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Hiotographic

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-4 - ,- T

JO

» M

ANNUAL KEPOET

OF

PIERRE FORTIN", ESQUIRE, MAGISTRATE,

IN COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION FOR THE

PROTECTION OF THE EISHERIES

IN THE GULF OE THE ST. LAWEENCE,

DURING THE SEASOlvr OF 1857.

printed bi) ({Drbtr of l\jt gt^iskim ^ssembln.

-■'' ■(

x^

TOBONTO:
JOHN LOVELL, PRINTER, CORNER OF YONGE AND MELINDA STREETS.,

V 1868.

f

RETURN

To AN Address of the Legislative Assembly, dated I9th instant,
for a copy of the Report of Pierre Fortin, Esquire, Stipen-
diary Magistrate, in command of the schooner " La Cana-
dienne," during the summer of 1857.

(By order,)

T. J. J. LORANGER,

Secretary.

Office of the Provincial Secretary,

Toronto, 21st April, 1858.

i

ANNUAL REPORT.

Notwithstanding my most strenuous efforts to proceed to the Gulf of St.
Lawrence with the Government schooner " La Canadienne," immediately on the
opening of the navigation, in obedience to the instructions which I had received,
I was unable to leave Quebec before 7th May.

In the first place, unfavorable weather had prevented the contractor, Mr.
Davy, from executing the needful repairs ordered by the Government as early as I
wished, and afterwards, when I was prepared to sail, adverse winds detained me
in the roadstead at Quebec. However, thanks to the good sailing of "La Cana-
dienne," and her excellent qualities as a sea-boat, I succeeded in reaching the
Magdalen Islands on the 14th, having put in at Malbaie (below) and Perce.

I thus arrived at the Magdalen Islands one week earlier than last year.

At JNIalbaie I met Mr. Lavergne, Mayor, and two Councillors of the Muni-
cipality of Fox River, who requested me to proceed immediately to Fox River,
where some disturbances had taken place arising out of municipal matters.
Especially, they required my assistance and that of the constabulary force under
my command, on the 1st of June, being the day of the meeting of the municipal
Council, for the protection of the Councillors, who were threatened with ill-
usage if they sat and passed by-laws.

I had the honor to transmit to the Government in June last, Mr. Lavergne's
letter, in which he and others made a requisition for my services at Fox River,
with reference to the disturbances at that place.

4

k

I told Mr. Lavergne that he mi'j;ht rely on my readiness to proceed as soon
as possible to the place where my presence was required, and thiit in any case I
would be at Fox River on the 1st of June.

On arriving at the Bay of Plaisance (Magdalen Islands), I communicated
with Mr. John J. Fox, the ('oll(>clor of the Port of Amherst, to whom, as on former
occasions, I tendered my assistance and that of the hands under my orders, with
the use of a boat when required.

As soon as tl.e weather was favorable, I unshipped a large boat with a
shifting iron keel, which I had had built al Quebec, for the service of the Custom
House at the Magdiden Islands. This craft, the want of which had been long
felt in this remote place, will enable Mr. Fox, or his assistants, to move at any
time during the season of navigation, from Amherst Harbor to House Harbor, to
proceed to any point in the islands, or even to make a tour of them if necessary.

I was informed that there had not been a single wreck in the waters of the
Magdalen Islands since my departure last year.

The winter had not been as severe as usual, and at no time had there been
so small an amount of sufl'ering . .long the fishermen.

This circumstance must, n doubt, be imputed partly to the fact that the
difl'erent fisheries on the coast of the Magdalen Islands had been successful in
1856, but it must also be due to the fact that the fishermen applying themselves
more than formerly to agriculture, have by this means rendered their situation less
precarious than it was, when solely depending on their occupation as fishermen.
Last year, the crops of wheat, barley, oats, and vegetables were so good that many
of the people had, in these articles, ample means of subsistence for the winter.

When I arrived at Amherst in the Spring, the fishermen had not bought from
the storekeepers fifty barrels of flour. At the same date, in former times, hun-
dreds of barrels had been purchased by them. It is, in my opinion, a fact worth
mentioning, that at Amherst Island there were ground, in a mill, built chiefly
through the efforts and influence of the Rev. Mr. Bouchault, the missionary there,
more than 5,000 minots of different kinds of grain, harvested in 183G, besides
what was ground on the other islands in hand mills. The changes brought about
in this part of Canada may be better appreciated when I state that on my first
voyage to the Magdalen islands in 1853, a few hundred bushels of grain only were
harvested, and that even this the inhabitants had to carry to Prince Edward's
Island to be ground, 20 leagues off.

The schooners which had left House Harbor and Amherst Harbor for the
seal fishery on the ice, had returned a short time before with tolerably good
cargoes. They had not lost a single individual of their crews, nor had any of their
vessels suffered the least damage in that dangerous pursuit. The success of the
fishery had slightly exceeded that of 1856. In that season twenty-one schooners
capture d 4,923 seals, while in 1857 nineteen schooners brought back the spoils of
nearly 6,000.

The reason why no more than nineteen schooners were engaged in the seal
fishery in the present year, while in 1856 there were twenty-one, is that nine of
the vessels which visited the ice-floes last year, afterwards perished at Green
Island, on the coast of Labrador, in a voyage to the cod-fishery, as mentioned in my
report of last year, and that notwithstanding all the efforts made by the fishermen
they could not be replaced with new ones in a single season. There are, how-
ever, several schooners on the stocks at Grindstone Island, and elsewhere , and I
believe that the fleet to be sent to the seal fishery next year will be more numerous
than ever.

I must not omit to state that, on 24th March, large ice fields, driven by the
N. and N. W,, wind, had grounded on the coast over against I'Etang du Nord, the

I

I

1 ns soon
ny case I

mnicatod
on former
lers, with

it with a
e Custom
teen long
re at any
larbor, to
cccssaiy.
;rs of the

ere been

that the
iessful in
enrjselves
ation less
shermen.
lat many
winter,
ighl from
ties, hun-
ci worth

chiefly
ry there,

besides

ht about
my first
nly were

dward's

for the
ly good

of their
s of the
hooners
spoils of

he seal
nine of

Green
1 in my
lermen
, how-

and I
merous

by the
rd, the

western point of Amhcrsit Island and the Basin, and that about 4,000 seals, nearly
all young, were killed there in four or five days. But this successful hunt had
noi passed without an accident, and the consequent loss of two men belonging
to I'Elaiig <iu Nord, who had ventured too far on the ice-field, and been unable
to return before the land wind carried the ice out to sea, and thus cut oil' all com-
munication with the land.

Tlie herring-fishery had commenced about a week at House Harbor and
Amherst Harbor. On the I3lh, one draught of the seine in llynn Crock, Grindstone
Island, had brought in about 300 barrels of herring of good quality. There were
at Amherst Harbor, nearly a hundred schooners engaged in this fishery in the
Bay of Plaisance, with nets and seines. On tha l2th a large quantity of herring
had been taken in Shea Creek, and on the 15th a haul was made with two seines,
the result of which was not less than 400 barrels of fish each.

From the commencement of the fishing, the herring had swarmed in the Bay
of Plaisance, to a degree never exceeded in the recollection of the fishermen. The
beach was in many places covered with the spawn of the female fish, and the
water to a distance of several arpents from the shore was whitened by the melt of
the males.

The most experienced fishermen at Amherst Harbor gave me the following
account of the course taken by the shoals freciuenting the waters of the jVlaff'alen
Islands : They first enter the Bay of Plaisance, which by its great width and
capacious entrance seems to have been made expressly to intercept the numerous
shoals of fish which, impelled by the strongest of all animal interests, that of
reproducing their kind, leave the depths of the ocean for the Gulf of St. Lawrence
in search of a place suitable for the deposit and hatching of their spawn. They
next move towards House Harbor, and then towards the Grand Entry. Lastly,
they make the tour of the island, and show tliemselves successively at le
Moulin, L'Anse a la Cabane, and L'Etang du Nord. Schooners which have
arrived too late in Amherst Harbour for the fishery in the Bay of Plaisance have
frequently proceeded to the Grand Entry, and succeeded in taking, in a few days,
full cargoes of excellent herrings.

Oil the 16th, I received the following letter, in answer to the ofier which I had
made to the Mayor of the Municipality, of my services to assist him in enforcing
the by-laws passed by the Council.

" Office Municipal Council,

" Magdalen Islands, 16th May, 1857.

" Sir, — The Municipal Council of the Magdalen Islands, with much satisfac-
*' tion, welcomes your return to these Islands, at a period so much earlier in the
" season than usual, and accepts with thanks your offer to place at its disposal the
" force under your command, to assist in carrying out the lasvs for the regulation
♦' of the Fisheries, and affl)rding us that protection so much required at this time,
" with a fleet numbering upwards of 100 sail of fishing vessels in our harbors, and
" whose crews amount to as many as 600 men of all characters.

" I am, sir.

" Pierre Fortin, Esquire, J. P.,

" Commanding ' La Canadienne,'

" Pleasant Bay, Magdalen Islands."

' Your most obedient servant,

" (Signed) JOHN J. FOX,

*' Mayor.

6

P

My duties, from my arrival at the Magdalen Islands till my departure for the
Bay of Chaleurs, on the 21st, consisted in visiting Amherst Harbor everyday, in
procerding to the different fishing grounds, where the seines were drawn, and in
watching over the observance ol the by-laws, and the maintcniince of public order.

On the 16th I placed my long-bo;it at Mr. Fox's orders, and he sent it, with
Mr. MeCormick, the custom-house officer on the station, to visit all the vessels in
the port of Amherst Ffarbor. They all had regular pjipers except two, which were
in port, and just ready to sail. The captains of these, proceeded to the Custom
House, when notified to do so.

On the same day ten schoone"" sailed with full cargoes of herring. In the
afternoon Captain McKinnon, of the steamer Reindeer, of Babington, hauled his
seine ueu.i' Les Deinoiociit.s, aiid look Iicrring eiiou^ii to ilil lOoO oaiiels. Tlic
seine used on this occaf^ion was 110 fathoms in length, by 8 J in depth. The
wings were CO fathoms each.

The same captain informed me that he had, a few days previously, enclosed in
the same seine more than 2000 barrels of herring, of which more than 500 barrels
had been landed ; that afterwards a gale having sprung up from seaward, he had
been compelled to take up his seine on account of the heavy sea which came
tumbling in, and threatened to tear it in pieces on the rocks. On the following
day, the sea being calm, the fishermen hauled up at the spot where the seine had
been drawn, at the depth of a fathom, between 200 itnd 300 barrels of herring,
which had been killed by the extreme pressure of the wings of the seine, and had
remained at the bottom.

These instances will serve to shew in what abundance the herring frequents
the Magdalen Islands, and the immense extent to which the lisiicry might be
carried on, if a greater number of Canadians engaged in the pursuit. It is true,
the herring, taken at the season mentioned, is not in the finest condition, and is even
lean ; but it is in good order for smoking ; and that is tlie kind of cured herring
which keeps best in hot climates.

It has frequently been asserted that the herring fishery ought not to be carried
on at the Magdalen Islands in the spring, because at that season the fish resort
thither to accomplish the important function of reproducing their kind, by spawn-
ing on those parts of the coast which have shallow water and arc sheltered from the
seaward, and because, being disturbed in the performance of this dut^', they will
ultimately abandon the coasts of those Islands, and our fishermen will be deprived
of a great source of wealth. But the persons who maintain this theory are no doubt
ignorant of the fact that the shoals of herring appear on the coast of the Magdalen
Islands, only in the spawning season, and that if the opportunity of catching
them be neglected at that period no other will be found throughout the scas(;n. In
short, Providence has decreed that these fish should multiply in such astonishing
numbers [more than 7,000,000 of eggs having been counted in a single female her-
ring] that it is almost impossible to effect any perceptible diminution of them at
the Magdalen Islands, even if 50,000 to 100,000 barrels were taken yearly ; provided,
however, that the entrance of the bay of Plaisance be not obstructed with nets, a
pernicious practice which formerly prevailed, but which I have prevented since my
visits to the Magdalen Islands, during the spring fishery, commenced.

On the 20th, the captain of a schooner at anchor in Amherst Harbour, came
on board to make a complaint asainst the master of the schooner, Mary Jane, of
Digby, who, in quitting the bay, passed unnecessarily over one of his nets and tore
it so as to render it useless.

I despatched the second officer of " La Canadienne " on board the " Mary
Jane," which was under sail, to desire the Captain, Benjamin Winchester, to anchor
and come on board. This he immediately did, and agreed to pay the value of the
net which he had torn, without further proceeding being necessary.

