, the 
 rest are engaged about the mill, and in lumbering. 
 
 At Goose River, a few miles albove the creek, there is a safe 
 harbour for small vessels, which can lay aground at low water 
 without damage. At the lowest neap tides, a vessel drawing 
 nine feet water can enter this harbour ; the channel is eighty 
 yards from the base of the cliff on the western side, from which 
 it draws over to the high gravel bank on the opposite side ; 
 passing this, the basin is entered ; in any part of it vessels may 
 be grounded safely. Two small rivers fall into the basin, but 
 now, Salmon can go up neither ; there is a mill-dam on one, 
 and the remains of a dam and flume on the other which effec- 
 tually stop them. There are four settlers at this place, who 
 have their farms on the elevated plateau, or table land, at the 
 top of the steep hill on the eastern side of the river. The 
 principal settler is Brian Doherty, from whose log house there 
 is an exceedingly fine view, with Isle au Haut and Cape Chig- 
 neeto in the distance ; the ascent to the settlement is exceed- 
 ingly steep, but the land when reached, is of good quality, and 
 appeared to yield an excellent crop — the cleared land is pro- 
 bably 500 feet above the level of the sea. 
 
 The settlers said, that for two miles up each branch of the 
 river, the banks are lofty and precipitous ; beyond that there is 
 a fine stretch of good land, not stony, and covered chiefly with 
 hard wood — ^through this there is every facility for a good road, 
 towards the Mechanics' Settlement, crossing the Shepody road. 
 They stated that there was good line fishing ofif the harbour 
 
 9 
 
 r ^ 
 
 .1 
 
I 
 
 66 
 
 fr 
 
 r 
 
 fi, 
 
 4: vi 
 
 ,li. 
 
 for Cod, Pollack, and Haddock ; of the Cod, 35 to 40 fill a 
 barrel, and the Pollack are even larger. The fishing begins 
 as early as 5th May, and continues until the end of July ;.before 
 they can procure Herrings for bait, they use small trout, which 
 the boys catch with rod and line in the river ; Trout arc abun- 
 dant, but they rarely exceed half a pound in weight. During 
 the past season they caught seven barrels of Salmon at the 
 entrance of the harbour, with a small brush weir and a short net. 
 
 As Goose Harbour can bo entered by coasters soon afler 
 half-tide, and is sheltered from every wind, it is very desirable 
 that some distinguishing marks, or beacons, should be set up 
 tu denote its entrance. There is very little doubt that a pro- 
 fitable fishery might be established at this place, by competent 
 persons possessing sufficient means. 
 
 Point Wolf River is a large stream, of similar character 
 with that of the other rivers of this coast. Like those rivers 
 also, a substantial and rather lofty mill-dam prevents all fish 
 from ascending, although many Salmon yet enter the large 
 basin beneath the dam. The saw mills are on an extensive 
 scale ; they belong to Messrs. Vernon, of Saint John, who 
 procure their supply of logs within twelve miles of the mills. 
 Owing to the difficulty of floating down logs in 1849, from the 
 want of water, the millmen were irMe during part of the sum- 
 mer ; from lack of other occupation, they were employed in 
 constructing a weir on the flats, within the bar. In this weir, 
 nearly 500 Salmon were caught during that season ; of these, 
 21 breeding fish, heavy with spawn, were taken alive, and 
 carefully conveyed, in casks of water, to the river above the 
 dam, into which they were turned without injury. This was a 
 very judicious step toward preserving the Salmon fishery of 
 this fine river ; but it is greatly to be regretted, that Messrs. 
 Vernon have not already set up, and maintained, a sufficient 
 fishway. The supply of logs decreases annually, and afier a 
 time, will cease altogether ; but if the Salmon are preserved, 
 they will prove a source of wealth, long after the saw mills are 
 worn out and useless. 
 
 The weir having been carried away by, ice, no Salmon were 
 ca 'ght during the season of 1$50 ; and the mills being in full 
 operation, no other fishixig was carried on, altljough Herrings 
 and Cod were to be had outside the entrance to the harbour. 
 
 An entire change in the geological character of the coast, 
 begins at Point Wolf. The trap, syenite, felspar, and porphy- 
 ritic rocks, which, up to this Point, chiefly compose the rugged 
 and precipitous cliffs fronting upon the Bay, here give way to 
 
 
 s 
 
 i 
 
I 
 
 
 the sandstones of the coal measures ; and this formation con- 
 tinues without interruption to the shores of the Gulf of Suint 
 Lawrence. With this geological change, there is also a cimnge 
 in the character of the fisheries ; the coincidence is somewhat 
 remarkable, although perfectly natural. The Cod delight in 
 clear water, over a hard bottom ; while the Shad rejoice in 
 muddy waters, and especially delight in the extensive mud- 
 flats of the upper part of the Bay, from which they procure the 
 food that renders them so excessively fat and delicious. 
 
 .At Herring Cove, just above Point Wolf, there is very 
 fair Herring-fishing during the season ; from this Cove a new 
 road has been laid out, and lots surveyed for settlement on the 
 labour system. This road passes through some buck settlements, 
 and is continued to the PoUet Lake in the Mechanics* Settle- 
 ment ; it will, when completed, be of much value to the settlers 
 in the forest, by enabling them to reach the Coast with their 
 produce, at a place where it can be shipped to market, and 
 whe<'e they may procure fish of the best quality to be carried 
 into the interior. 
 
 A little to the eastward of Herring Cove, is a small settle- 
 ment, called Cannon Town Beach ; and here for the first time 
 in going up the Bay, a regular Shad-fishery was found. At 
 this beach, there are two brush weirs expressly for taking 
 Shad ; formerly Herrings were plenty at this place, but they 
 have been very scarce during the last seven years. There are 
 14 shares in the weirs at Cannon Town Beach ; and each 
 share gets about 8 barrels of Shad annually. On the 20th 
 September, the fishing was considered nearly over for the 
 season ; the Shad taken that morning were exceedingly small 
 — ^they would scarcely weigh a pound each, and were called 
 by the fishermen " round fish." The greater part of the Shad 
 taken at this Beach, during the past season, were of small 
 size ; the weirs, by taking these small fish, must do a great 
 deal of mischief to the Shad-fishery generally. It was stated 
 here, that there was no drifting for Shad west of Cape Enrage, 
 the Bay being too wide and stormy, and the water too clear. 
 
 The Upper Salmon River, which falls into Salisbury Cove 
 (generally called Enrage Bay) is muddy at the entrance, and 
 the strong tide of the Bay sweeps in and out with great force. 
 There is a large brush weir here, for taking Shad ; those caught 
 in it, during the season of 1850, were of small size — ^very little 
 larger than Gaspereau. About forty barrels of these small fish 
 were caught in this weir at one time, during August, and there 
 hevAg a flood in the river at the moment, the colnbined weight 
 
'}• 
 
 I 
 
 'r'i: 
 
 ™ 
 
 ! V 
 
 (i. fl,„ 
 
 of the wntcr and the fisli, corriocl away the centre of the woir. 
 The fish escaped, and the weir wuh not repaired ; this wa» 
 fortunate, as the weir is calculated to do much damage by 
 taking small Shad. There is a mlU-dam at the head of the tide 
 on this river, which the Salmon can get over. It was stated, that 
 nearly all the Salmon which passed, were speared almost im- 
 mediately after, in the shallows above the mill-pond. This 
 place was visited on the 20th September, and only a week 
 previous, several Salmon had been speared in the stream ; of 
 course, they were out of season, and almost worthless at that 
 late period. 
 
 To the westward of Cape Enrage, in Enrag6 Bay, there 
 are three weirs for Shad on the flats ; these are said to be very 
 destructive to small Shad, few large fish being caught in this 
 locality. 
 
 FROM CAPE ENRAGE TO THE BOUNDARY OF NOVA SCOTIA. [ 
 
 Above Cape Enrage, the valuable Shad Fishery of the 
 north eastern arm of the Bay of Fundy, may be said fairly to 
 commence. The fishermen here, who chiefly reside in the 
 Parish of Hopewell, near the *" cpody River, fish the whole 
 distance from Cape Enrage, o Cape Demoiselle, at the 
 entrance to the Petitcodiac River ; above that point, the 
 fishermen of Hillsborough and Memramcook, fish the Petit- 
 codiac up to Stoney Creek, above which not many Shad are 
 caught. 
 
 Ezra Bishop, a Shad fisher, residing on the banks of the 
 Shepody River, stated that he usually drifted for Shad in 
 Shepody Bay, between Capes Enrag6 and Demoiselle. He has 
 six nets to his boat, each twenty five fathoms long ; the mesh 
 is five inches — none of the fishers here use a mesh of less size, 
 as they want the large fat shad only. They fish between 
 seed time and hay making ; very seldom after that. Bishop 
 usually catcjjes each season, from twenty to thirty barrels of 
 prime Shad ; and he supposes, that at least one hundred bar- 
 rels are taken in Shepody Bay, each day that the boats go out. 
 Very few Herrings are taken above Enrag6 ; but they some- 
 times catch Grilse, (or *' Fidlers " as the fishermen call them,) 
 in the Shad nets. Salmon do not enter Shepody River, the 
 water being exceedingly muddy. There are a few -weirs in 
 Shepody Bay, which are not very successful ; the Shad caught 
 in them, are much smaller than those caught in the drift nets. 
 Only six Shad boats go out of Shepody River, but others fish 
 
§i 
 
 69 
 
 occasionnlly — nets nrc let out on «ihnre8 by Mr. Isnnc Turtior, 
 to persons who finh ut intervulH. 
 
 Mr. Bishop In of opinion that more boats thiin now fish 
 between Cape Enrage and Cape DcinolHellc, might pursue the 
 Shad Fishery with advantage; but in the Petitcodiac, above 
 DcmoiHcUe, he think.s there are quite boats enough. From 
 Grindstone Inland down to Enrage, Sharks frequently do mucii 
 danuigo to the nets. They come up the Bay in the latter part 
 of the season, and cause the Shad-fishers to close their fish- 
 ing much sooner than they otherwise would. This species 
 of Shark, (carcharias vii/pcs— or ♦' the thresher") is usually 
 taken here, of the length of to 8 feet ; if one of them strikes 
 the outer drift net, he is generally taken, as this net swings 
 with him, and he becomes entangled by rolling up the net, with 
 its buoy-rope and lead-line, in such manner as effectually 
 secures him, by preventing the use of his exceedingly powerful 
 tail. If the Shark strikes one of the nets near the boat, which 
 does not yield to his motions, he destroys it almost completely 
 before he escapes. During the past season. Bishop secured 
 three Sharks, of the length of six, seven, and eight feet respec- 
 tively ; he cut out their livers and let the bodies float away — 
 each of the livers yielded six gallons of oil. At times. Dog- 
 fish are abundant in this locality — Bishop said, he had the 
 past season, taken a cart-load out of a single Shad-net, all 
 caught during one tide. 
 
 At Shepody, Shad are cured in the following manner : — the 
 fish, afVer being split, are soaked in two waters, an hour in 
 each. They are then salted in tubs in the boats, as the She- 
 pody bouts usually stay out a week ; when the boats come in, 
 the fish are fully salted. In this state, they are sold at 30s. 
 for 200 lbs. They are not packed in barrels ; the farmers take 
 them away in waggons, as fast as they are ready, and none arc 
 put up for exportation, or for sale elsewhere. 
 
 On visiting the Petitcodiac, above Cape Demoiselle, it was 
 found, that the Shad boats in general use were about 16 feet 
 in length, on the keel, and 18 feet over all ; the breadth of 
 beam, 7\ feet. They are fitted with one mast and two sails — 
 a mainsail and jib. The stem, stern-post, keel, and bottom 
 planks are of birch ; the upper streaks of spruce and pine — 
 the boats are generally built by the fishermen themselves, dur- 
 ing the winter, and the usual cost of a boat and sails is j£10 
 or jC12. The Shad fishing in the Petitcodiac is generally 
 by drifting during the night ; each boat has usually 150 fathoms 
 of net, but some fish with 200 fathoms. The nets are from 20 
 
70 
 
 H 
 
 M ■ *'. 
 
 i' '^ 
 
 1: ij 
 
 I 
 
 ' M 
 
 to 30 futlioms ill ioiigth, 40 invulips deep ; the iiieMh in 41 inches. 
 All the fi8licriiiuii coiiijilain of tho very Hliort tiiiio the nets 
 last ; if not oiled, tanned, or prepared in some way, thev 
 arc completely rotten and useless- in u month ; and even with 
 every prcpurotion yet known here, they will not lust a whole 
 season uf three months, even with tho gicatost care. 
 
 It was stated hy W. H. Steves, Esq., M.P.P., that from 
 Stoney Creek to Capo Demoiselle, tho limits of the fishing 
 ground in the Parish of Hillsborough, there are fifty boats 
 belonging to that side of the river, which catch 20 barrels of 
 Shad each, annually. They use from 80 to 200 fathoms of 
 net ; besides Shad, they take the small Salmon of tho Petitco- 
 diac, in their drifl netn, occasionally. 
 
 After visiting Bellevous Village, on the eastern side of tho 
 Petitcodiac, and examining the boats and nets there, the writer 
 waited upon the Reverend Ferdinand Gauvreau, Parish Priest 
 at Memramcook, who first induced his parishioners to odopt 
 the mode of fishing for Shad with drifl-nets, and who has always 
 taken the most lively interest in this fishery. Monsieur Gauv- 
 reau stated, that the first Shad which appear each season, are 
 green on the back, with a yellow tinge on the belly ; these arc 
 good fish. The second run are of a pale green on the back, 
 and as compared with the first, are a poor fish. The third and 
 last run, come very near the end of the season ; these have 
 blue backs, and are the best and finest fish. 
 
 Since this visit. Monsieur Gauvreau has been good enough 
 to forward a communication in writing, respecting this fishery, 
 which possesses much interest. It is due to Monsieur Gauv- 
 reau to state, that he is not accustomed to write in English ; 
 but as he has done so on this occasion, his letter is given as 
 written, lest any mistake should occur in rendering his meaning. 
 The letter is as follows : — 
 
 .-u.«>. .• J porchester, 10th December, 1850. ^ 
 
 Sir, — I acknowledge the receipt of your circuiar of 12th 
 August, respecting the Fisheries of the Bay of Fundy ; and I 
 must state, that I am quite happy in giving you my share of 
 information, respecting the meshing of Shad in the upper part 
 of the Bay. 
 
 I will also have a little to say on Codfish, as I have sent my 
 boat down the Bay, for several years, when I gave up fishing 
 altogether, and turned my attention to model farming — -but not 
 until my parishioners had become warmly engaged in the Shad 
 fishing. 
 
 ,', lyl 
 
ft 
 
 I will proceed to answiir your queries, in tlio ttnmo order 
 they occupy in vour circular : — 
 
 l8t. The mode of conducting HImd fiMhing in the upper pnrt 
 of the Bay of Fundy in by driil-nots, tied with n rope, obout 
 eight yards long, to the forepart of tJie fishing boat, or to the 
 stern, to take advantage of the wind and strenni of the ticfe, 
 thereby keeping the meshes of the net sufficiently open for the 
 unsuspecting fish. 
 
 Our Shad nets are usually made with the finest Russiun 
 twine. Some fishermen make them with cotton wnrp, No. 6, 
 doubled thread and twisted ; or with the home manufactured 
 flax thread, which answers the purpose very well, when the flux 
 crop is seasonably taken from the fleld, finely [inssed through 
 the flax comb, and afterwards evenly spun and twisted. 
 
 The meshes, stretched on a measuring rule, arc 4} or 4] 
 inches long, but are reduced to about 3i inches when secured 
 to the upper and lower ropes. The floats, or buoys, nrc made 
 of cedar, and turned smooth with a turning lathe, in order they 
 should oflfer no obstruction whatever to the good working of 
 the whole net; when it is lowered down into the water, or taken 
 back into the boat. The floats are secured on t'le upper rope, 
 which passes through them, by a strcng thread, that binds them 
 Vvith the upper row of the meshes ; three feet is the common 
 distance between the floats, from centre to centre. The sink- 
 ing leads are cast, polished quite smooth, and in the sumo 
 quantity, and distance, as the floats, and tied in the like man- 
 ner. A net of about 45 meshes wide, would be near 16 feet 
 deep. Made as above described, a net of Russian twine, 100 
 fathoms long, costs no less than X12 ; of cotton wnrp, £10 ; 
 and of this country thread, something, less than £0. A sub- 
 stantial and safe boat, fully rigged, costs £12; and it will 
 stand good from five to six years. 
 
 As to any improvement to be introduced in the manufacture 
 of these nets, my opinion is, that none whatever could be de- 
 vised, for the present. For, such as they are made, all my 
 parishioners agree, they work so well, that if t!ie stream of 
 the tide were strong enough to stretch it properly, a net 100 
 fathoms long, might be thrown out of a boat, all in a bunch, 
 and it would not get entangled in its sinking leads, nor in its 
 floats. 
 
 2nd. The proper and only season for Shad fishing is gene- 
 rally from the month of July to the 15th of September, so that 
 v interferes very little with the farming business of the fishing- 
 farmers. :„.„,,, _„_ __^- , 
 
f: 
 
 I" 'V. 
 
 ^ I; 
 
 As you may presume, the Shad is always of great vahic ; 
 as it is caught only in the summer, and in the greatest stir of 
 navigation, it will for a long time command a good price at 
 home, and in any foreign market. 
 
 The average quantity of barrels of Shad caught in the upper 
 part of the Bay, among the French Acadians, is from 1000 to 
 1500 a year. Last summer, Francois Victor Lcblanc, cured 
 30 barrels for his share. 
 
 The Shad-fishing ground extends from about eight miles 
 below the Bend of Petitcodiac, at Stoney Creek, as far down 
 as Grindstone Island, in the Bay, and thence easterly into the 
 Bay of Cumberland — on the Nova Scotia side, the fishing is all 
 with stationary nets, as far as the point of Amherst Marsh, 
 directly opposite to the Minudie Village. 
 
 There never <vas to my knowledge, any standing nets on the 
 New Brunswick side, in the Bay of Cumberland ; and although 
 the Barnes family, on this side, had at first drifted their nets, 
 they soon abandoned that mode and resorted to the stationary 
 nets, but only on the Nova Scotia flats. These nets would not 
 pay on this side Cumberland Bay, for you will be pleased to 
 know, that Shad always go with the strongest stream ; and as 
 the strength of the tide strikes altogether on the Nova Scotia 
 Shore, it is there you will see the whole of these mud-flats 
 entirely covered with stationary nets. 
 
 You will be pleased, Sir, to be persuaded of what I have 
 alr«.ady stated, and what I have to state, upon the Shad fish- 
 cry, on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Cumberland, when 
 you are informed, that for eleven years, I had to discharge my 
 ecclesiastical duty, two and three weeks at a time, among the 
 French Acadians of Minudie, and in the Shad season very 
 often. 
 
 This leads me to your third enquiry ; and for want of Her- 
 ring, I Avill satisfy you with Shad : — 
 
 3rd. Standing weiis, and standing nets, are unquestionably, 
 the most effective means of destroying Shad altogether, in our 
 Bays, or at least, of thinning their quantity to an incredible 
 dogree. Both ought to be discontinued at once, and prohibited 
 by some strict laws, and defaulters heavily fined. 
 
 My reasons for condemning both modes are — first, that by a 
 standing weir, Shad of all sizes are stopped, and those which 
 have hardly attained the half of their natural growth, are either 
 left to perish on the mud-flats, or else are cured pele-melc with 
 the large ones ; 'uid when sent abroad, have the effect of bring- 
 ing the good sized ones down to a miserably lo.v standard. I 
 
 
 
73 
 
 have seen with my own eyes what I here mention, when one 
 summer I went down, with five men, in my own boat — my St. 
 Peter, — ^to the large French weir in Grande Auve<, or Grand 
 Tasse, as Dr. Gesner improperly calls it, in one of his Geolo- 
 gicltl Reports. I had then an opportunity of making my own 
 observations, as I was three day with a company of French 
 attending the weir, sleeping at night on the hard ground in 
 their rough abode, fishing the Dog-fishes on the flood tide, and 
 more particularly enjoying myself at low water in catching the 
 flirting Shad inside the weir. 
 
 !^ Destruction of small sized Shad, by both English and French, 
 went on within this weir, and others, for more than forty years, 
 and at that time there was not a single drifting Shad net in the 
 Bay. Then, contrary to their customary way, the English peo- 
 ple of Chrande Anse, (Big Cove,) one summer about ten years 
 ago, without giving notice to thi French people, without whom 
 the English could not make it stand before, they put up again 
 the mammoth weir, and thereby deprived ray people of their 
 old fishing foundation. 
 
 My parishioners, of course, felt very much such an encroach- 
 ment, and loss ; but to convince them, that they could still have 
 some Shad in their frying-pans, I went to Richibucto and bought 
 a boat of nineteen feet keel, got a net made, and drifted it, and 
 caught two barrels of Shad. As the experiment spoke well, 
 by my example and exertions, I worked so successfully on 
 them, ihat in the course of three years, there were more than 
 20 French boats, catching three times over the necessary fish 
 supply for the fishermen. 
 
 ' This year, 100 French fishing boats have been counted 
 drifting down the Bay, all fine and strong boats, sailing well ; 
 in fine, fully pr«pared for any storm. 
 
 Before I finish with this enquiry, you must be told that no 
 less than 15 or 20 large weirs have been put up every year, 
 on the Shepody flats, and so on every flat where the French 
 used to put them up, even before the invasion of the Province 
 by the British, and as early as the year 1749, when the fore- 
 fathers of these French were dispersed for refusing to take the 
 oath of allegiance to the King of England. 
 
 Secondly. — As for the standing nets, I positively affirm, they 
 are still worse than the weirs, for the loss of the large sized Shad 
 is greater than that of the small size in the weirs ; this wants 
 some explanation. When the tide comes in both Bays, of Fundy 
 and Cumberland, Shad will not be caught at all by weirs, and 
 consequently lav their course till they reach the further end of 
 
 10 
 
1 
 
 . .i 
 
 7. 
 
 1 ■'!.' 
 
 n 
 
 0: 
 
 
 the weir, towards the deep channel of the Bay, and thereby 
 are safe on the flood tide ; but on the ebb tide, all the Shad 
 which ventured on the flats along the Bay, will be stopped 
 altogether, large and small, as T stated above. 
 
 But with the standing nets it is quite the reverse. Shad 
 will be caught at once on the flood, as well as on the ebb tide, 
 the meshes being all the time open for them. And here is the 
 loss, I mean on the flood tide, for then the owners of these nets 
 cannot save the fish, as they have to wait until the tide is all 
 out. As you must allow. Shad, for the most part, are shaken 
 off by the ebb tide, which keeps these nets in a constant and 
 strong motion. They fall down, are dragged away, and are a 
 great loss to commerce. They become a treat for the Stur- 
 geons, and Dog-fishes, these being numerous and strongly 
 attracted to the upper part of the Bay by the lost fish, as the 
 Shad itself is attracted by the worms, wh^ch venture out of the 
 muddy flats, heated by the July and August sun. 
 
 I reiterate my suggestion, that both weirs and standing nets 
 ought to be prohibited by law, as being ciestructive to Shad, 
 and very ruinous to our fisheries and commerce. 
 
 4th. The mode of curing Shad is this-^-aflter they are opened 
 by the back, and their entrails taken off, they are thrown into 
 a large open tub of fresh water, and are soaked therein, until 
 all the blood about the back-bone is got out of it. Then they 
 are taken out and put separately on the edge of a board, or 
 horizontal fence poles, each side of the fish hanging dovi^n, on 
 either side of the board or fence pole. When they are suffi- 
 ciently freed from the water in which they have been steeped, 
 they are then salted, and put in the shade, in some fish-house, 
 which almost every fisherman has built for that purpose. 
 
 I am perfectly satisfied, that Shad chiefly feed on the worms 
 of our muddy flats, since they are found in the stomachs of 
 the fish, and hardly any shrimp at all, as I am informed by 
 the fishermen of my Parish. Besides; the Shad is naturally 
 fond of vermiculated food, and must be fonder of worms than 
 of arty other kind which have affinity with them. Moreover, 
 to what sort of food would you ascribe that oily taste which 
 we find in Shad, as also that thick ytllow oily matter, which we 
 find on the top of every barrel of 3had, if not to the quality 
 of their food, which I contend to be worms, and chiefly 
 worms. Since then, they chiefly feed upon worms, and worms 
 are very abundaht on the muddy flats of the upper part of this 
 Bay, I repeat again, that standing rtets, and weirs, are destruc- 
 t'we to oui* Shad fishery, as they are an insurmountable obstacle 
 
76 
 
 
 to the groWth of fisli, that venture on the flats, in search of 
 food. Such obstacle does not exist with drifl-nets, as they 
 must keep to the channel of the Bay, on account of their 
 depth. <ri«tYw(>!r-i ^Mi i-^xn 
 
 I conclude with the necessity of your recommending to 
 Government, the appointment of an intelligent impartial In- 
 spector of our Fisheries, having full power to regulate the size 
 of meshes, the length and depth of nets, the quality and quan- 
 tity of salt in every barrel of cured fish. Sec. d&c. Sec. ^ ^t 
 jfr.Ki'SfnKw^f w J'ai I'honneur, Monsieur, &c. 
 
 fntiifeh »«fe :., ,.'••• "i*- Ferdinand Gauvreau, 
 
 Priest Missionary. 
 
 M. H. Perley, Eaquire. ■'.%-* "•* ■ 
 
 In addition to the above interesting communication, the fol- 
 lowing letter has been received from R. B. Chapman, Esq., 
 M.P.P., who resides near the Bellevous Village, on the eastern 
 bank of the Petitcodiac : — 
 
 ^^ Dorchester J October 10, 1850.' 
 
 Sir, — ^I have received a copy of your circular respecting the 
 fisheries, and regret that I had not the pleasure of an interview 
 when you visited my house. You are aware, that Shad are 
 the only fish taken to any extent in the Petitcodiac River. 
 The number of boats employed, the present ^^eason, on the 
 eastern side of the river, is about 75, with pro! ibly, an average 
 of 100 fathoms of net to each boat — also, o .le strong active 
 man, and sometimes a boy, to manage the sa.nA«j. The expense 
 of the boat and net will not be less than X20 ; the boat, of 
 course, will last for years, and the rope will last 4 or 5 years ; 
 but it will require three nets to last two seasons. The average 
 number of barrels to each boat, this season, will not exceed 
 fifteen ; price, 278. 6d. per barrel. 
 
 If any plan could be devised to preserve the nets, and make 
 them last longer, a great benefit would be conferred on the 
 fishermen, as some of them are about to abandon the fishery, in 
 consequence of the heavy expense of nets, 
 j There are, certainly, defects in the mode of curing. Some- 
 times the fidh remain too long, after they are taken out of the 
 waterj before they are cleaned ; and sometimes, they are 
 soaked too long m fresh water before being salted. It is quite 
 eertQin, that the BOfm&r Shad are salted after being caught, the 
 bejtte'r they are ; and they ought never to be repacked. You 
 ate aware, that the Sha4 taken at the head of the Bay are, 
 perhaps, the beet iji the world j yet there is a time, in the latter 
 

 76 
 
 W u 
 
 LA 
 
 
 part of July, and beginning of August, when they arc quite 
 inferior, both in size and quality, to those taken at any other 
 time during the season. 
 
 You will doubtless have had .an opportunity, during your 
 tour through this part of the Province, of conversing with per- 
 sons who have \(mg been engaged in the Shad fishery, from 
 whom you have received more information than I am capable 
 of communicating. Your enquiry, my dear Sir, is an impor- 
 tant one ; our waters abc>und with fish of all kinds, and yet we 
 are strangely apathetic in prosecuting so important a source of 
 wealth. That your enquiry and Report may have the desired 
 effect, is the sincere wish of 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 R. B. Chapman. , 
 
 M. H. Perley, K»qulrc. -H mO'lJ L I 
 
 Between the mouth of the Memramcook River and Cape 
 Marang.iin, the Shad fishery is carried on by weirs, and stake- 
 nets. The settlers do not drift for Shad ; it takes too much 
 time from farming, and they have no shelt^ for boats. Last 
 year there were only three weirs ; bat nearly every settler had 
 a string of stake-nets. From Red Head, below Dorchester, 
 to Grande Anse ledge, there were 15 strings of nets ; and at 
 least 25 strings more from that ledge down to Cape Maran- 
 guin. The strings averaged about 100 fathoms each in length ; 
 the mesh, 41 inches ; and the net, 30 meshes deep. The 
 stakes are placed 15 feet apart, on the mnd-flats, and the nets 
 are entirely dry at low water. Some fish mesh on the flood, 
 but the greatest numbers are taken on the ebb tide. The fair 
 average catch of each string of nets, in Grande Anse, was 
 stated to be 20 barrels during the season. 
 
 Mr. George Buck, an intelligent fisherman, who resides 4 
 miles below the Village of Dorchester, has fished there for 
 Shad during the last 2X) years. He stated, that Shad strike 
 in at this place, from the 1st to the 15th June ; they are then 
 large, and pretty fair fish ; the next run comes in the heat of 
 summer, these are not so good. As the autumn advances, the 
 fisii grow better and fatter ; those caught latest being the best. 
 The Shad come to these flats to feed, not to spawn ; and Mr. 
 Buck is of opinion, that the Shad which ascend the Saint John 
 in the spring, after spawning, go up the Bay to i^tten. When- 
 ever there is a large run of Shad up the Saint John in the 
 spring, there is always good fishing at Petitcodiac in the 
 autumn, it is unusual to find any rcc in Shad, caught at thi3 
 
77 
 
 TT W^ 
 
 locality ; it sometimes occurs, but thnt is very seldom ; lie Im» 
 often found slug-worms in the stomach of the Shad, some of 
 them nearly as large as a man's finger — ^thcse are now called 
 " Shad-worms." Mr. Buck usually catches 30 barrels of Shad 
 each season, in his string of nets ; he exceeded that quantity 
 last season, as en the 26th September his nets were still down. 
 His nets are tarred, and they last nearly a whole season ; he 
 thinks it is the mud which does the mischief, and causes them 
 to rot so quickly. Cotton thread takes the tar well, and there- 
 fore stands longest ; herring -twine fishes well, but only lasts a 
 few weeks. 
 
 The mode of curing here, Mr. Buck described as follows : — 
 he cleans the fish as quickly as possible ; washes twice— drains 
 quickly — and salts down, once for all. He uses generally 
 about 1 1 bushels of salt to each barrel of Shad ; the past sea- 
 son he used 50 bushels of salt to 30 barrels of Shad, and these 
 fish will keep any length of time, anywhere. The necessity of 
 a strict inspection was strongly urged by Mr. Buck, who ex- 
 pressed his anxious desire to employ, at that moment, an 
 Inspector and cooper to pack his fish for exportation. 
 
 From Cape Maranguin to the head of Sackville Bay, on the 
 New Brunswick side, the Shad fishing is followed both by 
 drift-nets and stake-nets. Each boat has usually 100 fathoms 
 of drift-net ; the mesh 41 to 5 inches, and the nets 60 meshes 
 deep — ^the average catch during the last five years, has been 
 about 20 barrels to each boat, during the season. 
 
 Mr. John Barnes of Sackville, who understands the Shad- 
 fishing of Sackville Bay exceedingly well, stated that he fishes 
 both with drift and stake-nets ; the latter are 30 to 40 meshes 
 deep, and set on stakes, 15 feet apart, between high and low- 
 water mark. He takes Shad in his stake-nets on the ebb-tide ; 
 the nets are therefore on the lower side of the stake, fastened 
 at top and bottom. If the tide runs strong the nets must be 
 allowed to bag a little ; but if it is not strong, they are better 
 stretched tight. One set of stake-nets will not last during the 
 season, as thty rot out very soon — a new net of herring twine 
 has been known to rot out in eleven days. No net will last 
 more than a month, unless oiled with new linseed oil, or tanned ; 
 tanning the net to be eiflfective, must be repeated every week. 
 
 Mr. Barnes concurred in the opinion, that there are three 
 distinct runs of Shad, the first, and last, being by far the best 
 Ml« It is very rare, he said, to find a%y roe in a Shad, and 
 Vhen it was found, the fish was -poor and thin, like the Spring 
 Shad caught at Saint John. ._ 
 
 
79 
 
 I 
 
 
 i ' f- 
 
 Hj 
 
 ^1^' 
 
 i 
 
 Hf 
 
 ;V 
 
 J.'. 
 
 The usual mode of curing Shad at Sackville, was thus de- 
 scribed : — The fish are cleaned as soon as possible after being 
 taken from the net ; they arc split, scraped, and washed, after 
 which they are soaked a short tiiQe. A second scraping and 
 soaking next takes place, when the fish are hung up to drain 
 for half an hour, and then salted down once for all. Mr. 
 Barnes does not approve of too much soaking ; he thinks the 
 fish should he washed sufficiently to take the blood out, as it is 
 the blood does the mischief. A bushel of salt is not enough 
 for a barrel of Shad, unless they are for immediate use ; a lai- 
 ger quantity is necessary if the fish are intended for shipment, 
 or to be kept for any length of time. The necessity of a rigid 
 inspection was much insisted upon by Mr. Barnes, especially 
 as regarded Shad intended for exportation. 
 - Sharks appear in Sackville Bay, at the end of August ; one 
 was taken there in September last, nine feet in length, by Mr. 
 Boultenhouse. The greatest obstacle to Shad fishing in Sack- 
 ville Bay, arises from the south-west gales* which rush through 
 this narrow part of the Bay of Fundy, as through a funnel, and 
 occasionally blow v/ith much violence ; when these meet the 
 ebb tide, they cause a very heavy sea, which puts fishing wholly 
 out of the question. 
 