-V

1

■I

ure for the
ry (lay, in
/ii, and in
1)1 ic order,
nt it, with
vrssris in
'hich were
\Q Custom

. In the
liiuled his
eis. 1 ije
pth. The

ncloscd in
00 barrels
d. he ]iad
ich came
following
seine had
of herring,
, and had

frequents

might be

It is true,

nd is even

i herring

)c carried

bh resort

)y spawn-

froin the

they will

deprived

no doubt

yiagdalen

catching

ison. In

tonishing

male her-

them at

provided,

h nets, a

since my

vr, came
Jane, of
and tore

" Mary
0 anchor
ic of the

I

As the herring fishery in the Bay of Plaisanco was nearly over, and only a small
number of fishing vessels remained in Amherst Harbour, I resolved to proceed to the
Bay of Chaleurs to repair the damage suffered by " La Canadienne on the morn-
ing of the 12th May, between the ^lagdalen Islands and the Island of Capo lireton,
during a heavy gale from the North-west ; as, if the work of repairing her were
quickly despatched, I might hope to return to the Magdalen Islands in time for the
mackerel fishery, after my visit on 1st June to Fox Ilivcr.

Accordingly I gave orders to sail the next day.

On the 2l3t, the anchor was apeak at 4 a. m., and after a run with light winds
from the E. and S. E. wo came to an anchor on the 22nd, at 7 p. m., at New Car-
lisle, tlic County Town of Bon^veitur'^.

I immediately communicated with the public officers and the principal inhabitants
of the place, and proceeded to Paspebiac, distant from New Carlisle only four miles,
to make arrangements with the agent of the house of Robins & Co., for the necessary
repairs to " La Canadienne."

On the 23rd, " La Canadienne " was moored at Paspebiac, and Mr. Lebrun, the
master-builder belonging to the house of Robins & Co., came on board to examine
the bowsprit, which lie found to be partly sprung a few feet from the knight-heads,
and accordingly condemned. He took steps to replace it with a heavier stick, and
also to put in another jib-boom, in place of that carried away by the same sea which
had dauiaged the bowsprit.

I next visited the fishing establishments of Paspebiac, and set off for Carleton
to tender my services to Mr. J. N. Verge, Crown timber agent for that part of
Canada, in case the persons who had cut timber on the Government lands should
refuse to conform to the requirements of the law relating to lumbering operations.

On the 24th, I arrived at Carleton, and saw Mr. Verge, who informed mo that
he had to settle accounts with several persons who had carried on lumbering on the
public lands adjacent to the Rivers Restigouche and Nouvello, but that he did not
anticipate any difficulty in collecting the duties, as such persons, hearing of my
arrival, would know how easily Mr. Verge could, in case of need, call in my assist-
ance, to seize the timber on which the duty had not been paid.

I also met the principal inhabitants of the place, and heard with pleasure that
the fishery just concluded in the Bay of Traguidigachc had been generally good, and
that all was quiet on the coast.

In the afternoon we weighed anchor, and arrived at Paspebiac in the evening of
the 25th.

In the morning of the 26th, the carpenters commenced their work of putting in
a new bowsprit, Mr. Lebrun also had a new jib-boom made, while the chief mate
prepa ed the necessary ropes for the rigging of the two spars.

The work was pushed on, with the hope that I might reach Fox River with the
schooner on the 1st June. I found occupation in visiting the different fishing estab-
lishments in the place, and in seeing the fishermen, in order to obtain all important
information relative to the fisheries.

As I have slated in my former reports, the most important houses in the fish
trade, those of Robin and Co., and of LeBoutillier and Brothers, are at Paspebiac.

The house of Robin and Co., have also a fishing establishment at Grand
River, and another at the creek S.W. from Perce, besides others on the coasts of
New Brunswick and the island of Cape Breton.

The house of LeBoutillier and Brothers own an establishment on the island of
Bonaventure, opposite Perc6, and others at Wood Island and Forteau, in the
Straits of Belleisle. The last named is not in Canada. The business done by
these two houses is considerable, amounting probably to ^200,000 ; that of Le
Boutillier and Brothers to $150,000. The men in their employ are numbered by

8

U,

i

hundreds. Each establishment is composed of half a score larcfc huildini»s, lim-
ber built, and in good t)rilcr, .serving to store goods, corthige, fisliing tnckU*, provi-
sions and cured lish, the hist mentioned article awaiting shipment to a foreign
market.

Nothing can exceed the order, cleanliness, and economy prevailing in these
establishments. The dillerent clerUs employ«'d in the fish trade, are accordingly
required to serve an apprenticeship of several years. Every chief agent has Imtl
charge for a long time of some small establishnuMit, in which he must luive given
proofs of activity and capacity ; and all the chief clerks must, in a subordinate
olllce, luive ac(iuired a correct judgment of the value of goods and of the quality
of fish. They nuist likewise be skilled in all the several processes used in pre-
paring the cotl-fish for market.

The masters of vessels arc both fishermen and captains of traders on their
voyages, in the summer, while their ships are awaiting their cargoes, they com-
mand squads of the men on shore, who are engaged in preparing the fish. These
remarks on the trading houses of Paspcbiac are generally applicable to all the
fishing establishments on the coast of Canada. The latter arc however, except
those of Mr. John LeBoutillier, on a much smaller scale.

I stated in my last year's report the direction in which the fish cured at Pas-
pcbiac is exported. It is therefore unnecessary to enlarge on that subject at
present, but at the close of this report I shall append a statement of the quantity
of fish exported from Paspebiac and from the wliolc coast of the bay of Chaleurs
as compared with what was exported last year.

On 28lh May, Mr. LcBrun, the master-carpenter, informed me that he could
not complete the repairs of " La Canadieune " in time to enable me to proceed
in her to Fox River by Ist June.

I then resolved to set out for that place in my boat with six of my best sea-
men, hoping for favorable weather anti a fair wind, so as to be able to arrive on
or before 1st June ; but we had scarcely embarked when it began to rain. On
the following days, strong ontrary winds retarded our progress. However, thanks
to the good will and strong arms of my six oarsmen, 1 arrived at Gaspc Basin on
31st May in the evening, having made 95 miles, nearly all along a dangerous
coast.

The next day, I crossed the bay and landed at Penouille, from whence having
laid up my boat in safety, I set out with my men and reached I'Anse aux Grill'ons
on the St. Lawrence in three hours, travelling over the new road made by Mr.
John LeBoutillier for the government.

Had it not been for this road, which is most useful, as opening a communica-
tion between the settlements below, from le Grand Etang to Cap des Rodcis and
Gaspe Basin, the only good harbour on all the south shore, and also the central
point, at which are the custom house and very important trading establishments, I
should have been obliged to double Gaspe Cape at sea, which would have length-
ened my journey by thirty miles. Even to do that, I must have had a calm or a
land-wind, as, with the Cape on my lee, I never could have doubled the Cape, on
account of the heavy surf there. From I'Anse aux Griffons, I proceeded in a whale
boat to Fox River, where I arrived on 1st June at 5 p.m.

I announced my arrival to the mayor of the municipality. Mr. Lavergne
and the council met, and held their meeting during half an hour without the
least interruption or hostile demonstration against any of the councillors.

Mr. Lavergne next made a requisition on me for armed assistance to execute
a warrant issued against one Francoeur, on whom one had been previously served
without effect, the defendant having, with the aid of some other persons, openly
resisted the bailiff, and even ill-treated him.

Idin^s, lim-
cklf, provi-
to a lort'ign

inff in tli«!so
iccordingly
'fit lias had
have given
*ul)()rclinato
the quality
iscd in pre-

rs on their
, th(^y eom-
isli. These
e to all the
.er, except

red at Pas-
subject at
lie quantity
f Chak'urs

i he could
to proceed

f best sea-
) arrive on
rain. On
vr, thanks
! liasin on
Jangerous

ce having
Gri lions
by Mr.

nmunica-
deis and
le central
iments, I
e length-
aim or a
Cape, on •
a Avhale

javergne
hout the

execute
y served
, openly

I sent one of my sailors arnu>(l, with tin* constable of the place, who had
charge to execute the warrant, and now Mr. Franco'ur did nut oiler to ni ike the
least resistance, and was brought Ixdort! the mayor. The trial proeei'dcd, and I he
defend int was condemned to pay a line of five pounds, or in defaidt of payment
to fdteen days' imprisonment.

There were thirty persons present in the justice-room, but the good order of
the court was not interru|)tcd for one instant. That same evening Mr. Fruneu'ur
paid the Clerk of the Court the fine.

I had afterwards the pleasure of meeting several of the principal inhabitants
of the place, who informed me that they were very glad of the result of my visit
to Fox Iliver, and that they hoped it woidd have the elleet of preventing the re-
currence of such disorders as that whicii had taken place.

In taking leave of Mr. Lavcrgue, and the other notables of the place, I told
them that I should ni.ikc them .several visits, during the season, with " La Canadiennc,"
and that \\\ case of any disturbance occurring at F()X River or the neiiihbouring
villages, they had only to give me notice, and I would proceed at once to the place
where my presence might be required.

The next day I went to (jlaspe Basin, which place I left on the 3rd. I put in
at la Grande Greve, at Point St. Pierre, at Perce, and at all the intermediate stations,
and arrived at Paspebiac in the evening of the 5th.

I found the repairs on board well advanced, and was told that I nnght hope
to set sail on the next day. Thus, while the schooner was, of necessity, detained in
port, I travelled 120 miles along the coast, and accomplished a mission which, from
Its results, may bo called important.

The disorderly and agitated state of the Village of Fox River, ])rcvi()U3 to my
visit, and the want of an armed force for their protection, are shewn l)y the letter
which M. Lavcrgne and the other councillors addressed to me. I am fortunate in
being able to show, that my presence in the place was the means of restoring order
and trampiillity for the remainder of the season, and that in my subscciuent visits
the authorities had nothing to complain of.

It may be thought that I exaggerate the effect of my visit to Fox River a little ;
but persons who have had opportunities of seeing riots in country places, know the
impression which the presence of a few disci})liiied men produce on a crowd, when
they are resolute and acting under authority. Moreover, the ])artics who might
have been disposed to offer resistance to the law were well aware that I might come
back in a few days with " La Canadienue," and that their resistance would not be
possible.

During this journey I visited, as I observed above, all the fishing stations on
the coast from Paspebiac to Fox River : Port Daniel, Pabos, Grand River, L'Anse
duCap, L'Ause au Beau Fils, Perce, Point St. Pierre, Gasp6 Basin and L'Anse aux
Griffons.

I saw the proprietors of the principal fishing establishments, and a great many
of the fishermen on that coast of the Gulf.

The cod-fishing which was just commencing, promised generally to be
successful.

At Poiot St. Pierre, the boats had taken from eight or ten quintals of fish
daily. Bait was plentiful.

In several of the villages, the fishermen were preparing to start for the north
shore cod-fishery, at Natashquan, Magpie Bay, Shelldrake, the Seven Islands, and
other places of minor importance, where the cod is more plentiful than on the south
shore.

But if the fish is more easily taken in those waters, the fishermen are, on the
other hand, obliged to incur greater expense in their outfit, in order to carry on

.3

10

their fishing operations, than when they practise their calling on the coast before
their own doors. Still, when they have the means of procuring a suitable outfit
it is certainly more advantageous for a certain number to go to the north shore,
as it is comparatively but little frequented.

On the Tth we left the roadstead of Paspebiac, and on the morning of the 9th
came to anchor in the Bay of Plaisance, opposite to Amherst Island.

The mackerel fishery had commenced, in the Bay of Plaisance, on 1st June,
a week earlier than usual ; but the fish Jiad not yet appeared in great numbers.

Twenty-five schooners were in Amherst Harbour, twenty of which were en-
gaged in the mpckercl fishery. The number of vessels so engaged last year was
about sixty. This wns a por>sid"rab'o falHnj]' f^fF hut t^'^ fi«hpry Jif^J be'^n so un-
productive, in 1856, that most of the masters of vessels, which usually resorted to the
Magdalen Islands, had preferred going at once to the coast of Labrador, to engage
in the cod-fishery, ntlier than attempting the mackerel fishery in the Bay of
Plaisance. I tendered my services to the members of the municipality, to enforce
the by-laws of the fishery. These were in general well enough observed, with the
exception of that which prohibited the laying of nets in certain parts of the bay, and
that because the By-law was not very clear in that particular.

On 16th June, nlmost all the foreign fishermen had taken up their nets ; our own
were preparing to do the same, for the fish did not appear in the bay in large quan-
tities. As my presence was not so much required at Amherst, I proceeded to visit
Grosse Isle, Isle Bryon, and Grosse Isle aux Oiscaux.

Grosse Isle, the northern point of which forms the north cape of the Magdalen
group, is inhabited by people of English origin, engaged in agriculture, and occa-
sionally in fishing. South of this island, is the Grand Entry, forming a thoroughly
sheltered harbor, capable of containing from one hundred to two hundred vc&sels
drawing no more than ten feet water. Unfortunately it is difficult of access ; and
its distance from Amherst Island, and the Island at House Harbor, where the prin-
cipal business of the Island is transacted, prevents it from being much frequented.

Opposite the Grand Entry, on the south, and near to North Cape in Grosse
Isle, there is excellent ground for cod-fishing. Bryon Island, which is four miles
long and one wide, is at present inhabited by only three families. The soil is good,
and easy to cultivate, but the shores are difficuit to hind on.

There is not, in its whole circumference, a creek or bay sheltered from all
winds. Fishing schooners do, however, anchor there frequently in summer, in four
or five fathoms water, taking care to get under the lee of the Island.

The banks around Isle Bryon are an excellent fishing ground for cod. On
visiting the Island,! found fifteen schooners belonging to Arichat and Chrticonp en-
gaged in the cod fishery. The fish is usually abundant there, but the fishermen told
me that this year the fishery was less productive than in former years, on account
of the scarcity of bait.

On landing at Isle Bryon, having been informed by Mr. White that some fisher-
men, whose vessels lay near the Island, had robbed him of some pieces of iron and
other articles, I took with me a person named PaulChenel, who was able to identify
the stolen articles, and wont on board every schooner in sight ; but, notwithstanding the
most careful search, could discover nothing to make known the thief or ihieves. We
heard, however, that a schooner, which had been engaged in fishing near Isle Bryon,
had sailed for Cheticoup two days before with only half a cargo, and that the Cap-
tain was strongly suspected of having committed the thefts complained of

As my course lay near the Bird Islands, I availed myself of the opportunity to
visit, with Admiral Coffin and his son, the largest of them, on which I believe the
Government intend to build a light-house. There is no landing, except on the
south side, where it can be approached in a dead calm. It is about 140 feet in

'•'«

m

11

r)ast before
table outfit
orth shore,

of the Olh

1st June,

imbers.

h were en-
year was

en so nn-

)rtcd to the
to engage

the Bay of
to enforce

:1, with the

le bay, and

i ; our own
arge quan-
led to visit

Magdalen
and occa-
horoughly
*ed vessels
cess ; and
the prin-

quented.
Grosse
liur miles

is good,

from all
r, in four

;od. On

icoiip en-

mcn told

account

e fisher-
iron and
identify
ding the
es. We
) Bryon,
he Cap-

inity to
■eve the
on the
feet in

in

height, 233 paces in len^'th, and 150 in breadth. It is very difficult to ascend, and
still more difficult to descend, on account of its steepness.

It is very certain that a light-house on this ij^land would be of the greatest use
to ships frequenting the Gulf of St. Lawrence, particularly to those coming in on
the voyage to Quebec, (m the coast of Gaspe, or in the Bay of Chaleurs. Near the
ligtit-house there should also be a gun of heavy calibre, to be fired in foggy weather
every half hour, to warn ships of the dangerous neighbourhood. The light-house
to be built on Great Bird Island needs not, in Admiral Coffin's opinion, be carried
higher than 25 feet.

On the 20th, I returned to Amherst harbor, where I heard that in my absence
the captain of a schooner from the Gut of Canso had committed an assault and bat-
tery un the person of Mr. Alexander Connor ; that a warrant had been issued, but
that the defendant could not be brought into court to answer the charge. Mr. A.
Painchaud, who had received Mr. Connor's complaint, informed me that the con-
stable charged with the execution of the warrant not having been able to secure a
sufficient force, had not ventured to effect the arrest of the defendant, ns he appre-
hended resistance. That the accused party, having heard of my arrival at Amherst
harbor, hwd gone ofl'in the night to Entry Island. I immediately took the warrant
and gav^e orders to make sail. We coasted round Entry Island, but there was no
vessel. We saw a schooner to leeward of us bearing south, whicli the pilot said he
took to be the vessel of the captain we were in pursuit of We set all sail, but un-
luckily found, after a chase of several hours, that it was a fishing vessel belonging
to the Maj^dalen Islands. Finding that it was useless to go further, I gave orders
to return to Amherst harbor, where we arrived on the following day, the 21st.

On the 22nd, having visited the harbor, and seen that all was in good order, I
gave orders to make sail for the coast of Labrador. At 11 a. m. the anchor was
apeak, and we left the bay of Plaisance with a fair breeze from the S.W. On the
23rd and 24th the wind shifted to the S., and on the 25th, in the evening, having
run down the western coast of Newfoundland, the mountains of which were still
covered with snow, we came to an anchor in I'Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

On the 26th we sh'fted our berth to the upper part of the bay, and I proceeded
to visit the fishing eslablishments there.

^Ir. Martin Parent had planted his sealing nets very early in the springy as the
Straits of Belleisle were free from ice at an unusual period. He had already
caught 200 seals, the blubber of which yields a fine oil, and their skin sells for
from $4 to ^8.

The cod had appeared in scanty numbers near the coast a month before my
arrival (unusually early), but ihe capelan and loucon, two small kinds of fish
preyed on by the cod, and used by the fishermen for baiting their lines, were very
scarce. The fishermen could procure them only in small quantities, and that only
by undertaking long coasting voyages, frequently without success. Accordingly
they had been able to visit the fishing jrounds only four or five times, from the com-
mencement of the season.

At the establishment of Messrs. Le Boutillier and Brothers, on I'Isle a Bois,
no more than 250 quintals of cod had been taken ; at Mr. DeGuitteville's only 300;
and at Mr. Le Brocq's, 150. But the season had not yet come when the codfish
resorts in large quantities to the shores of the Straits of Belleisle.

There were as yet only nine vessels at I'Anse aux Blanes Sablons.

I was told that the preceding winter had been very mild on the coast of La-
brador ; and that none of those heavy snow-storms had occurred, which compel the
people of those inclement climates to keep within doors during several succes-
sive days.

The Straits of Belleisle had been so little obstructed with the ice, that vrssels
might have passed through at the beginning of March. This was very different

12

11

W

from the year before, when the navigation of the Straits was not free before the
middle of June.

According to information which I obtained from the oldest inhabitants of the
place, the Straits of Bellcisle are never accessible during the winter season to the
ordinary vessels used in commerce.

Vessels from Newfoundland, fitted out expressly for the seal-fishing, are alone
able to penetrate during the month of March, to capture these animals on the
floating ice.

It is generally not until the month of June, that European vessels are able to
pass without an accident. But from the month of June till the month of De-
cember, inclusive, the passage is open. A few pieces of ice, either floating or
are fixed, sometimes m^'t with, but they are of inconsiderable size and may be
easily avoided by taking care.

And if, besides the light-houses already erected and those which it is proposed
by the Government to erect on the coast of Newfoundland, guns of large calibre
were placed on Green Island and on some other equally dangerous points on the
coast, to be fired every quarter of an hour or every half hour, during the thick fogs
which are so frequent in these latitudes, from their invariably accompanying the
south-east, south, and sometimes the south-west winds, ships passing through
these straits would have nothing to fear.

I would insist on having cannon used near the light-houses, because, when
the weather is foggy, the lights of the latter cannot be saen, even at the distance
of a few acres. It is only when the atmosphere is free from mist, that their light
can be seen in such a manner as to be of service to the navigator.

On the 27th June, we anchored in Bradore Harbor.

The seal-fishery had begun there at the same time as at L'Anse aux Blancs
Sablons.

Mr. Randall Jones, in his expeditions, had already captured 450 of these
animals, of which 97 were taken in a single day.

On the day of my arrival there were 20 schooners in Bradore Harbor, and.
others were arriving every day.

On the 4th of July, when I made a general visit to Bradore Bay, there were —

5 Fishing schooners from the Magdalen Islands.

10 do do from Prince Edward's Island.

1 1 do do from Nova Scotia.

6 do do from the United States.
1 Briganline from Nova Scotia.

1 do from the United States.

Cod had appeared in Bradore Bay about the same time as on the coast
opposite L'Anse aux Blancs Sablons, and tlie capelun was very scarce.

The crews of the vessels anchored in the Bay generally took the cod with a
line ; some, however, used nets, two or three of which were really codfish seines,
and the others mackerel or herring seines.

The inhabitants residing there permanently complained of these latter being
used ; for they say that these seines with small meshes cause a useless destruction
of fish, since a great quantity of the cod taken in them is too small to be cured,
and is consequently lost ; whilst with the true codfish seines, which have meshes
proportioned to the size of the fish to be taken, the cod which is fit for the market
is alono taken, the small escaping through the large meshes in the bunt of the net.

I would therefore suggest that a clause should be added to the fishery Act, to
regulate the taking of fish in nets on the Canadian coast.

I passed the time which I spent in Bradore Bay, that is ten days, in visiting
the fishing grounds of that place, and I made it my duty to aftbrd to the per-

I

13

J before the

tants of the
ason to the

?, are alone
mis on the

are able to
•nth of De-
floating or
id may be

is projDosed
rge calibre
ints on the
! thick fogs
inying the
ig through

LU«e, when

le distance

their light

:ux Blancs
of tliese
irbor, and
re were —

the coast

d with a

1 seines,

er being
truction

te cured,
meshes
market
e net.
Act, to

visiting

^

■i

he

per-

sons permanently engaged in the seal fishery there, the protection which they have

long called for.

I prevented foreigners, and even our own fishermen, from disturbing them in
their operations, and from unnecessarily going with their vessels to the entrance or
into the middle of their fifhing grounds, and frightening away the flocks of seals
which were on their way to the interior of the nots laid for them.

Mr. Jones' sons were enabled to carry on their employment without any mo-
lestation, and, when I left Bradore, they told me thoy were satisfied that the pres-
ence of *' La Canadienne " in Bradore Bay had enabled them to capture over 200
seals more than they would have done, if foreign fishermen had been permitted
to disturb them as in previous years.

The same may be said of other proprietors of seal-fishing grounds on the
coast of Labrador, who have also recognised the efficacy of the service to which
*' La Canadienne" is devoted.

Whilst the sloop was anchored in Bradore Bay, I one day took advantage of
the fine weather to make an excursion into the interior of the country. I landed
at the head of the Bay, and directed my steps towards the largest of the three
mountains, called the Paps of Labrador, situated about ten miles from the coast.

It was with great difliculty that I got even so far as that.

The country is completely cut up by ravines, small lakes, brooks and marshes,
which make the route extremely difficult, if not quite impassable in summer.

It is only during the winter that the inhabitants of the coast are able to go
into the interior, which they do on snow shoes or in sleighs, to which are harnessed
five or six powerful dogs, known as Esquimaux d<ig3, to hunt carriboo and ptar-
migan, which are usually found there la great numbers.

The part of Labrador which I sav/ is quite unfit for agriculture, and I am
assured that the rest of the country is similar to the parts which I visited.

It is nothing but a succession of ranges of living rock and sandy plains
covered with a little of different kinds of moss and lichens. In the bottom of the
ravines alone can we find any vegetable soil, and there in so thin a layer, that the
stunted pines and dwarf white birch can hardly take root in it.

Near the rivers we find fir, white birch, and a few tamarack trees of a cer-
tain size, but everywhere else there is nothing but the living rock covered with
moss. There is neither tree nor shrub. 1 know of no place which has so deso-
late an appearance.

On the 5th July, the wind being favorable, I gave orders to start for the
western part of the coast of Labrador.

A thick fog prevented me from visiting Salmon Bay, and the harbour of
Good Hope, where I was told there were a dozen vessels engaged in fishing for
cod.

On the 7th, I landed in the Bay of Kegashka, where seven families of fisher-
men have settled, and on the 8th I visited the harbour of little Natashquan,
where there were twenty-four sloops at anchor, of which nine were from the
coast of Gaspe and the Magdalen Islands.

A fortnight previous to my arrival, there had been as many as thirty-five
fishing smacks at Natashquan.

The cod had begun to appear in these grounds about 1st June. It was
abundant. The vessels had already on board each from 280 to 450 quintals of
cod. An American vessel of 110 tons had 6G0 quintals on board.

The fishing was excellent ; not so good as the preceding year, but better than
ordinary.

There are at present thirteen flimiiies permanently settled on the coast near
the harbour. They are engaged in the cod, and also in the seal fishery, which
has been very profitable to many of them this year.

14.

fi'ti

Mr. Hypolite Vip;nault, one of the inhabitants residing at Natashquan, left
the harbour on the 22nd April, in his sloop of about 50 tons burden, with a crew
of seven men ; and the same day, within sight of Natashquan point, he captured 120
seals. On the following days he succeeded in penetrating to the centre of the field
ice, and took 480 more. He returned to port at the end of a week, the produce
of his fishing being worth five or six hundred pounds.

At the same time a brigantine of 120 tons, which came from St. John, New-
foundland, through the Straits ot BcUcisle, obtained, only a few miles from Mr.
Vignault, but in a more favorable place, nearly three thousand of these animals.
This vessel was better equipped than the Canadian one, and carried a crew of
thirty men.