 Estimate of the quantity of S/iad taken on the New Brunswick aide of the Bay 
 of Fundy, from Cape Enrage to the Nova Scotia Boundary, made up from 
 local information, October, 1 850. 
 
 Locality. 
 
 Shepody Bay, .. 
 
 Ditto, f(Ufji\ 
 
 Cape Demoiselle to Btony Greek, 
 Memramcook, (Acadian t rench) 
 Dorchester to Cape Maranguin,.. 
 Cape Mai anguin to Nova Scotia Boundary, 
 Ditto, 
 
 Boats, weirs. 
 
 8 i>oat«, 
 
 stake nets and 
 
 weirs, 
 
 SO boats, 
 
 100 beau, 
 
 40 neU, 
 
 15 boats, 
 
 stake nets. 
 
 39 brls. each. 
 
 duantity 
 caught. 
 
 20 brls. each, 
 15 brls. each, 
 90 brls. each, 
 20 brls. each. 
 
 Total, barrels. 
 
 Total number 
 
 of 
 
 barrels. 
 
 200 
 
 200 
 
 1000 
 
 1500 
 
 800 
 
 300 
 
 100 
 
 4,100 
 
 The value of pickled Shad in October last, as stated by Mr. 
 Chapman, was 27s. 6d. per barrel ; at this rate, the value of 
 the Shad caught and cured in the upper part of the Bay of 
 Fundy last season, was j£5,637 10s. — This amount, large as it 
 may appear f&r what has been considered one of the minor 
 fisheries of the Bay, is believed to be even below the actual 
 value. The qunntity of fish, stated as havmg been eaiight, 
 does not include the smaU Shad caught below Cape Enrage, nor 
 yet those fish cau^t in a desultory manner within the district 
 indicated, and consumed immediately by the inhabitants. 
 
90 
 
 «. 
 
 This fishery may be said to have commenced ten years since, 
 when drifting for Sea Shad, at Petitcodiac, was introduced 
 by the Rev. Mr. Gauvreau, under the circumstances mentioned 
 in his letter. It may be rendered yet more valuable than nt 
 present, by an improved system of cure, and careful inspec- 
 tion; while the quantity offish caught may be greatly increased, 
 by proper regulations and judicious management. 
 
 THE SALMON FISHERY OF THE PETITCODIAC RIVER. 
 
 Although the lower part of this river, so far as the tide-way 
 extends, is excessively muddy, yet above the tide, its waters 
 aro bright, and ripple gently over a gravelly bed, forming an 
 almost constant succession of pools and rapids. Great num- 
 bers of Salmon, generally of small size, formerly frequented 
 this river ; but latterly, owing to the unmerciful and cruel man- 
 ner in which this fish has been hunted and persecuted, as well 
 in the tide-way as above it, they have greatly diminished and 
 are at present in a fair way of being extirpated altogether. 
 
 In August 1848, the writer was on the upper part of this 
 river, near the head of the tide, and at night, saw thirty-five 
 haymakers making war upon a few Salmon which had reached 
 a pool the day previous. They built large fires upon the banks, 
 and entering the pool, some wading, and others in canoes with 
 torches, each man armed with a pitchfork, they pursued and 
 mangled the fish, until the whole were killed. At a pool far- 
 ther up the river, the next day, the writer saw a boy in a canoe, 
 with a pitchfork, pursuing & solitary Salmon in a shallow pool, 
 from which it could not escape ; the fish was killed at last, but 
 so mutilated as to be almost worthies- . Every where on the 
 river, the same destruction appeared to be going on ; it was 
 said i>y the inhabitants that no regard was paid to season, but 
 that Salmon were always taken, whenever, and however they 
 could be had. 
 
 • Unless it be intended, that the Salmon fishery of the Petit- 
 codiac shall be allowed to cease altogether, as a thing of no 
 value, it is absolutely necessary, that steps should be taken to 
 restrain this wanton destruction of fine fislf. If the river is not 
 put under some superintendance, to restrain the destructive 
 inclinations of the sojourners on its banks, it cannot be ex- 
 pected, but that the Salmon fishery of the Petitcodiac will 
 shortly be remembered as a fishery that has been, but which 
 no longer exists. 
 
 :ot,n 
 
 ->* [i 
 
 f'!i 
 
' , 11 
 
 or 
 
 TOE NOVA SCOTIA SHORE. 
 
 iitiin 
 
 CUMBERLAND BAY. 
 
 In this Bay, the Shad fishery is also prosecuted to a very 
 considerable extent, and of such value is it considered, that a 
 special Act of the Legislature of Nova Scotia was passed in 
 1840, for its regulation. It is set forth in the preamble to this 
 Act, that the Shad fishery in the County of Cumberland is be- 
 coming of importance, and difficulties and disputes have arisen, 
 and are likely to arise, respecting the setting of nets, and the 
 use of drift-nets ; to prevent which, it is enacted, that it shall 
 be lawful for the Justices in Sessions, to make rules and regu- 
 lations for the setting of nets, the placing of weirs, the number 
 of nets to be allowed to one person, the distance they shall be 
 set apart, and whether drift-nets shall or shall not be allowed. 
 The Act also provides for the appointment of Overseers of the 
 Shad Fishery, each Overseer to be assigned a particular dis- 
 trict ; and for every net or weir, set or placed within that dis- 
 trict, the Overseer is authorized to receive, from the owner of 
 the same, the sum of five shillings, as compensation for his 
 services in enforcing the fishery regulations. 
 
 Under this Act, the Justices have established certain rules 
 and regulations, a copy of which will be found in the Appendix 
 to this Report. 
 
 After crossing the Missaguash River, (the boundary between 
 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia,) the writer proceeded to 
 Amherst, passing the La Planche River, and subsequently 
 visiting the Napan and Macan Rivers. At Amherst, much 
 information as to the Shad fishery was communicated by 
 Joshua Chandler, Esquire, High Sheriff of Cumberland, R. 
 B. Dickey, Esquire, and Mr. Gordon, Controller of Customs ; 
 at the rivers, the writer met Mr. Corbett and Peter Niles, both 
 experienced fishermen, and Mr. Coetes, an Overseer of the 
 fishery. From these several parties the following information 
 was obtained. 
 
 There are no weirs on the Nova Scotia side of Cumberland 
 Bay« nor are any drift-nets used on that side ; the people are 
 opposed to drifting. The only mode of fisiii';^ for Shad is by 
 stake-nets, on the mud'-flats. Each net is 12 fathoms long, 
 from 28 to 40 meshes deep, according to situation ; the mesh 
 is from 41 to 5 inches. Shad have been taken here as early as 
 
 
i' 
 
 81 
 
 • 
 
 the 8th of June ; but the fishery usually commences on the 1st of 
 July, and continues until the 1st of October, althou^'h fish have 
 been token ot the end of October, when ice was making. From 
 the Missaguash to the La Planche River, there are 12 nets, 
 which, on the average, take 5 barrels each, during the season. 
 From the La Planche to Barron's Point, (so named from Sir 
 Edward Barron, the Grantee of that part of Amherst,) there 
 are 60 nets, the average catch of which is now 10 barrels 
 annually. It was stated by all the fishermen, that the fishing 
 was falling ofi^ very much of late, and the average catch the 
 last two seasons was only half of what it was seven years pre- 
 viously. This they attributed to the great increase of drift- 
 nets used in the Bay, by the inhabitants of New Brunswick ; 
 when the wind is so high that the boats cannot go out to 
 drift, then they always get twice as many as when the drift- 
 ing is taking place. 
 
 The nets are so arranged, on the lower side of the stakes, 
 as to form a bag on the ebb tide, wlien most of the fish are 
 caught ; but many fish strike the net on the flood, and being 
 shaken out by the strong motion on the ebb, (as described by 
 the Rev. Mr. Gauvreau,) they are scattered over the flats, and 
 much "mud larking" takes place before they are all gathered, 
 which sometimes does not happen, and the fish arc wholly lost. 
 
 There is no inspection offish in the County of Cumberland, 
 and they are sold entirely on the character of the curer. The 
 mode of curing was described as being the same as that in use 
 at Sackville, but they are soaked longer ; a bushel of salt is 
 the quantity generally considered suflicient for a barrel of Shad. 
 In the writer's opinion, the fish are injured here by too much 
 soaking before being salted ; and the quantity of salt used in 
 curing, is not suflicient to preserve the fish for any length of 
 time. Liverpool salt is generally used, which is much inferior 
 to that from St. Ube's, or Turk's Island, for curing fish. 
 
 It was agreed by all the fishermen here, that there were three 
 distinct runs of fish during the season, as at Pctittodiac, the 
 first and last being the best. It is very rare to find a Shad 
 with roe ; the Shad-worm and Shrimps are frequently found 
 in the stomachs of the Shad, which left no doubt as to the na- 
 ture of their food. 
 
 At Minudie, on the River Hebert, there is a valuable Shad 
 fishery ; and it is asserted, that the fish caught there are fatter 
 and finer than any others in the Bay of Fundy. The fishing 
 at this place, and in Cumberland Bay generally, is described 
 in the following letter from Amos Seaman, Esquire : — 
 
 11 
 
8S 
 
 Ml 
 
 '<.i 
 
 I 
 
 
 Ml 
 
 Minn flic, lUh Scptrmhir, 1850. 
 
 Sir, — In uiiHwor to your circulur of 12th August, relative to 
 tiie fishericH at tlio head of the Buy of Fundy, I beg leave to 
 Hay, that I will furnish such information an is in my power, 
 relative to the Shad fiHhery, which in the only kind KUCccsMfully 
 followed, in the Bay and Rivers around here. 
 
 It is only about 15 ycurH since any attention was paid to thix 
 business. At first, standing weirs were employed; but, owing 
 to the circumstance of large quantities of inferior and small 
 fish being caught, the raising of the flats, and other undefina- 
 blc causes, this mode has for some years been discontinued. 
 The only methods now practised arc by set-nets and drifting ; 
 by the latter, far the largest quantities are taken ; sometimes 
 may be seen in Dorchester Bay, and around the shores of 
 Minudic, upwards of two hundred .boats out at one time. The 
 boats leave th(; place of rendezvous with the ebb-tide, drift 
 down the Bay until they meet the flood, and rcttirn with it to 
 the place from whence they started. With favourable tides each 
 boat will secure from 100 to 150 Shad, with 80 to 100 
 fatlioms of net. The fishing season commences in June, and 
 terminates in September. 
 
 When we consider the great number of nets that arc set, 
 almost every resident on the shores having one, and some four 
 or more — besides others who come from miles inland to em- 
 bark in the business — as well as the great number of boats 
 constantly out drifting, it is not perhaps too much to say, that 
 from five to six thousand barrels are caught and cured every 
 season. When properly put up, in barrels of 2001bs. weight, 
 with care in curing and packing — ^the fish being split down the 
 belly, the back bone taken out, and the tail cut off' which is 
 the method preferred by the American Merchant, und now 
 followed by many of our fishermen — these Shad will command 
 from nine, to eleven dollars, per barrel, in the American mar- 
 ket ; leaving from six dollars and a half, to nine dollars and a 
 half to the exporter, after duties and charges arc deducted. 
 
 It is but a very few years since any Shad were prepared for 
 shipment, the people who followed this fishery being content 
 with securing sufficient for their own wai?ts, and perhaps a 
 barrel or two for their neigbours. But the fame of our Shad 
 went abroad, and some American Merchants were induced to 
 try them in their market ; they were highly prized and sought 
 after. From that time, exportations were yearly made, and 
 have gone on steadily increasing. At the present time, there 
 is a great demand for Shad caught at the head of this Bay, 
 
 {li 
 
 S( 
 til 
 
i 
 
 foul- 
 
 ed 
 
 nw Wcinfl[ of HUperior quality — nv.wh Hittor, and of more doli- 
 ciouH flavour, than any found on the American ohorcH, or in the 
 markets of the United StutcN. 
 
 This demand, and encourngcmcnt, have hud a wonderful 
 effect in stimulating our fiHlK^rmen to increnflod exertions, and 
 ffreater care in curing, so that the fish may conmiand the 
 highest price, and sustain their chunicter. That the supply is 
 inexhaustible, is plain to every one ; for, notwithstanding the 
 number of persons employed, and the niciinH for capture have 
 greatly increased within the last few years, there appears not 
 the least diminution, in the tpinntity of fish — none complain. 
 If the contemplated Railroad were once in opttration, and the 
 Canadian market, now shut to us by circuitous navigation, 
 should be rendered easily accessible, a large field would l)e 
 opened for our fisheries. The energies and enterprizo of our 
 fishermen would receive additional excitement, and the whole 
 trade would flow in that direction, to avoid the heavy duty of 
 one dollar per barrel exacted by the American Government. 
 We consider our Shad fishery to be only in its infancy ; and 
 not a doubt can be entertained, that when a larger field is 
 opened; and improvements introduced in the modes of capture 
 and cure, that the trade will become extensive, of great im- 
 ()ortance, and highly lucrative. 
 
 You will perceive, that all my observations have been con- 
 fined to the ^had-fishery, in and around Minudie, and the 
 neighbouring Bay of Dorchester, at the mouth of the Petitco- 
 diac. The same fishery is carried on along the Coast to Chig- 
 necto, and about the shores at Parrshoro\ and no doubt equal 
 quantities are en- "^ht there ; but for more full information, I 
 must refer you t icrsons in those localities. 
 
 I have nothiiv • say as to other fisheries here, they being 
 t<K> insignificant to Icmand oven a passing notice. With my 
 dexire, that the foregoing may be found useful and satisfactory, 
 
 I have the honor, &-c. 
 
 Amos Seaman. 
 
 M. H. Perley, Esq. ' • . ^ 
 
 ' From Minudie down the coast toward Apple River, the Shad 
 fishery extends as far as Mill Creek, below which, the waters 
 of the Bay become p> rfectly clejir, and Shad are not taken. 
 In this distance are the extensive grindstone quarries of Mr. 
 Seam'Mi, i^t the South Joggins ; two miles south-west from 
 these aiifuiies, are the Joggins coal-mines, now being worked 
 by the Gej'eral Mining Association of Nova Scotia. The coii 
 

 IMAGE EVALUATrON 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 
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 ■^ 122 12.2 
 
 1^ |i£ 12.0 
 
 ■it 
 
 1.25 III 1.4 
 
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 Ii4 
 
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 O 
 
 ^l 
 
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 PhotograiJiic 
 
 Sciences 
 
 Corporation 
 
 ?3 Vt&SI MAM STREET 
 
 VVf'dSTER.N.Y. 14580 
 
 '7116) «72-450; 
 
 
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 ^ 
 

 
m 
 
 f' 
 
 i'; 
 
 is bituminous ; the seam is four feet in thickness, with a dip 
 of one foot in three ; underneath this seam of coal, there is a 
 bed of fire clay from two to three feet thick, and below that, 
 another seam of coal, 18 inches thick, of very superior quality, 
 but which at present, is not worked. About two miles further 
 down the coast, is the Ragged Reef, where very large grind- 
 stones are quarried, many of them six feet in diameter, and 
 eight inches thick. Along this line of coast, the shores are quite 
 perpendicular, and composed altogether of the various sand 
 stones of the coal measures, a fine section of which can be seen 
 in sailing along the shore. At the South Joggins, there arc 
 numerous fossil trees in the cliffs, which are well described by 
 Sir Charles Lyell, (who visited this locality a few years since) 
 in the account of his first visit to North America. To the 
 Geologist, this place will be found highly interesting. 
 
 Not many fish are caught along this shore, the inhabitants 
 being all engaged in mining coals^ or quarrying grindstones. 
 A few Shad are taken at the Ragged Reef, where also, there 
 is Cod fishing early in summer, and again late in the season. 
 Some Haddock and Pollack are likewise taken, and also a few 
 Hake ; but Dog fish are complained of as being very abundant. 
 
 At day light on the 27th September, while standing in for 
 this shore, the Cutter fell in with a Shad boat from Westcock, 
 (Sackville) which had been out all night drifting for Shad. 
 There were fifty very large and fat Shad in thg boat, caught 
 during the night ; the fisherman stated, that two nights pre- 
 viously, the weather and the tides being favourable, he had 
 caught 260 Shad during a single night's fishing, 70 of which 
 filled a barrel ; his whole catch during the season was no less 
 than 5000 fish, equal to 45 barrels. This boat had 175 
 fathoms net, 55 meshes deep, the mesh 4| inches ; the mate- 
 rial, linen hank-thread, oiled with raw linseed oil, and the whole 
 outfit was altogether superior. The owner said, that some 
 schooners from Saint John, which had been up the Bay Shad 
 fishing, had failed, in consequence of having made their nets 
 so very black with tar, that the fish saw them and would not 
 mesh. 
 
 Off Apple River, some good Cod are caught in June, and 
 Herrings are taken in July, with a mesh of 2| inch-^s, very 
 fine and fat ; Halibut of exceedingly large size are taken not 
 far from the Light House during the summer, but no Shad 
 are caught at this place, and Hake very rarely. Large quan- 
 tities of Smelts, and many small Salmon occasionally enter 
 the basin, but there are no preparations for taking either. In 
 
85 
 
 cousequcnce of a very violent storm, the Cutter was obliged to 
 remain two days in the inner iiarbour at A}>ple River, and 
 during that time, great numbers of Herring Gulls were observed 
 to be busily engaged in taking fish, which appeared to bo in 
 large schuUs. 
 
 At the large rocks called the Sisters, about 3 miles below 
 Apple River, there is very good ashing for Cod during the 
 summer ; some boats come over from the New Brunswick shore 
 every season to fish there. A schooner of 50 tons from She- 
 ])ody, make a fare of Cod on this ground in six weeks during 
 last reason ; the residents complained bitterly of the damage 
 done to the fishing ground, by the ofial of the fish having been 
 thrown overboard from this schooner upon it — a practice which 
 is exceedingly destructive to the fisheries, *"wherever it occurs. 
 
 From the Sisters to Cape Chignecto, there is not much fish- 
 ing, the Coast being lofty, without shelter, and greatly exposed 
 to southerly or westerly gales. Between Isle Au Haut and 
 Cape Chignecto, there is a bank extending almost entirely 
 across that channel, upon which there is good fishing the 
 greater part of every summer. The residents of Advocate 
 Harbour formerly fished to some extent upon this bank ; but 
 the want of boat-shelter at Isle Au Haut, has induced them 
 to discontinue it almost entirely. 
 
 The writer landed above Cape D'Or, at Fisherman's Cove, 
 near Spencer's Island. At this place, there is fishing for Cod, 
 Pollack, and Haddock, commencing about the 10th of May 
 every year ; the best fishing is in June and July, and it alto- 
 gether ceases in August. There are 25 fishing boats at this 
 place, each boat 16 feet .keel ; the fishing is near the shore, 
 and every family fishes, more or less. Early in the season, 
 they catch a large Herring, in a mesh of 24 inches ; as the 
 season advances they take a Herring that ts smaller, but 
 fatter, distinguished as " green backs." These are caught 
 in a mesh of 2 inches. At the end of July, or early in August, 
 a small Herring makes its appearance, described by the fish- 
 ermen as being 4 or 5 inches in length, thickest at one-fourth 
 of their length from the head, and tapering off to the tail like 
 a Smelt. What these fish are, it is impossible to say from the 
 description given by the fishermen. Flounder fishing begins 
 here about the Ist of June ; but these fish are not in condition 
 until August, after which they become fat and good. 
 
 From Spencer's Island to Cape Sharp, a distance of 20 miles, 
 there is a wide sweep of coast, known on the Charts as Gre- 
 ville Bay ; there is good fishing inshore, nearly the whole extent 
 
 tf 
 
 M&- * 
 

 I ^■ 
 
 if 
 
 H 
 
 of this Bay, especially near Ratchford'8 River, Diligence River, 
 Pox River, and Black Rock River. Inside Fox Point, and at 
 the race off Cape Sharp, there is good Pollack fishing ; these 
 fish appeared in great numbers, at these localities, during the 
 past season ; yet few were taken, owing to the inhabitants not 
 being prepared. 
 
 At Black Rock River there are several brush weirs for 
 taking Herrings ; these first appear at the latter end of April, 
 but the greatest abundance is at the end of May. The first 
 Herrings which arrive are spawning fish ; they deposit such 
 quantities of spawn, that it can be shovelled up upon the beach. 
 At the latter end of June, and during July, a smaller description 
 of Herrings come in, which are very fat ; of these, large quan- 
 tities have been seen, ^jlaying in the tide at a distance from 
 the' shore, but they do not approach sufficiently near to enter 
 the weirs, and the inhabitants have no nets. These small, fat 
 Herrings are followed by Pollack in great numbers ; and ihe 
 Pollack fishing is excellent in the vicinity of Cape Sharp, for 
 about six weeks, ceasing at the end of August, with the depar- 
 ture of the Herrings. 
 
 In West Bay, there is good Cod fishing until the middle of 
 June ; and the fishermen mentioned the taking of Halibut, of 
 such extraordinary size as to be almost incredible. Great 
 quantities of Flounders— or Flukes — platessa limanda — are 
 taken along the coast in the autumn, which are first salted, and 
 then dried and smoked. 
 
 It was stated at Black Rock Beach, that although large 
 quantities of Herrings had been taken in the weirs there during 
 the season, yet the weir owners had no salt to cure them, and 
 allowed all persons that pleased to take them away ; and when 
 this place was visited, on the 1st of October, it was stated by 
 Richard Lank, a resident fisherman, that they had not a single 
 Herring in their houses for winter use. Fishing vessels from 
 Saint John and Grand Manan formerly visited this place, 
 bringing abundance of herring nets ; but the inhabitants thought 
 these nets injured the fishery, and by opposition and annoj'^ance, 
 succeeded in driving the fishermen away. 
 
 THE BASIN OF MINES. 
 
 At Parrsborough, it was stated by James Ratchford, Esq., 
 that there are fhree runs of Herring during the season ; the 
 first arrive about the 1st of June, heavy with roe, and the 
 beaches are shortly after covered with spawn. The second 
 
 N If 
 
»ffr' 
 
 87 
 
 run are smaller, but better fish ; wiiile the third run arc still 
 smaller, but very fat, by far the best fish of the season. The 
 Cod follow the Herrings, and continue as long as they remain. 
 Of late years, Cod have greatly decreased in numbers, while 
 Haddock have been more abundant. Abreast the Village of 
 Parrsborough, long-lines have been set for Cod with niuch 
 success, by an amateur fisherman, who lifted them three times 
 a day during the season, and usually found them loaded with 
 fish. There are no regular fishermen at this place, although 
 during a certain portion of the sjjring and summer, herring 
 fishing and line fishing might be prosecuted to some extent, 
 and with considerable profit. 
 
 The coast from Parrsborough to Economy Point was visited, 
 and the information obtained from David M'Burney, Esquire, 
 of East River (Five Islands,) Silas P. Crane, Esquire, of 
 Economy, and other persons on the coast, may be thus stated : 
 
 On the northern shore of the Basin of Mines, the Shad fisherv 
 begins at Herrington's River, to the eastward of Parrsborough 
 River, and extends along the coast to Port-a-Pique, a distance 
 of 21 miles. The fishing is carried on both by weirs and drift- 
 ing ; in the whole distance there are about 20 brush weirs. 
 Between Graham's Head and Economy Point, the flats for 
 about four miles, were observed to have an almost unbroken 
 continuance of these weirs, crescent shaped, the ends of the 
 weirs touching each other. 
 
 Mr. Crane estimated the whole quantity of Shad taken in 
 this district, during the season, by drift-nets and weirs, at 1000 
 barrels. Drift-nets first came into use here about five years 
 ago, since which the v/eirs have taken the small Shad only. 
 The fish taken here are of very good quality ; but Mr. Crane 
 said, he thought the Minudie Shad a shade fatter and better. 
 
 The mode of curing Shad here is as follows : — The fish are 
 split down the back, cleaned, and washed in salt-water ; they 
 are then struck in salt, in hogsheads ; at the end of a fort- 
 night, they are considered sufficiently struck, and are then 
 packed in barrels for market. There is no inspection of fish, 
 the chief Inspector at, Halifax, not having appointed any De- 
 puties in this district. The practice of soaking and draining 
 Shad, is here deprecated, as temling to impoverish the fish, 
 which it is contended can be sufficiently freed from blood and 
 impurities, by cleanliness and care in splitting and dressing. 
 
 At Economy Point, Mr. Halliday has a fishing establish- 
 ment for catching and curing Shad, in connection with Messrs. 
 Snow and Rich, the eminent fish merchants of Boston. As 
 
 i u 
 
88 
 
 w ; 
 
 I .1 ■-..J 
 
 H 
 
 I 
 
 the Shad cured at this establishment arc for the Boston mar- 
 ket exclusively, they are split down the belly, the back bone 
 taken out, and the head and tail cut off; they are then called 
 " Mess Shad," and arc worth, at Economy, 32s. 6d. per 
 2001bs. It was stated, that. Mr. Halliday used nets with a 
 mesh of 5] inches, the desire being to take the largest and 
 finest Shad only ; his nets are 20() fathoms long, and drying 
 frames are used to stetch them upon, after being in use. 
 
 Herrings also strike in on this Coast, as at Cape Sharp and 
 Parrsborough, but not in such quantities. Some Cod are 
 taken from early spring until 1st of June, and again in No- 
 vember and December, by lines attached to poles driveit in the 
 flats. . Pollack Jo not go up the Basin beyond Five Islands, 
 the waters being too muddy ; Basse were formerly abundant, 
 but none are seen now, they having been destroyed by the 
 weirs, and by nets set across the rivers. Many Salmon are 
 taken in Economy River, but they are of very small size, rarely 
 exceeding the weight of 41bs. ; all the Rivers in this locality 
 are frequented by these small Salmon, in greater or less num- 
 bers. At Five Islands, and some other places along this Coast, 
 it was stated, that the inhabitants were rarely provided with 
 a sufficiency of salt, when the Herrings first came in the spring ; 
 and that numbers were lost and spoiled in consequence. 
 
 At Windsor, the writer obtained from Mr. James Burgess, 
 a practical fisherman of much skill and intelligence, some very 
 valuable information ; from this, and his own observations on 
 the southern side of tha Basin of Mines, as well as from con- 
 versations with many fishermen there, the following account 
 of the fisheries in that locality are compiled. 
 
 The taking of Shad by drift-nets was begun in Windsor 
 River, about 12 years ago. The fishing begins in each season, 
 about the 25th June, and continues until about the 10th of 
 August, after which it begins to fail, and is not followed later, 
 the number of fish caught being too few to be profitable. The 
 fishermen drift from Avon Bridge down to Cape Blomidon, 
 dropping down with the ebb, and returning with the fiood ; 
 they drift both by night and by day, thp water being exces- 
 sively muddy, but as Blomidon is approached,- the fishing is 
 only by night, as the water there is clearer. At Windsor, the 
 " Shad-worm" is found upon the mud flats, but the Shad 
 are supposed to feed chiefly on Shrimps, which are in great 
 abundance and of fine quality ; they are often found hanging 
 upon the Shad-nets, of large sizoj nearly as large as prawns. 
 The Shrimps leave the River in August, and the Shad depart 
 
 «> 
 
nt the same time ; it i^ thence inferred that the Shad follow 
 the Shrimps to some other locality. 
 
 On the flats below Boot Island, in Windsor River, and 
 thence down to Flat Island, there are standing nets, in which 
 Shad are taken later in the season than by drifting. The 
 quantity taken between the Town of Windsor and Horton 
 Bluff is estimated at 1000 barrels annually, whicli, last season, 
 were worth there, on the average, 32s. (id. per barrel, as they 
 are all good fish, and care is taken in curing tliem. The 
 Windsor Shad are split down the back, well washed, and salted 
 as at Sackville ; thus dressed and cured, 110 fish fill a barrel. 
 Last season they sold at Boston for $9 per barrel, less by $1 
 per barrel than if they had been dressed for the American 
 market, as " mess Shad," in the manner they are put up by 
 Mr. Halliday, at Economy, for the Boston dealers. 
 
 The Shad fishing is carried on to the eastward of Windsor, 
 partly by drifting, but chiefly by stake-nets, on the wide spread 
 flats in front of Cheverie ; thence the fishing is continued to 
 the Shubenacadie River, up which the Spring Shad ascend, to 
 the Shubenacadie Lakes, for the purpose of spawning. During 
 the past season, a stake-net was put up at Noel, between two 
 and three miles in length, in which several thousand Shad were 
 taken during a single tide ; this enormous net is owned in 
 shares by a Company, and such quantities were taken in it, 
 during the height of the fishing season, that the owners were 
 obliged to work without ceasing, and even on the Sabbath, to 
 preserve the vast numbers offish it secured. 
 
 The drift-nets in use at Windsor are 100 fathoms in length, 
 36 to 45 meshes deep ; the mesh is from 41 to 5 inches — it is 
 being diminished yearly, in order to secure a greater number 
 offish. The expense arising from the rotting of the nets, after 
 being a very short time in use, was matter of complaint at 
 Windsor, as elsewhere ; but it was found, that Mr. Burgess, 
 during the past season, had, as matter of experiment, used a 
 composition of his own devising and manufacture, which had 
 effectually preserved his nets from rotting. This composition 
 consisted of India rubber, dissolved in the ordinary burning 
 fluid for lamps, until it became of the thickness of rich cream. 
 To this solution, boiled linseed oil was added, in the proportion 
 of a pint of oil to a gallon of the solution ; the nets, made of 3 
 thread herring-twine, were simply passed through the solution, 
 without being steeped in it, and were fully stretched out to 
 dry. They dried in three days, and were then of a light 
 reddish colour, very nearly that of the rauddy waters in which 
 
 12 
 
90 
 
 I 
 
 t 
 
 l>. 
 
 they were to be used. The nets thus prepared by Mr. Burgcs.^ 
 were fished by him draiiig the whole season of 1850 ; in October 
 they were examined by the vriter, who, with the permission 
 of Mr. Burgess, tested them thoroughly in every part. They 
 were found perfectly sound and strong, fully suAicient for fish- 
 ing another ypar. 
 
 This mixture having been mentioned by the writer to Dr. 
 Charles T. Jackson, the celebrated chemist of Boston, its pre- 
 servative qualities were at once admitted by him ; but he said, 
 that something much better, and less expensive, might proba- 
 bly be found by a few scientific experiments. The preservation 
 of Shad nets fiom sudden decay, is matter of very great impor- 
 tance to the fishery, not only as regulating its extent, bnt also 
 the profits to be derived from it. No greater boon could be 
 conferred upon the Shad fishers of Cumberland Bay, than the 
 invention of a cheap composition, that would prevent their nets 
 from rotting, and permit their use until fairly worn out. 
 
 The practice of drying nets upon the grass was reprobated 
 by Mr. Burgess, as highly injurious under any circumstances, 
 in his opinion,. aH nets will last longer if stretched on proper 
 drying frames, after being in use. 
 
 Salmon ascend the Avon, and its tributaries, in considerable 
 numbers ; many of the smaller nze are taken in the Shad nets, 
 but the larger fish break directly through, the thread not being 
 sufficient to retain them. The Spring Shad do not go up the 
 Avon to spawn, nor has any roe been found in the Shad 
 caught there. 
 
 Great numbers of Gaspereau every spring ascend the Shubc- 
 nacadie, the Avon, the Horton, and Cornwallis Rivers to spawn. 
 Those taken in the Avon, are large but poor ; in the other rivers, 
 they are much smaller, but thicker and fatter. In the weirs, 
 on the flats below Windsor, small fish, called " Shiners," are 
 frequently taken ; these are a little fish, shaped like a Gas- 
 pereau, very silvery on the belly, and very fat — they are only 
 used as a pan-fish, and are excellent when eaten fresh. 
 
 At Pereau, just below Habitant River, a description of very 
 small, but very fat fish, not unlike Herrings, are taken in Au- 
 gust. The oil froift them stains the hands, and they are so 
 unctuous, that they are very difficult to cure. They are often 
 sold fresh from the weirs, at ten pence per bushel ; but cart- 
 loads are frequently used to manure the land. The fishermen 
 are decidedly of opinion, that they are not young Herrings, 
 but a distinct fish ; when taken they are full of roe, and ready 
 for spawning. The writer had not an opportunity of seeing any 
 
■^T J" 
 
 n 
 
 of these fish, and is therefore uiiahle to class them. It is quite 
 possible they may prove to be Sardines, some specimens of 
 which have been occasionally caught in the Bay of Fundy. 
 
 Cod are frequently taken at the mouth of the Avon, by 
 single lines attached to stakes. Hake are said to be abun- 
 dant in that part of the Basin of Mines, between the mouth of 
 Cornwallis River, and Cape Blomidon ; they appear nlwut 
 the Ist of August, and may be taken during the rest of the 
 season, in 7 fathoms water. 
 
 Smelts ascend all the rivers in this locality, at the close of 
 winter, in almost miraculous abundance. Basse were very 
 plenty formerly, but are seldom seen now, having been thin- 
 ned off by the weirs, and other contrivances. Tons of Eels 
 may be taken at any time during the season ; one fisherman 
 said, he had seen a stream of Eels, each as thick as his arm, 
 pass through a gap in a weir, during half an hour. 
 
 T'ory large Sturgeon are also taken here ; but Sharks are 
 oiily found on the northern side of the Basin, where the water 
 IS less muddy ; they are there taken of large size. Mr. Bur- 
 gess had the tail of one, caught there, of " the thresher" species, 
 which measured 3 feet across ; this fish was probably 8 feet 
 in length. 
 
 It was complained by the fishermen, that spring-nets were 
 used at the Cornwallis River, and Habitant River, which, they 
 «aid, destroyed great quantities of fish of all kinds ; thig is a 
 matter for enquiry by the authorities of Nova Scotia. , .» 
 
 THE SOUTH SHORE OF THE BAY OF FUNDY. 
 
 To the southward of Cape Split, is Scotch Bay, a wide, 
 open roadstead, with extensive mud-flats at its upper extreme. 
 Considerable quantities of Shad are taken on these flats, chiefly 
 in weirs ; !aU a large seine is also used, of which complaint was 
 made, as being injurious to the fisheries, by taking numbers of 
 small fish of every description. Here the Shad fishery ceases 
 on the Southern Shore of the Bay of Fundy, and the geologi- 
 cal character of the Coast changes. The bold and rugged 
 cliffs of the South Shore consist chiefly of trap rocks. 
 
 From Black Rock down to Brier Island, along the whole 
 South Shore, there are three fishing banks, or ledges, lying 
 parallel to the shore, outside each other ; their respective dis- 
 tances from the coast, have acquired for them the designations 
 of the three mile ledge — ^the five mile ledge — and the nine mile 
 ledge. On these ledges, there are 60 fathoms of water, but on 
 
 i"-^^^i^ 
 
92 
 
 U 
 
 y\i 
 
 the crown of each ledge, 30 Aithoms only. The 3 mile ledge 
 and the 5 mile ledge, extend quite down to Brier Island ; but 
 the nnile ledge can only be traced down the Bay, about 14 
 roilcH below Digby Gut, abreast of Trout Cove, where it ends 
 in deep water. Below Digby Gut, the 3 mile ledge and 5 mile 
 ledge are composed of hard gravel and red clay ; above the 
 Gut, the 3 mile ledge has a rough, rocky bottom, on which 
 anchors arc frequently lost. Each of these ledges is about a 
 mile in width, the outer one something more ; between them 
 the bottom is soft mud. 
 
 In April, the small Rock Cod strike in on the South Shore, 
 which they follow up to Cape Split, whence they cross to the 
 New Brunswick side of tho Bay. This is the opinion of the 
 Yankee fishermen, who fellow them at that season, fishing 
 close in shore ; and with them, they take many Halibut of 
 large size. On the ledges, the best fishing is in June and July ; 
 but the fishing continues until the end of September. The 
 Cod taken on the ledges, in June and July, are well fed fish, 
 30 of which, on the average, will make a quintal. Pollack 
 strike in generally during July ; but the past season they 
 made their appearance in May ; the fishing for them usually 
 lasts until the end of September — their average size is 40 to 
 the quintal. 
 
 On the ledM:es, line-fishing on the bottom can only be followed 
 on the '* slacks" of the tide ; during the run of the tide, the 
 fishermen employ themselves in taking FMlack by trailing 
 near the surface. Large Hake are often taken on the ledges, 
 with the Cod ; thirty of them will make a quintal. It is sup- 
 posed, that these Hake feed upon the soft bottom between the 
 ledges, it being such as Hake are usually found'upon, and that 
 they venture occasionally upon the ledges, or are in the act of 
 crossing them, when taken. 
 
 ■M 
 
 ANNAPOLIS BASIN. 
 
 In this beautiful Basin, long celebrated for its fisheries, Cod, 
 Pollack, Hake, Haddock, and Halibut, are taken, nearly all 
 the year round ; and here also are caught those delicious small 
 Herrings, which when smoked, are known everywhere as 
 *' Digby Chickens." Small Salmon ascend the Annapolis 
 River, and its branches ; Shad are taken in the Basin, in July; 
 Smelts are exceedingly abundant in the spring ; Flounders are 
 taken during the whole summer ; Cod are best in the autumn ; 
 Mackerel frequently enter during the season, and are catight , 
 
93 
 
 in the Herring weirs ; Eels may be cniiglit in nny quantity ; 
 Lobsters urc found in various parts of thu Dasin ; CItuns nrc 
 to be hod everywhere on the flats, and the American fishernKMi 
 frequently land to lYig them for bait ; on Bear Island Bar, 
 there arc extensive beds of large Scallops; Shrimps abound 
 in the Gut, where numbers of Porpoises are shot by the In- 
 dians, while chasing the small Herrings. 
 
 The principal fishery, however, is that for the small Her- 
 rings to be cured by smoking, which arc taken altogether in 
 brush weirs, not exceeding 8 feet in height ; these are renewed 
 every season, the ice usually carrying away the greater portion 
 of them, at the close of the winter. The weirs on the Clements 
 side of the Basin were visited by the writer, and the follow-^ 
 ing information was there obtained, chiefly from Mr. Simon 
 Wm. Riley of Annapolis, Messrs. Ditmars and Wm. L. Ray of 
 Moose River, and Messrs. Ditmars of Bear River. The 
 writer was assisted in obtaining information by George Mil- 
 lidge, Esq., of Annapolis, to whom his acknowledgements arc 
 due. 
 
 There were 47 weirs in Annapolis Basin in order for fishing 
 during the past season ; the catch offish was unusually small, 
 much smaller than it had been for years. Formerly, the quan- 
 tity of Herrings cured in this Basin, was from 25,000 to 30,000 
 boxes annually ; and twenty years ago, the average catch of 
 every weir, was 2000 boxes each season. The whole quan- 
 tity cured during the season of 1850, from the catch of all the 
 weirs in the Basin, was supposed not to exceed 2000 boxes. 
 
 The small Herrings dnter the Basin at the last of May, but 
 the great bodies of fish come in June and July ; after passing 
 through the Gut, they follow up the Granville Shore to the Pot- 
 ter Settlement, near Annapolis, and thence strike over south- 
 westerly, to the Clements side, directly across a large bar, or 
 middle ground. On this bar, weirs were first put up about 3 
 years since, and they are dry at very low spring-tides only ; 
 some of the weir owners on the Clements Shore, complained 
 greatly of these weirs, which, they say, have broken up the 
 schuUs of fish, and rendered their weirs of no value, as they 
 catch nothing. Mr. Ray said, that he formerly cured 1400 
 boxes of Herrings every season, from the catch of his weir 
 near Moose River ; the quantity gradually diminished to 400 
 boxes, and after the weirs were placed on the bar, it fell off to 
 200 boxes ; during the season of 1850, he did not get a single 
 fish. 
 
 The first Herrings of the season are of all sizes,, from four 
 
r^:] 
 
 inches in lon^tti, ii|) to the largest. In June and July the schulls 
 lire of more uniform Hize ; the best fish for smoking, are 8 or 
 inehcH in length, a round, fat, handsome, Herring — those less 
 than 7 inchen in length are not smoked. 
 
 It was alleged by Mr. Riley, of Annapolis, that about one 
 half of all the fish caught in the weirs, are entirely lost ; almost 
 all the weirs arc dry at low water ; and he stated that he had 
 sometimes seen 300 or 400 barrels of small Herrings taken 
 during a single tide, left in the weir to spoil. The weirs arc 
 not opened on Saturday night ; and as the fish are not removed 
 on Sunday, they are wholly lost ; some of the weirs have gates, 
 but very many of them have not. It was further asserted by 
 . Mr. Riley, that the people were too lazy to remove the spoiled 
 fish from their weirs, whore the mud immediately made over 
 them ; and in a good fishing season, the Herrings would accu- 
 mulate in a weir to the depth of two feet. Some of the fish 
 thus Icfl to be buried in the mud last season, were bought by 
 Mr. George Millidge, who carted up 200 barrels of them, to 
 add to his compost heap ; and of this case there was no doubt. 
 Rut Mr. Riley's statements were denied by Mr. Ray, who said 
 that the weir owners were veiy particular in cleaning out their 
 weirs, as if dead fish were left; in them, the live ones would 
 not enter, and no more would be caught. As it is quite cer- 
 tain that this fishery has fallen off to such an extent, as fore- 
 bodes its ceasing altogether, the causes of its decay arc sug- 
 gested as a fit subject of enquiry, in Nova Scotia. 
 
 The Messrs. Ditmars are among the best curers in the 
 Basin, and the mode in which they cure " Digby Chickens," 
 is as follows : — The fish are scaled by being washed in bushel 
 baskets with a square bottom, open like a coarse sieve, the 
 men standing in the water up to their knees. The best fish 
 have very few scales, and only half a bushel of them are 
 taken in the basket at once ; they are washed and shaken with 
 great care, to prevent theiir being broken. They are then 
 salted in large tubs, the salt being stirred through them by 
 hand ; the quantity used, is half a bushel of salt to two and a 
 half barrels of fish, which are a tub full. They lay in salt 24 
 hours, and are then washed in fresh water to prevent their 
 becoming " salt burnt ;" after this, they are strung on rods, 
 with their heads all one way, and then hung up in the smoke 
 house. In Clements, the smoke houses are usually 30 feet 
 square, with 14 feet posts, and a high roof; no fish hang nearer 
 the fire than seven feet, but the most careful curers do not 
 hang them nrarer than eight feet. Rock maple only is used 
 
^' 1 
 
 fur smoking; wiieii it runnot be prociinMl, qhIi [h used, l>rit)<; 
 considered the best description of wood after rock maple. 
 Beech und birch are deemed very inferior ; und it is tlioa^Mit 
 that prime " l^iffby Chickens," to possess the most perfect 
 care and finest flavoar, mast be smoked with rock maple alone. 
 
 Tho process of smoking asnally occapics 8 weeks ; and it 
 requires tho whole time of one person to watch the fire, and 
 attend to the smoking, in which mach jadgemcnt and great care 
 are required. The smoke is usually made up at Tiight-fall, and 
 again before day-ligiit, unless tlie weather is warm and wet, 
 during which no fires are made. In fine weather, the smoke- 
 houses are thrown open duringthe day to cool ; and the greatest 
 care is taken, at all times, to keep down beat, und to render 
 the smoke-houses as cool as possible, by numerous windows 
 and openings. After being smoked, the fish arc packed in 
 boxes of tho established si/c ; these are 18 inches long, 10 
 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, measured on the inside ; and 
 there should bo 12 rods, or 24 dozen offish, in a box of prime 
 Herrings. If the fish are large and of the best quality, it 
 requires some pressure to get this number into a box. 
 
 The differences between the mode of curing smoked Her- 
 rings in Annapolis Basin, and that in use at Grand Manan and 
 Campo Bello, consist principally in the greater care in wash- 
 ing the fish, and handling them in baskets, in small quan- 
 tities ; in hanging them at a greater distance from the fire ; in 
 the use of rock-maple, almost exclusively, for smoking ; and 
 in precautions taken to keeptlie smoke-houses cool at all times, 
 while the process of smoking is going on. 
 
 In Ure's Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures, and Mines, 
 (article "Putrefaction") the process of curing provisions by 
 smoking is thus described : — " Smoking. This process con- 
 sists in exposing meat previously salted, or merely ribbed over 
 with salt, to wood smoke, in an apartment so distt.ut from the 
 fire as not to be unduly heated by it, and into which the smoke is 
 admitted by flues at the bottom of the side walls. Here the 
 meat (combines with the empyreumatic acid of the smoke, and 
 gets dried at the same time. The quality of the wood has an 
 influence upon the quality and taste of the smoke-dried meat; 
 smoke from beech wood and oak, being preferable to that from 
 fir and larch. Smoke from the twigs and berries of juniper, 
 from rosemary, peppermint, &-c. imparts somewhat of the aro- 
 matic flavour of these plants. A slow smoking with a slender 
 fire, is preferable to a rapid and powerful one, as it allows the 
 empyreumatic principles time to penetrate into the interior 
 
 i 
 
if 
 
 substance, without drying the outside too much. The pro- 
 cess of smoking depends upon the action of the wood acid, 
 or the creosote, volatilized with it." 
 
 The writer sincerely hopes, that from the information here 
 given with reference to the cure of smoked Herrings in the Basin 
 of Annapolis — which have hitherto borne the highest character, 
 and obtained the largest price — the curers of Grand Mauan 
 and Campo Bello may draw some hints for their guidance, 
 which will enable them hereafter to cure their fish equally 
 well, and compete successfully with the " Digby Chickens." 
 
 BRIER ISLAND. 
 
 There is a large fishing population in the Brier Island fishing 
 district, which includes Long Island, and part of the adjacent 
 shore. From the best information that could be obtained, it 
 was found that this district sends to the fisheries between 40 
 and 50 vessels, from 15 to 30 tons each, and upwards of 100 
 shore boats. The vessels have generally five men, and the 
 boats two men each. 
 
 The Cod fishing commences about the 20th of April, and 
 continues until October. The first fishing is inshore, at the 
 distance of half a mile, to a mile and a half from the land ; as 
 the season advances, the fish go oflf into deep water, on the 
 ledges. Pollack fishing, the next in importance, begins about 
 the 15th of June, and lasts until the end of September ; they 
 are caught chiefly on " the rips " occasioned by the conflict of 
 tides ; those caught off" Brier Island will average 35 or 40 to 
 the quintal. In the latter part of the season, it requires the 
 livers of 18 quintals of Pollack only, to make a barrel of oil ; 
 — they must therefore be \n fine condition, and prime fish. 
 
 Captain Laffbley,- a native of Jersey, who has lived 32 years 
 at Brier Island, stated to the writer, that the principal fisheries 
 there, were those for Cod and Pollack. From that Island, 
 the fisheries are prosecuted chiefly in Chebacco-boats and 
 Shallops, from 16 to 24 tons burthen ; in these the fish ai'e 
 split and salted on board. In the spring, they fish ofiT the 
 western part of Brier Island, and thence to Cape K^t. Mary, 
 in 15 to 60 fathoms water, with a tide of four knots. At mid^ 
 summer, they fish in 60 fathoms water, off Bear Cove, (Petite 
 Passage) and thence to the " west-north-west Baiak," about 9 
 miles from the land, in 15 to 30 fathoms water, with a 6 knot 
 tide. Of course, bottom fishing can only be prosecuted on 
 '' the slacks." During the summer, the fishing vessels some- 
 
97 
 
 times run down to the Lurcher Ledge, 20 miles S.S.W. from 
 Brier Island, and there fish in 15 to 30 fathoms water ; at 
 this ledge th^y rarely &il to get a fiiU fare of Cod in a few 
 days, with favourable weather. On the fishing groMnds men- 
 tioned, it is very rare to take either Hake, or Haddock, 
 the bottoms being rocky and very rough. Hftlibut are very 
 abundant, and of large size, especially upon a bank, miles 
 west of Brier Island. In summer, they are frequently a 
 plague to fishermen, who shift their ground to avoid them, as 
 they soon fill up a boat or small vsssel. Captain Laffoley said, 
 he had frequently seen Halibut thrown on the beach as worth- 
 less, the fins and napes only being cut off ; in spring much 
 Halibut is dried, but in summer it will not dry, as the flies spoil 
 it at that season. 
 
 The fair average catch of a Brier Island fishing vessel, by 
 line-fishing during the summer, is 100 quintals offish to each 
 man. 
 
 The mode of curing Cod was thus described by Captain 
 Laffoley, as that generally followed by those who desired to 
 make dried fish of the first quality. Before being split, the 
 fish are washed ; afler being dressed and split, they are again 
 washed. Cod are salted with half a bushel of salt to a quintal 
 of fish ; in summer not quite so much, as then they take salt 
 quicker. They lay in salt five or six days, after which they are 
 washed, and put in pile to drain for 24 hours ; they are then 
 put on the flakes to dry. After eight or nine days of fine wea- 
 ther, they «re put in press-pile, in which they remain a week 
 or more to sweat ; they are then spread out again on a fine day, 
 after which they are put once more in press-pile, in whichthey 
 remain, until they are put into stor?, or shipped for exporta- 
 tion. The Cod caught in deep water off Brier Island, are 
 exceedingly large, thick, well fed fish, of the best description. 
 Some of these cured by Captain Laffoley were inspected by the 
 writer ; they were 14 to the quintal, and could hardly be sup- 
 passed, either in the intrinsic excellence of the fish, or the 
 admirable manner in which they were cured. If the fish caught 
 in the Bay of Fundy were all cured in the same perfect man- 
 ner, there would be no complaint of the want of markets ; 
 wherever they might be sent, they weald be highly prized, and 
 would at all times command remunerative prices. ^^ . 
 
 The superiority of the large well fed Cod, caught in the 
 exceedingly cold and deep water of this part of the Bay of 
 Fundy, especially tor table use, is perfectly understood by 
 th/9 American fishermen) who resort to these grounds every 
 
og 
 
 !;^' 
 
 ^ 
 
 season, in great numbers. Whole fleets of American fishing 
 schooners appear off Brier Island in the Spring as soon as the 
 fishery commences ; and it was complained by Capt. Laffoley, 
 as alwo by other fishermen of the same locality, that these ves- 
 sels disturb the fisheries in a variety of ways. If they cannot 
 buy bait, these fishermen come inshore, set their own nets in 
 the liest places, and in fact, do just what they please from mere 
 superiority of numbers. 
 
 Herrings make their appearance about the 10th of April 
 every season ; these are the large spawning Herrings, full of 
 roe. At Brier Island, they are chiefly taken for bait ; but at 
 liong Island, and on the South shore up to Digby 6?.t, and for 
 some distance above, many are taken in set nets and put up 
 for sale. The nets generally used are 20 fathoms long, and 
 4 fathoms deep, with a mesh of 2i: inches ; these are set " off 
 and on " shore, with graipnels and buoys. 
 
 The deep-sea Herring fishery commences at the end of 
 May ; it is prosecuted in open day light, at half a mile to six 
 miles from the land, with the same nets as in spring. Wher- 
 ever the fish are seen to break, the nets are thrown over and 
 allowed to remain in the water from five to ten minutes only ; 
 they are then taken in, cleared offish, and again thrown over 
 — ^this is continued as long as any fish can be taken. These 
 are excellent Herrings, and the fishing continues for them until 
 the middle of July. Afler that time, the Herrings strike 
 over to the " ripplings " of Grand Manan, where they con- 
 tinue to play during the rest of the season, these ** ripplings " 
 abounding with Shrimps in vast quantities. At the full and 
 change of the moon, on the spring tides, the Brier Island fish- 
 ing vessels go over to fish on the " ripplings," as during those 
 tides, the Herrings are found there in greatest abundance. ' 
 
 No Capelin has ever been seen at Brier Island ; the shores 
 are probably too rocky, and there is too much tide and surf. 
 Squid, (Cuttle-fish — sepia arctica,) in some seasons, appear 
 in August, and continue until October ; they are by far the 
 best bait, whenever they can be procured. * 
 
 Israel Outhouse, a ^sherman residing at Petite Passage, 
 said the average catcli of each man, in the shore boats, was 50 
 quintals of fish during the season. It was formerly much 
 more, but has decreased of late years, owing, as he believes, 
 to there being more fishermen on the ground. The Mackerel 
 iishery, he said, was very uncertain ; sometimes very good, 
 and then none at all. A few only were taken during the past 
 season ; these were caught solely by line fishing on the trail, 
 
99 
 
 and not with jigs, in the American fashion, that mode of fishing 
 not being generally understood or followed. 
 . Mr. Payson, a magistrate of Brier Island, Mr. Robert Cut- 
 ler Jones, and other gentlemen connected with this coast, are 
 clearly of opinion, that the Herring jfishery might be prosecuted 
 profitably to a much greater extent than at present ; and they 
 agreed, that the Cod taken off Brier Island, especially on the 
 west-north-west bank, were probably as fine, well fed fish, as 
 could possibly be found anywhere. Their excellence, they 
 said, was fully admitted by the Americans, who came there to 
 fish, expressly with the view of curing the Cod they caught as 
 " table fish," which bring a high price in their own market. 
 
 Mr. Benjamin H. Ruggles, of the Customs Department at 
 Westport, Brier Island, furnished the following information as 
 to the fisheries thtre. After describing the mode of curing 
 Cod, as already stated, Mr. Ruggles says : — 
 
 " HeTings, in general, are badly cured with us. The sum- 
 mer Herrings, in particular, require much care ; they should 
 be split with a knife, scraped inside, and then passed through 
 clear, cool water. Each fish should be separately filled with 
 salt and packed away, not to be again repacked. None should 
 be branded No. 1, unless cured in this manner ; our fishermen 
 are too eager for quantity, without regard to quality ; but the 
 law of this Province relative to the inspection of pickled fish, 
 has caused more caution than heretofore. 
 
 " I believe that if no Herrings were allowed to be entered 
 at the Custom Houses in New Brunswick, but those legally 
 cleared from some Custom House in this Province, it would 
 prevent much imposition on the country people of New Bruns- 
 wick. As it is, many Herrings are clandestinely shipped from 
 this Province and sold in New Brunswick, by which many are 
 shamefully deceived, and the character of the fish is greatly 
 injured. 
 
 1 "I am well convinced that if the Americans were allowed 
 to fish in common with our fishermen, in consideration of our 
 fish being admitted in the American market free of duty, it 
 would be to our advantage. The Americans at present enjoy 
 all the fishing grounds of any worth in the Bay of Fundy ; and 
 all they require is, the liberty of taking bait freely, of which 
 th&y now procure a supply clandestinely. The American 
 market, even with the present duty, is a rather better market 
 for our best quality of dry fidh, than can be found in the Pro- 
 vinces." 
 
100 
 
 n »- 
 
 m 
 
 The following return of the boats, vessels, and men, belonging to (he Parish of 
 fTesfport and emploi/ed in the Fineries, also the quantity of Fish caught by 
 t/iem during th^ wason of 1850, is famished by Mr. Rnggles : — 
 
 Number and dascripiioii 
 
 
 
 Olu. 
 
 Brlsof 
 
 
 of Boats and Vessels 
 
 No. of Fair average catch per man, of the 
 
 dry 
 
 Her- 
 
 Brls of 
 
 employed. 
 
 Men. 
 
 products of the Fisheries. 
 
 Fish. 
 
 nngs. 
 
 Cod. 
 
 48 open boats, S men each. 
 
 96 
 
 70 quintals dry Fish per man, 
 6 barrels Herrings per do. 
 1 barrel Oil per do. 
 
 «,720 
 
 576 
 
 9» 
 
 S6 decked vessels from 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 to 30 tons, average 5 men 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 to each, 
 
 130 
 
 90 quintals dry Fish, per man, 
 100 barrels Herrings, each vessel, 
 S barrels Oil, per matir 
 
 11,700 
 
 8,600 
 
 260 , 
 
 a vessels in all 240 tons, 
 
 
 
 
 
 *■ 
 
 one trip to the Magdalen 
 
 
 
 
 
 <jt »' 
 
 Islands in the Spring for 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Herrings. 
 
 30 
 
 3S0 barrels Herrings, each vessel. 
 
 Total, 
 
 " 
 
 2,100 
 
 
 Total, men 
 
 256 
 
 18,420 
 
 5,876 
 
 356 
 
 The quantity of Herrings smoked at Brier Island is small, 
 not exceeding 500 boxes in a season. 
 
 The valuable and varied fisheries of St. Mary's Bay were 
 not inspected by the writer, whose inquiries in the Bay of 
 Fundy, terminated at Brier Island. 
 
 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 - J 
 
 Jo 
 
 THE CURE OF FISH.. 
 
 It is quite clear from what has been previously stated, that 
 all the fish taken is the Bay of Fundy, on the New Brunswick 
 side, are very badly cured, whether pickled, dried, or smoked ^ 
 and there is besides, great deficiency in the weight of barrels 
 of pickled fish. In fact, no reliance whatever can be placed 
 upon the inspection or the weight of fish, although the barrels 
 may bear the brand of an Inspector regularly appointed. Be- 
 sides being highly injurious to the interests of commerce, and 
 to the advancement of tht; fisheries, it is highly discreditable to 
 allow the laws to be thus openly evaded, ami set 9t defiance. ? 
 
 The fish of the Bay of Fundy wiien drawn from the water, 
 are most excellent ; they can scarcely be eqiiaUed and certainly 
 not surpassed el^wfaere. Yet these admirable fish* either 
 firom igoodranee, neglect, m laziness, or &U eombioed> are so 
 wretcli«^y cored, as <Mily to be fit for the poorest markets, 
 and are only sold because there is an insufficient supply of fisb 
 generally. While thousands of Quintals of Cod, caught ia the 
 Bay of Chaleur, and cured in the best manner on the shoarea of 
 
101 
 
 99 
 
 356 
 
 m 
 
 and 
 
 New Brunswick, have been shipped annually by the Jersey mer- 
 chantsfrom ShippaganandCaraquet to Brazil, Spain, Portugal, 
 Sicily, and the Italian States, not a single quintal of fish hn.s 
 been sent Orom the Bay of Fundy to the markets of the Medi- 
 terranean, because none have been cured fit to send ! And 
 even of the second and third qualities of fish (distinguished as 
 " Madeira " and " West India ") the cure has been so indif- 
 ferent, that their shipment to foreign markets has almost 
 invariably been attended with loss to the exporter. 
 
 The following letter from Edward Allison, Esquire, a highly 
 respectable merchant of this city, who is earnestly engaged in 
 endeavours to open various branches of trade with distant 
 foreign markets, explains clearly, and distinctly, the frauds to 
 which exporters are subjected, and the losses accruing from 
 badly cured fish : — 
 
 Saint John, 20th November, 1850. 
 
 Sir, — ^For several years past, our house has been Qmong 
 the principal exporters of fish—largely of Alewives to the 
 United States, and to a considerable extent, in Cod, Hake, 
 Haddock, &,c. to the British and Foreign West Indies. 
 
 Our cure of Alewives has generally given satisfaction ; but 
 there is great dissatisfaction as to the inspection, and more 
 especially as regards weight. This is of much consequence, 
 and in seasons like the past, when fish were scarce, and more 
 valuable than salt, there has been a general deficiency of fish 
 in the barrel. In fact, with the exception of a few brands, no 
 dependence as to character or weight is given by the inspec- 
 tion. I believe that the pibkled fish are rarely, if ever, weighed 
 prior to packing. An ordinary Herring barrel, which is, I 
 believe, 17 inches in the head, and 31 inches in ^he stave, will 
 not contain 200 lbs. of Alewives, unless packed with great care 
 and attention. The short weight of our Alewives has already 
 produced its effect upon their character, and in the West India 
 markets they will not sell at full prices, unless subject to being 
 r&'Weighed. We are aware of a serious deduction having to 
 be subiiiitted to, in a parcel shipped to Jamaica a few months 
 since. They were sold at a good price, but on delivery were 
 found so shoil of weight, that the deduction swept away all 
 profit, especially as duties and expenses were paid as upon a 
 merchantable article. In re-packing a parcel also for the ship 
 "Courier," for the market of Mauritius, we found scarcely a 
 barrel to contain more than 160 lbs. or 170 lbs. offish, although 
 inspected and branded^ '<N<». 1, 200 lbs." Thig is a serioua 
 
Mil 
 
 'U1 
 
 #1 
 
 1 i 
 
 102 
 
 evil, nml must be remedied, or it will destroy the export trade 
 in this article. 
 
 We are told that the empti/ barreh are frequently branded 
 ])rior to packing, and I am informed, they are so delivered at 
 the cooperage. The Corporation should nominate only per- 
 sons of character to fill the responsible office of Inspector ; on 
 their being sworn in, they should take substantial bonds for the 
 faithful performance of the duties, and deal rigidly with delin- 
 (|uents. This we think the most salutary way to correct the 
 serious evil which now exists. The Corporation should also 
 take care to prosecute those who act ns Inspectors, without 
 qualifying themselves. We could name those who have branded 
 as Inspectors this year, but who have not been licenced to do 
 so, and they escape because not prosecuted. 
 
 The Codfish, IJake, and Haddock brought lo this market 
 arc certainly very inferior in quality to those shipped at Halifax, 
 and I much fear that our exports of dry fish will not be an im- 
 portant item, until the quality is improved. This does not 
 apply so much to the fish, as to the want of care and attention 
 in splitting, curing, and drying. I can safely say, I have not 
 seen a strictlij merchantable fsh, since I have resided here — 
 I mean such fish as are shipped from Halifax, Newfoundland, 
 and Cape Breton. There the fish are so completely cured and 
 dried, that many are shipped in bulk, to Europe and South 
 America, and reach their destination in good order ; while the 
 best we can get here, carefully screwed, rarely reach their des- 
 tination in as good order as we would wish. The fault is — ^want 
 of care in splitting and salting, but more especially in drying ; 
 we rarely get them so dry, as not to show pickle under the 
 screw. This is not known elsewhere, and until our fish are 
 better made, they arc not fit to ship. 
 
 During the past few years, we have made various shipments 
 of fish to foreign ports, and with but doubtful success, arising 
 from their delivery in bad order ; and we are almost discour- 
 aged from shipping dry fish until we can purchase an article 
 better prepared for a sea voyage. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Edwaud Allison. 
 
 M. H. Perley, Esquire. 
 
 In a not« to the writer which accompanied the above 'ette ", 
 Mr. Allison says — " To contend with, there is much ignorance, 
 carelessness, and unwillingness to learn, and it will require all 
 your patience to accomplish the object you have in view. 
 
103 
 
 Much of the difficulty arises from locnl circum.stanccs. Our 
 fishermen have a choice of markets between St. John and 
 Eastport, ^nd if they get flour cheaper at i!.? latter, it is an 
 inducement to take their fish there. The evil is, that our people 
 have no certain market ; they go to-day to Eastport ; to-mor- 
 row to St. John, or elsewhere ; in the meantime they get into 
 u careless way of attei.^ing to their fish, not preparing them for 
 any market espevially^ and not expecting to keep them long on 
 hand, they do not dry them, as they should do." 
 
 The advantages which have arisen from the careful inspec- 
 tion of Herrings in Scotland, and the great confidence given by 
 the official brand affixed by the Officers of the Board of British 
 Fisheries, to Scottish Herrings in foreign markets, have been 
 stated in the writer''s preceding Reports. Since those Reports 
 were presented, certain resolutions passed by the Chamber of 
 Commerce of Wick and Pulteney Town, and laid before Par- 
 liament, have been received, the substance of which may be 
 thus briefly stated. The first resolution states, that before the 
 establishment of the Fishery Boaixl, the total tpiantity of Her- 
 rings cured in Scotland amounted to about 90,000 barrels, 
 which have been increased by the Board's exertions to 600, 
 000 barrels, while the mode of curing, assorting, and putting 
 up, or preparing, for various markets, had been improved in at 
 least a similar ratio. The next resolution states, that the in- 
 crease in the exportation of Herrings to foreign markets could 
 not have been arrived at in so short a time, but for the care 
 taker in affixing the official brand, which serves as a passport 
 in all foreign countries, freeing the trader from many expen- 
 sive and Vexatious regulations formerly enforced by foreign 
 governments. 
 
 In consequence of the full reliance placed upon the official 
 brand in Scotland, barrels of Herrings bearing It^ are trans- 
 ported from hand to hand on the Continent, with the utmost 
 confidence, and transported to the most distant parts of Europe. 
 Ip 1849, it was represented to the Fishery Board by the most 
 influential merchants of different cities on the Continent, that 
 the large commercial dealings in which they engage with Great 
 Britain for Herrings, are undertaken and maintained upon the 
 faith of the Government Brand, and that nearer markets would 
 be- resorted to, but fbr this attestation of quality stamped upon 
 British Herrings. 
 
 .vy 
 
 iull 
 
 »i 
 
 9- \ 
 
104 
 
 FOREIGN MARKET8 FOR FI8II. 
 
 Ah a knowledge of the niarketA for fish properly cured, is 
 matter of great importance, the writer has been at some pains 
 to acquire information as to the amount of duties and restric- 
 tions on the importation of British fish into various countries 
 in Europe and America, which is here submitted. 
 
 A large proportion of the pickled Herrings of Scotland 
 go to Prussia, and the States under the Germanic Union of 
 Customs ; this is in consequence of the low duty. In the 
 Germanic Union, the duty is 3s. sterling per barrel on salted 
 Herrings, and Is. per barrel on smoked Herrings ; the quan- 
 tity of Scotch Herrings sent there annually is 150,000 barrels. 
 
 Austria, an adjoining country, to which there is easy access 
 from Prussia, probably receives t^omc of the British Herrings ; 
 but the duty there is 4s. sterling per barrel, besides a transit 
 duty of Is. 6d. per barrel on all Herrings passing through 
 Prussia, to Austria or Poland. In consequence of these duties, 
 British Herrings, instead of becoming a staple export to Aus- 
 tria, as they ought to be to the Catholic population of that 
 large empire, are reserved as objects of luxury for the higher 
 classes. The loss of a direct trade with Austria, deprives the 
 British merchant of a rich market, which would carry off many 
 thousand barrels of Herrings. 
 
 Russia is tinothcr country to which a large export of Her- 
 rings might be made, but a heavy ad-valarem duty is assessed 
 upon them, the value being calculated from the first imports 
 of the season, which bring an extravagant price. In Russia, 
 also, fish are exposed to the injurious practice of ^aac^t/t^, 
 which consists in opening the barrels, and removing the con- 
 tents to inspect them. 
 
 : In France, the duties on the importation of fish are as fol- 
 lows : — Foreign fish by French vessels, per 100 killograms, 40 
 francs, or XI 12 6 sterling ; if imported in foreign vessels, 
 or by land, 44 francs, or £1 15 2 sterling. These high duties 
 entirely exclude British fish from the French market, 
 i In Holland, the importation of all kinds of salt fish is pro- 
 hibited. 
 