A voyage so protracted and full of danger as that made by this vessel from
Newfoundland shows well what a spirit of enterprise animates the traders and out-
fitters of that island, especially those of St. John, from which port they send out
every year nearly 300 vessels to fish for seals in the Atlantic, the Straits of Belleisle,
and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence as far as our coast.

It is greatly to be wished that our outfitters would take into consideration the
■working of this source of riches, which, it is true, fails sometimes, but more fre-
quently yields enormous profits, as I showed in my report of last year. Our
vessels on the coast of Gaspe, which lie idle during the winter, would be very fit for
these expeditions. It would however be necessary to guard the outside witli plates
of iron at the water line, to prevent their being cut through by the ice. I hope
these remarks will have the effect of drawing the attention of our shipowners to
the profits they might realise, if following the example of the outfitters of New-
foundland they devoted themselves in a proper manner to seal-hunting on the
floating ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Before leaving Natashquan, I took care to ascertain that the fishery laws
were observed, especially that part which forbids the throwing of the offal of fish
and other filth into the water near the fishing grounds.

1 was told that some time previous, several fishermen had been guilty of dis-
regarding this clause of the Fishery Act, which is intended to preserve the fishing
grounds ; but being warned that I should shortly arrive they had ceased from this
practice, so injurious to the fisheries.

But none of these fishermen were there, for had they been, I should have insti-
tuted proceedings against them.

On the 9th, in the morning, I arrived at the port of Mingan, where I remained
until the 13th.

The crew were engaged in taking in a supply of water and wood.

There were at Mii;gan nearly 100 families of Indians of the Montagnais tribe,
who had encamped near the trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company. They were
occupied at the time in attending the religious exercises of a mission composed of the
Reverend Jesuit Fathers M. Arnault and M. Babel, and intended subsequently to
prepare themselves to set out for the interior to hunt and fish.

These Indians had not been fortunate in their hunting last year. Very few of
them, I was told, brought back furs enough to repay the advances made to them by
the Hudson Bay Company.

But it was not only the Mingan Indians who had suffered from the scarcity of
animals yielding furs on the coast of Labrador ; those of Natashquan had done no
better, and all the inhabitants residing on the north shore of the Gulf of St. Law-
rence, from the Seven Islands to L'Anse aux Blancs Sablons who are engaged in
hunting the fur-bearing animals, had not realised a fifth part of the profits of the
previous year. Foxes especially, of which a great number had been taken in the
winter of 1855-56, had been extremely scarce.

i

1

'4

%

15

jhquan, left
ivitli a crew
iptured 120
of the field
the produce

John, New-
3 from Mr.
se animals,
d a crew of

vessel from
's and cut-
ty send out
of Belleisle,

leration the
t more fre-
year. Our
very fit for
with plates
e. I hope
powners to
3rs of New-
ing on the

shery laws
offal of fish

lilty of dis-

he fishing

I from this

lave insti-

rcmained

lais tribe,
hey were

sed of the
uently to

[sry few of
them by

3arcity of
" done no
1st. Law-
[gaged in
ts of the
in the

$

n

On the 13th I visited the River St. John.

The salmon fishery was over at the mouth of the river. There remained but
one person fishing at the foot of the rapids.

The fish had not been abundant.

The salmon had begun to ascend the River St. John about the 1st of June.

The following is the number and position of the fishing grounds on the
River St. John.

On the Eastern Bank.

1st Fishing Ground. — Situated about four acres from the eastern point of the
mouth of the river, and belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company.

2nd Fishing Ground. — Situated about four acres higher than the preceding, and
belonging to James McLeod.

3rd Fishing Ground. — Situated four miles higher, and belonging to John Ross.

4th Fishing Ground. — Situated nine miles from the mouth of the river, and be-
longing to the Hudson's Bay Company.

6th Fishing Ground. — Situated at the foot of the rapids, eighteen miles beyond
the preceding, and also belonging to the Hudson's Bay Company.

On the Western Bank.

1st Fishing Ground. — Situated at the western point of the mouth of the river,

and occupied by Girard Brothers, of Malbaie.
2nd Fishing Ground. — Situated some acres from the preceding, and belonging to

the Hudson's Bay Company.
8rd Fishing Ground. — Situated six acres from the western point, and belonging

to the Hudson's Bay Company.

I was unable to obtain the exact amount produced by all these fisheries.
However, according to Mr. James McLeod, who had fished there himself, not
more than 100 barrels of salmon are taken, both in the grounds worked by the
Hudson's Bay Company and in the others.

Up to that time no one had violated any clause of the Fishery Act, relative to
the protection of salmon.

Before leaving the River St. John, I gave one of the fishermen there a copy
of the Fishery Act, and recommended them to observe it strictly, as on that
depends the preservation of salmon and many other descriptions of equally im-
portant fish, in our rivers and upon our coasts.

That night I went on board an American schooner fishing on a shoal outside
Magpie Bay, and showed the captain the Fishery Act. I pointed out to him the
clause forbidding, under a heavy penalty, the throwing of ofFal into the fishing
grounds.

Thereupon he told me that it was unnecessary to forbid him to do that, for
having fished for L'^veral years on the banks of Newfoundland, and being well
aware of the pernicious effect resulting from the habit of befouling the fishing
grounds, he was accustomed to keep the cod oflUl on his deck until he could go
and deposit it at a distance from the fishing banks, in a place where it could do
no injury.

Indeed, I saw in a box made for the purpose, on his deck, the offal and
heads of cod fish, evidently the product of several days' fishing.

It is greatly to be wished that all fishermen understood, as well as the one
of whom I have just spoken, the importance of conforming to a law,
intended for the preservation of a source of wealth yielding the means of sub-
sistence to millions of families ; for notwithstanding all my efforts, and those of

16

several magistrates and owners of fislilng-grounds, there are to be found, even
among our own fisherrufn, unscrupulous men who find opportunities of breaking
the law without being discovered.

I then gave orders to steer for the south shore of the St. Lawrence, a.id on the
15th, landed at Grand Etanj^, where Mr. Lcsperanco gave me the following infor-
mation concerning the fisheries carried on at that part of the coast of Gaspe.
jl ' ' The cod had appeared at the usual season, that is to say, about the middle of

May.

The capelan, the bait most attractive to the cod, had not yet approached the
coast in great abundance with the exception of one day. The fishermen had up to
that time used herring to bait their lines, but they could not obtain these latter fish
in sufficient quantity.

The fishing smack which had succeeded best had taken 70 quintals of cod, tlio
others 25 to 50 each.

Mr. Lesperance this year employed 18 vessels, and 40 men.

Last year ho exported, on his own account, to the markets of Spain and Italy,
more than 300O quintals of dried cod, which sold extremely well.

All was quiet on the coast.

No foreign fishing vessels had yet made their appearance.

On the IGth, I visited the settlements of Great Fox River and L'Anse aux Griffons.
The cod at these two places was in fair quantity but the bait was very scarce.

Public order had not been disturbed at Fox River, since my last visit on the
1st June.

On the morning of the 17th, wo anchored in Gaspe basin.

At this anchorage, there were only five vessels, of which two were European
brigantincs, laden with salt, merchandise, and fishing tackle, and three schooners
belonging to Gaspe outfitters.

Mr. Belleau, Collector of Customs of the Port of Gaspe, to whom I offered my
services, in case he should require assistance in the execution of his duty, cither to
transport him to any part of tlio coast where his presence might be required, or to aid
his coast guard in seizing articles fraudulently introduced into the country, informed
me that the fishing was about the ordinary average in the bay of Gaspe. The fish
"was tolerably plentiful, but the bait was very scarce.

No foreign vessels had yet appeared in the port of Gaspe,

I weighed anchor on the morning of the 20th, and in tho afternoon landed at
Point St. Pierre. There, as at all othei* points along the coast which I had just visited,
the produce of the cod fishery was not very great, on account of the difficulty of
procuring bait. But the season Avas not yet very far advanced, and there were hopes
that it would improve as it advanced.

Messrs. CoUas and Fauvel, both proprietors of fishing establishments, told me
that all was in perfect order at Point St. Pierre, and also at Malbaie.

In the evening I went to Perce.

At Perce, and especially at tho Island of Bonaventure, tho fishing was a little
more favorable than at any of the stations which I have visited since leaving the
northern shore ; but it was far from yielding the same favorable results as last year,
•when at the same date, the vessels had taken a-third more fish. This was owing, as
everywhere else, to the scarcity of bait.

At Beaufils Cove and Cape Cove, the fishing had not been more productive.

However, I was told that, for some days past, the vessels which had gone to
the bank had had some good fishing.

Mackerel had begun to appear outside of Bonaventure Island.

Foreign vessels had begun to arrive.

On the 21st, at 5 p. m., we look our departure. At 7 p. m* we landed at
Grande Riviere.

M

■i

t3

17

bund, even
)f breaking

and on tho
)wing infor-
aspe.
0 middle of

'cached the
n had up to
5 latter fish

of cod, tho

and Italy,

iix GrlfTons.

rcc.

visit on tho

e European
schooners

offered my

, cither to

1, or to aid

, informed

Tho fish

I landed at
ist visited,
ifficulty of
rere hopes

B, told me

ras a little
iving the
last year,
)wing, as

[uctive,
gone to

inded at

Tile same remarks ^vliich I made concerning tho cod fishery at Perce, in tho
Bay of Caspe and elsewhere, are applicable to this part of tho coast, where the bait
is likowi.^jo vci-y scarce.

The llcv. Mr. Dcsjardins, Cure of tho parish of Grande Riviere, told mo that as
Chairman of tho School Commissioners of that District, he thought ho should havo
need of my assistance to carry cut the law, as many persons had shown an intention
to resist it.

I made answer to Mr. Dcsjardins at once, that I should be ready to go to Grande
Riviere, whenever my presence might be required.

I retui-ncd on board at 9 p. m.

The wind, wjiicli was east, increased during tlio night, until it blew a perfect
gale. The sea was too high for mo to think of landing at I'aspebiac. I gave
orders for continuing our course further within the 15ay of Chaleurs, and on the next
day, tho 2"2n(l, wo anchored in the Roadstead at Carleton.

I had tho pleasure of meeting the principal inhabitants of this place. I satisfied
myself tiiat my presence for a longer time was unnecessary, and then left for the
River Ristigouche.

At 2 p. m., I landed at the Mission.

There Mr. Frascr, the Collector of Customs at New Carlisle, and Mr. Busteed,
Justice of the Peace, were expecting my arrival. Tlrey requested me to go with
sufficient force to tho Court House at Cross Point, to give assistance to the local
magistrates, who were assembled there, to decide two cases wliioh caused much ex-
citement among tho iidiabitants of that part of the County of Bonaventure.

Nearly sixty persons were present at the deliberations of tho Court ; and there
wasgreat apprehension of serious disturbance, if judgment was given against the in-
dividual sued. The latter and several of his friends, I was toKl, declared that they
would not submit to tho decision of the Court, should it be unfavorable to them.

Under these circumstances I considered it my duty to assure the sitting magis-
trates of my active co-operation ; and I placed at their disposal all the constabulary
force under my command.

I informed the crowd that I should remain in the Ristigouche River, until the
cases in question wore decided upon, and the judgment of the Court had been car-
ried out according to law.

The JNIagistrates continued sitting until night, when, not having como to any
decision, the Court was adjourned until tho next day.

On the 23rd the Court sat a part of the day, and in the afternoon judgment
was rendered in favor of the prosecutor, JMr. Fraser, who iiad acted in these cases
in his oflicial capacity, as Inspector of the public revenue.

According to Mr.. Fraser and several magistrates at Cross Point, my arrival at
the Mission had been most opportune, for without the presence of " La Canadienno"
in the neighborhood of the place where the Court was sitting, there would probably
have been some disturbance, and attempts would have been made by intimidating
the Justices of the Peace, to prevent them giving judgment as they did.

Several most respectable inhabitants of New Brunswick, amongst whom were a
member of parliament and a Justice of the Peace, whom 1 had the pleasure of re-
ceiving on board, expressed their satisfaction at the happy results which had follow-
ed my visit among them. For if disturbances had occurred at Cross Point
or at any other place on the bank of tho river, they would not have failed to spread to
the population of the other shore, which is only separated from that of Canada by a
few acres.

The salmon fishery in the river Ristigouche had been over for a week.

On tho Canadian, as well as the New Brunswick side, it had not been very produc-
tive. At many of the fishery stations but one-seventh of the yield of last year had
been taken, and in others one-fifth. B

18

^j^:

If

In another part of this Report I shall give a statement of the stations for salmon
fishing on the Canadian bank of the Ilisligoucho river, with the amount of fish taken
this year.

On the 2Gth, the wind, which had hitherto continued cast and had consequently
prevented us from descending the river (for at this point the river is too narrow to
permit of tackinji), turned to the west, and the anchor was weighed in the afternoon.

Opposite Uattcry Point wo encountered three ships at anchor, loading
■with pine plank from the saw mill built last year on the Canadian bank by Messrs.
Travers and Company.

On the morning of the 27th I landed at Carleton. where I saw the Crown Timber
agent, who told mo that the persons upon whom ho had claims for cutting wood on
the Crown Lands had paid, and that he was therefore not in need of my services.

As the wind continued favorable for leaving the Bay, I went on board at 8 a.m.,
and reached New Carlisle at 5 p.m.

I saw the public officers of this place, and satisfied myself that all was quiet.

On the 28th I visited Paspcbiac, when I was told that there, as everywhere on
the coast of Gaspe, the cod-tishing had not been very good, on account of the
scarcity of bait.

There were in the road seven ships, belonging to two commercial houses, C.
Robin & Co. and LeBoutillicr and Brother.

I was informed that on the 22iid, eighteen United States schooners, engaged in
the cod fishery on the Miseau bank, had come for shelter to the Paspebiac road, during
the storm wliich raged in the night of the 21st and 22nd. They had on board
several fishermen from the shores of New Brunswick whom they had picked up from
their boats, already half filled with water and ready to sink.

The captains of the vessels reported that this storm had been one of the most
violent over experienced in those latitudes. The sea ran so high near the coast that
a great number of vessels, returning from the banks, had been swamped in attempting
to make the land. It was calculated that nearly sixty fishermen of Cai'aquctto,
Shippagan, Trocadie, and Pocmouche had perished.

On our coast, several vessels had been lost, but wc had to deplore the loss of but
•one fisherman.

Towards night wo weighed anchor and shaped our course for Perce, where we
arrived next day at G a.m. There the storm had done no damage.

The cod fishing had not much impi'oved. The wind continuing to blow from
the west, we left for the Magdalen Islands. South of Bonaventure Island, we fell in
with two American schooners ; they ivere engaged Avith some success in mackerel
fishing; and to the south of Amherst Island, we met fifteen other schooners belonging
to the same nation, similarly engaged, but with little success.

We anchored in the bay of Plaisanco during the night of the 30th.

There were only five schooners in the harbor of Amherst.

The cod fishing at the Basin and at VEtang du Nord was most successful. The
fishermen belonging to the island had commenced taking mackerel with the line in
the bay of Plaisance ; some of them took as many as three hundred per day.

On 1st August, I received the following letter from Mr. Fox, the collector at the
,port of Amherst :

*' Custom House, Amherst, 1st August, 1857.

" Sir, — I have received information that an American vessel has unlawfully
landed goods on this coast and that she is at present at the Etang du Nord, I request
that you will assist me with " La Canadienne " and the force under your command
in seizing the said vessel and bringing the offender to justice, as the state of the
weather just now would not admit of going there in a boat.

I have the honor to be, Sir, Yours, &c.,
P. Fortin, Esquire, JOHN J. FOX.

Gov. Sch. "La Canadienne."

1

19

s for salmon
f fish taken

onscqucntly
)o narrow to
0 afternoon,
or, loading
by IMessrs.

own Timber
in<X wood on
r services.
;*d at 8 a.ni.,

II was quiet,
orywlicrc on
ount of the

al houses, C.

, engaged in
road, during
ad on board
kcd up from

of the most

10 coast that

attempting

Caraquctte,

|c loss of but

, where wo

blow from
id, we fell in
|in mackerel
rs belonging

ssful. The
Itho line in

3ctor at the

3t, 1857.
unlawfully
1, I request
command
tate of the

i'OX.

I immediately placed " La Canadienne" and my men at Mr. Fox's disposal.
We wci""i»cd aiicl:or and made sail for the Etaiig du Nord, having on board the
Custom House officer of the port, Mr. McCormick, in place of Mr. Fox, who was
detained at his office by press of business. At t p.m. we anchored in the Etang

du Nord.

I at once put Mr. McCormick on board the United States schooner suspected
of s^UJ^<'•^mg, and I received the register and other papers of the vessel, in order to
hand ihcm to Mr. Fox in compliance with that gentman's rc([uest.

Mr. McCormick tnok charge of the vessel in order to take her to Amherst;
the mister, wii<»se nane is Kelly, h:id Ian led goods, but h(! stated thit in doing
so he was ignorant of the laws of tlie country, and that he was perlcctly willing
to submit to them in all things.

In rounding the western point, we fell in with nineteen schooners at anchor
under Amherst Island : nine belonging to the United States, the rest to Nova
Sc itia. Oil the Etang du Nord we counted forty-one others, more than one half
Americans ; the remainder were from the Gut of Canso and Cape Breton.

Two-ihirds of the vessels were engaged in the mackerel fishery, and the
remainder in the cod fishery, which was not very good on the banks outside.

The mackerel fishery had not been carried on with much success by the
majority of the vessels engaged in it. As a general rule, it was not so good as last
year. The foreign fishermen had done nothing of which the inhabitants of this
part of the coast of the Magdalen Islands could complain.

On the morning of the 3rd of August, I entered Amherst harbour and delivered
the papers belonging to Kelly's vessel to Mr. Fox, who was highly pleased with
the manner in v/hich Mr. McCormick's instructions had been carried out.

On the 4th I, visited House Harbor, which 1 found nearly deserted, alfthe ves-
sels belonging to the port being engaged in the mackerel fishery on the Labrador
coast.

The fishermen belonsring to the Grindstone and Allright Islands carry on the
mackerel fishery in the Bay of Plaisance, near House Harbor, with some success.
Tlie fish are, however, small, and can be sold only as No. 2.

On the 5th August, finding on enquiry that Kelly the trader, had gone to
Amherst and submitted to the collector's orders, I ordered sail to be made. We
passed to the eastward of the Magdalen Islands.

Between Allright and Entry Islands we fell in with a fleet of forty Ameri-
can schooners engaged in the mackerel fishery. The fish did not appear to be very
abundant. North of Grosse Isle we met 20 more vessels of the same nation, and
equipped for the same fishery.

Several of those vessels were exceedingly beautiful, balng built on entirely
new models with the best possible material, and seemed to be very fast sailers.
Some of them were nearly one hundred tons burden, and carried from fifteen to
eighteen men.

The expenses connected with fitting out vessels for the mackerel fishery and
maintaining them are very great, and great activity and perseverance are required
on the part of the crew, in order to render the expedition profitable to the
owners.

In the afternoon of the 7th, we anchored in the roadway of Perce. We had
head winds during the passage.

The fishing on this coast had begun to improve ; the boats brought in from
three to six quintals of codfish each evening.

There were no foreign vessels in the roadstead nor in the vicinity.

On the 8th, 1 sailed in order to visit the fishing stations on the south shore of
the St. Lawrence, In the afternoon of the same day, I landed at I'Anse aux GriflTons
on Fox River.

20

A gale from the northwrst oblijicd us to come to an anchor at I'Anso aux
Griffons on the morninc; of ;he 9th. We waih^d on the following;; dny.

On the llth, I visited the rstal)lishment at (Jrand Etang ; and on llic 11th I
proceeded to Grande VallL".», at which phice there are some hi<rlily iinpoilaiit fishinis^
estabhshnients, of which I here give a list with the number of bouts cmphiyed by
each : —

1. Fishing station of Germain Dionne 0 boats.

a, ♦• " Messie Foamier 3 "

8. •* " Francois Joneas 8 "

4. ** «♦ Thomas Couture 3 "

6. *• «' Joseph Fournier 3 "

6. •' " Fahien Bonneau 2 "

7. ** " Charles Ciavet 4 "

8. " *' Widow Etienne Fournier 2 "

9. " « J. B. Caron 1 "

10. •• " Pierre Mainville 1 "

I

32

<(

'^'

■11 H

Besides the above, there are two boats belonging to resident families.

I was informed that the Grande Vallee boats bring in from 100 to 100 quintals
of codfish every year besides herring, mackerel, and a few barrels of hahbut.

The resident inhabitants, numbering about forty persons, are to some extent
engaged in agriculture.

The soil at Grande Vallee is not very rich, but can easily be improved, as large
quantities of sea weed, which makes an excellent manure, can be had.

L'Anse de la Grande Vallee, where the fishing establishments are, is about
three-fourths of a mile in width, and is situated in the seigniory of the same name,
which belongs to Colonel McCummirg, of I^ngland.

The Grande Vallee fishermen sell their dry cod fish to the Gaspe merchants,
by whom it is sent to the European markets. The green fish is sent to Quebec
and Montreal.

On the same day I proceeded to the Magdalen River which falls into the St.
Lawrence, about 10 miles above Grande Vallee.

There are fourteen families settled on the banks of this river, who own four
four fishing establishments and twelve boats.

Magdalen River is said to be a good fishing station. There is almost always
an abundance of fish. However, there have been a lew complaints this year about
the scarcity of cod-fish.

Herring and mackerel are found on this part of the coast.

The Americans were in the habit of going there in large numbers a few years
ago, to fish for mackerel with seines and with the line ; but for the last two years
they must have found better fishing elsewhere, as they have not appeared on the
Magdalen coast.

Only one American vessel, the "Gazelle," Captain Baker, went there this year.
I visited her in order to see that she had no goods on board.

There are some excellent lands on the banks of the Magdalen river, and the
inhabitants carry on farming with some success. They carry their grain to be ground
at Mont Louis, situated six leagues higher up, where there is a good mill.

On the 13th, I reached Mont Louis Bay ; it is about two miles wide and one
deep. A river flows in at the foot of this magnificent bay, and at high tide there
ar ten feet of water on the sand bar at its entrance. Above the bar, even at low
water, the river is deep enough to float a vessel drawing twelve feet of water.

There are twenty-four families at Mont Louis ; they support themselves nearly

21

I'Anse aux

the mil I

aiit fishiniEf
iiployed l)y

IGOquintala
alibut.
ome extent

ed, as large

0, is about
aine name,

merchants,
to Quebec

Into the St.

own four

pst always
lyear about

few years

two years

Ircd on the

this year.

[r, and the
I be ground

le and one
I tide there

i^en at low
|er.

fe& nearly

altogothor by fishing and farming, but there are only three funiilics devoted exclusive-
ly to the latter.

Ill this place there are seven cod-fishing establishments, and I here give the
names of the propriutors together with the number of boats and men employed ia
each.

Number of Number of fishermen

Proprietors.

1. Jos. Th. Fournier

2. Jacques Gadbout

3. Louis Laflammo

4. Michel Laflamme, p<^re.

5. Michel Latiammc, fils . .

6. Michel Poitras

7. Charles Lemieux

boats.
5
2
2
2
3
2
1

employed.

14
6
6
6

10
6
3

19 61

III addition to the above, there are six more boats belonging to fiirmers, who go
fishing after sowing time.
'^ These boats take each on an average 120 quintals of cod fish.

Abdut 30 barrels of trout are taken annually in the riviere i/e I'Ansc pleureusej
a few miles east of Mont Louis, and in the Mont Louis river about ten barrels more.

The trout taken at Mont Louis are large; they measured from 8 to 15 inches
in length, and weigh from two to six pounds.

I had the pleasure of meeting the missionary priest belonging to Ste. Anne des
l\Ionts, and I am indebted to him for a great deal of very valuable and interesting
information in relation to the establishments at Mont Louis.

From what ho states I would infer that there is sufficient good land along the
"m- banks of the Mont Louis river, and within a short distance of the sea, to produce

food for one hundred f imilies.
.,. The sea weed which is to be found in abundance along the coast, would furnish

M excellent manure.

The land is nearly as rich on the hills, and on the sides of the mountains, as it
is in the plains below.

Timber of all kinds is abundant along the upper part of the river. Maple,
ash, tamarack, elm, pine, and many other kinds of wood are to be found there, and
can be brought down the river to the sea without difficulty.

Mont Louis valh-y is about five miles in width, and is sheltered by high moun-
tains from the cold north and north-west winds, so that the climate is milder than
that of the north shore of the St. Lawrence in the vicinity of Quebec. One of the
inhabitants of the valley, a person named Lapointe, Avho devotes more of his time to
farming than any of the others, told me that he frequently does his ploughing in
April, when the country about Quebec is still covered with snow.

The crops which I saw were nearly ripe and apparently in excellent condition.

Mont Louis bay was one of the first fishing stations established by the French
on the St. Lawrence. The establishments which they founded must have been very
extensive, as the ruins of several buildings, showing the extensive scale on which
their works were carried on, are still to ba seen.