 In Belgium, the Duties on British fish of every kind vary 
 with the season at which the importation takes place, as also 
 whether imported in a British or foreign vessel ; but all the 
 duties are so high as to exclude Herrings and dried fish. 
 
 No British fish have been sent to Sweden or Denmark ; the 
 reason for this is not ascertained, but the extensive fisheries of 
 Norway preclude the hope of a market in that quarter. 
 
105 
 
 SinoUfMl IIorrin^H arc «oiit from Srotliind to Gonnva, li(!«?- 
 horn, Na|>!oH, Sicily, Vciiirf, and TrioHt,<!. In IVajtleN and 
 Sicily, the daty is estimated as lOs. por burr*!!, which added 
 to the fix'i;,'ht, renders the article a laxnry, and keeps it from 
 the j^reatcr part of the population. 
 
 Imports of Rritish fish, on a small scale, arc received in 
 Sardinia, Tascany, thv Roman States, (Jrecce, and the Otto- 
 man Empire, with all of which, a trad*? of some extent mi|>;ht 
 he established, hut for the uniform system of hi«^h duties kept 
 up in each. 
 
 One or two vessels arc chined armually at St. John's, New- 
 foundland, with dried fish for the Ionian Islands, and for 
 Egypt ; hut of the value of the tra<le in those (pmrters no exact 
 information has been obtained. 
 
 In Portugal, the duty on cured fish is fixed at I,()fl0 reis, 
 or about Os. sterling jier quintal. The object of this high duty 
 was to protect a fishing company whose operations have failed, 
 and it is now urged, that Portugal ought to relax this duty, 
 and allow the admission of British fish, on terms in accord- 
 ance with the reciprocal good relations which subsist between 
 Portugal and Great Britain as to other articles of general 
 commerce. 
 
 In Spain, foreign fish of all kinds, fresh, salted, or dried, 
 except Codfish and Stockfish, are prohibited. If these are 
 imported in the vessels of Spain, a duty of 30 per cent, is 
 charged ; if in foreign vessels, the duty is 40 per cent, and 
 this diflferencc gives the carrying trade to the Spanish vessels. 
 Great numbers of Spanish vessels resort annually to New- 
 foundland for cargoes of -dry fish, and some of these vessels 
 have also visited Halifax for the same purpose. But none of 
 the vessels of Spain have yet visited the Ports of New Bruns- 
 wick, although the fish caught near its shores are equally as 
 good OB those of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia — their cure 
 is so bad, that they are altogether unfit for the market of Spain. 
 
 With the Spanish Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico, an ex- 
 tensive trade might be carried on in fish, in return for tropical 
 products, if the fish of New Brunswick were properly cured 
 and dried to stand the climate, and give satisfaction to the 
 consumers. The writer has procured from Washington, trans- 
 lations of the several tariffs of duties levied on fish, in Cuba 
 and Porto Rico, from which it appears that there are four 
 separate r^tes. The lowest rate is on Spanish fish, imported 
 direct in a Spanish vessel ; the next, on foreign fish imported 
 
 ■ ' 14 
 
106 
 
 
 I 
 
 ii ■! 
 
 tVom Spain in a Spani^ih vessel ; the third rate, is un finh iin- 
 |)orte(l direct froni foreign countries in a Spanish vessel ; and 
 the fourth and highest rate, is on foreign fish, imported in a 
 foreign vessel. Under the last of these rates, pickled Her- 
 rings are suhjcct to a duty of 331 per cent , the value being 
 established at an uniform rate of $4.50 per barrel ; the amount 
 of duty is therefore $1.52 per barrel. Dried fish of all kinds 
 pay a duty of 271 per cent, the value being fixed at $3.50 per 
 quintal of 100 lbs. ; the duty is therefore 97 cents per 100 lbs. 
 When foreign caught Herrings and dried fish are imported in 
 a Spanish vessel, they pay rates of duty amounting to $1.07 
 per barrel on Herrings, and 69 cents per 100 lbs. on dried fish. 
 If vessels load a full cargo of produce at any of the Ports of 
 Cuba or Porto Rico, an allowance of one-fifth is deducted 
 from the duty on the inward cargo. The tonnage duty on 
 foreign vessels is 77 cents per ton ; but if they load with full 
 cargoes «f Molasses, they are free from tonnage duty. 
 
 Some of the badly cured fish, mentioned by Mr. Allison, 
 which were shipped to Cuba last season, having been sold 
 there, the following is furnished as the account sales, dated 
 Matanzas, November 26, 1850 : — 
 
 Sales 1 
 riO drums fish, weighing 22,005 lbs., sold at $21, $605 1 
 
 Charges, 
 Note of Duties, $2 
 
 Duties on 22,200 lbs., at $3i, 
 
 Balanza — 1 per cent, on Duty, - - 
 
 Freight per Bill of Lading, - - > 
 
 Labour, weighing, and delivering, - 
 
 Commission, 5 per cent, on $605 1, 
 
 217 
 2 
 
 58 
 10 
 50 
 
 1 
 5 
 1 
 
 2i 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 -320 3 
 
 Net proceeds. 
 
 $284 5i 
 
 In Brazil, the duty on dried Cod is 2.500 reis the quintal 
 of 100 lbs. ; on other fish, the duty is 25 per cent, on their 
 valuation. At Pernambuco, on the 21st October, 1850, the 
 price of dried Cod was 10 milreas 200 reis the 100 lbs. The 
 exchfinge was then at 28} pence Sterling the milrea ; conse- 
 quently the price of dried Cod was equal to £1 4 11 sterling 
 per 100 lbs., and the duty 58. lid. on the same. The milrea 
 is an imaginary currency, the value of which is governed by 
 the exchange on London, and fluctuates accordingly. 
 
107 
 
 In the United StatcH, all dnh pay a duty of 20 per cent, aii- 
 valorem^ under the taritf of 184(1. Besides the markets for Hsh 
 in the sea-board Cities of the Union, there is a large and grow- 
 ing demand for fish in those States which border on the Great 
 Lakes, and which may be supplied through Canada, by the 
 Saint Lawrence. There would seem to be an almost unlimited 
 demand for pickled Herrings, as well in those States, as in 
 Canada West, if caught in proper season, and well cured ; 
 when sufficient care in these respects is taken, the rapidly in- 
 creasing population of the vast fertile districts of the West, 
 near the Great Lakes, whether Canadian or American, will 
 long continue to offer a sure and profitable market for the pro- 
 ducts of the fisheries. 
 
 The Honorable Commissioners of the Board of British Fish- 
 eries having intimated their readiness to furnish information, 
 the writer applied to them for a statement of the prices of 
 Herrings and dried fish in Scotland, with the view of comparing 
 them with the prices obtained in New Brunswick. In reply 
 to the application, the following letter was received : — 
 
 Board of British Fisheries^ 
 
 Edinburgh^ 2d January ^ 1851. 
 
 Sir, — I duly received your letter of 19th November, 185^ 
 requesting two copies of Capt. Washington's Report on Fish- 
 ing Boats, and also a statement of the average prices of pickled 
 Herrings, and dried and pickled Cod in Scotland ; and having 
 laid the same before the Honorable the Commissioners of the 
 Board, I have by their directions forwarded to you by mail, 
 the two Reports in question. I now beg to subjoin a statement 
 of the prices required by you, which have been taken in the 
 month of September, and for th^ five years from 1846 to 1850, 
 both inclusive. 
 
 The Commissioners have desired me to return you their 
 thanks for the promise of sending a copy of your Report, when 
 published. I have the honor, &c. 
 
 B. F. Primrose, Secretary. 
 
 M. H. Perley, B«q. 
 
 " l>klCES OF HERRINGS FROSl THE LEITH PRICES CURRENT, 
 
 ' September 1846, 
 
 : " 1847, 
 ^' « 1848, 
 ^ 1849, 
 « 1850, 
 
 WhiteHer'gB, p.bbl. 
 
 - • - l48. to 18s. 
 . - . 20s. to 228. 
 
 - - - 17s. to lOs. 
 
 - - - 10^. to 17b. 
 
 - - - i5B. to 18s. 
 
 RedHer'gi.p.bM. <W 
 
 16s. to 18s. 
 20b. to 22b. 
 178. to idB. 
 6b. to 1^. 
 148. to 16b. $>>j 
 
108 
 
 '•I 
 
 %t 
 
 i 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 m 
 
 B ^ 
 
 ■n 
 
 m 
 
 |MK 
 
 * f 
 
 ■ 
 
 jH 
 
 I 
 
 P rites of Dried Cutl Finh, frofn private informafion. 
 
 - iivoru^o J5S. per Cwt. 
 do. 14f). do. 
 do. 14m. do« 
 
 Soptoinbor 1H4H, 
 
 IH47, 
 
 ♦♦ I84H, 
 
 •• lH4ft, 
 
 " 1850, 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 ir>H. 
 15h. 
 
 do. 
 do. 
 
 Dried LinirfiNli iiiny be quoted 1^. per cwt. higher than tlioalM)ve. 
 
 The fish cured nt the Stiition.s, iigreeahly to the Boord'.M 
 printed directions, and punched by its ofTicern, were sold and 
 shipped for the Spanish market, at prices from 7 to 10 per 
 cent, higher tlian the above cpiotations. Pickled Cod-fish per 
 barrel sells generally from 18s. to 24s. London is the prin- 
 cipal market for this article ; and when the bnrrelsare inspected 
 and branded by the Board's officers, they sell from 25s. to 40.s. 
 per barrel. B. F. Piumro.se, Secretary. 
 
 The Island of Jersey presents a market for pickled Herrings. 
 A parcel of the '' Q,uoddy Herrings" shipped from Cam(M> 
 Bello, netted the shipper 22s. 6d. sterling per barrel. There 
 are no duties in Jersey, and port-charges are very low. 
 
 FISH BARRELi:f. 
 
 C In connection with the question of foreign markets, the qna* 
 lity of the barrels in which pickled fish ought to be shipped, is 
 very material. In Scotland, heretofore, barrels of hard wood' 
 only have been permitted ; none other could )>e used for pack- 
 ing pickled fish. But during the year 1840, the Board of 
 Fisheries arrived at the conclusion, that larch (hacmatac) was 
 well adapted for the making of herring barrels. In their 
 Report presented to Parliament in 1850, the Commissioners 
 say, that experiments have been made by them, on the kinds 
 of wood, suitable for herring barrels. The Herrings and the 
 barrels which were the subject of these experiments, were sent 
 by long sea and land journies to different places on the Conti- 
 nent ; they were exposed to much rough usage, and great 
 changes of climate — some were sent far up the Mediterranean. 
 These experiments have proved, that larch wood may be 
 safely used for barrels of pickled herrings, and that it is equal 
 to the hard wood of which barrels are generally made ; whilst 
 ordinary fir is quite unsuitable, and its introduction would be 
 highly prejudicial to the sale of Herrings abroad. The expe- 
 riments were so decisive, that the Commissioners have issued 
 instructions aidmitting larch wood, in the making of barrels, 
 but continuing a strict prohibition of fir. 
 
lot) 
 
 ali.owan(;i:n, ok wountikm, to .\>>iKiti(;AN i-i.'^hino vI':.s.^i:i..w. 
 
 Ill order to olttaiii correct inrorinati ui ii.« to tlio niitiire aiwl 
 nxteiit of the allowanrex, or lioaiitieM, paitl to Aiiierit an fisliiii;; 
 vesHclM, tlio writer made application at the Itostoii ('iistoiii 
 House, where hir^^e ruiiih are paid annually to fiHlieruien, und 
 wiiH kindly and promptly furniNlied by William A. Wellmaii, 
 Ksq., the A8«i^tant Collector of the Port, with the following 
 tetter : — 
 
 ■ " T ' CiiHlom Ilouai', Huston, 
 
 Collector's ()t/ict', lith January, 1H51. 
 
 Sir, — The StatntcH under which we pay allowances or 
 l)ountic$t to fishing veHHcIs, are scattered through the varioiiH 
 volumes of the Acts of Congress from 1703 to 1835; hat they 
 may bo readily found in Little and IJrown's edition of the 
 Public Statutes, published in 1845. 
 
 Allowances are paid annually, on the last day of December, 
 to vessels employed during the fishing season, which is ac- 
 counted to be, from the last day of February, to the last day 
 of November, vide Act of March 3, 1819. 
 
 By the Act of 1819, chapter 212, we allow to every vessel 
 of 5 tons, and not exceeding 30 tons burtiien, $3.50 per ton ; 
 above 30 tons, $4.00 pjr ton ; above 30 tons, with a crew of 
 20 and not less than 10 persons, and employed not less than 
 three and o half months, $3.50 per ton — the bounty on any 
 one vessel not to exceed $360. Vessels more than 5 tons and 
 less than 20 tons, must land 12 quintals offish per ton, during 
 the season. 
 
 The Act of 1824, chap. 152, prescribes how vessels wrecked 
 may obtain the bounty in certain cases. 
 
 The Act of 1813, chap. 2, requires the Skipper of each ves- 
 sel, before proceeding on a voyage, to make an agreement with 
 the fishermen. 
 
 The regulations for fishing vessels to touch and trade at 
 foreign ports, &cc., are prescribed in the 21st section of the 
 Act 1793, chap. 99. 
 
 The oath of the master, as to the time the vessel has been 
 actually employed in the fisheries during the season, is pre- 
 scribed by the Act of 29th July, 1813. 
 
 By paying monthly wages in money, in lieu of dividing the 
 fish, or the proceeds of the fishing voyage, in the proportions 
 specified by law, the agreement is ^'iolated, and the bounty is 
 forfeited. This, by decision of the Treasury Department, 24th 
 
110 
 
 February) 1847, confirmed by the Secretary of the Treasury, 
 January 21, 1836. 
 
 A vessel, to be entitled to the bounty, must be actually 
 employed at sea, in the Cod-fisheries, a certain specified time, 
 and must dry-cure the Fish, vide Act July 29, 1813. 
 
 The Cod fishery and Mackerel fishery arc each a trade and 
 employment, or business, and since the Act of 1828, chap. 109, 
 the Mackerel fishery cannot be lawfully carried on under a 
 licence for the Cod fishery. 
 
 I have thus given you a sunimary of the various laws regu- 
 lating our fishery allowances ; but we have voluminous instruc- 
 tions issued by the Treasury Department, from time to time, to # 
 meet the questions presented by those claiming bounty. If 
 there are other particular points not alluded to, I will most 
 cheerfully point them out, if you will indicate them. 
 
 We pay at this Oflice annually, about the sum of $225,000, 
 for fishing bounties. The business is one in which I take great 
 interest, and when your Report ^3 published, I shall hope to 
 receive a copy of it. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Wm. a. Wellm an, Ass*t Collector. 
 
 M. H. Perley, Esquire. 
 
 It has been stated to the writer by persons of standing in 
 the United States, that the allowances to fishing vessels a^e 
 continued, on the ground that fishermen are entitled to a 
 drajvback of the heavy duties which they pay on salt, and their 
 outfit for the fisheries generally, besides some compensation 
 for the increased cost of their vessels, arising from the high 
 duties on iron, cordage, canvas, and other articles used in 
 building and fitting them out — such increased cost amounting 
 to ten dollars pef ton more than the cost of vessels of similar 
 class and equal description, built and fitted out in New Bruns- 
 wick. 
 
 '^ The regulations for dividing the proceeds of the fishing 
 voyage, instead of paying the crew monthly wages, is intended 
 to compel the crew to catch fish on the voyage, instead of 
 idfing away the prescribed time, which the Yankee fishermen 
 call ♦* fishing for the bounty." But if the American fishermen 
 whom the writer met on the Coast are to be believed, this 
 regulation is constantly set at nought or evaded, moiit.hly 
 wages being paid by a large proportion of th6 vessels. With 
 the whole system of the American fishitig bounties, there 
 appears to co-exist an organized systekn of frauds ; attd the 
 
Ill 
 
 voluminous instructions of the Treasury Department, issued 
 from time to time, to meet those cases, clearly prove that not- 
 withstanding all the care, ard caution of the United States 
 Treasury Department, and all the vigilance and astuteness of 
 its many excellent officers, vast sums of money go annually 
 into the pockets of unscrupulous men, while it is exceedingly 
 doubtful if the actual fishermen arc at all benefited thereby. 
 
 THE DESTRUCTION OF FISH ON SPAWNING GROUNDS. 
 
 The obstructions which exist to the passage of fish up the 
 various rivers falling into the Bay having been noticed, and 
 the principal rivers mentioned in which Salmon are 'destroyed 
 while in the act of spawning, it only remnr^s to advert to the 
 destruction of spawning Herrings on the coast. 
 
 The great spawning place for Herrings in the Bay of Fundy, 
 is undoubtedly, that at the Southern Head of Grand Manan. 
 It begins at the eastern part of Seal Cove, at a place called 
 Aed Point ; thence it extends westerly to the southern extre- 
 mity of the Island ; and thence around the Southern Head to 
 Bradford's Cove, a distance of more than five miles. The 
 quantity of Herrings which strike in upon this ground during 
 the spawning -season, is truly wonderful ; but their numbers 
 will soon cease to astonish, if such an extensive destruction of 
 spawning fish as now takes place there annually, is perm'tted 
 to continue much longer. 
 
 In Scotland, the destruction of Herrings on their spawning 
 grounds is most carefully guarded against, as being of the 
 greatest importance to the preservation of the Herring fishery 
 generally, and some useful information may be gained from 
 the proceedings of the British Fishery Board in this matter. 
 In the Report of the Board laid before Parliament in 1847, is 
 the following statement : — 
 
 " A letter of the 12th March reached the Board from Mr. 
 John Stewart, commander of the ' Princess Royal ' Fishery 
 Cutter, again pointing out the very "?rious destruction to the 
 Herring fishery throughout the whole branches of the estuary 
 of the Clyde, by the illegal fishing which is occasionally carried 
 on, and endures for about fourteen days only, previous to the 
 above date, opposite to Ballantrae in Ayrshire. This seems 
 to be the great spawning place for the Herrings belonging to 
 the Ciyde and Loch Fyne, and for this purpose they congre- 
 gate in incalculable numbers on a bank, which lies about three 
 miles off the shore, and is about a mile and a half long, by 
 
 tik 
 
 Ei 
 
112 
 
 .^1 
 
 I 
 
 f I 
 
 ahout throe quarters of a mile broad, and having about nine 
 fjitliorns water over it. Th^. spawn lies on this bank to a very 
 great depth, for the smallest net ropes that arc let down here 
 are hauled up of the apparent thickness of cables, from the 
 immense quantity of spawn that adheres to them. When taken 
 at this time, the fish are in *he worst possible condition as hu- 
 man food, and much more likely to be prejudicial, and to 
 spread disease, than to be nutritious ; yet, tempted by the 
 prospect of gain, there were no less than eighty boats engaged 
 in this fishery, which cleared from £30 to £80 each, during 
 the fourteen '^'•ys it lasted. In order to make their success 
 more certain and efiTectual, these boats use means which arc 
 never resorted to elsewhere. Their nets are' only 21 yards in 
 depth, and 384 yards in length, and they contain about 960 
 square yards ; but they attach a row of heavy stones, four feet 
 apart, to the lower edge of the net, and sink them to the bot- 
 tom among the spawning fish, so that when the nets are hauled 
 they are covered with a heavier load of spawn than even t' a 
 weight of their fish, which are so abundant. It is quite impos- 
 sible to calculate the extent of loss arising to the Clyde and 
 Loch Fync fisheries, by this fishing, which, though highly 
 remunerative to the few boats' crews which engage in it, must 
 spread disease among the unfortunate purchasers of the fish, 
 who are ignorant where and how they have been caught, and 
 which must bring comparative scarcity on the really sound, 
 productive, and wholesome fisheries, carried on at the proper 
 season in the Clyde and Loch Fyne." 
 
 In their Report for 1848, the Commissioners again allude to 
 the destruction of spawning Herrings on the banks at Ballan- 
 trae ; they state, that they had received numerous pe.itions 
 from fish carers and fishermen deeply interested in the fisheries 
 of the west Coast of Scotland, complaining of the reckless des- 
 truction of spawn, and the fry of Herrings, by which myriads 
 of these useful fish are annually destroyed. The banks at 
 Ballantrae are stated to be well known as the nurseries of the 
 Herrings visiting the western coast, and if the indiscriminate 
 pestruc^ion which takes place there, is allowed to continue, the 
 fishermen on that coast will be ultimately ruined, and many 
 thousands of industrious fishermen around the various Lochs 
 reduced to |M)verty, while the immehsa capital invested in boats 
 and materials must be rendered wholly unproductive. The 
 Commissioners conclude by urging upon Parliament, the 
 necessity of a Legislative enactment bestowing on tliem " cer- 
 tain discretionary powers beyond those they already possess f 
 
113 
 
 to regulate both the mode and the period of capture j so that 
 they may be enabled to protect the broods of all kinds ofsea- 
 Jish." 
 
 The Herring fishery of the Bay of Fundy will not continue 
 many years longer to any extent, unless an immediate ptop is 
 put to the fishery during the spawning season at the Southern 
 Head of Grand Manan. At that season, no Herrings should 
 be caught, on any pretence whatsoever ; and the necessity of 
 a Legislative enactment, similar to that sought by the Board 
 of British Fisheries, conferring the like discretionary powers 
 on His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, in Council, would 
 probably have the effect of leading to a discontinuance of thrs 
 fishery, and a steady increase in the Herring fishery of the 
 Bay generally. 
 »»;■ . 
 ^t* BRUSH WEIRS AND STAKE NETS, 
 
 So great a difference of opinion exists among the fishermru 
 of the Bay, as to the effect of brush weirs upon the Herring 
 fishery, that it is somewhat difficult to arrive at a correct con- 
 clusion on the subject. 
 
 The erection of Herring weirs has, by implication, been 
 sanctioned by the Legislature, by the Acts for their regulation, 
 and it is not now so much a question, whether they shall, or 
 shall not be permitted, as whether the existing laws are suffi- 
 cient ; and if not, what further regulations and provisions are 
 necessary to prevent their injuring the fisheries. 
 
 The weirs between high and low water mark, which fire 
 dry at low tide, should be put under careful superintendence, 
 as these, above all others, art calculated to destroy vast quan- 
 tities of small fish and fry, too small for any useful purpose, 
 except as manure — a dangerous stimulant to the - ' The 
 weirs set up in narrow channels and passages, some of which 
 were noticed on the eastern side of Grand Manain, must also 
 be destructive from their very position, besides being obstruc- 
 tions to navigation.^ 
 
 The proprietors of lands on the sea shore, should be made 
 to understand, that their rights do not in any case extend 
 below low water mark ; and a careful watch should be kept to 
 prevent encroachments on the r:ghts of the public, by persons 
 disposing of " fishing privileges," to which they are in nowise 
 entitled. 
 
 All weirs should be furnished with gates for the free egress 
 of such fish as ought to pass out again to sea, and this also 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 1 
 
 
 requires careful supervision, as very many weirs were found 
 without any gate or opening whatever. 
 
 The brush weirs for Shad, at the Head of the Bay, are 
 l>eKeved to be most injurious to that fishery, as in almost every 
 case they were found to take the smallest fish only. In En- 
 rag6 Bay, they ought to be abolierhed altogether, or at the 
 utmost^ only permitted at such season, if any, as might on 
 . inquiry, be found not prejudicial to the Shad fishery generally. 
 The stake nets for Shad, also require to be limited in their 
 extent, and when permitted td be set, the mesh to be of the 
 same size as the mesh allowed to drift-nets, and no smaller. 
 
 T^e size of the mesh, both for Salmon and Shad nets, ought 
 to be regulated in such manner as to prevent the taking of 
 small Salmon and young Shad. In the Shad fishery espe- 
 cially, there appears to have been, and still to be, a gradual 
 diminution of the mesh from year to year, with the view of 
 taking a greater number of fish each season ; and the efi^ects 
 4!>f the catch of snr. ?U Shad will soon be ftilt in the decrease of 
 the fishery. 
 
 The use of small meshed nets in the Herring fishery on the 
 Coast of Scotland, is considered so prejudicial) that they are 
 strictly prohibited by law. To prevent the use of such nets in 
 the Firth of Forth, H. M. Steam Vessel " Dasher " has been 
 stationed there during the last three reasons, and such vigilance 
 ika6 been exercised, atad so maliy illegal nets seized, that this 
 iinfair fishing has been broken up. On the west Coast 4>f 
 Scotland, H. M. Stetim Vessel ** Lucifier " has also been em- 
 'ployed in a similar manner. Bo^th these steamers, and the 
 " Princess Royal," Fishery Cutter, oflT the Nortli West High- 
 lands, have at all lames been able to rendeir most seascaable 
 ■lussistance to the fishermen, besides repressing the depredations 
 lindl pilfering of fishing property, which invariably takes {dace 
 Whenever lak-ge bodieisi of fii»herttieii congre^e in the prosecu- 
 %i<»li of their budbess. 
 
 I ^1 
 
 [jlfl 
 
 SXJ)»l3fA$Y. 
 
 1» It lis. quite cteaf f^'om the foregoing Report, that the im- 
 ^f{bdt and cak'e^s? mannc^r df earing tbfe fish eaught in the 
 my df {"utidy, whether from negfect or want of skiU, 4s «uch 
 as to prev.ent those fish obtaining the best prices^ and prc^bits 
 l^ir hijeipg s^nt to iSAaftatA fdt^^h marli^ts, for Which 4hey 
 Wbidd otfa^wit^e be WeU iidit^t6d | iSh^reby prev^stiag an ex- 
 
■^-^ 
 
 116 
 
 tension c^ the foreign trade of the Province} and diminishinf 
 its general prosperity* 
 
 2. The laws which exist for regulating the inspection of fish, 
 are everywhere treated as a nullity, except in cases where ii 
 is found convenient to affix what purports to be an official 
 brand, for the purpose of giving character to articles which are 
 short of weight and worthless. 
 
 ; 3. The enormous destruction of Herrings, aqd their spawn, 
 at the Southern Head of Grand Manan, is an evil which de- 
 mands immediate remedy ; if this is neglected, the Herring 
 fishery of the Bay of Fundy will fail altogether in a fe" years, 
 and line-fishiifg, which so greatly depends upon the ..^pply of 
 Herrings, will fall off in proportion. 
 
 " 4. The closing of the various rivers flowing into the Bay, 
 and their^tributaries, by mill-dams ; the injuries arising from 
 saw-dust and mill-rubbish being cast into rivers and harbours; 
 and the wholesale destruction of Salmon on their spawning 
 beds far up the rivers, have all been pointed out in this Report. 
 They are all evils that require an immediate check. 
 
 5. The intrusion of American fishing vessels upon the fish- 
 ing grounds of the Bay of Fundy is loudly complaihed of every- 
 where by the fishermen of the Bay. Measures are required 
 for keeping these vessels without the limits established by the 
 Convention of 1816, either by requesting the services of some 
 of the smaller vessels belonging to the Royal Navy^ or else by 
 employing Fishery Cutters at the Joint expense of New Bruns- 
 wick and Nova Scotia* The Despatch from Lord Stanley to 
 Lord Falkland, dated llm September, 1845, under which the 
 Americans justify their intrusions in the Bay, is given in the 
 Appendix, with a note of the circumstances which led to its 
 being transmitted. 
 
 *' 6. The laws relative to the regulation of brush- weirs and 
 the use of drift-nets, require revision ; and enactments are 
 needed to provide for the use of stake-nets and net-weirs, at 
 proper seasons only. Provision should also be made for pre- 
 venting the use of small meshed nets in every fishery, in order 
 that no fish w'hatever may be taken until it has attained a 
 sufficient ^owth. 
 
 f 7. The great step toward increasing th^ fisheries and ren- 
 dering them itiore valuable* is the .ei*:::^;ment of a general 
 inspection law, with provisions for the appointment in every 
 
 i: '^ ^ 
 
*>! 
 
 I n 
 
 116 
 
 County and district, of competent and trust-worthy Inspectors of 
 dried, pickled, and smoked 6sh ; and a total prohibition of the 
 sale or exportation of any such fish, unless inspected and 
 branded by the proper officer. 
 
 8. The employment of persons skilled in the cure and pack- 
 ing of fish, (such as the curers and coopers of Scotland) to be 
 located as teachers in the most populous fishing districts, 
 would soon spread the knowledge of improved modes of cure, 
 and lead to the fish of the Bay of Fundy being cured in such 
 manner as would fit them for the best markets of the world. 
 The employment of such teachers is respectfully recommended. 
 
 9. The enactment of a general law for the protection and 
 regulation of the Sea and River Fisheries of the Province 
 generally, is greatly needed, and would seem matter of abso- 
 lute necessity. In such a law, power mi^ht be given to some 
 central authority, duch as the Lieutenant Governor in Council, 
 to make rules and ordinances with reference to minor points, 
 which although apparently trifling, have an important bearing 
 upon the prosperity and extension of the fisheries. 
 
 10. On the shores of the Bay of Fundy, as well as on those 
 of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the fishermen have great need 
 of better accommodations and increased conveniences. They 
 complain, not wholly without cause, of the paucity of the grants 
 made to assist'them in tiieir business, in comparison with thos^ 
 made to other and more favoured interests. As stated in the 
 Report of last year, they require in many places, landing-piers, 
 breakwaters, shelter-harbours, boat-slips and capstans, and 
 moorings for boats and small vessels ; these ought to be pro- 
 vided at the public expense, as one of the best modes of 
 assisting and encouraging the actual fisherman who dwells by 
 the sea side. 
 
 H. The establishment of a few superior schools at Grand 
 Manan, Campo Bello, and West Isles, and probably in some 
 other locations, where the young fishermen should be taught 
 Book-keeping, Navigation, some knowledge of Astronomy, and 
 such other branches of learning as might, be useful in their 
 calling, would be one of the greatest boons tha.t could be con- 
 ferred upon this class of persons. An improvement would 
 soon take place in their moral and social condition, and they 
 would not be driven out of the Province to seek employment 
 from persons possessing more education, but in no other res-^ 
 pect superior to themselves. 
 
117 
 
 12. The neglect to enforce the provisions of existing laws, 
 or to enact other and more stri'^igent provisions in lieu of 
 such as are ineffective, or too limited in their operation, has 
 led to a great decrease in several branches of the fisheries. 
 A longer continuance of this neglect will assuredly lead to the 
 decay of the fisheries generally, which year by year will waste 
 away, until some disappear altogether, and others become of 
 the least possible value. 
 
 M. H. PERLEY. 
 
 Owernmeitt Emigration Office, 
 
 St. John, N. /?., March 12, 1861. 
 
rVS" 
 
 CATALOGUE 
 
 [in part] 
 
 OF THE FISHES OF NEW BRUNSWICK AND NOVA SCOTIA,* 
 
 By M. H. Pkklit, Baquire, H. M. Bmigration Officer at Saint John, N. B. 
 
 Fishes arc described as vertebrated ar.imals, with cold 
 red blood ; breathing by gills through the medium of water ; 
 without lungs. Body covered mostly with imbricated scales 
 or plates, or with a smooth mucous skin. Move in water by 
 means of Ans instead of feef, which vary in number. Repro- 
 duction by eggs, which are usually fecundated after exclusion. 
 Heart unilocular, or composed of one auricle and one ven- 
 tricle. Head various; no neck. Aquatic. Chiefly carnivo- 
 rous. 
 
 • 
 
 Fishes have been divided into two great groups, viz : — ^The 
 Bony, and the Cartilaginous. The first comprises by far the 
 greatest number of species. ' 
 
 In these two great divisions, the Fishes of New Brunswick 
 and Nova Scotia, so far as yet examined or known, are here 
 classified and briefly described. 
 
 U 1 
 
II 
 
 1 ::!i ji 
 
 CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 Group 1. — Bony Fishbh. 
 Order 1. — Fishes with spinous rays in their fins. 
 
 ' Family 1. Perdda. The Perch family. 
 
 2. Triglida. Fishes with hard cheeks. 
 
 3. Scomhridm. The Mackerel family. 
 
 4. Lophida. Fishes with wrists to the pectoral fins. 
 
 5. LahridcK, The Wrasse, or Rock-fish family. 
 
 Order 2. — Soft -finned fishes ; the fin-rays almost universally 
 
 flexible. 
 
 Family 1. Cyprinida. The Carp family. 
 
 2. Silurida. The Sheat-fish family. 
 
 3. Salmonida. The Salmon family. 
 
 4. Clupeida. The Herring family. 
 
 Order 3. — Fishes with ventrala under the pectorals, and the 
 pelvis suspended to the shoulder bones — thus better adapted 
 for ascending and descending than the preceding order. 
 
 Family 1. Gadida. The Cod family. 
 
 , 2. Pleuronectid<e. The Flat-fish, or Flour, ier family. 
 
 Order 4. — Fishes in which the ventral fins are always wanting. 
 Family 1. AnguilUda. The £el &mily. 
 
 ff. 
 
 Group H.-r-CARTiLAOiNous Fishes. 
 
 'f 
 
 Order 1. — Fishes with free-gills — ^they have in their gills a 
 Bingle wide opening, and a gilMid, like the Bony fishes, hoi. 
 no gill-rays. 
 
 Family 1. Sturinnida. The Sturgeon family. 
 
 ■Order 2. — Fishes with fixed gill»— these have the gills attached 
 iat the outer edge, with a separate opening, throiigii wttidi 
 wat«r from each gill escapes. 
 
 FfMDiily 1. 8quaUda., The Shark ikmi^. 
 2. Uaid<B. The Ray family. 
 
 Order 8i — ^Fish with round moatlis formed into a sucker. 
 Tamily 1, Petromyzonida. The Lamprey family. 
 
i'l ; 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF GROUP I, 
 
 CONSISTING OF THE OSSEOUS, OR BONY FISHES. 
 
 ^.o 
 
 Order 1. Fiihei with ipinous riyi in their floi. 
 
 FAMILY 1. PEIlClDiE— THE PERCH FAMILY. 
 
 Genus 1. Perca. 
 Species 1. Pcrca flavcscens — The American yeHow Perch, v 
 
 This beautiful fish is common in almost all the inland waters 
 of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is of a greenish 
 yellow above, with golden yellow sides, crossed by seven trans- 
 verse dark bands, the broadest upon the middle of the body ; 
 beneath, white. The back,' and tail fins, brownish ; the other 
 fins, scarlet. Length 6 to 12 inches. It spawns in May, and 
 then resorts to the mouths of rivulets in great numbers. 
 
 The common yellow Perch is considered one of the best 
 known, and widely distributed of all the fresh water fishes of 
 . North Americti. It is a northern fish, as its limits extend to 
 the 50th parallel of north latitude. 
 
 Genus 2. Labrax. > -^f.-.o 
 
 Species 1. Labrax Lineatus — The striped Basse. 
 
 This fine fish is found on the sea coast of New Brunswick, 
 and it also frequents many of its rivers and lakes. The upper 
 part of the body is silvery brown ; lo ver part of sides and 
 abdomen, a beautiful clear silver colour ; eight or more longi- 
 tudinal black bands running the whole length of the fish, the 
 lower ones terminating above the anal fin. Length, 1 to 3 feet. 
 
 The Basse is a salt water fish, ascending fresh water streams 
 to breed, in the Spring, and for shelter during the winter. 
 Very large fish of this species have been frequently taken in 
 the Grand Lake, and the *' thoroughfares " therewith con- 
 nected, by night-lines, in the winter season. The Basse 
 abounds in most of the rivers of New Brunswick which flow 
 into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. It was formerly abundant 
 in the Basin of Mines, and the Basin of Annapolis, but in each 
 has become rare, owing to its unlimited destruction there at 
 all seasons. 
 
m 
 
 Species 2. Labrax pallidui — The little white Basse. 
 
 This diminutive Basse is best known by its popular name of 
 " White Perch." It abounds in many of the lakes and streams 
 connected with the Rive^ St. John, but it is always found in 
 localities where there is very little current, if any, and upon 
 a soft bottom, in the vicinity of aquatic plants and weeds. The 
 ordinary weight of the " White Perch," is from 4 to 6 ounces ; 
 in September, they are often taken above half a pound in 
 weight; the largest seen, weighed a pound. They are a very 
 fine fish for the table, when in season. 
 
 OeNUS 8. POMOTIS. > 
 
 Species 1. Pomotit Vulgaris — The common Pond-fish. 
 
 This description of Perch is very common, in all those 
 waters in which the yellow Perch is found. It is generally 
 from 6 to 8 inches in length, of a deep green- color, mixed 
 with olive, and is easily distinguished by the bri^t scarlet 
 spot, behind the opercle. Among rural anglers it is known 
 as the " Sun-fish, " firom the glittering colors it displays 
 while basking in the sun. It is seldom dressed for eating, 
 being an exceedingly bony, dry fish, but is often caught for 
 amusement. 
 
 FAMILY 2. TRIGLID^— FISHES WITH HARD CHEEKS. 
 
 -r- i ■' 
 
 Genus 1. CoTTueh^TjiE Sculpin. 
 
 Species 1. Coitus VirgimanuS'^The common BuUhead.T* 
 2. Cattus Gromlandicus — The Greenland Bullhead. 
 
 The Sculpin is very numerous on all the fishing grounds of 
 the New JBrunswick and INova Scotia Coasts, and is sometimes 
 a great annoyance (to lline'fishjws, who regard it with much 
 aversion. When freshly taken ftrom Ihe water, and irritated, 
 it presentiS rather a ibrmidable appearance; but nevertheless, 
 it is said not to be a ibad aitiele pf .food. 
 
 When !the Une-rfidhersin the <B«y of Fundy find the Sculpin 
 biting too ifreely, thoy ta^ediately change their ground to 
 avoid [it* 
 
 Besides the two speeios tiamed, it is ^believed diat th^^ 
 we seveval etlier jspeeies, ras well as some varieties. The 
 Scttlfin rwnges t^e lOoast of North America from ^Virginia to 
 Baffiiirs JBay, ttftd is a favourite food of the Chreenlanders. 
 
 16 
 
122 
 
 m 
 
 Genus 2. Gasterosteus. 
 
 Species 1. Gasterosteus Biacuhatus — The two-spined 
 
 Stickleback. ' 
 
 u 
 
 This diminutive fish abounds in the estuaries of rivers, and 
 in the creeks of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, to which the 
 sea has access. It is usually found about two inches in length, 
 with two distant spines on the back, and a third near the dorsal ; 
 and a strong serrated spine on en.ch side, representing the ven- 
 trals. It is exceedingly active in its movements, and will throw 
 itself a considerable distance out of water. Its appetite is vora- 
 cious; it feeds on worms and insects, and the fry and roe of 
 other fish, great quantities of which it devours. 
 
 It is believed that more than one species of Stickleback 
 exists in the waters of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 
 They are all very pugnacious, and when confined will destroy 
 each other. They are only worthy of notice on account of 
 their destructive propensities, and because they are son^etimes 
 used as bait for larger fish. In some parts of England, , they 
 are so abundant that they are employed as manure. .\* ^\- 
 
 FAMILY 3. SCOMBRI DJE. oil 
 
 Genus 1. Scomber — The Mackerel. 
 
 SpiBcies 1. Scomber vernalis — The Spring Mackerel. 
 2. Scomber grex — The Fall Mackerel. 
 
 These two species of Mackerel are generally believed to be 
 but one ; but Cuvier considers them as different, and in this 
 has been followed by Dr. DeKay of New York. The Scom- 
 ber vernalis is the ordinary Mackerel of commerce, while 
 Scomber grex would seem to be those little Mackerel about 
 ten inches in length, which are found in scattered numbers 
 every where, and are called by thoi fishermen of the Bay of 
 Fundy, " tinker Mackerel," from "".heir wandering habits. 
 
 Although the Mackerel is caugkt ixt great quantities on the 
 northern Coast of New Brunswick, and within the Bay of 
 Chaleur, as also around the Magdalen Islands, yet it is rarely 
 known to visit the Coast of Labrador. It is stated by Mr. 
 Horatio Robinson Storer, of Boston, who visited the Labrador 
 Coast in 1849, that Mackerel appeared there in great abun- 
 dance that season, at the Island of Little Mecatina ; but no 
 fishing vessels being at hand, they departed again unmolested. 
 
 A'€ 
 
 t 
 t 
 
 I 
 
123 
 
 thefow settlers on that desolate Coast having neither nets or 
 lines for taking them. The Mackerel fishery of Nova Hcotia 
 furnishes one of its largest exports. In 1850, no less than 
 06,050 barrels of Mackerel were exported from the f)ort of 
 Halifax alone. 
 
 .R.i 
 
 Genus "2. Xipiiias. 
 Species 1. Xiphias gladius — The Sword-fish. 
 
 This fish is met with in the lower part of the river Saint 
 Lawrence, where it enters the Gulf, and is oflen seen attack- 
 ing the Whales which frequent that locality. It has been also 
 seen in the Bay of Chaleur, where it was likewise noticed in 
 pursuit of the Whale, to which it is a deadly enemy. 
 
 On the coast of the United States, the flesh of the Sword- 
 fish is eaten both fresh and salted. Before being pickled, the 
 flesh is cut into slices, and it is said to remain good for a year ; 
 about 200 barrels are put up annually at Martha's Vineyard. 
 
 These fish are taken about 15 or 20 miles fVom land, in pur- 
 suit of shoals of Mackerel, on which they feed. They are 
 taken by means of an instrument called a " lily-iron," from 
 the form of 1\b sbafl, or wings, which resemble the leaves of 
 a lily. This instrument is thrown like a harpoon, with great 
 force into the fish, the attempt being always made to strike it 
 in frpnt of the dorsal fin. 
 
 • y t rt 11 
 
 FAMILY 4.. LOPHiO-E. 
 
 Genus 1. Lophius. 
 
 •^'ijii 'j(^i-fd}'.'iz^4i'^::.i; 
 
 Species 1. Lophius Americans — The American Angler. 
 
 This fish has a very disgusting appearance, and its monstrous 
 form has given rise to many popular names, such as " sea- 
 devil," " fishing-frog," "bellows-fish," "goose-fish," "monk- 
 fish," and various others. 
 
 The Angler beloiigei to ft small and singular group of fishes, 
 designated by Cuvier, Pectoralia PSdicuSet, from the peculiar 
 formati(Hi of the pectoral fins, which are palmated, and shaped 
 not unUke the hand of a child ; th6y are placed very far for- 
 wiurd on the body ; by these and the aid of the pectorals, which 
 from their. position perform the office of hind feet, the fish can 
 creep on the bottom like a little quadruped. 
 
 A specimen about 3 feet long was observed on Long Beach, 
 
124 
 
 above Great Salmon River, in the Bayof Fundy, in September, 
 1850. It was taken in the weir there, which it had entered in 
 pursuit of Herrings. Several speeimeo]. ere seen in Novem- 
 ber, 1850, on the shores of Annapolis Basin, near Digbf , where 
 they were thrown up by a severe storm. They are said to 
 abound in that Basin, and to be very destructive to the shoals 
 of Herrings which resort there. 
 
 Yarrellsays, that this fish in its appetite is very voracious, 
 and as it is not a rapid swimmer^ has recourse to art to satisfy 
 its appetite. Upon its head are two long, slender appendages, 
 the first of them broad and fiattewiA towards the ends, and at 
 the dilated part, having a shining silvery appearance, not unlike 
 a little fish. While couching close to the gjround, the fish, by 
 the action of its ventral and pe ^oral find, stirs up the sand, or 
 mud ; hidden by the obscurity thus produced, it elevates these 
 appendages, moves them in various directions by Way of attrac- 
 tion as a bait, apd th? small fishes, approachiiig either to exa- 
 mine or seize them, immediately become the prey of the Angler, 
 and thence it derives iln general name. 
 
 I'he head of this fish is wide, depressed i the moutu nearly 
 as wide as the head. The gape of the mouth m the specimens 
 seen was 9 inches ; and the numerous double rows of teeth, 
 some recurved and conical, and others long and dcute, give 
 the enormous gaping moutli a frightfiil appearance. These 
 fish are never eaten, but they are sometimes opened for the 
 sake of the numerous fishes found in their stomachs, which are 
 monstrously large, as compared with the length of the fish. 
 
 
 FAMILY 5. LABBIDiE. 
 
 ■ 'i y 
 
 Genus 1. Ctenolabrus. 
 
 ,# 
 
 Species 1. Ctenohbms Ceruleiu — The Sea Perch, or Cunaer. 
 
 This fish id common 6nthe Atlantic Coast of North America, 
 front Delaware Bay to the Shores of Newfoundland, aftd is 
 known by a variety of names. In New Vor\, if is called the 
 *Ber^>all," a natne of Dtitoh <iri|^n; and a)«b the ** C%og6«t," 
 dei'iv^d ftmtA th^ Nohegan dialect. Oh aceuunt of Hit f»revail- 
 1% ^l6i>j it id oftdtt called "Blue^sh." At ]^Moii, where 
 this fish i» tak^tt in mythids, it •is called ** BlfK^perch ) ** 
 bdc dinottjr/ ^ftdtei^tl fish^riiicn genemlly^ it ti ktaowb &d the 
 "Cilttliet?* . 
 
 There is scarcely luiy fish wti^se cohort are «o r^jiiable as 
 thii» s[«eeie8. Ih the itnalleir individuitls, t]^<t g^eral o^lor is 
 
 n n 
 
• 125 
 
 blue, more or less mixed with brown ; and faint, dusky, trans- 
 verse bars may frequently be seen. In the larger species, 
 such as are 12t inchea long, the colors are bright and showy, 
 a light orange colored tint pervading the whole body ; the 
 head and gill-covers of a beautiful chocolate color, mixed with 
 light-blue ; the iins of a blue, more or less brilliant. 
 
 The jaws of the *' Ounner " are covered with thick fleshy 
 lips-, whence this family derives its name of labruSy lipped — 
 that is, thick-lipped fishes.^ 
 
 The only speeimens of these fish seen by the writer in the 
 Bay of Fundy, were taken with hook a?id line, in 1844, from 
 the rocks on the sea-shore near Black River, east of the har> 
 hour (^Sfl^t John. These were of a reddish brown color ; 
 the body dcMigated, compressed, the depth equal to one-fourth 
 of the length. 
 
 These fish frequent deep pools among rocks, hide them- 
 selves injftici^ antd are said to feed chiefly on crusthsea. Where 
 their haunts are known, and are accessible, there is much fishing 
 for them, ou the Coasts of Maine and Massachusetts, with rod 
 and line, fbr they take bait very readily, the first taken being 
 generally the largest. They are skinned before being dressed ; 
 the flesh is gweet and palatable. 4-.m!^> 
 
 Mr. fL. . Robinsoii Storer says, they are so plentiful in the 
 Gut of Canso, th^i by sinking a basket with a salt-fish tied 
 the *ein, he continually caught them by the score, . fbr a supply 
 of .resh fish while at sea. 
 
 f.0' ,1' 
 
 fiiivt i Soifl-lhineffllsJies ; the fls-rays almost nnlTersally flexible. 
 
 FAMILY 1. CYPRINIDJE. 
 
 -*^Wf'^l«! 
 
 Gi^NUs 1. Catostomus. 
 
 >» 
 
 , *> 
 
 Species 1. Catostomus comnmms — The common Sucker. 
 
 This fish abounds in all the rivers and streams of New 
 Brunswick. It is from 10 to 14 inches in length ; the flesh is 
 meagre aiid tasteless, therefore never used as food. 
 
 It is beHeved that more than one species of the Sucker exists 
 in, New Brunswick and Nova Scotisi, but the fish being of no 
 Talue, it has received vary little attention. * 
 
 I 
 
 1- 
 
 il 
 
126 » 
 
 'H%i 
 
 Genus 2. Leuciscus.^* ;^^^{ mmtm i^mid 
 
 Species 1. LeucUcus €hry»oleuca» — The yellow Shiner. 
 
 The general colour of tiiis very pretty fish, is a beautiful 
 golden ; the top of the head and back, black ; the gill-covers, 
 a brigiiter yellow than the side's. Its usual length is from 5 to 
 7 inches, and it is found in great abundance in those parts of 
 ponds and quiet streams which are frequented by the yellow 
 and white Perch. The writer has taken them in great num- 
 bers in the latter part of summer, in the waters near Hampton 
 Ferry ; they are an exceedingly delicate, fihely flavoured fish, 
 when eaten Aresh, and may be considered one of the most 
 savory of the smaller fresh v/ater fishes of New Brunswick. 
 It has ;'eceived the popular name of Carp, to which family it 
 properly belongs. 
 
 Species 2. Leudsciu CormUus — The Red-fin. 
 
 This beautiful little fish is found in many of the swift and 
 limpid streams of New Brunswick, associated with brook trout. 
 It is generally about 5 or 6 inches in length, very lively and 
 active in its movements. All the fins are broadly margined 
 with deep scarlet, whence it gets its name of the " Red-fin," 
 al^Vough it is also generally known as the. Roach. The top of 
 the head is covered with minute pointed tubercles, which are 
 also seen onlthe sides of the snout, and form a regular series 
 along the sides of the lower jaw. 
 
 Species 3. Leuciscus PvlcheUv* — The Roach Dace, or Beau- 
 tiful Leuciscus. 
 
 This fish is somewhat larger than the species last mentioned, 
 but its colour is more silvery, and it has not the brilliant scar- 
 let fins of the Roach, all its fins being light coloured ; nor has 
 it the roughness on the top of the head. It is not generally 
 found in swift water, liut appears to delight in eddies and 
 pools, where it may be caught in great numbers, when on the 
 feed. 
 
 Hi-'jtf 
 
 1 • - -I 
 
 shmu 
 
 Species 4. Leuciscm Argenteui — The shining Dace. 
 
 ' This pretty little fi^h varies from 2 ta 6 inches in length. 
 The whole surfaces of the body is silvery ; rather darker oh the 
 back. From its brilfiancy, it is tisuaily called the "Shiner.'* 
 
 
1 
 
 127 
 
 I The three species last mentioned, all take the artificial fly 
 readily, and are often caught by fly-fishers while angling for 
 Trout ; the Red-fin is the be&t for the table. 
 
 Species 5. Leticiscus Cephalus — The Chub. 
 
 The Chub is well known in evt /y river and stream of New 
 Brunswick and Nova Scotia frequented by other fresh water 
 fishes ; it is taken of all sizes, from 4 to 16 inches. In the 
 River Saint John, in the Miramichi at Boies Town, and in the 
 Hammond River, the writer has taken Chub by fly-fishing, 
 weighing three pounds and upwards. The Chub also takes 
 bait readily, but is a very timid fish ; and if once disturbed or 
 frighte/i^d, will not bite again for some time. I^. is considered 
 a coarse fish, but those of large size, eaten fresh, are very pal- 
 atable. Mr. Yarrell says, that iH-oiling Chub with the scales 
 on, is the best mode of preparing it for table. 
 
 Species 6. Lemiscus Atronasus — The brook Minnow. 
 
 This very little fish is found in almost every brook in great 
 numbers. It is usually about an inch and a half in length, and 
 has three bands on its sides, running longitudinally ; the lower 
 a broad black band, then a golden yellow band, soqpiewhat nar- 
 rower, and above that, a narrow d$ir^ band } when the fish is 
 swimming, these three bands give it a pleasing appearance. 
 It is only caught as bait for larger fish, especially for large 
 Trout, which prey upon it greedily. 
 
 %. 
 
 Genus 3. Fundulus. 
 Species 1. Fundulus fasciatus — The striped Killifish. ^^ 
 
 In all the salt water Creeks and Bays of New Brunswick 
 an<] ^\ (>va Scotia, this fish abounds. In length, it is from 1 to 
 3 »Af^':', the sides of a brassy 'yellow tinged with green. It 
 l-r. '>< 8 much variety in its markings, having from twelve to 
 ei^htc ? 1 blackish bars, oflen obscure, and two to five longitu- 
 jdinal stripes. 
 
 -' Its popular name is derived from its rbundance in creeks 
 and estuaries, which the Dutch settlers at New York termed 
 " Kills." It is also known by its Indian name of " Mumma- 
 chog," corrupted by the Englieih settlers on the Gulf Shore of 
 New Brunswick where it abounds, to " Mammychub-."^ 
 ■'"' It is only taken as bait for other fishes. Some of these fish 
 waich were caught in the harbour of Shediac in a landing net. 
 
128 ' 
 
 were observed to be remarkably tenacious of life, and to live a 
 long time out of the water after being hung up in the net. 
 
 FAMILY 2. SILURID^. 
 
 GeMUS 1. PiMELODUS. 
 
 Species 1. Pimehdus Caiu» — ^The common Cat-fish. 
 
 This unsightly fish is foimd in all those ponds and streams 
 where the yellow and white Perch are taken, and is some- 
 times called the " Horned Pout ;" its length is from 6 to 10 
 inches. The Cat-fish is not eaten in New Brunswick, but in 
 Maine and Massachusetts, it is highly esteemed as an article 
 of food, and by many preferred to every other eqpecies of fresh 
 water fishes, ercept Trout ; it is usually fried, the skin being 
 first removed. . > 
 
 FA»f»x 
 
 SALMONID^. 
 
 i i 
 
 GcRUh 1. Salmo. 
 Species 1. ScUmo Fcntinalu — ^The brook Tfout. 
 
 Mi\n 
 
 Nearly every lake and stream in New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia, is furnished with xi greater or lesa number of this spe- 
 cies of the Salmon family. It is ttLken of all sizes, from 6 to 
 20 inches, tind is so weH known, as scarcely to need. a descrip- 
 tion. Its principal characteristics are — ^the vermilion dots and 
 larger yellow spots in the eicinity of the lateral line, and the 
 tri-colored fins, these being blackish on their edges, broadly 
 bordered with white, and the rest scarlet. 
 
 The brook Trout is a migratory fish ; when in its power, it 
 invariabfy descends to the i sea, and returns to perpetuate its 
 species, 'l^ depositing its spawn in the clearest, coolest, and 
 most limpid waters it can find. Theiopinion of'Mr. Herbert, 
 ("Frank 'Forrester ") thalrthere is but one distiwet > species of 
 the brook Trout in North Amevica, cannot ! be '■• disputed. Du- 
 ring the last thirty years, the writer has caught im^thousonde 
 of these Trout, in numerous rivers, lakes, streams- and estua- 
 ries, in the lower Provinciesaad in Maine, ;and. can safety say, 
 'after, dose and vdtentive <exaniination,^iet:he faais never seen 
 but one species ef the brook Trout, iw^hatevedrjiwliiin^stsimay 
 say to the 'Contrary. i; •vi-i!!.'.- -fij "-iji-a ■;• ,7 
 
 Various causes havebeenBssTgnedfbr the great variety in 
 the color of the brook Trout. One great cause is the differ- 
 
129 
 
 ence of food ; such as live upon fresh water shrimps and other 
 Crustacea, are the brightest ; those which feed upon May-flies 
 and other common aquatic insects, are the next ; and those 
 which feed upon worms are the dullest and darkest of all. 
 
 The color and brilliancy of the water has also a very material 
 effect upon the colour and appearance of Salmo fontinalis. 
 Professor Agassiz has made some very curious experiments with 
 respect to the colors of fifthes, especially the Salmonidee ; and he 
 has ascertained beyond a doubt, not only that Trout of different 
 neighbouring waters are affected by the color and quality of 
 the water, but that Trout of the same river vary in color, ac- 
 cordingly as they haunt the shady or sunny side of the stream. 
 
 The fish of streams rushing rapidly over pebbly beds, are 
 superior both in appearance and quality to those of ponds, or 
 semi-stagnant brooks. But this may arise not so much from 
 any particular components of the waters themselves, as from 
 the fact, that rapidly running and falling water, is more highly 
 aerated, the atmosphere being more freely intermingled with 
 it, and therefore more conducive to the health and condition 
 of all that inhabit it. 
 
 The Brook Trout of America, says Mr. ilerbert, is one of 
 the most beautiful creatures, in form, color, and motion, that 
 can be imagined. There is no Sportsman actuated by the true 
 animus of the pursuit, who would ,not prefer basketing a few 
 brace of good Trout, to taking a cartload of the coarser and 
 less game denizens of the water. His wariness, his timidity, 
 his ez'^reme cunning, the impossibility of taking him in clear 
 and n uch fished waters, except with the slenderest and most 
 delicave tackle — his boldness and vigour after being hooked, 
 and hi» excellence on the table, place him, without dispute, 
 next to the Salmon alone, as the first of fresh water fishes, 
 'i'he pursuit of him leads into the loveliest scenery of the land ; 
 and the season at which ^e is fished for, is the most delightful 
 portion of the year. ' 
 
 ^ TIm Brook Trout rarely exceeds three pounds in weight ; and 
 no well-authenticated case is on record, of one of the species hav- 
 ing reached the weight of six pounds, in these I^ower Provinces. 
 
 »' Species 2. Salmo Ferox — The Great Grey Trout. 
 
 This fish is found in all the large Lakes of New Brunswick, 
 and in very many of those in Maine ; it is called by the Lum- 
 berers the '^ Togue ;'^ the Indians designate it by a name 
 equivalent to "Fresh Waiter Cod.Vsfri* ..4^ .r^^-uunj^ mn q- 
 
 17 
 
130 
 
 In Lake Temigcouata, this fish has been taken of the weight 
 of 21 lbs. ; it is there called the '< Tuladi." It is often taken of 
 the weight of 12lbs. and upwards, in the Cheputnecticook 
 Lakes, at the head of the eastern branch of the St. Croix. One 
 sporting friend informs the writer, that he caught two of these 
 fish on the St. Croix Grand Lake, one of which weighed 81bs., 
 and the other 131bs. ; but that he saw one, taken by a night line, 
 which weighed 251b8. Another sporting friend, a resident of 
 New York, informs the writer that he has visited the Lakes on 
 the western branch of the St. Croix, where he caught several of 
 the " Togue," weighing from 41bs. upwards. Tho largest he 
 caught measured 29 inches in length, but weighed Slbs. only, 
 not being in good condition. 
 
 It has been found of late years, that this species of fish exists 
 in considerable numbers in Loch Lomond, 12 niiles from the 
 City of Saint John ; and they have in consequence, been sought 
 after by sportsmen, who take them from a boat, by trolling 
 over the deepest portions of the Loch. 
 
 A specimen of this fish, taken in Loch Lomond in 1848, was 
 sent to the writer by Charles Johnston, Esquire, High Sheriff 
 of Saint John, which was 24 inches in length, and weighed 7|lbs. 
 On a careful examination and dissection of this fish, it was 
 found to correspond exactly with the fish described by Mr. 
 Yarrell as Sahno f^oxy the great Grey Trout of Loch 
 Awe. 
 
 In Scotland, this fish is taken from a boat rowed g«ntly 
 through the water ; the bait, a small fish guarded by several 
 good sized hooks. They are extremely voraciooSf and having 
 seized Che bait, will allow themselves to be dragged by the 
 teeth for forty or fiifty yards, and when accidentally freed, will 
 again immediately seize it. The young fish up to 3 lbs. weight 
 rise freely at the usual Trout-flies ; the writer has often taken 
 them up to that weight by fly-fishiug, but never larger. v^ 
 
 When in perfect season and full grown, it is a heuidiiome 
 fish, though the head is too large and long to be in accordance 
 with perfect ideas of symmetry in «, Trout. The coUnrs are 
 deep purplish brown oti the uj^r parts, changing iitto red- 
 dish gray, and thence into fine orange yellow on the breast 
 and l:^Uy. The body is covered with markings «f dilferent 
 sizes, varying in number in different individuals. Each spot 
 is surrounded by a pale ring which sometimes assumes a red- 
 dish hue ; the spots foeeoine m<M>e distant firom each other as 
 they descend below the lateral line, and the lower parts of the 
 fish are spotless. The fins are of a rick yellowish green color, 
 
131 
 
 darker towards their extremities. The tail is remarkable for 
 its breadth and consequent power. 
 
 The flavour of this fish is coarse and indifferent ; the flesh 
 is of an orange yellow, not the rich salmon color of the com- 
 mon Trout in food condition. The stomach is very capacious, 
 and generally found gorged with fish ; it is very voracious, and 
 well deserves the name of Salmo ferox. 
 
 Species 3. Salmo Trutta — The Salmon Trout, or White 
 
 Sea Trout. .^H 
 
 This beautiful Trout abounds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; 
 it is found on the northern shores of New Brunswick, and in 
 the estuaries of those rivers of New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia which flow into the Gulf, early in June — ^it is caught 
 in nets at the Magdalen Islands in summer, and salted for 
 export. Many sportsmen resort annually to River Philip in 
 Nova Scotia, during the month of June, to flsh for thes^ Sea 
 Trout, which enter the estuary of the River at that season. 
 No specimen of this fish has yet been seen in the Bay of 
 Fundy, which it is supposed not to frequent. 
 
 The flesh of the Salmon Trout is of a brilliant pink color, and 
 most excellent ; its exceeding fatness early in the season, when 
 it first enters the minced water of the estuaries, is such, that they 
 that it can be preserved firesh but a very short time. 
 
 The body of the fish is rather deep for its length ; the lateral 
 line is very nearly straight, passing along the middle of the 
 body, the scales adhering closely. The upper part of the head 
 and body* a rich sea-green color ; the lower part of the sides 
 and belly, a brilliant silvery white. The fins white, except 
 the dorsal which is nearly the color of the back. 
 
 Sir William Jardine in speaking of this fish, accurately 
 describes its habits, as observed in New Brunswick. He says, 
 " In approaching the entrance of rivers, or in seeking out as it 
 were some one they preferred, shoals of these fish may be seen 
 coasting the bays and harbours, leering and sporting in great 
 numbers, from about one pound to three or four pounds in 
 weight ; and in some of the smtdler bays, the shoal could be 
 traced several times circling it, and apparently feeding." 
 
 Mr. H. Robinson Storer on itis visit to Labi^or in 1849, 
 met with a single specimen of the Salmon Trout of the Gulf, 
 at Red Bay iik Labrar<or, and not being acq;n^dnted with the 
 fish, designilted it Sdlmq immacuUitus, The scientific descrip- 
 tion^ he gives is accui'ately that of the Sahno trutta fnarinat 
 
132 
 
 and is as follows : — " Color, Silvery on sides and abdomen ; 
 darker on back ; no spots." Deicription. *' Length of head 
 about one-sixth length of body ; depth of head, two-thirds its 
 length ; greatest depth of body, directly in front of dorsal fin, 
 equal to length of head. Upper jaw the longer. Jaws with 
 numerous 'harp incurved teeth. Eyes laterally elongated ; 
 their diameter one-third the distance between them. Opercles 
 rounded posteriorly ; lower portion of opercplum naked, 
 marked with concentric strife ; preopercle larger than in the 
 fontinalU. Scales larger than those of the /on /tiia/t«. Late- 
 ral line commences back of superior angle of opercle, and, 
 assuming the curve of the body, is lost at the commencement 
 of the caudal rays. The first dorsal fin commences just an- 
 terior to median line ; is nearly quadrangular. Adipose fin 
 situated at a distance back of the first dorsal, little less than 
 one-half the length of the fish. Pectorals just beneath pos- 
 terior angle of operculum ; their length three-fifths that of the 
 head. Ventrals just beneath posterior portion of first dorsal; 
 the plates at their base very large. The anal is situated at 
 a distance baek of the ventrals just equal to length of head, 
 and terminates directly beneath the adipose fin ; of the form 
 of first dorsal; Caudal deeply forked ; its length equal to 
 greater depth of body. Dorsal 9. Pectorals 13. Ventrals 9. 
 Anal 11. Caudal 30. Length 131 inches." i 
 
 To the epicure, a fresh caught Salmon Trout of the Gulf of 
 Saint Lawrence, especially early in the season, will always 
 afibiid a rich treat. The sportsman will find it a thoroughly 
 game fish, rising well at a brilliant fly of scarlet ibis and gold, 
 and affording sport second only to Salmon fishing. The wri- 
 ter has caught this fish with the scarlet ibis fly in the break of 
 the surf at the entrance to St. Peter's Bay, on the north side 
 of Prince Edward Island, of the weight of 5 lbs. ; the largest 
 in the Gulf rarely exceed the weight of 7 lbs., and those are 
 
 taken at the Magdalen Islands. V 
 
 ■ • . .. , . -f 
 
 Species 4. Salmo Salar-^The Salmon. ^< 
 
 • ■ . , ■ *. 
 
 The noble Salmon which honest Izaak Walton justly calls 
 "the king of fresh water fish," is so well known in the North 
 American Colonies as to need no description. 
 
 As in Europe, so in Ameriea^ it is agreed that there is but 
 one species — Sahno Solar — The Salmon, And so also is it 
 agreed, that the Salmon of Europe and that of America, are 
 precisely similar ; the same fish identically. . ^ v d> »^ ;;s^ 
 
♦ 
 
 133 
 
 The Salmon enters the rivers of Nova Scotia during the lat- 
 ter part of April. Those rivers of New Brunswick which fall 
 into the Bay of Fundy, the Salmon enters at the latter part of 
 May i '•rvhile the Salmon does not enter the rivers which fall into 
 the Gulf of St. Lawrence until the month of June. The female 
 Salmon first enters the rivers ; the male fish follows, about a 
 month later than the female ; and lastly, comes the Grilse, or 
 young Salmon, which continues to ascend the rivers during 
 July and August. 
 
 Salmon swim with great rapidity, shoot up the most oblique 
 and glancing rapids with the velocity of an -arrow, and fre- 
 quently leap falls 10 and 12 feet in height. It is believed, 
 that the utmost limit of perpendicular height which a Salmon 
 can attain in leaping, is 14 feet ; but their perseverance is 
 remarkable, for although they may fail time ader time, yet 
 after remaining quiescent for a few moments to recruit their 
 strength, they renew their efforts, and generally succeed ; but 
 it is said they sometimes kill themselves by the violence of 
 those efforts. 
 
 In New Brunswick, Salmon deposit their spawn in Septem- 
 ber and October, perhaps even later ; and they return to the 
 sea before the rivers become ice-bound in December. Before 
 entering the rivers, they live a while in the brackish water of 
 the tide-ways, as they do also when they descend to the sea, to 
 render the change from one to the other less abrupt, and to 
 rid themselves of certain parasitical animals which attach to 
 them, when they remain long either in fresh water, or in salt, 
 as the case may be. 
 
 The spawn is not deposited until the water is greatly below 
 its summer temperature. Professor Agassiz stated personally 
 to the writer, that 42° of Fahrenheit's thermometer, or 10*^ 
 above the freezing point, was the temperature at which Salmon 
 usually cast their ova. It is absolutely necessary, that the 
 water should be aerated, or highly supplied with oxygen ; 
 hence the Salmon resort to shallow, pure water, and swiftly 
 running streams, the rapidity and frequent falls in which, im- 
 part purity and vitality, by mingling their waters with the 
 atmosphere. 
 