Among other evidences of this fiict, are the ruins of a brick aqueduct, which was
evidently constructed for the purpose of supplying the fishing establishments with
pure spring water from a mountain in the vicinity. >

The French fishing establishments at Mont Louis were completely destroyed
a few years before the country was ceded to Great Britain, by an expedition de-
tached from the fleet which was proceeding to the attack on Quebec ; the vessels

■irmLH^'-^iJiL^

22

U

im

engaged in tho expedition wore under the command of Captain Cook, the same who
afterwards attained celebrity as a great navigator.

Mont Louis Avas then abandoned, and remained so until new establishments
were commenced there, within tho last thirty years.

Ttio present population of Mont Louis is composed of persons from tho parishes
below Quebec.

I remained in Mont Louis bay nearly the whole day.

On tho morning of the 15th, wo anchored in tho roadstead of Sto. Anne dea
Monts.

I visited Mr. John Le "Boutillipr's establishment and was informed by his agent,
Capt. Diigas, that from 1,600 to '^,000 quintals of dry cod fish are aimiially prepared
by him for the Mediterranean markets.

At tho upper end of the roadstead is tho entrance to the Sto. Anno des Monts
River, in which schooners of 40 or 50 tons can find shelter in all winds.

The inhabitants of Sto. Anne des Monts came originally from tho parishes below
Quebec ; they are scattered along the coast to a distance of four miles on both sides
of the river. They number about 200 families, and support themselves by cultivating
tho land and fishing. They go fishing as soon as the sowing season is over and
carry on the fishing until harvest time. After harvest they take the fish called the
fall or arrure saison codfish, which is sent to Quebec.

The river Ste. Anne, a stream of considerable length, was formerly well stocked
with fish ; but for sotno years back the quantity has greatly diminished ; the an-
nual take of salmon at present, is not more than 20 or 30 barrels. This great
falling oiF can only be attributed to the injurious practice on tho part of some of
the inhabitants of going 20 and even 30 miles up the river to kill the salmon in the
deep creeks in spawning time.

I have every reason to hope thai the Act which has been pnssed this year for
the protection of the fisheries, will be the means of preventing the unlawful
destruction of this noble fish, both in the river just mentioned and in the Cap de
Chatte river, which is near the former; particularly as I have been informed by
M. Rousseau and several other respectable parties, among the rest Messrs. Sasse-
ville and Dugas, that the people of their localities are determined to make every
effort to carry out the law.

There had been no iufrr clion of the law as yet, this year. But it was thought
that a nuniber of persons were preparing to go up the river in order to engnge in
salmon fishing, in defiance of the prohibition. I told the magistrate of the place
that if he required any assistance from me in carrying out the law for the pro-
tection of the fisheries, I should proceed to Ste. Anne at once to help him.

1 must state in conclusion that Ste. Anne des Monts is n nourishing settle-
ment and is rapidly increasing in wealth and populati n. It will in a few years
compare favourably with any of the central parishes of Canada.

The inhabitants of Ste. Anne des Monts have themselves made a gnorl road
to Cap de Chaite, and as soon as means of communication are opened between
the latter place and the Matane establishments, Ste. Anne des Monts will be
within four days' journey of Quebec, summer and winter.

At noon 1 returned on board, and we weighed anchor. We steered for the
bay of Seven islands. The wind was fair and blowing hard and not too much sea.
We made thirteen knots an hour during the first four hours, and we should
have reached the anchorage at the bay of Seven Islands at half-past four o'clock, if
the wind Jjad not moderated. Notwithstanding the lull, we came to anchor off
the Hudson's Bay Company's establishment at 6 p.m.

The steamer Victoria, having on board the honorable the Chief Commissioner
of Public Works, with Mr. Page, and the master and several officers of the
Trinity house at Quebec, also anchored in the bay at about 8 p.m.

m

23

i samo who
iblislimcnta
he pariahos

. Anno (Ics

' his agent,
y [)ropiircd

des Monts

islics below
1 both si(h>s
cultivating
is over ana
I called tho

rell stocked
;d ; the an-
Tiiis great
of soiiin of
linon in tho

lis year for

unlawful

he Cap de

formed by

srs. Sasse-

ake every

las thought

lengMge in

the place

br the pro-

im.

ling sottle-
Ifew years

|gno:l road

between

Is will be

?d for the
luch sea.
re should
)'clock, if
linchor off

lissioner
irs of the

The Commissioner of Public Works and the erginecr were visiting the dif-
ferent light-houses on the river and gulf of St. Lawrence, and that of Helleisle.

On ill*' iGtb, I visited the point on the east side of the bay, (ormerly the
site of exteiiMve fi!*hing establishments belonging to the French, which were aban-
doned at the time of the coiu[uest.

Between the point find the island we saw an American scliooner en'jaged in
fishing f r nuickeftl. There w« re also five other schooners (four American and
otie from A )va Scotia) which had been in the bay of Seven Islands for sonso
weeks, engaged in the same fisfiery. Tin y all used the seine.

The mackenl were homewhat phritiful. From 100 to 150 barrels had in
several insianccs been taken in one draught of the seine.

Mr. Clarence Hamilton, who owns a fishing establishment in ill*' hay, had
during tl;e previous we( k taken 15o barn Is of very fine tnaekerel with a seine
which was by far too short. The fish were so plentiful on that occasion, that Mr.
Hamilton cculd have taken from four to five hundred barrels with a seine one hun-
dred and twenty fai horns in length and deep in proportion. Unfortunately oppor-
tunities of the kind are of rare occurrence, and I have been told by masters of
vessels engaged in the mackerel fishing, that they had cruised for weeks and even
for months, without making one successl'ul haul of the seine.

Since last year there have been six cod-fishing establishments comnx^nced at
the Seven Islands. The principal one belongs to Mr. Hamilton, who employs lour-
teen boats and thirty-six men.

The cod fishery had not been successful since the spring, at the bay of Seven
Islands, notwithstanding the favourable reports with regard to that place, which had
led the fishermen to expect good success there. In place of going into the liay and
approaching the shore as usual, in pursuit of the herring and capelan, the fish had
remained on the banks outside, and the fishermen were obliged to go out there to
carry on the fishing.

It was, however, expected that the fall fishing would be good.

On the 17th and l8lh, I wasoccvipiedin arranging a ditfieulty which had arisen
between Mr. Comcau, the ng^int in charge of the Hudson's Biy Company's trading
post, and Mr. Clarence Hamilton.

Mr. Comeau complained that Mr. Hamilton had encroached on the land be-
longing to the Company in buiUIing his fishing establishment; on Ihe other hand,
Mr. Hamilton urged that he had done nothing but what was authorized by the
Fishery Act in taking possession of the land, as he required it for the purpose of
carrying on his fishing operations, and as the Hudson's Bay Comjiany did not oc-
cupy it, and never had occupied it, though they had partly fenced it in.

Under such circumstances I thought it better to advise both parties to arrange
the matter in an amicable manner, by dividing the disputed land equally between
them. I felt the more inclined to advise this course, from being convinced that the
portion of ground and of the beach which each party would receive, would amply
suffice for tiie requirements of their respective establishments.

My proposal was accepted. I measured the land myself, stakes were planted,
and both parties declared themselves perfectly satisfied.

I was also occupied at the same time, in the matter of a complaint lodged by
Mr. Stuart, the Hudson's Bay Company's sub-agent at Seven Islands, against Alex-
andre Arsenault and Jean B. Duchesne, charging them with having maliciously
killed a horse belonging to the Company.

I took Mr. Stuart's deposition and issued warrants to have the accused arrested
and brought before me. But although my men instituted a very active search,
they only caught Duchesne.

I examined the prisoner, who was accused of having killed, or assisted to kill

S4

1 1 ti-

!(;

I

the horse in question. I took the evidence of a Montagnais Indian named Pierre
Petarhoo, who was the only witness as to the fact ; and, the accusation not being
(sustained, I gave Duchesne his liberty.

On the I8th, my men made another attempt to find Alexandre Arsenault : they
searched the woods in the vicinity of ihe fishing establishments thoroughly, but
without success. I afterwards learned that he had fled to Moisic river, and thence
to the coast of Gaspe.

Having nothing further to do at Seven Islands, I gave orders to make sail, and
at 4 p. m. I landed at Moisic River.

The Moisic River is one of the largest rivers on the north shore, it is at least a
mile in width at the mouth, and becomes still wider as you ascend. The entrance
is obstructed by shifting sand banks, but vessels drawing nine feet can cross the bar
and find shelter inside in any wind. It is said to take its source from the ridges
midway between the Hudson's Bay Coast and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

It pours an immense body of w^ater into the sea. The bed of the river is
formed of sand.

The Moisic River is one of the best rivers for fishing, among all those on the
north coast. Although the present year has been a bad year for salmon fishing on
the north shore as well as on the south, vet there have been barrels of

fish taken by the different parties who had laid their nets.

I give below the names of the proprietors of stationary fisheries on the Moisic
River, in operation during the present year.

On the East Side.
1st Fishery, Messrs. Tctu and Chisholm.
2nd " " Mr. Davison.
3rd " Mr. Charles Mercier.
On the West Side.

The Hudson's Bay Company have all the fisheries.

The crews of several vessels which happened to be in the river during the whole
time when the salmon were going up, laid their nets at different points along
the stream, but did not meet with great success.

In the River Moisic, fishing begins about the beginning of June, and ends with
the month of July.

On the 1st August, which is the time appointed by law for closing the fisheries,
the nets had all been removed from the river.

On the Moisic River, the practice of killing the salmon in the creeks and other
places where they go to spawn, does not seem to prevail.

The Hudson's Bay Company had disposed of a salmon to an American house
belonging to Portland and, by order of the parties purchasing, it was cut up while
yet fresh, into pieces weighing about one or two pounds each, which were made up
in tin boxes and carefully soldered.

I sailed in the evening for the eastern part of the coast, and landed on the 19th
at Shelldrake River.

The number of fishing establishments at Shelldrake was the same as last year,
but there were not so many fishermen emph^ycd. The fish had not been so plenti-
ful as it was in 1856.

I was informed that, during the high tides last fall, the strong winds which
prevailed from the south-west had repeatedly forced the water over the sand bar on
which the houses, scaffoldings and salting benches, belonging to the fishermen, are
situated, and that a large amount of damage was thereby sustained.

I was informed by Mr. Philippe Touzel, one of the fishermen residing at Shell-
drake, that wishing to establish a fishing station on Thunder River, he had gone there
a few weeks before, for the purpose of taking possession of an unoccupied part of

mmed Pierre
ion not being

ienault : they
oroughly, but
r, and thence

lake sail, and

it is at least a

The entrance

cross the bar

tn the ridges

' p

the river is

those on the

on fishin|T; on

barrels of

n the Moisic

ng the whole
joints along

dends with

le fisheries,

cs and other

rican honse
ut np while
Te made up

on the 19 th

IS last 3'car,
n so plenti-

iiids which
>and bar on
crincn, are

g at Shell-
gone there
cd part of

the beach, and that after he had begun preparing the ground for tlie erection of the
necessary buildings, three persons named resj)cctively Ennis, William Grath, and
Briant, approached him uttering threats, and stating that they would not allow him
to set up an establishment in that place.

He also told me that the same parties had repeatedly attacked a man, whom he
had left there to carry on the work, necessary for the erection of his establishment,
so that he was obliged to leave the place and return to Slielldrake.

Mr. Touzcl asked to be protected in holding possession of the vacant spot
which he had selected, and that the parties who had, without provocation, ill-treated
his servant, should be punished.

Taking Mr. Touzcl and his servant Bcaudoin on board, I sailed for Thunder
River. On arriving, 1 proceeded to the place where I expected to find Ennis,
McGrath and Briant. I went to their establishments, but the men were not to be
found. I was informed that, having been made aware of my approach, they had ab-
sconded, and concealed themselves in the neighbouring woods. I then visited the
spot which 'i'ouzel had taken possession of, and found that it was vacailf, and that
there was nothing to indicate that it had ever been occupied.

I then told Touzel that as a British subject, he had a right to take possession
of ground sufficient for carrying on his fishing operations, and to hold the sune as
his property, subject to the condition of not allowing it to remain unoccupied
during twelve consecutive months

I also told him, if he were again molested, to write to me at Perce, and that on
receiving his eomplamt I should return to Thunder Iliver as soon as possible.

I then visited seven schooners, which were at anchor in the river. Four of
them were from the Gaspe coast, the others were : the schooner " Lady," 57 tons,
Philibert Beigeron, master, from the Parish des Eboulements, with a crew of six
men, and carrying three fishing-boats; the "Primrose," from Malbaie, (above),
Hubert Pilote, master, five men and two boats ; and the " Primrose." also from
Malbaie, (ai)ove) Xavier Boily, master, carrying five men and two boats.

These vessels were all successfully engaged in the cod-fishery.

The innster of one of the Gaspe vessels had a few days before, taken 180
barrels of mackerel at a single haul of the seine, at the mouth of the river. This
was the only instance in which the fish had appeare I in such large numbers near
the coast.