 A series of interesting and carefully conducted experiments 
 in Great Britain, have within a few years, led to a much more 
 accurate knowledge of the habits of the Salmon, than was 
 before possessed, and corrected many erroneous impres- 
 sions. It has been found, that the eggs of the Salmon are 
 hatched in 114 days, when the temperature of the water is at 
 
134 
 
 36 "^ — in 101 days when it is at 43 ® —and in 00 dajs when it 
 is at 45 ® . At the end of two months, the yonng fish attains 
 the length of an inch and a quarter ; at the agerof six months, 
 he lifts grown to the length of three inches and a quarter. 
 
 In this state the young Salmon Fry are called Parrs, and 
 are readily known by their silirery scales, and by their having 
 
 {>erpendicular bars, of a dusky gray color crossing the lateral 
 ine. In this state, the Fry remain a whole year in the fresh 
 water, not going down to the sea until the second spring after 
 being hatched. As they readily take both fly and bait, great 
 numbers are often destroyed in mere wantonness ; and it is 
 desirable all Colonists should know, that the destniotion of 
 these fry, (which from their dark cross-bars and small red 
 spots like the young of Troat are supposed not to be the young 
 of Salmon) will inevitably destroy the run of Salmon in any 
 river, and tend with other causes to the extirpation of this mag- 
 nificent fish. When Parrs are taken in angling, they should, 
 if uninjured, be immediately returned to the stream, and every 
 true sportcinan wili carefully do so. 
 
 The growth of the Parr is very slow, but when it has at- 
 tained the length of 7 inches, a complete change takes place 
 in its color. The dark cross-bars disappear, as also the small 
 red spots, and the fish assumes a briUiant silvery appearance. 
 It then bear.^ the outward semblance of what it really is, a 
 young Salmon, and is termed a Salmon-Smolt. i 
 
 As soon as the change has taken place, the Smolt evinces 
 the most anxious desire to visit the sea ; and it is alleged, 
 that if it is prevented doing so, by any insuperable obsta- 
 cle, it will throw itself on the bank and perish. Up to this 
 time the growth of the young Salmon has been very slow, 
 but on reaching the sea, it is exceedingly rapid -, a Stnolt 
 of six or seven ounces in weight, after two or three months 
 absence in the sea, will return as Grilse of four or five pounds 
 weight ; this has been proved beyond all dispute. Sroolts have 
 been taken by hundreds, marked with numbel'ed tickets of 
 zinc littaehed to their dorsal fins, then set at liberty, and re- 
 captured in the autumn of the same year, as Grilse, Tarying 
 from two to eight pounds in weight. These have been released 
 with the labels unremoved, and have been seen in the Spl>ing 
 of the third year returning to the sea with weight ao€ increased ; 
 in the succeeding autttmn they have been ohce m^ji^e taken as 
 full gf own fish, from 16 to 125 pounds height. 
 
 The miseroscopical researehes of Dr. Knbx have shownj 
 that the food of the Salmon, previous to its quitting the salt 
 
1 
 
 135 
 
 water, contiaU of the eggs of cchinodermata and ctuitacea^ 
 this rich aliment givinff the color and flavour for which its 
 flesh is io highly prizeut This is sustained by the observa- 
 tions of Professor Agassiz, who states, that the most beau- 
 tiful Salmon Trout are found in waters which aboi^nd in 
 cruitaeete, direct experiments having shown to his satisfaction, 
 that the intensity of the red color of their flesh depends upon 
 the quantity ofgammarinte which they had devoured. 
 
 r 
 
 Genus 2. Osmerus. 
 
 Species 1. Osmerus Viridescen» — The American Smelt. 
 
 "^ This beautiful and savory fish abounds in New Brunswick 
 and Nova Scotia ; it is sometimes taken a foot in length, but 
 its average size is about 5 or 6 inches. 
 
 Very soon after the rivers are fteed in spring from their icy 
 fetters, the Smelts rush in to the smaller streams in countless 
 thousands, and are then taken with the most wastefbl profu- 
 sion. The popular name of Smelt is given to this fish from its 
 peculiar smell, which resembles that of cucumbers ; this is 
 strongest when the fish is first taken, but ft may be perceived 
 by raising the gill-covers after the fish has been some time out 
 of the water. "^ 
 
 On the Gulf Coast of New Brunswick, large quantities of 
 the Smelt are used" every season as manure. 
 
 ^' Genus 3. Mallotus. . . ' 
 
 Species 1. 'Mallotus Villosus — ^The Capelin. 
 
 This, the smallest species of the Salmon family, inhabits the 
 northern seas only, never ranging further south than the 
 shores of New Brunswick. Ii is very nearly allied to the 
 genus OsmerWt from which however it diflers in the small- 
 ness of its teeth, and in certain other particulars. Some natur- 
 alists have called this fish Salmo groenlandicusj while others 
 ha^^ classed it amoag the Herring family. Cuvier has decided 
 that it bekings to the SalnuHiid», to which it seems now settled 
 it pffoperly appertains. 
 
 The Capelin is from 4 to 7 inches in length, the under jaw 
 kmger tfamn tfas upper ; the back ai^ top of the head a dull 
 leek green, with brij^ green and yeUpw reflections when 
 mov^ in die light ; sides and beHy covered with delicate and 
 very In'ight sih«ry scales, which are dotted on the margins 
 
136 
 
 with black upocks | the back covered with tmall imooth grains 
 like kaagreen. 
 
 The manner in which the Capelin depotiti iti ipawn it one 
 of the most curious circumstances attenaing its natural history. 
 The male fishes are somewhat larger than the female, and are 
 provided with a sort of ridge projecting on each side of their 
 back bones, similar to the eaves of a house, in which the female 
 Capelin is deficieht. The latter, on approaching the beach to 
 deposit its spawn, is attended by two male fisher, who huddle 
 the female between them, until the whole Inxly is concealed 
 imder the projecting ridges, and her head only is visible. In 
 this position, all three run together with great swiftness upon 
 the sands, when thd males, by some inherent imperceptible 
 power, compress the body of the female between their own, so 
 as to expel the spawn from an orifice near the tail. Having 
 thus accomplished its delivery, the three Capelins separate, 
 and paddling with their whole force through the shallow water 
 of the beach, generally succeed in regaining once more the 
 bo'som of the deep ; although many fail to do so, and are cast 
 upon the shore, especially if the surf be at all heavy. 
 
 Like the common Smelt, the Capelin possesses the cucumber 
 smell ; but it differs from the Smelt in never entering fresh 
 water streams. ^ 
 
 As an article of bait for Cod, and other fish of that class, the 
 Capelin is a fish of much importance ; wherever abundant, the 
 Cod fishing is excellent. It has been found as far north in the 
 Arctic regions as man has yet penetrated ; and it forms so im- 
 portant an article of food in Greenland, that it has been termed 
 the daily bread of the natives. In Newfoundland, it is dried 
 in large quantities, and exported to London, where it is sold 
 
 principally in the oyster shops. 
 
 -. m. 
 
 Genus 4. Coreoonus. ^ 
 
 Species 1. Coregonus Albus — The White Pish. ^ 
 
 This fish, the celebrated attikawmeg of the Great N<Mrthem 
 Lakes, so frequently described by Arctic voyagers as the most 
 delicious of all purely .fresh water fishes, is found in conbidera- 
 ble numbers in Li^e Temiseouata, where many are taken 
 every autumn by the French Canadians, who eMne over from 
 the Saint Lawrence to fish for them, and caU them Paisson 
 Pointu; the English Lumbermen call them "gizzard-fish." 
 They are taken occasionally along the Madawaska River ; 
 
137 
 
 !TT 
 
 and the writer has caught thoin with rod and line below the 
 Falls of that river, at its confluence with the Saint John, in the 
 early part of summer. * At these Falls the inhabitants take 
 about forty barrels every autumn, which are cured in pickle 
 for winter use. 
 
 Some years since, this fish was abundant in the Grand Lake, 
 where the writer in the month of May, saw great numbers 
 taken out of gill nets set for Gasporeau, and thrown away 
 by the fishermen as worthless. At the same time the writer 
 caught a number of them, with rod and line, in one of those 
 small pieces of water connected with the Grand Lake, usually 
 called ** key-holes." It is occasionally taken in the St. John, 
 between the Jemseg and Fredericton ; but has never been 
 noticed below the Jemseg, and is supposed not to visit the sea, 
 although it has Aill opportunity. 
 
 The fish of this species seen by the writer have not exceeded 
 a pound and a half in weight ; but they are taken in Lake 
 Temiscouata of the weight of three pounds, and even more. 
 It is an inhabitant of all the interior Lakes of America, from 
 Lake Erie to the Arctic Sea ; several Indian tribes mainly 
 subsist upon it, and it forms the principal food at many of the 
 fur posts, for eight or nine months of the year, the supply of 
 other articles of diet being scanty and casual. I -> usual weight 
 in the northern regions is from two to three pounds, but it has 
 been taken in the clear, deep, and cold waters of Lake Huron, 
 o( the weight of thirteen pounds. The largest seen in the vi- 
 cinity of Hudson's Bay, weighed between four and five pounds, 
 measured 20 inches in length, and 4 in depth. One of seven 
 pounds weight caught in Lake Huron was 27 inches long. 
 
 As the White Fish has been more scarce of late years in the 
 Grand Lake, and lower part of the Saint John, it is quite pos- 
 sible that those formerly found, were swept over the Grand 
 Falls by some extraordinary flood, and once over the Falls, 
 there was no possibility of return. 
 
 Very recently, the writer had an opportunity of seeing some 
 fresh specimens of the White Fish of Lake Erie, and was per- 
 fectly satisfied ortheir identity with the " gizzard-fish " of the 
 Saint John and Lake Temiscouata. 
 
 During the summer the White Fish is not seen in Lake 
 Temiscouata, and it is then supposed to retire to the depths of 
 that unusually deep and cold lake. In October, it draws near 
 the shores, and ascends the Tuladi River for the purpose of 
 spawning. It ascends the river during the night, and having 
 deposited its spawn, returns as quickly as possible to the lake. 
 
 18 
 
183 
 
 It is 'vhen this fish draws near the shor^, prior to spawning, 
 that the Qshery is carried on, chiefly at a little bay in Lake 
 Temiscouata, into which the Tuladi di^oharges its waters. 
 At the same time, the Great Grey Troat {Salmoferox) follows 
 the White Fish to the shore, and preys upon it. While the 
 nets are set for White Fi(?h,.the fishers, with torch and spear, 
 attack and capture the Salmo ferox, frequently of large size ; 
 and hence this latter fish has acquired the name of " Tuladi," 
 from the river to which it is attracted by its favorite prey. 
 
 The White Fish feeds largely on fresh water shell-fish and 
 shelly mollusca ; its stomach thereby gains an extraordinary 
 thickness, and resembles the gizzard of a fowl, hencj its popu- 
 lar name of " gizzard fish." The stomach, when cleaned and 
 boiled, is a favorite morssl with the Canadian voyageurs. 
 
 FAMILY 4. CLUPEID^. 
 
 Genus J. Clupea. 
 
 iHiMiJt^; 
 
 ■vr 
 
 Species 1. Clupea Elungata — 'iM. j common American Herring. 
 
 As the Herring of North Aniorici has been found to differ 
 greatly from tho Herring of Europa, {Vlupea harengus,) the 
 naturalists of thi United State<3 Lave distinguished it by the 
 name of Clupea elcrgata. Fishermen designate it by the name 
 of " blue back," aiiif sometimes they call it the *' English Her- 
 ring ;" very often, they add the name of the locality where it 
 is.taken, to distinguish particular varieties. 
 
 The statements made by the older naturalists, as to vast 
 armies of Herrings coming down annually from, the Arctic 
 Ocean, and making the circuit of the seas, is noMr supposed to 
 be wholly imaginary. It is generally believed, at present, that 
 the Herring fattens in the depths of the Ocean, and approaches 
 the shore in shoals, merely for the purpose of depositing its 
 spawn. In this opinion, Mr. Yarrell fully coincides, a:id there 
 can scarcely be a better authority. It is quite certain, that 
 the common Herring is caught on the shor.es of New Bruns- 
 wick during every month of the year, which quite precludes 
 the idea of its being a migratory fish. 
 
 It is found everywhere on the coast of Nova Scotia ; and 
 from the inforu^ditibti obtained by the'v^ritet during his ofiScial 
 inspection of the Fisheries, it appears certain, that there are 
 several varieties of the common Herring^ some of which spawn 
 early in the spring, and others in August and September ; also, 
 that the quality varies very considerably in different locp.Uties. 
 
 ji 
 
 m 
 
139 
 
 The habits, haunts and seasons of this fish are only beginning 
 to be understood, and accurate observations on these would be 
 highly useful to all who are interested in the Herring fishery. 
 
 Species 2. Clupea Minima — The Britt. 
 
 Dr. Storer in his Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, 
 says, that this pretty little specimen of Hearing, is found, at 
 certain seasons, in incredible numbers on the Coast of that 
 State, and serves as food for several other species of fish. It 
 varies in length from one to four inches ; the back, nearly black ; 
 the upper parts of the sides, dark green ; sides silvery, with 
 roseate and golden reflections. 
 
 ^l*he fishermen of the Bay of Fundy speak of this fish as 
 having been formerly very abundant, but now sectn only occa- 
 sionally. As the writer has not been fortunate enough to see 
 a specimen, he cannot describe it from his own observation.' - 
 
 -'h f'M!? ,^»y. Genus2. Alosa— The Shad, ^^tl^% J')iqv;l 
 
 . ?/o!l'> ' T5>,'oI 'nil Vi iLt 
 
 Species 1. Alosa Sapidissima — The American Shad. 
 
 The Shad of America, like the common Herring, having 
 been found to differ inaterially from the Shad of Europe, has 
 received a distinct name ; the designation given by Wilson, 
 and adopted by iDr. Storer, alosa sapidissima^ is here followed. 
 
 Unlike most fish which frequent the northern seas, this spe- 
 cies comes from the south to deposit its spawn. Dr. DeKay in 
 his Report on thn Fishes of New York says, he infers this to be 
 the fact, from the order of its appearance along the American 
 Co^st. At Charlieston, Shad appears in January ; at Norfolk, 
 in February; on the coast of New York, at the latter end of 
 March, or beginning of April ; at Boston^ in the latter part of 
 April. In the Bay of Fundy, they seldom appear until the mid- 
 dle of May. The first fish which arrive ascend the river St. John 
 to spawn ; it is believed, that they remain in the fresh water no 
 longer than is necessary to deposit their ova, and then pro- 
 ceed up the Bay of Fundy to their favourite feeding; grounds, 
 there to fatten upon the Shrimp and " Shad-worm," until they 
 attain that degree of excellence which renders tLem so much 
 sought after. The other Shad which are found in the autumn 
 upon the same feeding grftunds, and in which no roe has yet 
 been seen, are probably fish that have. not attained a sufficient 
 age for spawning, as those which ascend the river for that pur- 
 pose, are Of large size attd apparently old fish. _,_ :■..:.,.:} 
 
 f:. 
 
140 
 
 ' Very few Shad are seen on the Atlantic Coast of Nova Sco- 
 tia ; in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, it is comparatively rare ; 
 the few that are taken there, are very inferior, and also much 
 smaller, than those of the Bay of Fundy. 
 
 Species 2. Alosa Tyrannus — The Gaspereau or American 
 
 Alewive. 
 
 The Alewive appears in great quantities in the Chesapeake, 
 in March ; at New York, it appears with the Shad. The 
 earliest fish appear in the harbour of Saint John, in April, but 
 the main body does not enter the river before the 10th of May, 
 It would therefore appear, that the Alewive also comes from 
 the south, like the common Shad, to deposit Its spawn in 
 northern rivers. f-^j^xl ^iniii«J 
 
 The usual length of this species of Shad, which is best known 
 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the name of Gaspereau, 
 is from S lo 10 inches ; the back a blue green approaching to 
 purple ; sides silvery. The head dark green above, and the 
 tip of the lower jaw of the same color ; opercles yellow. 
 
 In the Bay of Fundy, thi& fish is abundant ; in the Gulf of 
 St. Lawrence, it> is more rare, and of much smaller size ; in 
 the Bay of Chaleur, it has not yet been noticed, and the Bay 
 of Miramichi would seem to.be its extreme northern limit. 
 
 The catch of Gaspereau in the harbour of St. John, varies 
 from 12,000 to 16,000 barrels each season, and sometimes 
 jaches 20,000 barrels. 
 
 Species 3. Alosa Menhaden — ^The Mossbonker. 
 
 This fish is known by a variety of popular names, among 
 which are "Bony-fish" — "Hardhead" — "Pauhagen" — and 
 " Menhaden." It is seldom eaten, being dry, without flavour, 
 and full of bones. On the coast of the United States, it is 
 used aa bait for Cod, and also extensively as manure, for reno- 
 vating old grass fields, but not without injury to the health of 
 those who reside in the vicinity. The Mossbonker is some- 
 times caught in the weirs, within the harbour of St. John, 
 in considerable numbers ; it has occasionally been sold to 
 the ignorant as fall Shad, to which it bears some resemblance. 
 
 Species 4. Alosa Mattotoaca — Xhe Autumnal Herring. 
 
 Dr. DeKay says the Autumnal, or Fall Herring, or " Shad 
 Herring," is a common fish at New York ; he has adopted the 
 designation of that excellent naturalist Dr. Mitchill, who 
 
]4i^ 
 
 having first observed this fish at Long Island, near New York, 
 conferred upon it the aboriginal name of the Island — Matto- 
 waka. 
 
 A careful examination has neen made of the " Quoddy Her- 
 ring," taken near Campo Bello, and it has been found to 
 correspond so exactly with the description given by Dr. 
 DeKay, that the writer, until better informed, ventures to 
 class it as a member of the Shad family. In flavour ard 
 excellence, it ranks only second to the best Shad of the Petit- 
 codiac. 
 
 All the members of the Shad family arc serrated, or toothed 
 like a saw, on the belly, which is carinate, or shaped like a 
 keel. 
 
 ^ . i . , I . .. . 
 
 Order 8. Fishes with Tentrals under the pectorals, and the pelvis sus- 
 pended to the shoulder bodes. 
 
 FAMILY 1. QADIDM. 
 
 (L^.JJ. 
 
 •'7 "'i*} 
 
 This family is one of the most important to man in the whole 
 
 class of fishes. 
 
 Genus 1. Morrhua — The Cod. 
 
 Species 1. Morrhua Vulgaris — The common Cod. 
 
 2. Morrhua Americana — The American Cod. 
 
 The first of these two species, is the common Cod of New- 
 foundland, well known as an article of food, c wide world 
 over. Among fishermen, it is designated the liuisk Cod ; it is 
 taken in deep water off the coast of Nova Scotia, and also in 
 the entrance to the Bay of Fundy, between Brier Islaua and 
 Graud Manan. It is always a thick, woll fed fish, and often 
 T.ttains a great weight, sometimes 70 or 80 pounds, and even 
 more. The color varies much in individuals, but is generally 
 a greenish brown, fading into ash color when the fish is dead, 
 with many reddish yellow spots; the belly, silvery opaque 
 white, (the fins pale greeni the lateral line, dead white. 
 
 This fish is taken from the coast of Maine northwardly, as 
 far as man has penetrated. Captain James C. Ross states 
 that on the West Coast of Greenland, in latitude 66 ® 30' north, 
 a number of very fine Codfish were caught by the crew of the 
 " Victory," on a bank consisting of small stones, coarse sanJ, 
 and broken shells, with 18 to 30 fathoms over it. At the 
 
 ■I 
 
142 
 
 Penineula of Boothia, Captain Ross purchased Cod from the 
 Esquimaux, who caught them through holes in the ice. , 
 
 The Commissioners of British Fisheries, in their Reportto 
 Parliament for the year 1846, state that two vessels in that 
 year, proceeded for the first time, from the Shetland Islands 
 to Davis' Straits, for the prosecution of the Cod fishery, and 
 w ere very successful, the number of fish taken having been 
 29,403 Cod. The fish were caught in the ordinary manner, 
 with hand lines and bait. So plenty were they in some places 
 not far from the shore, that they were caught with raspers^ or 
 by letting down and drawing up a line with several bare hooks 
 fixed thereon, tied back to back. The fish were however, 
 chiefly caught upon a bank, with a depth of water from 15 to 
 40 fathoms, in liititudes 66° and 67® degrees north, and 55° 
 west longitude, from 30 to 40 miles oflf the land. The Cod- 
 fish were in so great abundance, that nearly 2000 fish were 
 caught by the 20 men on board, in the course of 24 hours ; the 
 whole quantity was fished in 28 days, being an average daily 
 catch of 1000 fish. Some of the fish when taken out of the 
 sta, weighed about 80 lbs., and when dressed, about 60 lbs. 
 They were of excellent quality, and their livers were so 
 rich, that they were preserved with the firm conviction they 
 would produce six tons of oil. In 1847, another successful 
 attempt was made by a vessel from Lerwick, to prosecute the 
 Cod fishing at Davis' Straits. The vessel reached the fishing 
 ground on the 23rd of June, and continued to fish until the 
 16th of August, during which time 42,143 Cod were caught. 
 This was considerably above the take of the previous year, and 
 but iur stormy weather, the voypj::, would have b^pn even 
 more successful. ,.{>;) vn«)Mi/, .-jai*. 
 
 The second species named above, the American C\,d, is 
 slightly, though permanently distinct from the common or 
 Bank Cod. The back is of a light olive green, (becoming pale 
 ash in the dead specimens) covered with numerous reddish or 
 yellowish spots, to a short distance below the lateral line, which 
 is an opaque white, throughout its whole extent. 
 
 There are several varieties of the American Cod, the most 
 usual of which are the Arenosus or &;hoal Cod of Dr. Mitchill, 
 with a greenish brown hue, and inconspicuous spots ; and the 
 rupeitris^ or rock Cod of the same author, of a smaller size, with 
 a reddish hue, occasionally a bright red, very numerous on the 
 whole coast of Nova Scotia, and in the vicinity of Grand 
 Manan. Fine specimens of this variety may be seen in the fish- 
 market of Halifax during the season; t&eir quality is ad^airablje. 
 
 ffc^ 
 
/' 
 
 ,«^' 
 
 143 
 
 
 The southern limit of the Vmerican Cod is New York ; 
 thence it ranges northwardly, along the whole Coast of North 
 America. 
 
 The Cod is an exceedingly voracious fish. It attacks in- 
 discriminately every thinff in its way, devouring smaller fish, 
 Crustacea, and marine shell fish. Its stomach is the great re- 
 pository from which naturalists have lately obtained so many 
 rare and undescribcd species of shells, inhabiting deep water, 
 and which are unattainable by any other means. 
 
 A fisherman at Brier Island assured the writer, that he had 
 often seen the Cod in shoal water, with their heads straight 
 down and tails up, working mussels and clams ofi'the bottom. 
 
 r #iV -*i C**.> 
 
 tUif.r ,n Species 3. Morrkuu Pruinosa — The Tomcod. '^(1.+ 
 
 ! .i. 
 
 The average length of the Tomcod is about 6 inches. This 
 fish also ranges the whole American Coast from New York 
 northwardly ; it is taken on the shores of Nova Scotia and New 
 Brunswick throughout the year. It frequently ascends rivers 
 even into fresh water. 
 
 In the early part of winter after tho first severe frost, it be- 
 comes very abundant in the mixed waters of estuaries, and 
 hence the name of " frost fish" which if *^equently applied to it. 
 The colors of the Tomcod vary greatly, scarcely any two indivi- 
 duals being exactly alike ; five varieties have been noticed, 
 and it is thought the number maj- be still further increased. It 
 is a savory fish, and may be taken in large quantities with the 
 greatest ease. 
 
 ■ . rr. 
 
 Species 4. Morrhua ^glefinus — The Haddock. 
 
 H 
 
 This fish is found every wherd on the American Coast north 
 of New York. Its distinctive coloring is blackish brown 
 above, and silvery grey below the lateral line, which is jet 
 black. The back and sides are varied by purplish and gold 
 gleams, which disappear very soon after the fish is dead. The 
 body of the fish is stout forward, and tapering backward, the 
 head large and arched ; the eyes large ; the lower jaw the 
 shoitestp :}j 
 
 Tl^is is an exceedingly fine fish when eaten fresh, or when 
 slightly salted and smoked, in the same manner as the Find- 
 horn Haddocks of Scotland. It is too thin a fish for salting 
 and drying like Cod, and has only half the commercial value. 
 
 ' <viH a ■■■' ■ ' Ui JiiTOntj yii:i ,'?B'^,iil 
 
>?«'C/' 
 
 I ^ i/". , SkU 
 
 i 144 
 Genus 2. Phycis. ,i ni^rtau,, 
 
 iVy 
 
 Species 1. Phycis Americanm — The American Hake. 
 
 The geographical range of this fish appears to be from Cape 
 Cod, northwardly. It is taken largely on muddy bottoms, both 
 in the Bay of Fundy and in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, chiefly 
 by fishing during the night, at which time it feeds oii the smaller 
 Crustacea, with which its stomach is generally found to be filled. 
 In the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and Bay of Chaleur, it is inva- 
 riably called *'Ling," under which name, when salted and 
 dried, it is exported by the Jersey merchants, who have fishing 
 establisliments there, and who probably introduced the name. 
 
 This fish is frequently taken of the length of three feet, 
 especially in the Gulf ; it is of a reddish brown colour, with 
 slight metallic reflections on the cheeks, and a dark patch be- 
 neath the orbits ; abdomen lighter, mixed with gray. It has 
 one barbule under the chin ; the ventral fins are simple rays, 
 divided or forked, one of the divisions longer than the other. 
 Head pointed, flattened above ; snout prominent ; the upper 
 jaw projects beyond the lower ; both jaws are arched with 
 several rows of sharp, incurved teeth, which render necessary 
 an armature of six or eight inches above the hook, as this fish 
 readily bites off a common cod-line. 
 
 ..ii. 
 
 Genus 3. Merlucius. 
 Species 1. Merlucius Alhidm — The Silver Hake. 
 
 This fish has the same geographical range as the American 
 Hake last mentioned. It is abundant around the Island of 
 Grand Manan, and is known as the Silver Hake ; in the mar- 
 ket of Saint John, it is sold under the name of '' Whiting." 
 
 When quite fresh, it is an exceedingly, sweet and palatable 
 fish, but it soon becomes soft and tasteless. As it is never 
 salted, the fishermen attach no value to it whatever. At Grand 
 Manan, the Silver Hake, of small size, is often taken in the 
 Herring nets, in which it becomes entangled while pursuing its 
 prey. The writer observed the fishermen at Grand Manan 
 throwing away this fine fish by dozens, when clearing their 
 Herring nets. It is a most voracious fish, as implied by its 
 name, merlucius — the Sea Pike. 
 
 The head and upper part of the body are of a dull lead 
 colour ; the sides and abdomen white. The eyes are very 
 large, the pupils black, the irides silvery. There is a sensible 
 
 
145 
 
 depriessibh on the top of the head, betW^i&n tne eyes. Tlie 
 lower jaw is the longest ; both jaws are armed with ill-defined 
 scries of very sharp recurved teeth, some of which resemble 
 the fangs of serpents ; these long fang-like teeth are distant, 
 the intervals being filled up with smaller teeth. 
 
 This fish is from one to two feet in length, and is of roving 
 habits, following the shoals of Herrings, of which it devours 
 great quantities. It has been generally confounded with mer- 
 lucius vulgaris, the Common Hake of Europe, but Dr. DeKay 
 considers it distinct by its radial formula, long palatine teeth, 
 deeply concave caudal, and other particulars ; he therefore 
 confers upon the American species the name of Albidus. 
 
 Genus 4. Merlangus. 
 Species 1. Merlangus Carbonarius — The Coal Fish or Pollack. 
 
 According to Dr. DeKay, this is one of the few oceanic 
 fishes which range on both sides the Atlantic. It is a northern 
 fish, and the coast of New York is assigned as its southern 
 limit, on this side the Atlantic. It is found far to the north, 
 and was the only fish met with by Lord Mulgrave on the shores 
 of Spitzbergen ; the Fry, only 4 or 5 inches in length, were 
 caught with the Trawl net on the west coast of Davis* Straits, 
 during the first voyage of Captain Sir Edward Parry. 
 
 The writer has not seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence a sin- 
 gle specimen of this fish ; nor has he ever met a fisherman who 
 had taken one within the Gulf. In the Bay of Fundy, the Pol- 
 lack abounds almost every lyhere, except in the muddy waters 
 of Cumberland Bay, and the Basin of Mines. >' 
 
 The head and body of this fish are elegantly shaped ; from 
 its beauty of form and quickness of motion, the Bay of Fundy 
 fishermen often call it the " Sea Salmon." 
 f The upper part of the head, and the back above the lateral 
 line, are almost black ; between that line, (which is silvery 
 white) the fish is much lighter in color, becoming greyish white 
 with golden reflections on the sides and belly ; the head tapers 
 to the snout ; the upper jaw rather the shortest ; the mouth 
 black ; the teeth very small. 
 
 From almost every projecting point in the Bay of Passama- 
 quoddy, where there is a run of tide, young Pollack may be 
 taken during the summer, with rod and line very rapidly, 
 either with bait or any gaudy artificial fly, even of rude con- 
 struction. The most attractive is the scarlet ibis with gold, 
 the same as used in the Gulf for white Sea Trout. 
 
 19 
 
m 
 
 The season for spawning is early in spring ; in the early 
 part of snmmer, the fish is lank and almost worthless. It 
 becomes in good condition in A,ugust, and improves as the 
 season advances ; it then prowls after prey in large companies. 
 It swims at no great depth, and when attracted by bait, will 
 keep near a boat or vessel until all are taken. 
 
 Hi 
 
 Genus 5. Brosmius. 
 
 Species 1. Brosmius Vulgaris — The Torsk, T^sk, or Ctisk. 
 
 This is a northern fish, and its- southern limit on the North 
 American Coast, is Massachusetts Bay ; even in the Bay of 
 Fundy it is not very abundant, it is taken in deep water 
 while fishing for Cod, and is said to prefer a rocky bottom on 
 which sea-weed grows. Its usual length is from 18 inches to 
 3 feet, which it rarely exceeds. 
 
 The color of the body is a uniform dark slate, the head 
 rather darker than the bo4y> The mouth large, the jaws 
 filled with ll^'ge, recurved teeth ; the upper jaw is a very little 
 logger than, the lower ; a single barbule under the chin. The 
 dorsal fin begins well, forward on tjbe fish, and. terminates just 
 in front of the tail ; the anal fin is. continued to. the t^iland 
 nearly joins, it. The caudal fin is ronnd, and lik,e the dorsal 
 and. anal fins, is margined with blue and edged with, wjbite. 
 This latter peculiarity readers the Torsk,.or Cusk, easily dis- 
 tinguished among all other n^embe^rs of the Cod. family. 
 
 Dr* Storer is of opinion, that the Torsk of America cannot 
 be distinguished froni the Torsk of Europe, although Le 
 Sueur qonceives there is a, di^erence, and designates the 
 American^ species B, Flavfigcens, In Europe this fish rarely 
 appears below 60 ® or above 73;® north latitude. It is plenti- 
 ful on the coast, of Norway > as far as Finmark^ and also on 
 the Wiest and squth coast of Iqeland, but rare on. its. north and 
 east coast* . f {f-^rt 
 
 The fish of this 'species taken in the Bay of Fundy, are 
 usually caught in the latter part of winter or early spring. 
 When eaten fresh, it is very fine, but rather tough ; it is 
 therefore generally preferred after being dried. It then swells 
 much in bidiling, and parts into very thick fiakes. In Boston, 
 this fish is considered a delicacy, and when driedj is by many 
 thought preferable to Cod; 
 
 
 jrft ui Imu m mf?m mii 
 
^ 
 
 ,'*jiM«r/"i«>.n <r<i> 
 
 147 
 
 Genus 6. Lota. 
 
 u/rjC'j.ri 
 
 j( 
 
 Species 1. Lota Maculosa — The Spotted Burbot, or Fresh- 
 water Cusk. 
 
 This is the only member of the Cod family which resides 
 permanently in fresh water. Some hundreds are taken an- 
 nually in the River St. John, by night-lines dropped through 
 the ice, at the beginning of winter. Many are thus taken 
 near Fredericton, biit the b^st fishing ground is on the sand 
 bars, a little above the mouth of the Oromocto river, where 
 this fish resorts previous to its spawning, which takes place 
 in February or March. 
 
 The length of the fresh-water Cusk, is from 18 inches to 2 
 feet. The body is compressed, and somewhat eel-shaped ; the 
 head broad, depressed ; jaws nearly equal ; the gape large. 
 The teeth are in the jaws, snlall and recUrved, distributed in 
 bands. The color of the body is a yellowish brown, clouded 
 and spotted with darker brown spots, and it is covered with 
 a mucous secretion. The fiiis partake of the color of that 
 part of the body from which they emanate, those of the lower 
 surface being much the lightest. 
 