The masters of the vessels from Malbaie (above) and the Eboulements, told
me that this was their first trial of cod-fishing in the Gulf. They said that they
were satisfied with the result.

I urge(l them strongly to return next year, but to come better prepared, and
provided with a larger number of men and boats. I told them that they would be
well repaid for their efi'or's, provided they carried on their fishing operations whh
judgm(Mit, and above all, with perseverance.

It is to be hoped that the example given by the schooners from Malbaie and
the Eboulements, will be followed by many others from the Parishes, both on the
north an I south sides of the rivers ; and that our Quebec ship-owners will at last
understand the importance of the vast resources which Canada possesses in the
Lower St. Lawrence and in the Gulf, hitherto developed by foreigners, who find
Ihem a source of great profit.

I give below a list of the establishments on Thunder River :

On the East side.

Boats.

No. 1. John Howell's establishment 4

" 2. Stephen Wells " 2

" 3- James Cummings' <« 2

26

P IM'I

'li

On the West side.

*' 4. Lawrence Kennedy's establishment 3

« 5. JohnLe Rlie *« 2

13

There are forty men employed in these establishments, which have been only
three years in existence.

I entered Magpie bay at half-past three o'clock, and there visilerl several
fishing stations belonrring to fishermen from Bonaventure. Cod fisliing had been
more successful in this place than at any part of the North shore which I had
lately visited. Here also I was obliged to settle a dispute which had arisen, regarding
the possession of a fishing ground.

At Rambler's Cove, which is situated half u mile to the west of Magpie Bay,
the fishermen had taken large qua'.itities offish.

In th» evening we sailed for the Coist of Gaspe.

On the '20th, in the afternoon, 1 landed at I'Ans© aux Griffons.

On the 21st, I visited the establishments at Cap des Rosieis, and on the fol-
lowing day I proceeded to Gaspe basin, where 1 remained till the 24th.

I visited as usual the vessels in port. All was quiet.

1 received fram Mr. John Eden the weights and measures which are used as
the Government standard, in order to take them to the Magdalen Islands, where the
storekeepers' weights and measures had never been tested and stamped l)y a public
ofiicer. I then set sail, after taking on board Mr. Matthew Ryan, the inspector of
customs for Lower Canada, who went to the Magdalen Islands for the purpose of
inspecting the port of Amherst.

On the 25th wc touched at Perce, and on the 26th we anchored in the bay of
Plaisance.

The fisheries were very successful at the Magdalen Islands.

Mackerel was abundant in the Bay of Plaisance, and cod was sufficiently
plentiful on the banks in the vicinity of ihe Etang du Nord, of the Anse a la
Cabane, and of the Basin, to give the fishermen a good daily return for their labour.

The only vessels in Amherst harbour were four schooners and the mail boat.
Some American vessels fitted out for the mackerel fishery, were still fishing near
the Magdalen Islands with some success. Bat the general complaint was that
the fish were neither as large nor as fat as they were last year at the same
period. Several full cargoes of dry cod had already been shipped to Halifax,
the prices paid there being exceedingly high. Captain Painchaud, amongst
others, had sent one cargo, consisting of five hundred quintals.

The news received from all points was favourable.
Fish of all kinds were plentiful, and the fishermen had fine weather for carry-
ing on their operations.

At the Etang du Nord the boats frequently brought in froi.i eight to ten
drafts of cod. (A draft of codfish weighs two hundred and fifty pounds.)

The inhabitants had no cause of complaint against the foreign fishermen.

On the 29th at noon we left Amherst, In rounding the eastern point of the
Magdalen Islands, we fell in with forty schooners, nearly all from the United
States, at anchor, under shelter of Grossa Isle. They were unable on that day to
carry on the mackerel fishery, the wind being too high.

On the 30th, we touched at Caraquette in order to land Mr. Ryan, who in-
tended returning to Canada by way of New Brunswick, and on the following day
we came to an anchor in the roadstead of Pasp6biac, afler having been durmg a
part of the day aground on a small sand bank, the vessel escaping without any
damage whatever.

S7

3
2

13

ve been only

lilecl several
ig had been
which I had
n, regarding

Jagpie Bay,

d on the fol-

are used as
s, where the
by a public
inspector of
^ purpose of

n the bay of

sufliciently
Anse a la
leir labour,
mail boat,
isliing near
was that
the same
to Halifax,
amongst

for oarry-

ght to ten
s.)

lermen.
oint of the
the United
hat day to

I, who in-
)wing day
I durmg a
ihout any

M

In the- fishing establishments at Paspebiac groat activity prevailed in the
preparation of cod for exportation ; a great deal of it was intended for the Brazil

market.

The cod sent to Brazil requires to be made up in packages called on the
coast tubs. Each tub contains 128 lbs. of well dried fish. The packing is done
by means of an iron screw worked by three men, the fish being thus pressed in
the tub and forced into the smallest possible space. In this state it will keep
for a very long time even in the warmest climates, and may be conveniently
carried inlo the interior of the countries for which it is intended.

The Iiouse of Robin & Co., had already during the present season shipped
a cargo of fish prepared in this manner to Brazil, and I was told that they rea-
lized a handsome profit.

I visited New Carlisle, at which place the court was then sitting.

On the 4th September, I proceeded to Bonaventure.

The barque " Nazarene " belonging the American House of Miriam & Co.,
who carry on business at this place, was in the roadstead, loading' fish of all kinds
and shingles for New York. There was also in the roadstead an American schooner
of 175 Ions loaded with shingles and fish from the same house; she was only
awaiting a lair wind to set sail.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Allain, the parish priest of Bonaventure,
and Mr. McCracken a justice of the peace.

I was informed by them that there had been only a few barrels of salmon
taken in the river Bonaventure.

There had been no nets placed at the month of the river. The Indians had
been fishing with their negogs, but 1 did not hear that they had taken any salmon
after the first of August.

On this part of the coast of the Bay of Chaleurs, which, it is true, foreign
fishermen are not much in the habit of frequenting, the most perfect tranquillity
prevailed.

On the 5th, I visited Carleton and Dalhousie.

On the G;h, at 3 o'clock A. M., I gave orders to leave Carleton, the wind
blowing strong from the North West, and at noon I landed at Grande Riviere
where 1 met the agent for the house of Robin, and Mr. Carburg, one of the magis-
trates of the place.

At Grande Riviere and nearly everywhere along the coast of Gaspe, the cod-
fishery had not been good during the month of July ; but from the first of August
and particularly from the fifteenth, our fishermen had had very good success.

Three boats employed in fishing for Mr. Carburtr, had brought him in as the
proceeds of the day's fishing on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th September, 110 drafts
of the finest cod.

The bait used by our fishermen was the squid.

This singularly shaped little fish is exceedingly gelatinous and is greedily
devoured by the cod; it was very plentiful near our coast and there was no diffi-
culty in taking it.

At 4 P. M. we weighed anchor, and at 6 P. M. we arrived at Perc6.

At 7 in the morning, I visited the establishments at Perce, and at 11 A. M
I gave orders to set sail for the Labrador Coast. We had a strong wind from
the south-west, for us a fair one.

At midnight we doubled the eastern point of the Island of Anticosti, and on
the 9th at 3 P. M. we came to anchor in the Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

I visited all the establishments in this place and obtained the following
information.

About one hundred and fifty schooners, most of them from Nova Scotia, and
the remainder from the Magdalen Islands, the United States and Prince Edward's

28

!1||

'ii

it'!!,

Island, had carried on the cod-fishrry near the coast, and on the banks in the
vicinily of the cove, wilh some success.

The fishing had conrinienced on ihe 20th of June, and ended on or about the
1st of August.

During the whole of that time there had been no lack of capelan and lancc
(langou,,) which are the usual bait.

The herring had appeared on the coast at the beginning of August; this was
earlier than usual.

This fish always appri)aches the coast in greater numbers at the time of the
high tides than at other limes.

On the 7th of September, herring were still plentiful in the Anse aux Blancs
Sablons, and several hauls of the seine were made on that day.

Nearly two hundred schooners, of which number a great part had been
engaged in the codfishery, had carried on the herring fishery in this Cove.

It was estimated that at least sixly were employed in the herring fishery
between Salmon Bay and la hnie Rouge.

Large quantities of this fine fish had been taken. Nearly all the vessels
went away full loaded.

The schooners from the Magdalen Islands in particular had been very
successful.

I was informed by Mr. Labbe, the agent for the house of Le Boutillier and
Brothers, that in the night of the 29th July last, the French Corvette "La Serieuse'*
having on board the commandant of the French station at Newfoundland, struck
on a dangerous reef in the little harbour within the Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

Fortunately on the following day, at high tide, after great exertions on the
part of the crew, the vessel was floated off and brought to the anchorage in the
Anse. She had lost her redder but was enabled to refit and proceed to Halifax.

Before quitting the Anse aux Blancs Sablons for the last time this year, I
obtained from all of the proprietors and fishermen belonging to the place, a report
of the condition of the different establishments, shewing the number of men and
boats em))loyed, together with the quantity of fish prepared at each of them; I
annex the documents to this report.

I obtained similar returns from all the other fishing stations on the coast.

The information which I give may be relied upon as exact, as it was ob-
tained from the proprietors themselves or from their friends.

On the afternoon of the lOih, I proceeded to Bradore Bay, at which place I
remained untill the 14th.

The cod and herring fisheries commenced in Bradore bay, at the same time
as in the Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

The shoals of heiring did not resort as usual to the upper end of Bradore
Bay on account, I was told, of there having been too many seines at the entrance
to the bay, ready to intercept them on their first appearance.

I was assu.ed that there were at times fifteen seines between the Anse des
Dames and the Bradore Islands, that is to say in front of the bay.

Notwithstanding this fact, nearly all the fishermen had taken full cargoes of
fish. They took the herring in the offing, instead of taking them at the upper end
of the bav.

There is of course, no law to prevent British subjects from taking the herring
wherever the fish can be found.

Besides it is impossible to say whether the fish would have resorted to the
tipper end of the bay in large numbers, even though there had been no seines at
the entrance.

I make these remarks, because several of the inhabitants residing on the bay
wished me to prevent the fishermen from fishing with the seine in the ofliing.

banks in the

or about the

in and lance

ust ; this was

le time of the

;e aux Blancs

art had been
Cove,
irring fishery

.11 the vessels

d been very

Boutiliier and

La Serieuse'*

dland, struck

5 Sablons.

rtions on the

lorage in the

Id to' Halifax.

' this year, 1

ace, a report

of men and

of them; I

le coast,
it was ob-

hich place I

3 same time

of Bradore
"[he entrance

|e Anse des

cargoes of
le upper end

the herring

lorted to the
lo seines at

|on the bay
offing.

2t

There were twelve schooners in Bradore Busin engaged in preparing the
herrin"; a few weeks before, there were in the same plact; more then fifiy fijijiing
vessels beloii<^ino' to Nova Scotia, the Magdalen Islands, and the Unileii States,
the "rea'.cr number of which had had the good fortune to take good cargoes.

Every time that 1 visited the establishments on this part of the coast, I had
the pleasure of being informed, that the foreign fishermen had committed no
depredations whatever on the coast, and that our fishermen had in no way been

molested.

There had been no attempts on the part of any person to injure the seden-
tary salmon or seal fisheries, or to take possession of fishing stations which were
already occupied.

These good results must certainly be attributed to the presence of " La Cana-
dienne" in the watersof the Gulf, for before that vessel visited the Labrador Coast,
our fisht'rrnen had continual cause of complaint again^^t the foreign and even
the English fishermen, as witness the numerous petitions on the subject pre-
sented to the Government.

On the morning of the 14th, with a light breeze from the east, we sailed from
Bradore Bay.

During the day we were becalmed on Belles Amours bank. The crew took
a large number of excellent cod with the line.

On the 15th I landed at Tdtc a la Baleine and obtained from Mr. Michael
Kenty, who is engaged in the seal and cod-fishery, information concerning the
fisheries carried on on this part of the Labrador coast, together with a statement
shewing the number of fishing ef.tablishments, the number of men employed, and
the quantity of fish taken by each of them.

At 11 A. M. a strong wind sprung up in the offing, and [ was obliged in
consequence to return on board. A fog then set in, and we lay-to until the
following day, when the wind became more favourable.

In the afternoon, we were able to distinguish Cape Whittle, and towards
evening, we set sail for the Gulf, with a very strong north-west breeze.

On the 17lh, at 8 A., M. we were within about 10 miles of the Bird Islands,
and on the following day at 5 A. M. we came to an anchor opposite Amherst
harbour.

Since my last visit to the Magdalen Islands, there had been a great deal of
bad weather, and the fishermen had been able to reach the fishing grounds only
at rare intervals.

The fishing vessels belonging to Amherst and House harbour had re-
turned from the Labrador cruise. They all had good cargoes of cod and herring.
The crews were busy preparing the fish for market. Our fishermen had been
successful in the mackerel-fishery in the bay.