 In July 1841, the writer caught one of this species of fish 
 on a night-line in lake Temiscouata, which weighed seven 
 pounds. Dr. Richardson (Fauna Boredli Americana) says, 
 it is common in every river and lake, from Canada to the 
 northern extremity of this Continent. The Cree Indians call it 
 the " Mtthy ;" the Caiiadiati voyageurs name it " La Loche," 
 and by these two tiames it is known in the fur-countries. Within 
 th^ limits 6i the United Stktes, it is called the " Eel Pout." 
 It is very voracious, feeding on smaller fish, and Cray-fish ; 
 th^se last abound in lake Temiscouata. Dr. Richardson says 
 he opened several of these fish taken at Pine Idland Lake, in 
 the month of March, which were filled with Cray-fish to such 
 a degiree, that the form of their bodies was quite distorted, the 
 soft integuments of their bellies admitting of great dilatation. 
 ai Th6 flesh of the "Fresh-water Cusk," is white, firm, and 
 of good flavour ; the liver and roe are considered delicacies. 
 When well bruised and mixed with a little flour, the roe 
 ean be baked into v^ry good biscuit's, which are used in the 
 fur-couhtHes ai^ tea-^bi'ead. • » *'i -. v '* 
 
 This fish is not unlike the Eel in many of its habits, con- 
 cealing itself under stones, waiting and watching for its prey ; 
 it feeds principal^ at night, and is therefore generally taken 
 by night-lines. 
 
148 
 
 FAMILY 2. PLEURONECTI D^— THE FAMILY OF FLOUNDERS, 
 POPULAilLY CALLED FLATFISH. 
 
 The peculiarities of thig family are thus described : " Body 
 flat, compressed vertically. Upper surface dusky, and of 
 various colors ; beneath, white. Dorsal single, extending the 
 whole length of the back. Both eyes placed on the same side 
 of the head. No air-bladder, branchial rays, six." 
 
 ' With such peculiar characteristics, the members of this 
 family are readily recognized everywhere. In some of the 
 members, the eyes are placed on a different side from their 
 usual situation, and these are termed, reversed individuals ; 
 more rarely it happens, that both sides are colored, when they 
 are said to be doubled. As some confusion has arisen, as to 
 whether a fish is right or left, dextral or sinistralt the following 
 is the rule adopted. The fish is placed on its edge with the 
 tail to the observer, and the dorsal fin uppermost ; the fish is 
 then, said to be dextral or sinistral, according as the colored 
 side is on the right, or left hand. 
 
 All the fishes of this family are very tenacious of life. 
 
 ;o'« 
 
 Si Genus 1. Hippoglossus. 
 
 Species 1. Hippoglossus Vulgaris — The Halibut. 
 
 This is a very large fish ; it is found on the coast of North 
 America, from Nantucket to Greenland; and is frequently 
 taken of the weight of 200 lbs. Dr. Storer mentions one of 
 these fish brought into Boston market, that weighed 420 lbs. 
 after the head and bowels were removed ; and another, that 
 weighed upwards of 600 lbs., which was taken on a bank, 
 sixty miles south-east of Portland, Maine. 
 
 The Halibut is very voracious ; it swinis near the ground, 
 and devours other flat-fish, as well as shells and Crustacea. 
 Tn summer, it is caught in shallow water, and often quite near 
 tL<^ shore ; in winter it retires to deep water. The flesh is 
 rather coarse and dry, but it is much esteemed by many ; the 
 fins and flaps are delicacies, if the fish is in good condition. 
 When the fishermen of the Bay of Fundy, take a number of 
 these fish at one time, they salt the flesh lightly, and then dry 
 and smoke it for winter use. j 
 
 ,.>.-. .^.. s... . .. ,.. .ibrtliq hlry-iyi ii ■ 
 
•w 
 
 149 
 ,/: i Genus 2. Platessa. 
 
 Species 1. PiatesM plana — The common Flounder. 
 
 2. Platessa pusilla — The Snnd-floim(lcr,or small Dab. 
 
 3. Platessa limanda — The Flcuk, or common Dab. 
 
 These several species of Flat-fish are found every where on 
 the Coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia ; very likely, 
 other species exists, and will be hereafter noticed. 
 
 The first, or common Flounder, is from to 18 inches in 
 length ; the eyc;^ and colored surface are on the right. The 
 color is variable ; some are greenish, others slate-colored, but 
 generally, rusty brown prevails. In Boston, this fish is called 
 the " winter Flounder,'* and its flesh is highly prized. 
 
 The next species, the sand Flounder or small Dab, is a 
 little fish, from 4 to 6 inches in length, nearly of a uniform 
 olive brown ; the eyes and colored surfhce on the right ; found 
 in shallow and sandy bays and coves. It is very abundant 
 during summer, on the sands to the eastward of the City of 
 Saint John, and is taken at low-water by hundreds, in the shal- 
 low pools of the estuary of the Marsh Creek. The Shrimp- 
 fishers on these sands, also take them in great numbers in 
 their shrimp-nets. 
 
 The third species, the Fleuk or common Dab, as it ie called 
 in Scotland, also abounds. It is generally taken towards 
 autumn, when it approaches the shores prior to spawing. 
 Several of this species were taken by the writer in October 
 1850, in the upper part of the Bay of Fundy, near Parrsbo- 
 rough ; it was found a .very sweet and delicate fish, eaten 
 fresh. It is readily distinguished from the common Flouilder, 
 by its more uniform and lighter brown color, its more curved 
 lateral line, and the greater roughness' of the scaly surface. 
 The eyes and color are on the right side ; it is from 8 to 12 
 inches in length. 
 
 Another small Flat-fish was observed by the writer, at Point 
 Miscou, in August 1849, where it was taken in a smelt-seine, 
 the Smelt being used there as bait for Cod. It had several 
 of the characteristics of the European Plaice ; but as it was 
 evidently the young of a larger fish, no decided opinion could 
 be formed. 
 
 ,^- 
 
 ■nt--il.t*''i;' 
 
 ■:ii-tot«t i^?ti*^0Hu?>^<:>*l':)fi •tati^'^. 
 
• 160 
 Order I Apodal, witiioot veitral floR. 
 
 FAMILY 1. ANOUILMDA-THE EEL FAMILY. 
 
 Genu8 1. Anguilla — The Eel. 
 
 Species 1. Anguilla VtUgaru — The common Eol. 
 
 Tho Eel inhabits both fresh and salt-water, and is taken 
 in every situation in these Colonies which it can reach. ^ Its 
 color is greenish olive above, yellow beneath ; this color ex- 
 tending along the base of tho anal fin, nearly to the end of the 
 tail. It is caught in a variety of ways ; but taking the Eel 
 with hook and lino, is considered much too tedious and trouble- 
 some. In summer, it is caught in long round Indian baskets, 
 called eel-pots ; it is also taken by torch-light, with the spear. 
 In winter it is taken through holes in tho ice, by spearing it in 
 the mud, where it then lies torpid. Tho places where this 
 fishing takes place are generally well known, and are termed 
 " Eel-grounds." 
 
 It is very voracious, feeding on aquatic insects, small fishes, 
 and all dead animal substances that come in its way. The 
 structure of its branchial pouches enables it to live out of wa- 
 ter for a long time ; and as it can move along the ground, it is 
 not uncommon to find the Eel shifting its quarters from one 
 creek or lake to another, by crawling through the grass. 
 
 The common Eel, when in good condition, is a very excel- 
 lent, well-flavoured fish. It varies greatly in size, being taken 
 from 6 inches to 2 feet or more in length* 
 
 Dr. DeKay says he has examined the '• Silver Eel," so 
 called, and considers it only a variety of the common Eel. 
 Its general color is ailvery gray, darker above, and a clear 
 white belly shining like satin. ,, 
 
 Species 2. Anguilla Occanica — The Sea Eel. 
 
 Dr. DeKay gives this name to a Sea Eel found on the Coast 
 of New York, which the writer has also noticed in the Gulf of 
 Saint Lawrence. It is described as brownish on the back ; 
 pale on the sides ; beneath, smutty white ; fins tipped with 
 bl'jeish white, or pale blue. It was first observed in June, 
 1842, at Lennox Island in Richmond Bay, on the north side of 
 Prince Edward iisland. The Indians had there taken several 
 with torch and spear, which were three feet in length. A 
 specimen was also shown to the writer at Pokemouche, (north 
 
of the Bf iramichi,) in October 1840, by a Micmac Indian, who 
 had split, laltod, and smoked it. In that state, without the 
 head, it was about the size of an ordinary smoked Salniou, end 
 fully as thick ; it was taken in Pokemouche Gully, by torch- 
 light, with a Basse spenr. 
 
 The Micmacs sny, that this Eel is exceedingly shy, and 
 cannot be induced by any means to enter an eel-pot. Those 
 seen by the writer were excessively fat, the fleiih very white, 
 and exceedingly well flavoured. 
 
 The Sea Eel, described by Dr. DcKny, is Htated to be fifty 
 inches in length, and weighing nine pnrinds. It is prolmbly 
 found along the whole North American Coast, north of New 
 York. 
 
 GROUP II. CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. 
 
 
 Or4er 1. Fishei with flree gilli. 
 
 "tfi 
 
 FAMILY 1. STURIONH)^— THE STURGEON FAMILY. 
 
 Genus 1. Accipenser. 
 
 ^V'ii 
 
 l^pecies 1. Accipenser Oxyrinchus — The Sharp-nosed 
 r •( Sturgeon. 
 
 • 
 
 This fish is taken in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia from 
 2 to 8 feet in length. The body is pentagonal ; the skin rough ; 
 the head flattened above, and slightly depressed between the 
 eyes. The whole upper portion of the head, bony; the head; 
 elongated, spatulifnrm, and covered with strong bony shields, 
 roughened above and beneath. The upper part of the body is 
 of a greyish brown color ; inferior portion of the sides, silvery ; 
 beneath, white. 
 
 This fish ascends the River Saiut John in considerable num-> 
 bers, in May, and is then often .taken in the Harbour of Saint 
 John, of the length of six feet or more, in weirs, seines, and 
 goc^ereau nets, to which last it is very destructive. In the 
 summer, it basks on the Oromocfo Shoals, about 70 miles from 
 the sea ; during very hot days, some one of these monsters : 
 may be seen every few minutes flinging its whole length intor 
 
152 . 
 
 the air, apparently in mere wantonness, but probably to disen- 
 gage itself from the Lamprey Eel, which fastens upon its belly 
 and eats into the flesh. Instances have occurred of the Stur- 
 geon having leaped into a canoe, in its eflbrts to disengage 
 itself from several Lampreys that had fastened upon it at the 
 same time. 
 
 This fish also basks on an extensive sandy shoal to the 
 southward of Grand Point, in the Grand Lake, about 60 miles 
 from the sea. The Milicetp Indians, who formerly encamped 
 in that vicinity, were accustomed to take Sturgeon on this 
 shoal, after their own fashion. They used a harpoon of iron, 
 with two barbs, both on the same side, the one about two inches 
 above the other ; this was attached to a wooden handle, or 
 pole, of 10 or 12 feet in length. One Indian paddled the canoe 
 in that still and noiseless manner so peculiar to the aborigines 
 of North America, while another Indian stood in the bow, 
 balancing the harpoon, and with it making signs to the other, 
 as to the management and direction of the canoe. If a Stur- 
 geon was struck which the Indian could not lift, the wooden 
 handle was slipped from the harpoon, to which however it still 
 remained attached by a long thong of leather or moose skin ; 
 the Sturgeon would then make off with the handle in tow, 
 closely followed by the canoe ; before the fish was killed, some 
 very animated struggles often took place, and not unfrequently 
 the canoe would be upset. Other canoes would come to the 
 rescue ; more Indians would be tumbled in the water, not of 
 very great depth ; and the scufFe and splashing made by them 
 and the fish, with the wild shouts and whoops of the Indians, 
 rendered the whole an interesting and somewhat exciting scene. 
 
 The flesh of the Sturgeon is like coarse beef, quite firm and 
 compact, but very rank and unsavoury. The Indians cut it 
 up in large pieces, and sa't it for winter use ; it is only eaten 
 by those who can obtain no better fare. The flesh of a young ' 
 fish is much more delicate than that of an old one ; when 
 stewed with rich gravy, its flavour is not unlike that of veal. 
 
 In the north of Europe, extensive fisheries are established 
 for taking Sturgeon. The celebrated caviare is made of the 
 roe of the female ; and isinglass is obtained from the dense 
 membrane forming the air-bladder. ' 
 
 The Sturgeon spawns in fresh water, before leaving it in " 
 the autumn, to return to the sea. It is said to spend the win- '. 
 ter in very deep water, quite beyond the rench of nets, and as ' 
 it has not been known to take a hook, is quite safe from the * 
 f Jiermen. The Fry of Sturgeon have never been noticed in ' 
 
153 
 
 the Saint John, and it is supposed that so soon as thej escape 
 from the eggs, they descend immediately to the sea, and do 
 not return until they come again in their turn to deposit spawn. 
 
 ^ttijoir (iAi hiin Order 2. Fiihei with fixed Gilli. i ,,,. 
 
 FAMILY 1, SQUAUDiE— THE SHARK FAMILY. .1, 
 
 
 Genus 1. Carcharias. 
 
 .'J 
 
 U 
 
 »«t,; 
 
 Species 1. Carcharias Vulpes — The Thresher Shark. 
 
 This Shark is said to be common on both sides the Atlantic ; 
 it is known from New York to Nova Scotia, by the various 
 popular names of the "Thresher," "Fox Shark," and "Swin- 
 gle Tail." It pursues schulls of Mackerel, Mossbonkers, and 
 Shad, which it devours in great numbers. In pursuit of Shad 
 it is frequently taken of large size, both in Cumberland Bay 
 and the Basin of Mines, at the head of the Bay of Fundy. It 
 sometimes attains the length of 12 feet ; is of a slate blue 
 color above ; beneath, soiled white, marked with faint bluish 
 spots. The first dorsal fin is triangular, a foot high, and nearly 
 as long at its base ; the second dorsal similar in shape, but 
 much smaller. Its principal organ of defence, appears to be 
 its long, broad, and flexible tail, with which it attacks, and 
 literally threshes its enemies. ,..«■- •»- „> ... . .^-i ,. ,. 
 
 '^^■^^^•'■':;^ r^' ■ genus 2. SpINAX. ;n.\r.>K.Mj ;.lil;v,; 
 
 Species 1. Spinax Acanthias — ^The Spinoui:^ Dog-fish. 
 
 This fish is found everywhere on the Coast of North Ame- 
 rica, from the Delaware to Davis' Straits. It varies in length 
 from one to five feet ; is of a slate-color above, dull white be- 
 neath. The skin is used for various purposes, but chiefly by 
 cabinet-makers and others for bringing up and smoothing the 
 surfaces of hard wood. The livers furnish a valuable oil ; the 
 fish themselves are often dried as food for cattle. In Nova 
 Scotia and Cape Breton, it is dried in great quantities ; and 
 in the winter is fed to pigs, which are said to thrive well 
 upon it. 
 
 The Dog-fish, according to Dr. Storer, is so numerous about 
 Cape Cod that in spring and autumn, it furnishes an im- j 
 portant fishery solely for its oil. It assembles in large schulls, 
 
 20 
 
154 
 
 and feeds upon the offal and garbage thrown down by the 
 fishermen ; it cleans the ground so perfectly, that it is called 
 the true " scavenger of the sea." 
 
 The Dog-fish brings forth its young alive. In August 1849, 
 at Point Miscou, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the writer 
 opened a female fish in a gravid state, and found the young 
 perfectly formed ; they were placed in the water with the sac 
 attached, and appeared quite lively. - t\UU. 
 
 Mr. Couch, an English naturalist, asserts of this species, 
 that it bends itself into a bow for the purpose of using its spines, 
 and by a sudden motion causes them to spring asunder in 
 opposite directions. So accurateljr is this intehtion effected, 
 that if a finger be placed on its head, the Dog-fish will atti}s.e 
 it, without piercing its own sjiin. i(w¥ wtiKi uunl nwoftji gi ii 
 
 .!i:.(:a •n.lij'jvK, 
 RAlOail—THE RAY FAMILY. Mi/iT if- 
 
 ■ lilft ,b( jI'; 
 
 -TflWC" I 
 
 In!.!; ,>TVyf: FAMILY 2. 
 
 
 
 
 /nil 'Jl\i 'J^> br."Ml • ; ' ■ .. :.';' 'Ui f:i-.l 
 
 Spteies 1. R&ia LaMs^^The Skaire. ;; 
 
 )i 
 
 (M j)in; 
 
 This fish is known on the North American C;oa;st, as the 
 smooth backed Skate^ and ig fqund from 2 to 4 feet in length. 
 It is of square form ; the body smooth, elevated in the centre ; 
 of a uniform light brpwn oolor above ; the tail loi^ and slen- 
 der, longer than the body, with three; rows of spines. 
 
 The peculiar form of the Skate adapts it admirably to exist 
 near the bottom, and it may with more propriety be called a 
 flat-fish, than any of the flounder family. Its mode of progres- 
 sion is not very eajiily derseribed ; wheti the ^^h is not altkrmed, 
 it is perfornied with a slight undulating motion, of its pectoral 
 fins, soihetMng between flying, aitd swifnmin^. Wh^ k Skkte 
 is makinig itis way to sMze rood, 6*r to e^apie f^tml ah ^tt^my, 
 great muscular exertion iir evideYit. . ' . 
 
 Th<» young are ]!^^oduce'd in th^ ktt^r p*trt of s^rin;!;^,. eiif* 
 during sufiimer. The^ aife dtl^o^ifed by t%l6 pdi'efit fish ih 
 thin hot^f^ cases, in fbriff li^di^y square ; the^6 &t 6ktn fphtiid 
 along the coast, and being ^rtijpty, iafi^e jbctflai'ly te)^)hed "sail- 
 ors' purses,*' ' \ . ' . ' 
 
 As food, the Skate is helid in very differ^iilt d^gr^ of esti-*- 
 mation in dilSerent places. In London, large quantitie!^ '^re 
 consftiined, ia^dtb^ flesh is (idnsidei'ed'delieftte ahd wi^U flk^di'eid ; 
 but on somb biotHis of the £fi^likh cdfist, altfboii^Ii ^^ht in 
 considbrabTe niihibeirs, the fl4sh iir seldom ^te)i, littd is ue^d 
 
155 
 
 for baiting lobster-potg. The French are great consumers of 
 Skate ; and ita flesh is used extensively both at New York and 
 Boston ; by many it is deemed a greet delicacy. After the 
 fish is skinaed, the fleshy part of the huge pectoral fins, which 
 is beautifully white, is cut into long, thin slips, about an inch 
 wide ; these are rolled like ribbon, and dressed in that form. 
 
 The Skate is found everywhere on the Coasts of New Bruns- 
 wick and Nova Scotia, and is frequently taken of large size, 
 with hook ' and line, by Cod fishers. The writer, whil'.^ Had- 
 dock fishing in June 1848, in the Basin of Annapolis, saw two 
 fine Skate caught at once, each 30 inches over, which were in 
 prime condition. In August 1850, while Pollack fishing in 26 
 fathoms water off the eastern end of Campo Bello, near Head 
 Harbour Light House, a Skate was taken 3 feet over, weigh- 
 ing full 60 lbs. It was not in good condition, having probably 
 spawned ; from the difficulty in. bringing it to the surface, for 
 the Skate is exceedingly violent when hooked, it was supposed 
 to be a Halibut. 
 
 Dr, Storer states, that Skate are somet\i;nes met with near 
 Boston, weighing 2001bs., and in his Report, be describes 
 a n^le specimen sent to him frpm New Beckford, 54 inchi^s 
 long, and ^6 inc^s wide, t..*] /Vfyn-.t-^i -iu vnoia «/f;it ihiih* 
 
 Wijth its powerful spade-like snout, the Skate roots up 
 Cl^ms, ai^l, crushes them between its flattened teeth, which 
 appear to ^.ci upon each other like the cyliiidersof a rolling 
 mill. It also feeds on other fish, for five di0erent species, be- 
 sides Crustacea, have been taken from the stomach of a Skate. 
 
 ill! 1/1 
 
 ■)iU 
 
 Species 2. Raia ErlmaceuH — The Hedgeh^ Ray. ' 
 
 "\jVTide the writer was at anchor in Whale Cove, near the 
 Northern Hiead of {Grand Mana^, in. August 1850, a Ray wa^ 
 caught, l8 inches Ipng and 9 inel^s wide, which so closely 
 resembled the Hedgehog Ray described by Do<?tor Af itchill, 
 that it is believed to be the sam^ fii^h. The form was 
 inpre rounded than th^t of the Skate ; the surface of a pale 
 brown c<j»)Qur,. with several groups of prickles arrayed in rcgiA- 
 Ijo^ Hn^;9. A dou.ble series ran aloijig, tb«e vertebral line, and 
 exil(C|i;M|[ed tjl^j? whpl,e length of the tail ;; q^ t^ie sidi^ of tbe tail, 
 the priipkl^s were very stiff sind stout. It wa^ cau^ght near the 
 shor,^, m Ifsss than two f^tjhams winter, with, a large si^eed Trout 
 hoQk> us0^ i&)r taking small Pollack. Whe^ broughl: on. djeck, 
 it rolled it^^lf almost into a ball, displayed its prickles, and bor« 
 very great resemblance to a young hedgehog ; if struck with 
 
156 
 
 a stick, it lashed about its tail in all directions, and seemed 
 bent on defending itself to the uttermost. One of the men 
 belonging to the vessel, after teasing it some time, threw it 
 overboard, when it swam away, although it had been a long 
 .time out of water. 
 
 A careful examination of this genus will probably show that 
 several other species exist on the Coasts of New Brunswick 
 and Nova Scotia, besides those now mentioned. 
 
 ai;; 
 
 Order S. Fishei with round months, fbrmed into a ineker. 
 
 FAMILY 1. PETROMYZONIDiE— THE LAMPREY FAMILY. 
 
 Genus 1. Petromyzon. 
 
 Species 1. Petromyzon — The American Lamprey. 
 
 The Lamprey is very common in the fresh waters of the 
 Lower Provinces. It ascends the Saint John in May, and 
 passing into the smaller streams, generally selecting those 
 which have stony or gravelly bottomsj it there deposits its 
 spawn, among conical heaps of stones. They have been often 
 seen in the summer, in pai^s, at work together, constructing 
 these mounds, which are about three feet in diameter at the 
 base, and twoi, feet high, composed of stones from the size of 
 an ounce bullet to that of the fist ; they often aid each other 
 in carrying the same stone. 
 
 It is not known at what time the Lamprey returns to the 
 sea, as it always moves in the night ; but there is an impres- 
 sion, that it dies in the fresh water after spawning. This 
 impression may have arisen from the fact, that dead Lampreys 
 are often seen in the streams toward autumn. In August, 
 1840, the writer, while Trout fishing in the Nerepis, saw dead 
 Lampreys along that river for miles. 
 
 The Lamprey is usually of a bluish brown color, mottled 
 with dark olive green along the back ; beneath, a uniform dull 
 yellowish olive. The fore part of the body is round ; the 
 posterior part flattened. There are seven large branchial 
 apertures back of each eye, passing backward in nearly a 
 straight line, the first smallest. When the Lamprey is unat- 
 tached, the mouth is a longitudinal fissure ; but when attached, 
 it is circular, the lip forming a ring, furnished with hard horny 
 teeth of a yellow colour, within. 
 
167 
 
 This fish is believed to do much damage to mill-dams built 
 upon gravelly or candy foundations, by working its way be- 
 neath the dam, through the sand and gravel, and occasioning 
 leaks, which gradually undc.-mine the dam and eventually lead 
 to its destruction. 
 
 LeSueur, a French naturalist, in describing a Lamprey from 
 the Connecticut River, says the annular or ribbed appearance 
 of the fish, is owing to the muscles, which are endowed with 
 great strength, in order to enable it to burrow in the muddy 
 sands of rivers, which it penetr&tes in a serpentine manner by 
 means of its snout, the large lip performing the functions of a 
 terrier. ^ 
 
 The Lamprey has been known to attain the length of 30 
 inches, with a girth of 6 inches. The writer has never known 
 it to be eaten in New Brunswick, but in the United States and 
 elsewhere, it is held in high estimation by epicures. 
 
 I fjiiij- 
 
 'Hi II 
 
 ,.,1 .«' 
 
 / 
 
 LIST OF THE POPULAR NAMES OF FISHES MENTIONED 
 IN THE FOREGOING CATALOGUE. 
 
 '^^ I. The Perch Family. 
 
 1. The American yellow Perch. 
 
 2. The Striped Basse. 
 
 3. The White Perch. 
 
 4. The common Pond Fish*. 
 
 II. The hard cheeked Family ^ 
 (8ctUpin.) 
 
 1. The common Bullhead. 
 
 2. The Greenland Bullhead. 
 
 3. The two-spined Stickleback. 
 
 •J III. The Mackerel Family. 
 
 1. The Spring Mackerel. 
 
 2. The Fall Mackerel. . 
 
 3. The Sword Fish. 
 
 IV. Fishes ttith wrists in their 
 Pectoral Fins. 
 
 1. The American Angler. 
 
 V. The Wrasse or Rock Fish 
 Family, T .'Y 
 
 1. The Sea Perch, or Cunner. 
 
 VI. The Carp Family. 
 
 1. The common Sucker. 
 
 2. The yellow Shiner. 
 
 3. The Roach, or Red-fin. 
 
 4. The Roach Dace. 
 
 5. The Shining Dace, or Shi- 
 ner. 
 
 6. The Chub. » Motnl? 
 
 7. The Brook Minnow. ^ •>ih 
 
 8. The striped Killifish. iWv^v. 
 
 VII. The Sheat-Jish Family, 
 1. The common Cat-fish. 
 
 VIII. The Salmon Family. 
 1. The Brook Trout. 
 
 ',\ 
 
168 
 
 2. The Groat Grey Trout. 
 
 3. The Salmon Trout, (White 
 
 Sea Trout.) 
 
 4. The Salmon. 
 
 5. The Smelt. 
 
 6. The Capehn. 
 
 7. The White Fish, (Gizzard 
 
 Fish.) 
 
 IX. The Herring Family. 
 
 1. The common American Her 
 
 ring. 
 
 2. The Britt. 
 
 3. the Shad. 
 
 4. The Alewive, or Gaq>ereau. 
 
 5. The Mossbonker. 
 
 6. The Shad Herring. 
 
 X. The Cod Family. 
 
 1. The Bank Cod. 
 
 2. The American Cod. 
 
 3. TheTomcod. "^^ 
 
 4. The Haddock. 
 
 5. The Hake. 
 
 6. The Silver Hake. 
 
 7. The Pollack. 
 
 8. The Torsk, or Cugk. 
 
 9. The Fresh Water CusH. 
 
 XI. Flat-figh Family, 
 
 1. The Halibut. oi 
 
 2. The common Flounder. 
 
 3. The S^nd Founder. , ,„; 
 
 4. The iPleuk. v,|t '\u 
 
 Xn. The Eel Family. ''^' 
 
 1. The co^imon Eel. 
 
 2. The Sea Eel. 
 
 iUi'nu 
 
 i'H 
 
 ^III. The Sturgeon Family. 
 1. The sharp qqsed Sturgeon. 
 XIV. The Shark Family."''] 
 
 1. The Thresher Shark. 
 
 2. The Dog-fish. 
 
 XV. The Ray Family, 
 
 1. The Skate. 
 
 2. The Hedge-Hog Ray. 
 
 XVI. The Lamprey Family. 
 I. The Lamprey. .^y^ ^| 
 
 fifty 
 
 In all, sixteen Families, comprising thirty two gei^era, and 
 ty five species of fish. , . . , . . ,..T,. ., . 
 
 ■.)4%'V yfl 
 
 LIST OF WORKS CONSULTED. 
 
 In preparing the foregoing Catalogue, the c^ssificatibn of 
 Baron Cuvier has been fi»Ubwed, as that generally adopted iii 
 the present day by the most eminent naturalists and meti of 
 science, and best understood. 
 
 The following 19 a list of the various works congulted, to 
 each of which the writer is under greater or less obUgatibh :•«— 
 
 Regne Animal^ par M. le Baron Cuvier ; transited with sufir ' 
 plementary additions to the class Fishesi by £dwl^:d Griffith, 
 F.R.A., and Lt. Colonel C. Hamilton Smith. ^ ^ 
 
-w 
 
 f* 
 
 169 
 
 Histoire NaUirelle des Poissons, par Cuvier et Valenciennes. 
 Tom. 21. 
 
 History of British Fishes, and Supplement, by Wm. Yarrell. 
 Fauna Boreali Americana, or Zoology of the northern parts 
 
 of America, by Dr. Richardson. 
 Report on the Fishes of New York, by Dr. J. E. DeKay. 
 
 Report on the Fishes of Massachusetts, by Dr. D. Humphrevs 
 Storer. * 
 
 Synopsis of the Fishes of North America, by Dr. D. H. Storer. 
 Observations on the Fishes of Nova Scotia and Labrador, by 
 
 Horatio Robinson Storer — in the Boston Journal of Natural 
 
 History for Oetdb^r 1850. 
 
 Fish and Fishing in the United States and British Provinces 
 of NoWh America, by Henry Wni. Herbert. 
 
 The beep Sea and Coast fisheries of Ireland, by tValkm 
 Brahazon. < . < t* 
 
 PeprU^mentary Reports of the Board of British Fisheries, from 
 ^ 1843 to 1850 inclusive. .ja.^ i^u ;>,.» i... . 
 
 ■ ■■'■■ ,i. 
 
 The Writer earriertly requtf^s, tliat this attempt to classify 
 the Fishes of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, mdy be viewed 
 with every indulgence, as the work of one who does not pro- 
 fess to be a N<^turalist, but isimply an occiasionai observer of 
 nature. .•(, • ; . ,. k 
 
 inh m> .^'i"' •,--.:*•>*>{« f»rfl ma-to^M-jq .•"*• "' PERLEY. .^ 
 
 Oovemment Emtgratwn Office^ f . t , . . . 
 
 St, John, N. B,, March 12, 1861. " »>^>H»fiTj^ idovMl u v,m-''Mm 
 
 t- . ■ ' . • ■ Him'riH mmii fjd ^iiii i: 
 
 ' MmvfiiMi him 
 
 .f 
 
OuL 
 
 ■ . '■■ -\ 
 APPENDIX. U yd .wii.iMiA lo 
 
 No. 1. .vjio^w 
 
 '>/«ni!«|«u»f J .<l .fO v« 
 
 ..i:;.,.^.-. 
 
 Copy of Commiasion from His Excellency the Lieutenant 
 Governor of Nova Scotia. . '• ,, 
 
 PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA. vinikJ !T 
 
 By His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir John 
 Harvey, Knight Commander of the Most Honora- 
 ble Military Order of the Bath, Knight Comman- 
 der of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order, 
 Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief in 
 and over Her Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia, 
 and its Dependencies, &,c. Slc, &.c. 
 
 J. HARVEY, Lt. Governor. 
 
 To all Magistrates, Sheriffs, Revenue Officers, and others, 
 - inhabitants of said Province : — 
 
 Moses H. Perley, Esquire, having been instruct^ by His 
 ' Excellency the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, in 
 Council, to inspect and report upon the Fisheries of the Bay 
 of Fundy, during the present season, and having requested 
 from me permission to prosecute the necessary inquires on th<) 
 Shores of Nova Scotia, within the Bay of Fundy, which per- 
 mission is hereby granted — 
 
 I do, by these Presents, instruct and require you to give to 
 the said Moses H. Perley such information and assistance as 
 he may request from you, or any of you, in reference to the 
 said Fisheries. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Halifax, this 
 twenty ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord one 
 thousand eight hundred and fifty, and in the fourteenth 
 
 ' year of Her Majesty's Reign. 
 
 By Hit Excellencies Command. 
 
 Joseph Howe. 
 
161 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 [Circular.] Government Emigration Office, 
 
 Saint John, N. B., 12th Aug. 1850. 
 
 Sir, — Having been appointed by His Excellency the Lieu- 
 tenant Governor of New Brunswick in Council, to inspect and 
 report upon the Fisheries of the Bay of Fundy — and His Ex- 
 cellency Sir John Harvey, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, 
 having, by Commission under Seal, authorized me to prosecute 
 the necessary inquiries on the Shores of Nova Scotia, within 
 the same Bay — I beg to acquaint you that I am desirous of 
 obtaining information on the following points : — 
 
 1st. As to the present mode of conducting the fisheries for 
 Herrings, Shad, Salmon, Cod, Pollack, Haddock, Hake, and 
 Mackerel — as also descriptions of the nets, lines, and other 
 tackle now employed, in order to know if any, and what, im- 
 provements may be introduced. 
 
 2d. As to the proper season for each fishery ; and whether 
 fish, of any description, are now caught, at times when they 
 are of no real value. 
 
 3d. Whether Herrings are now taken by " driving," with 
 torch-light ; and whether the use of standing weirs are, or are 
 not, injurious to the Herring fishery, and destructive to the fry 
 of other fish. 
 
 4th. As to the modes now in use of curing and packing the 
 several descriptions of fish, with the view of ascertaining what 
 defects exist in these important particulars. 
 
 5th. As to the extent to which the fisheries are injured, as is 
 said, by the use of Herrings, and the fry of other fish, for 
 ipanure. 
 
 6th. As to the extent to which the fisheries, in the Bay of 
 Fundy, are encroached upon by foreigners. 
 
 7th. As to the extent to which the fisheries, in the various 
 rivers flowing ' into the Bay, have been injured by mill-dams 
 and other obstructions, or by illegal modes of fishing. 
 
 8th. The Shad fishery in the upper part of the Bay being of 
 much importance and value, and that description of fish be- 
 coming every year in greater demand, at an increased price, 
 it is extremely desirable that the most full and accurate infor- 
 mation, respecting thi» fishery, should be obtained, with the 
 view of ascertaining the quantity of fish now caught annually, 
 and the extent to which the fishery may be safely prosecuted. 
 
 I respectfully request you to furnish me with whatever infor- 
 mation you possess, in connection with the foregoing inquiries^ 
 
 21 
 
162 
 
 or which may be interesting or useful, as regards the fisheries 
 generally. Any observations as to existing nuisances, obstruc- 
 tions to the sea or river fisheries, the destruction of fish by 
 extraordinary means, or at unusual seasons, and as to the 
 moans of remedying these grievances, will be gladly received. 
 ' As the work in which I am engaged is of great importance 
 to the interests of the peo[ile of New Brunswick and Nova 
 Scotia, I venture to rely upon your assistance and co-operation 
 in carrying it out as fully ns possible. Any communications 
 upon the subject, you will please address to this Office. 
 
 M. H. PERLEY. 
 
 
 •*' 
 
 i: . S'll/i .hr" .« . 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 ,/-' ». 
 
 
 / Letter from Cochran Craig, J. P., of Grand Harbour. 
 
 Grand Manan, 10</* December, 1850. 
 
 Sir, — According to promise, I proceed to give you my views 
 as required by your Circular of I2th August, respecting the 
 fisheries. In reply to your first inquiry, I beg to say, that the 
 fisheries around this Island are those for H*^ ring, Cod, Pol- 
 Jack, Haddock and Hake, which alone are stt .lily prosecuted. 
 
 Herrings are taken in nets with meshes suited to the dif- 
 ferent sizes of the fish, set in-shore during the night, and on 
 the outer soundings in the day time, when only it is prac- 
 ticable to fish there. They are also taken in weirs, which are 
 now put down here on every bar, and in almost every channel 
 which thofe fish play through, and even around our shores. 
 This mod3, I think, must be most destructive, as in securing 
 such as are generally fit for use, they destroy double the quai^- 
 tity saved, of those that are entirely too small for any purpose 
 whatever, but manuie. 
 
 All other fishes are taken here by hand lines calculated for 
 the various currents and depths of water. 
 
 In answer to your second inquiry, I have to state, that from 
 what I learn from the most experienced fishermen here, the 
 only improper season for fishing for Herrings with nets, is 
 from the middle of July till the middle of September, on the 
 spawning ground at the Southern Head, as they are then 
 and there taken in the act of spawning, and not good ; the 
 fishery must be injured from the very great destruction of 
 spawn by the working of the nets. All seasons are considered 
 proper for the catch of every other fish, they always proving 
 
163 
 
 good, and no damage being considered to arise to the fishery 
 from their being so taken. 
 
 * To your third inquiry, I reply, that few Herrings are now 
 taken hero by driving with torch-light, us at the proper times 
 of tide for this business there are ntme to drive, they being 
 principally, as it were, in pound, in the weirs, and often kept 
 there, dead or alive, big or little, until damages arc [>uid beforo 
 even a few can be ^ot out for bait. That these standing weirs 
 arc most injurious to the Herring and in-shoro line fisheries, 
 none that I have talked with on the subject pretend to deny, 
 and they lately have been many of our oldest and best fisher- 
 men, and among them, several of the weir-holders themselves. 
 The injury the weirs do to the Fry of other fish than Herring, 
 is very little 1 believe, as it is very rare for the weirs here to 
 take any other fish. 
 
 To your fourth inquiry, I answer, that afler a perusal of 
 the directions you handed me, as to the curing of Herrings 
 and other fish, I consider the curing and packing of fish taken 
 here as quite defective, and conclude that to remedy the evil, 
 the fishermen cannot do better than adhere closely to those 
 directions, and adopt the modes of curing and packing therein 
 set forth. But instead of this, they will tell you, that they can 
 do better by selling fish, and can find a quicjker market for 
 them, as now cured and priced, than if managed agreeably to 
 those directioiis. 
 
 To your fifth inquiry, as to the extent to which the fisheries 
 * here are injured by the use of fish for manure, I will with a 
 large majority on my side say, that I consider the extent to 
 which our in-shore fisheries are, and have been, for ten years 
 back injured by the destruction of Herrings, both fit and unfit 
 for proper use, taken in the weirs, is almost endless. The 
 heavy schulls of Herring Fry being yearly cut up by those 
 weirs, and the Cod and Pollack having no bait to draw them 
 in-shore, they are only to be found far out in deep water, 
 where boats and small vessels, (the poor man's dependence) 
 cannot follow them, and there even generally scarce. 
 
 To your sixth — The extent to which our fisheries are en- 
 croached upon by foreigners, both by their fishing within limits 
 for Hake, and netting for bait at the Southern Head in the 
 spawning season, is I believe very considerable, but might, I 
 think, be prevented by a more rigid enforcement of the existing 
 kiws. Our Overseers of Fisheries are all fishermen themselves ; 
 none other can here be had, and they cannot be expected to 
 complain of their neighbours to their loss. There is here 
 
164 
 
 mucli incflicicnry in this respect, but I mn»t leave the prescrip- 
 tion of a reiniMly to yourself. ^ 
 
 1 am unable to give any reply to your other inquiries, as 
 there are no river fisheries in this Islam), nor any Shad fishery. 
 
 I find the views of the different invcsti|^ators of these matters 
 sent here by the Government, aliout as various as the different 
 kinds offish. Some of them say, that all the Herrings taken 
 here by weirs, are not at all missed in the sea. They say the 
 weirs would always be filled up with Herrings, if the weir 
 stakes and brush wood did not frighten them off into deep water; 
 my reason for their leaving is, that they arc all killed. With 
 my Tjeighbours here, experienced fishermen, I agree, that 
 Herriiigs do not come in from sea at all, but are spawned 
 on our spawning ground, and play round our shores until taken ; 
 and that such as are not taken, continue to do so, until they 
 are full grown ; when they know our shores as well as sheep 
 know their pasture. Then they go ofT to sea, where they 
 remain, frequenting shoals and in-shore places only to deposit 
 their spawn. We catch no spawning Herrings, and but few 
 large enough to spawn in our weirs. It is considered a settled 
 point by all experienced fishermen on this Island, that while 
 so many weirs as are now erected here, are allowed to stand, 
 so long will our Herring and in-shore fisheries continue to 
 decline. So long also must we be annoyed with obstruction3 
 to our navigation, which many of the weirs are at present. 
 
 Next to the weirs, the falling oflT of our fishery may be atr , 
 tributed to the very great destruction of spawn for many years 
 past at the Southern Head, by the catch being allowed there 
 at all seasons, without proper restrictions. I think this might 
 be remedied by re-enacting the expired law relating to this 
 fishery passed in 1834, which prohibited all netting on this 
 ground from 20th July to 20th October, with an amendment 
 allowing only one boat to each vessel. During the continuance 
 of this law, our Herring and other in-shore fisheries, upon 
 which the main body of our Islanders depend for support, was 
 remarkably improved ; at that time however, there were no' 
 weirs here. 
 
 The practice of throwing oflTal upon the fishing grounds by 
 foreigners and careless persons, should be prevented by per- 
 manent fishery laws. The preservation of spawn ought also 
 to be attended to ; but what will be the use of this, if the Her- 
 rings are to be fenced in, and killed, before they are the length 
 of your finger ? Your obedient servant, 
 
 Cochran Craig. 
 
 M. H. Ferley, Esquire. 
 
166 
 
 No. 4. , 
 "^ TiCttor from Dnniel M'Lau^rlilin, Escj., dipt, of Militia. 
 
 Grand Munan, S. iV. Ifrad, Oct. 9, 1H.50. 
 
 Siu, — It ^ivcH nic great plrusiiro to furnisli you with infor- 
 iimtion rcspcctin^j; tliu fishery at the H. W. Head of Gram! 
 Manuii. I have rcHided here 21 years, and during 18 years 
 of that time was Overseer of the Fisliery. When I first came, 
 the Americans set nets, utui rohbed the ^f. Jolin fiNliermen of 
 their warps and ancliors at noon day. I comphiiiied of tliis 
 to their own ofHcers, who took two of the vessels, with the 
 anchors and warps on board of them. At that tini6, not more; 
 than eight St. John vessels fished here for Herrings. Rut at 
 the present time there arc from 40 to 30, all on u small space 
 of ground, with ten, twenty, and thirty nets to each vessel. 
 When the nets arc taken up in the morning, they arc replaced 
 by others, so that the passage of the fish is obstructed. The 
 nets will become so loaded, that the webs drop from tluj cork 
 rope, and arc then left to rot upon the bottom, except what 
 few they can grapple i!p. By thc^e means, the fish are driven 
 from their spawning ground ; for this mode cf fishing is con- 
 stantly kept up, Sunday not excepted. 
 
 It is well known that Grand Manan is the key of the fish- 
 eries in the Bay of Fundy. The passage of fish is obstructed 
 by weirs in every place where the fish resort, and not one with 
 a lawful gate ; some without any, and those chiefly owned by 
 foreigners, which I beg to say, are no benefit to any but those 
 that own the privilege. Some of them even bring their building 
 timber, their box-stuff, ami barrels ; when the fishing is over, 
 th^y take all their fish to Campo Bello, or Indian Island, where 
 they remain until opportunity serves to get them into the 
 United States and get the American brand upon them. IVot 
 one of these fish goes to n British market. 
 
 In 1834, the inhabitants petitioned and got a law passed, 
 which remained in force until May 1837. They want the same 
 law in force now with a little amendment, as to vessels having 
 boats attached to them — only one boat for the use of the 
 vessel. By this law, the fisheries for Cod-fish and Herrings 
 both revived, while it was in force. I took 70 barrels of the 
 best of Herrings, with 15 fathoms of not, 2\ inch mesh, in 
 November 1835 j at that time, they were worth 20s. per 
 
 barrel. 
 
 M. H. Perley, Esq, 
 
 ;'- '\- 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 
 Daniel M'Laughlin. 
 
166 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 Cofy of Regulations for the Shad Fishery in the County of 
 Cumb'rland, Nova Scotia. 
 
 I. It is ordained, thut the rules and regulations made at a 
 Special Sessions of the Peace on the 14th day of April, 1840, 
 for the District of Fort Lawrence in the said County, be con- 
 tinued and in full force, as they were made aforesaid, on the 
 said day, viz : — that the Fort Lawrence District have liberty 
 to make their own regulations relative thereto ; that no net 
 shall exceed fifty fathoms ; and that no family be allowed to 
 set more than that number of fathoms in different nets. 
 
 II. That all the nets shall be set on lines, from the shore 
 toward the bank of the River or Bay, and that no two lines of 
 nets shall be set in the range of the tide or current, nearer than 
 one hundred and fifty yards of each other : Provided, never- 
 theless, that the Overseer be permitted to allow of the setting 
 of nets, either above or below said lines of nets. 
 
 , III. That the Overseer lay oflf these several lines, as many 
 as he may deem necessary, for the accommodation of the 
 inhabitants for the District of Fort Lawrence interested in the 
 fisheries ; and that each person ballot for his right to a place 
 in such line or lines, each right or share not to exceed twenty 
 five yards in each line, which he may ballot for, according to 
 the number of fathoms in first section. 
 
 IV. That tht Overseer be required to give six days notice, 
 by advertisement, previous to said laying off and balloting. 
 
 V. That these fisheries are the undoubted right of the inha- 
 bitants of the District of Fort Lawrence, but it is their opinion 
 that whenever the ground for the inhabitants be laid off, that 
 the Overseer shall admit of any other person to participate in 
 the same advantage, until the ground be taken up under these 
 regulations. 
 
 For the Township of Amherst. 
 
 I. It is further ordained, that there shall not be any drift-net 
 or nets, alio- <;d to be drifted from the mouth of the River 
 Missaguash, up to imherst Point Marsh, opposite Barrons- 
 field in said County. 
 
 II. It is further ordained, that one net and no more, be 
 allowed to each householder, so that only one net be allowed 
 to each house, and that no other person or persons be allowed 
 a net or Lets in any of the strings of nets hereafter mentions L 
 
• 
 
 167 
 
 in. It is fUrther ordained, that whenever ground for the 
 householders of the Township of Amherst be laid off, that the 
 Overseer or Overseers be allowed to admit of any other per- 
 son or persons, being householders, so that only one net be 
 allowed to each house. 
 
 IV. It is further ordained, that no net or nets of any person 
 or persons, shall be more than twelve fathoms in length, and 
 the depth thereof as each individual may think proper. 
 
 V. It is further ordained, that five strings of nets be allowed 
 to be set, from the mouth of the River LaPlanche, to what is 
 called M'Cully's Upper Creek ; and that other strings of nets 
 be allowed from M'CuUy's Upper Creek, to Amherst Point 
 Marsh, allowing that no string of such nets be nearer to each 
 other than five hundred yards. 
 
 VI. It is further ordained, that the first mentioned five 
 strings of nets be numbered from the mouth of the River La- 
 Planche upwards. 
 
 VII. It is further ordained, that the owner or owners of the 
 soil opposite the strings of nets, or ground taken up for the 
 same, shall have the first privilege or choice ; and that the 
 person or persons who had set nets on previous year or years, 
 shall have the second privilege ; and in case of any difficulty 
 with either of the above parties, the Overseer or Overseers 
 shall draw lots, in relation for either of the above parties, as 
 the case mny require, either for the first, second, or third. 
 
 [For a breach of any of the above Regulations, a penalty 
 not exceeding 40s. is imposed.] 
 
 n .uv: 
 
 '■■•:. T.:'\ :... No. 6. ■;- * '■ 
 
 Letter on the Deep Sea Fisheries, from the Honorable John E, 
 Fairbanks, of Halifax, Nova Scotia. 
 
 Woodside, ISth November, 1850. 
 
 Dear Sir, — Previous to the receipt of your kind favour of 
 the 12th, I had made a few notes relative to our fisheries. I 
 much regret that my practical information is so meagre, in a 
 branch of industry • of such vital importance to the people of 
 these Colonies ; such as it is however, with the result of some 
 recent inquiries, I now give it you. 
 
 The Custom House returns as to fish will give you some 
 idea of the Imports and Exports of this article. From them, 
 
168 
 
 you will learn, how large a quantity we receive from Nfew- 
 fonndland, for which cash is paid to a great extent ; but no in- 
 formation can be obtained as to our domestic consumption. It 
 is doubtless very great, as there is scarcely a family but uses 
 fish, in various shapes ; yet this demand would be greatly in- 
 creased, if the modes of cure were improved, and the quality 
 could bo relied upon. The farmer who teams a barrel of fish 
 a long distance into the interior, and then finds them bad, is 
 cautious how he buys in future. A rigid inspection law, pro- 
 perly carried out, would be of great service. 
 
 I think there is scarcely a man in the Province, who has a 
 correct idea of the present value of our fisheries ; and I am 
 sure that few can conceive to what extent they are capable of 
 being carried under sound and judicious Legislation and ma- 
 nagement. We have not only no bounties, but not one shilling 
 of public expenditure has ever been disbursed, in improving a 
 fishing port or station. AH our nets, lines, and twines, are 
 imported, the light and simple manufacture of which, might, I 
 think, be introduced, and thus furnish employment to the fami- 
 lies of fishermen during the winter season, 
 
 With respect to the modes in which our fishing is conducted, 
 there is — first, the Bank fishery ; and second, the Shore fish- 
 ery. Our '* Bankers" are generally of small size, from 20 to 
 50 tons, neither so well constructed, fitted, or found, as those 
 of the Americans. Our vessels go to sea, from the 1st of 
 April, to the 1st of May. They continue Cod-fishing on the 
 various banks, between Cape Sable and Cape Canso, until 
 about the 10th of June. The Cod they take, are very fine, 
 thick, well-fed fish. If well cured in pile, not pickled in casks, 
 they would suit the Spanish market, and get there earlier than 
 those from Newfoundland, by two months. Those pickled in 
 casks before being dried, give on the voyage ; and this, no 
 doubt, has caused the loss of many cargoes, by what is called 
 " sweating." 
 
 These " Bankers " also take Halibut, sometimes ii; large 
 quantities ; but the fins only are used, whereas the whole bo- 
 dies, when properly preserved and dried in strips, would meet 
 a good market in the United States. The tongues and sounds 
 are also generally thrown away, in the hurry of cleaning. 
 
 Much time is lost by these " Bankers " in coiuing home on 
 Saturday night, as part of the following week is spent in re- 
 turning to their fishing ground. The Americans cannot do 
 this, consequently have more time to secure their fares. 
 
 In June, our " Bankers " proceed to Cape Breton, the Gulf 
 
F 
 
 169 
 
 of Saint Lawrence, or the Labrador, whence they return with 
 cargoes of Cod, Seal-skins, &,c. Many reach home about the 
 last of August, and commence the catch of Dog-fish, which are 
 valuable on account of the oil their livers yield. Eight hundred 
 Dog-fish, if of good size, yield a barrel of oil of 31 \ gallons. 
 Their dried bodies are sold at 2s. 6d. per hundred, for feeding 
 pigs during the winter. Two fish, boiled or roasted, per day, will, 
 feed a good sized store pig, from November until May, when 
 the food must be changed, and the flavour given by the fish 
 will be entirely obliterated. This is one of the most valuable 
 branches of our fishery ; its outfit costs very little, but it is 
 limited, both by neglect and an unfortunate prejudice against 
 the use of the fish as food for pigs. 
 
 The fishing for Dog-fish having slackened, our vessels are 
 next engaged in taking Herrings and Mackerel, continuing to 
 fish for the latter until late in November. During some sea- 
 sons, this is done both with nets and seines ; but the quantity 
 taken in the seines is sometimes very large, and then the cure 
 is not so good, which causes a decided preference to be given 
 to the net fish. 
 
 The second branch, the shore or boat fishery, is carried on 
 to a greater or less extent, along our whole coast. Whale- 
 boats manned by 2 to 4 men, and lajge sail beats, undecked, 
 are used. They commence about tne 2(hh of May, and f ih 
 within the distance of 10 to 15 miles from the land. 'I'he 
 diligent and active make a tolerable living, and keep out 
 of debt ; but as these men have generally a few acres of land, 
 with some cattle and sheep, their time is divided between fish- 
 ing and farming, which operates injuriously to both ; many of 
 them are therefore poor, and unable to pay for their outfit. 
 This compels them to hire with others the following year ; 
 after that, they seldom redeem their promises to the merchant. 
 
 With regflrd to the fishery within this Harbour, I may ob- 
 serve, that it is chiefly carried on in boats, and where any 
 number of " Bankers " might be employed, I may say we have 
 not one deservihg the name. 
 
 Between Halifax and Cape Sambro, about 12 miles, there 
 are three fishing stations on the western shore, viz : — Fergu- 
 son's Cove, Herring Cove, and Portuguese Cove. I regret 
 that I cannot give you either the number of men or boats, or 
 the quantity of fish cured ; it is however very considerable. 
 The fishermen there cure a large quantity of Cod, Mackerel, 
 and Herring ; they have many seines and nets, and generally 
 are in comfortable circumstances. They supply the Halifax 
 
 22 
 
 « 
 
170 
 
 , 
 
 market with Cod, Haddock, Mackerel, Halibut, Salmon, Her- 
 rings, Lobsters, and a few other varieties of fish. 
 
 Few fish markets in America are better supplied, or at 
 cheaper rates, than that of Halifax. With a little more exer- 
 tion, and by good prices, it might be made equal to the demands 
 of the population, however extensive. 
 
 On the eastern side of the Harbour, south of Woodside, 
 there is a population of about one thousand, many of whom 
 reside on their own farms, and prosecute the shore fishery ; 
 they hav'3 also two or three small ' ' Bankers," and although 
 either the fishing or farming might afford them a living, I attri- 
 bute all the poverty that exists among them, to the union of the 
 two pursuits, which has invariably ended in disappointment. 
 
 I will now give a short detail of my own experience at Wood- 
 side, where I recently had the pleasure of seeing you. About 
 three years since, I visited Cape Cod -and Marblehead, in 
 order to learn theii mode of conducting the fishery, and to 
 procure some experienced men. I was told, that the best they 
 had were Nova Sco'iians. They were surprised to find us be- 
 hind them, with ad\ antages so much superior to their own — 
 they having to sail one thousand miles to the fishing banks, 
 out and home, while those banks are almost at our very doors — 
 this, with the low cost of our vessels, salt, &c., naturally induced 
 them to think, that it would be a more profitable pursuit with 
 us, than with them. So I thought, and I still continue of the 
 same opinion. On my return, I bought a small vessel, built 
 the flakes, and commenced a small establishment. There has 
 been no scarcity of fish on the ground ; those cured were of good 
 quality, early in market, and sold well. Had I been able to 
 offer 1000 to 1500 quintals of Codfish in the market, I have 
 little doubt but 15s. per quintal might have been obtained for 
 them ; I;ut the quantity was too small to make up a cargo, 
 except for the West Indies, with other parcels. The result, 
 however, of the three years has been unfavourable, — ^the ves- 
 sel's half of the fish not producing more than enough to pay 
 the provisions and supplies, leaving nothing for wear and tear. 
 The want of exertion on the part of the crew, their insubor- 
 dination, carelessness, and improvidence, have led to these 
 results, and deterred me from increasing an establishment, 
 which, I feel assured, would not only be profitable to me, but 
 beneficial to the community ; but I am not without the hopot 
 that fitter men may yet be found. <j 
 
 We ought to have five hundred sail at least out of this port. 
 They should not come into port during the season, unless to 
 
171 
 
 land fish, or from unavoidable necessity. A shore crew shotfld 
 make the fish near the city, where suitable labour could be 
 easily got. Fish can be made, in clear weather up the har- 
 bour, while the coast is enveloped in fog. 
 
 From my own experience, corroborated by practical men, 
 I entertain the opinion, that the fishing on our coast could be 
 made more profitable than that of Newfoundland. There the 
 season is short, and the weather more uncertain, while from 
 hence, including a Bay voyage, the fish may be taken the 
 whole year. Our fisheries however, receive no support from 
 the Government ; our merchants furnish the provisions and sup- 
 phes only, not owning the vessels themselves. The American 
 bounties, and protective duties, enable them to give our fish- 
 ermen high wages, and we cannot be surprised that our best 
 men leave us. 
 
 New Brunswick has, I think, acted wisely in directing the 
 inquiry you are now engaged in making, and must feel much 
 indebted to you, for your exertions in exploring this valuable 
 branch of her resources. I wish our Government would copy 
 the example, for the period will soon arrive when our attention 
 must be turned more seriously towards the fisheries, and then, 
 the value of these investigations will be duly appreciated. 
 
 The Mackerel fishery on the Sable Island banks, has this 
 season been productive, and seines have been used in hauling 
 on the shores of that Island. This will induce a larger outfit 
 next i^eason, the prices in the United States being now very 
 high. 
 
 I have often thought, that when men of capital and enter- 
 prise turn their attention tp this branch of industry, as they 
 no doubt will do hereafiler, many improved modes of conduct- 
 ing It will be introduced. Steam, which has been pressed into 
 the service of every other business, will I think be found equally 
 applicable to this. Propellers of a cheap cost might be em- 
 ployed ; they trould carry a larger crew, who could catch fish, 
 as it is a simple act, once they are hooked. They could 
 speedily weigh anchor, shift their ground, keep their crew 
 comfortable when off woik, and run into and out of Fort 
 without loss of time, leaving to shoresmen the labour of mak- 
 ing the f.. h, and so fishing the whole season with little inter- 
 ruption. This is one idea. 
 
 Next, steam is employed in drying many articles of mer- 
 chandise — whv not fish ? How much labour is lost, atler the 
 fish are taken and Halted ! How many rof/[(oe8 are spoiled in 
 makmg froni ovposurti to bad weather, and destroyed by 
 
172 
 
 becoming salt-burnt, mildewed, and slimy ! Could science 
 not discover some practical plan of curing them in suitable 
 buildings by .steam ? I think it may, and yet will be done. 
 
 I met a fisherman yesterday from Canso, who had been 
 driven off the land some forty miles. He assured me, that he 
 rtin all night through unbroken schulls of Mackerel, steering 
 8outh-)vest. Now, on our ^hore, this fishery has been a fai- 
 lure this fall, and this man's report tallies with those of many 
 old fishermen with whom I have formerly conversed, namely, 
 that Mackerel are abundant every season, but from some cause, 
 at times, pass to the westward in the Fall, at a great distance 
 from the land. This fact, although well known, has not yet 
 led to the introduction of the deep-sea net fishery as followed 
 in the North Sea, where at times 300 fathoms of net are used 
 for one vessel in taking Herrings ; this mode may one day be 
 used here, with advantage. 
 
 The bultow fishing, as followed by the French on the Grand 
 Bank, is not known on our shores ; some fishermen think it 
 would do, but they have not the enterprise to try it. 
 
 These ideas have frequently occurred to me ; it is now rather 
 late in life for me to engage in a pursuit of this nature, but the 
 field is boundless. The supply can never be exhausted, nor 
 the demand that exists in almost every country be satisfied. 
 In a few years, America itself will consume all these Provin- 
 ces can furnish, and I hope the inventive spirit of the age will 
 apply itself to the investigation of these subjects, and point 
 out to the young and enterprising, improved modes of applying 
 their exertions to this most valuable branch of North American 
 industry. 
 
 I regret that this communication, instead of these discursive 
 remarks, does not contain that precise statistical information 
 of which you were in search. I would gladly have substituted 
 it instead, but as I had prepared you to expect that it could 
 not easily be procured, I hope you will not feel disappointed. 
 I so highly approve of the service in which you are engaged, 
 that I was willing to give you my ideas on the subject, how- 
 ever imperfect they might be ; but I shall neglect no opportu- 
 nity of furnishing you with any further information I may 
 acquire on this interesting subject. 
 
 I am, my dear Sir, &.c. 
 
 " '" John E. Fairbanks. 
 
 U. H. Perley, Btquire. 
 
173 
 
 .yi\ 
 
 No. 7. 
 
 Extract of a Despatch from Lord Stanley to Lord Falkiand, 
 dated nth September 1845, preceded hy a note of the 
 circumstances which led to its transmission. „ ^ 
 
 In 1841, Mr. Stevenson, the American Minister at the 
 Court of St. James, addressed a note to the Secretary of State 
 for Foreign Affairs, complaining of the authorities of Nova 
 Scotia for having seized a numbei- of American vessels, which 
 were fishing within head-l^nd^,, but yet at a greater distance 
 than three miles from the land. 
 
 This complaint led to a case being submitted by the Assem- 
 bly of Nova Scotia, as to the construction of the Convention of 
 1818 relative to the fisheries, and the opinion of the Queen's 
 Advocate General and Attorney General of England was there- 
 upon given, that the prescribed distance of three miles was to 
 be measured from headlands, or extreme points of land, and 
 not from the indents of the coast. This opinion will be found 
 in the Appendix to the Report on the Fisheries of the Gulf of 
 St. Lawrence, in 1850, as Document No. 11. 
 
 The American Minister continued to reiterate his remon- 
 strances until 1845, when Lord Stanley, by a Despatch to 
 Lord Falkland, dated • 19th May 1845, intimated that Her 
 Majesty's Government deemed it advisable for the interests of 
 both countries, to relax the strict rule which excluded Ameri- 
 can fishing vessels from entering the Bays on the coast of 
 British North America. 
 
 Lord Falkland immediately communicated to Lord Stanley 
 his objections to the proposed arrangements, which were 
 couched in very strong terms. The Honorable Mr. Simonds, 
 then a member of the Executive Council of New Brunswick, 
 being about to proceed to England, was instructed by the 
 Council to oppose the proposed concession. In London, Mr. 
 Simonds met the Honorable George R. Young, who imme- 
 diately bent his energies to the same end. On the 4th of 
 August 1845, Mr. Young presented to Lord Stanley, a most 
 able and elaborate paper upon the fishery question, which ap- 
 pears to have had great weight ; it is to be regretted that this 
 valuable document has not yet been published. The exertions 
 of Mr. Simonds and Mr. Young were successful, and the follow- 
 ing statements made by those gentlemen on their return, in 
 the Legislatures of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, of which 
 they were respectively members, will best explain their pro- 
 
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 174 
 
 On the 2nd of February 1846, in the House of Assembly, 
 Mr. Simonds rose and said — '* He had some explanations to 
 make relative to the right of the Americans to fish, under the 
 Convention of 1818. It had been the intention of the Home 
 Government to concede to the fishermen of the United States, 
 the right to fish in our waters. At a meeting of the Council 
 in this Province, it was considered highly important, that per- 
 sonal remonstrance should be made on the subject, to the 
 authorities in Great Britain ; and as he (Mr. Simonds) was 
 about going to Europe, an Order in Council was passed, 
 authorizing him to make the proper representations. He was 
 the only person officially appointed by the Colonies ; but on 
 his arrival in London, he found a distinguished Nova Scotia 
 gentleman, (George R. Young, Esq.,) who was anxious to join 
 him. The Gaspc Fishing and Mining Company were also 
 anxious to depute a gentleman to join with him. Believing 
 that he would be materially assisted by these gentlemen, he 
 gladly acceded to the propositions, and they waited first upon 
 a member of the Board of Trade, whom they made acquainted 
 with the facts of the case. They then had an interview with 
 Mr. Hope, the Under Secretary for the Colonies, to whom 
 they represented the case in its strongest light. They next 
 saw Mr. Addington and Mr. Hope together, and went tho- 
 roughly into the case with them, showing the injury the con- 
 templated measure would inflict upon the Colonies. These 
 representations, they had good reason to believe, were effec- 
 tual. They then had an interview with Lord Stanley, to 
 whom they made the same representations. In this duty, it 
 fell to him, (Mr. Simonds) to state the case, he being the only 
 person officially appointed, but he was ably assisted by the 
 other gentlemen. From Lord Stanley they received assurance 
 that nothing should be done in the matter to injure the Colo- 
 nies ; and he (Mr. Simonds) had no doubt, the representations 
 made, had induced Her Majesty's Government to decline, for 
 ever, the proposal of yielding to the United States any further 
 rights to fish in our waters, than those already granted before 
 he (Mr. S.) had gone to England. The Americans, under 
 this arrangement, were at liberty to fish in the Bay of Fundy, 
 provided they did not come within three miles of the shore." 
 
 On the 14th February 1846, the Hon. Mr. Young laid on 
 the table of the Assembly of Nova Scotia, copies of the docu- 
 ments which he had prepared in England on this subject, 
 including the able letter to Lord Stanley already mentioned, 
 accompanied by the following memorandum : — 
 
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175 
 
 " After the transmission of my note of 1st August, Mr. 
 Simonds and myself had a long interview by appointment with 
 Mr. Hope, and Mr. Addington of the Foreign Office, on the 
 subject of these concessions, and before whom the effect of 
 them was fully discussed. Our strong ground of argument 
 Was, that the right of the Colonics being determined by the 
 Treaty of 1818, the interpretation of that Treaty should be 
 lef\: without further negotiation, to the action of the High Court 
 of Admiralty. 
 
 " By the Steamer which lefl Liverpool on the 4th August, 
 I sent a letter to the Speaker, and ray other political friends, 
 requesting them to take such action on it, as they might deem 
 advisable. 
 
 '* On the 6th of Augu8t,the second note and the letter which 
 accompanied it, were sent in, with the full approval and sanc- 
 tion of Mr. Simonds. 
 
 " A note from the Hon. Colonel ^ /ilbraham, the Private 
 Secretary of Lord Stanley, was received, appointing a day for 
 an interview. 
 
 " Such interview was accordingly held ; and at the same 
 time, Mr. Norman, and other gentlemen representing the in- 
 terests of the Gaspe Fishing Company, Mr. Simonds as the 
 Agent of New Brunwick, (Henry Bliss, Esquire, not being 
 then in London,) and myself, as a Member of the Legislature of 
 Nova Scotia, were received by Lord Stanley, and Mr. Hope, 
 at the Colonial Office. The question was then fully discussed in 
 all its bearings ; and Lord Stanley said, at the conclusion of the 
 conversation, that no decision should be come to, until we were 
 further consulted. On behalf of the Legislature and the 
 country, I earnestly entreated, that the concessions sought for 
 by the American Minister should not be ceded, until the ques- 
 tion should be submitted to the Assembly. 
 
 " On my return tb London, from Scotland, in September, 
 I ascertained at the Colonial Office, that the Government had 
 determined not to grant the concessions sought for, and that 
 a Despatch, of which I saw the copy, had been sent to their 
 Excellencies Lord Falkland and Sir William Colebrookc, by 
 the Mail of the 19th September, to that effect." 
 
 The following is an Extract from the Despatch alluded to, 
 \ as being addressed td Lord Falkland : — 
 
 / Downing Street, 17th Sept. 1845. 
 
 I Her Majesty's Government have attentively considered the 
 
 representations contained in your Despatches, No. 324 and No. 
 
 t. 
 
176 
 
 331, of 17th Juno and 2d July, respecting the policy of grant- 
 ing permission to the fiHhermcn of the United States to fish in 
 the Bay of Chaleur, and other largo Bays of similar character, 
 on the Coasts of Now Brunswick and Nova Scotia; and appre- 
 hending from your statements, that any such general conces- 
 sion would be injurious to the interests of the British North 
 American Provinces, we have abandoned the intention we had 
 entertained upon this subject ; and shall adhere to the strict 
 letter of the Treaties which exist between Great Britain and 
 the United States, relative to the Fisheries in North America, 
 except in so far as they may relate to the Bay of Fundy, 
 which has been thrown open to the Americans under certain 
 restrictions. 
 
 In announcing this decision to you, I must at the same time, 
 direct your attention to the absolute necessity of a scrupulous 
 observance of those Treaties on the part of the Colonial autho- 
 rities, and to the danger which cannot fail to arise, from an 
 overstrained assumption of the power of excluding the fisher- 
 men of the United States, from the waters in which they have 
 a right to follow their pursuits. < • <. 
 
 STANLEY. 
 
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