I was told that the American fishermen had not been so successful in their
fishing operations off" the coast of the Magdalen Islands, and that a great many of
their vessels had gone away with half a cargo.

I visited House Harbour ; saw the public officers and principal inhabitants
of the place ; and, having satisfied myself that my presence was no longer required
at the Magdalen Islands, I gave orders to set sail on the 21st.

Near Corps Mort we sighted some ten American schooners engaged in the
mackerel fishery on banks to which those fish resort in large numbers. Judging
from their frequent changes of position, the vessels did not appear to be very
successful.

Between the Magdalen Islands and Miscou Island we fell in with six more
American schooners engaged in the same fishery. These vessels appeared X:> be
taking large quantities of fish.

30

m

!i!

;i:l.:i:

I i!;ii!:

On the 22nd at midnitjht we passed the Miscou Island light, and on the
23rd, we came to an anchor in the roadstead of Carlcton.

I am indebted to Mr. Verge for the following details concerning the fisheries
carried on oflT the coast of the Bay of Chaleurs, between Bonavenlure and the
River Ristigouche.

The Salmon fishery was almost a complete failure during the present year,
in the River Ristlgouche and on the coast of the Bay of Chaleurs.

The quantity offish taken this year did not amount to the one-seventh part
of the quantity taken during an average season.

The fishing on the C'>ast of New Brunswick had been no belter, and I was
told that there had been little or no fish taken this season in the Miramichi River,
which is usually so well stocked.

The principal salmon fishing stations on the Canadian coast in the River
Ristiijouche are as follows :

Fishing Stations.

Belonging to

Produce.

Bourdon Point

Crosse Point

Battery Point

Lagarde Point

Fleurant Point

And three miles lower down.

Robert Busteed

John Fraser

Alexander Busteed

John Dunkiii

Edmond Stewart

Total

15 b'rls of salmon.
30 " "
15 " "
12 " "

90 " "

162 " «

Principal salmon-fishing stations on the Canadian coast in the Bay of
Chaleurs :

Fishing Stations.

Belonging to

Produce.

Point Magoucha

Carletou Bay, 1st

" "2nd

« « 3rd

Dr. C. M. Le Billois.. ..
Frederick Arsenault

H. Landry

Jean Gauvreau

30 b'rls of salmon.
10 " "
18 « «
10 « "

The three last stations are situated about two miles from each other.

Carle ton Point 1st
" " 2nd

Romain Landry.
Jos N. Verge . .

t • • •

On the coast in the Parish of Maria

1st Station .
2nd "
3rd " . .

Fabien Allan
Peter Thibaudcau ..
John Vaughan . .

Total .

10 b'rls of salmon.
15 " "

6 b'rls of salmon.
20 « "

25 " «'

144

u

((

The above statement shows the average yield of the salmon-fishery during
five years, viz : from 1853 until 1856.

31

11

t. and on the

g the fisheries
iture and the

present year,

i-seventh part

3r, and I was
amichi River,

t in the River

Produce.

'rls of salmon.
'.I i(

K CC

((

<(

((

I the Bay of

'roduce.

s of salmon.

((

C(

((

ther.

s of salmon.

(C

s of salmon.

«

((

((

Ihery during

HERRING FISHERY.

The horrln<» fishery on the coast of the Bay of Chaleurs between Magoucha
Point and Carleton, had not been very successful.

Al Maria and New Richmond the fishing had been very good.

There is also an autumn herring fishery on this part of the Caspe coast, but
for some years back the produce of this fisihcry has been very small.

Thero were during the prci^ent year, 10,000 barrels of herring exported from
the diflerrnt stations vvhicli I have just mentioned ; of this quantity, 7,000 barrels
were sent to the United States.

The quantity of cod taken in the Bays of Carleton and New Richmond is

small. ft

Agriculture continues sensibly to progress on the chores of the Bay of Chaleurs
and of tiie River Ristigouche.
M The present year's harvest was very fine.

" The inhabitants were all pleased to learn that the Government intend to cause

a road to be opened on the Metapediac River, in order to open communication
between the settlements on the River Ristigouche and those on the St Lawrence.

Parties who had visited that part of the County of Bonaventure, told me that
on the banks of the River Metapediac, there is a large extent of level country,
covered with timber of tlie first quality, and very well adapted for cultivation.

I have no doubt that when once this road shall have been com|)letcd, a few
years will see agricultural settlements established throughout its whole length, so
as to form a link between the parishes below Quebec and those in the District of
Gaspe.

This new road by way of the River Metapediac is much required, as the exist-
ing road between the River Ristigouche and the St. Lawrence, known as the
Kempt Road, was made through a mountainous country in which there are no set-
tlers, and in which it is therefore impossible to keep roa Is in repair. During the
autumn and part of of the winter, it is almost impossible to travel over it except
on foot. The soil on this road is in general poor or dilficult to cultivate, and there
can be but little reason to hope that it will be settled.

On the 25th, I went to visit the mission on the Ristigouche River.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. J. Fraser, the missionary of the Indian
village, and several of the respectable inhabitants, who assured me that tranquillity
and order prevailed everywhere on that part of the coast.

On the 27tli, I returned to Carleton and on the same day went to New Rich-
mond. There I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Thornton and Mr. Montgomtiry.

With the latter gentleman I visited both the Rivers Cascapediac, and obtained
the following information :

The Great Cascapediac River, which runs into the bay of the same name, is
about a quarter of a mile in width at its mouth, and is of very great length.
Canoes and even flat bottomed boats can ascend it to a distance of 120 miles
from the sea.

This river was formerly well stocked with fish, and until within the last
few years it produced from 150 to 200 barrels of salmon yearly. In 1856 it pro-
duced 50 barrels and in 1857 a little less than that number.

The salmon taken in the Great Cascapediac River are the largest taken on
our coasts. They are frequently found to weigh 45 or 50 pounds. The average
weight is about 22 pounds. The river is also well stocked with trout of fine
quality, weighing from 1 to 8 pounds.

Several of the settlers on the banks of the river are given to the destructive
practice of going, in the month of September, to the place (sometimes 40 or 50
miles from the mouth of the river) where the fish remain to spawn, there to take
them with the net or with spears.

32

ii I

1'^!

This j)ractice of destroying tlic fisli at llic momtMit when they are about to
acconipli^^h Iho iinportuiil act ol reproclnction, accounts lor the «;rciil falling oil" in
the quantity of salmon hi the Cascapediac River, and in all the other Canadian
rivers resoiled to l)y that llsh.

The Indians are abo in the iiabit of going npth(; river in the antnmn in their
bark canoes, and destroying large number of salmon by torchlight with their

vigogs.

I was told that they did not go up this year, as the quantity of fish in the
river was too small to give a prospect of success.

1 am of opinion that as soon as the Fishery Act shall have been distributed
among the magistrates and other persons interested in the |)reservation of the
salmon, it will be easy to |)revenl, in great p^'l, the destructi-jn of this valuable
fish, especially if the Government shall authorise the magistrate in command of
ihe Government Schooner to station one or two of his men at the plares where
infractions of the law are most likely to occur, in order that the guilty parlies
may by taken in the act, and punished as an example to others.

The lesser Cascapediac river, which enters the bay of the same name one
mile to the east of the Great Cascapediac, contains no salmon, but is full of
trout.

There arc no large fishing establishments on Cascapediac Bay, nor on that of
New Hiehmond, the inhabitants are altogether taken up with the cultivation of
the soil, which is very rich.

The agricultural settlements extend up the Great Cascapediac to a distance
of fifteen mils from its mouth; but the absence of roads has hitherto prevented
the people from settling in the interior, where the land is level, rich, and cover-
ed with the very best of limber.

Those who venture to take up lots at a distance from the high road, find it
extremely diilicult and often impossible, to bring their spare produce to a market.

For many years back there has been a large lumber business carried on at
New Richmond. The squ aretimber and deals go to England, the pine boards to
Newfoundland and the shingles to Halifax.

There were formerly a lar^e number of vessels built every year at New
Richmond, most of them at the late Mr. Cuthbcrt's establishment. This branch
of industry has been in great part abandoned, owing to the scarcity of limber in
the vicinity, and especially to the low prices prevailing at Liverpool and other
English ports to which the vessels were sent to be sold.

However there are about five or six schooners built there every year for the
fisheries and the coasting trade.

New Richmond will certainly become a place of importance within a few
years, provided roads be opened by Government, so as to enable settlers to reach
the interior of the country, where the lands are much richer than th.)se in the
vicinity of the coast.

In addition to a large tract of level country, capable of supporting a numerous
population, either from the produce of the forest or the cultivation of the soil, New
ilichmond has also the advantage of a good harbour, in which vessels of the
largest burden can finl safe shelter at any time and in any wind.

The population of New Richmond is chiefly composed of Scotch settlers,
who are said to be good farmers.

On the 29th, I proceeded to New Carlisle, and thence to Paspebiac, w^here I
found seven vessels loading dry cod, for Brazil, Spain and Italy, and a number of
schooners preparing to start for Quebec with salt fish.

On the 30th, I visited the establishments at Port Daniel.

Mr. McPherson, the custom-house officer of the port, gave me the following
information concerning the fishe/ies carried on on that part of the coast.

33

are about to

falliiii' oll'in

icr Canadian

tiimn ill llieir
lit with their

)f fish in the

n distributed
vat ion of the
ihis valuable
command of
plan's where
^uilly parties

no name one
bat is full of

nor on that of
cultivation of

to a distance
rto prevented
h, and cover-

1 road, find it

to a market.

carried on at

iiic boards to

^ear at New

This branch

if limber in

1)1 and other

year for the

jithin a few
llers to reach
111 )se in the

la numerous
lie soil, New
^se!s of the

[ich settlers,

|nc, where I
number of

le following
It.

There are about 100 boats owned in the township of Port Daniel, which
includes I'Anse aux Gascons, I'Anse u la Barbe, Port Daniel and Point Loup-
Marin. These boats are from eighteen to twenty feet in length, and carry two

men each.

Nearly 2,000 barrels of herring were taken this year at Port Daniel, the first
instance of so large a quantity being caught. The capelan did not make its ap-
pearance on the coast, and the cod fishery was rather less successful than or-
dinary. About a hundred and fifty schooners belonging to the United States, had
at diflereiit limes during the season gone into Port Daniel. Mr, McPherson and
the inhabitants of the coast had no complainls to make of the crews of those

vessels.

The rivers which fall into Port Daniel had yielded about 60 barrels oi

salmon.

In the afternoon, I landed at Grand River, and the following day, 1st October,
anchored at Perce. They lamented the bad weather they had had on that part of
the coast, which had often prevented the boats from proceeding to the fishing-
grounds.

That afternoon I proceeded to I'Anse du Cap, where lay the brigantine " Be-
linda," loading with cod for Spain. The cod fishery had been good at I'Anse du
Cap and on the neighboring coast.

1 returned to Perce in the evening.

On the next day, I visited the establishments at Point St. Pierre, and proceed-
ed to Gaspe Basin in the course of the night. In the port vi'^ere three brigantines
and several schooners.

The brig " Ste. Anne," belonging to Mr. John Le Boutillier, was ready to
sail for Civita-Vecchia with a cargo of 3,000 quintals of dry cod of the first quality.

The mackerel fishery carried on as usual in the bay of Gaspe by the inhab"
itants, had been tolerably successful. The coil fishery ofl Douglas Town had not
been productive, but, to make amends, the fishermen of the place, who had gone
to the north shore of the gulf had had great success.

Mr. Shaw's saw-mill had been in operation till the end of March, and the
lumber turned out, which must contribute much to the prosperity of Gaspe Basin,
had furnished cargoes to seven ships bound i>v different English ports.

On the 4th October, in the evening. Captain Vibert, of the brig " Ste. Anne,"
applied for my assistance to effect the arrest of a man of his crew, who had desert-
ed with a boat belonging to his vessel. I immediately despatched the master ir
my boat, and he succeeded, after a latiguing chase, in bringing the runaway on
board.

On the 5th, we left Gaspe Basin, and shaped our course down the River St.
Lawrence.

I visited the Peninsula and I'Anse aux Griffons.

On the Cth I put in at Fox River. On the 8th I landed at Grand Etang ; and
on the 10th in the afternoon, notwithstanding a strong gale, we made the River
Magdalen.

At Grand Etang, I visited and examined with much attention the distilling
apparatus in Mr. L'Esperance's manufactory of cod liver oil for medical purposes,
and I must express my admiration of the minute attention to cleanliness with
which every part of the process is conducted. I do not hesitate to recommend the
oil produced there as the best which can be made.

The American schooner which had been fishing for mackerel off" the Mag-
dalen, had filled only 50 barrels.

I settled a dispute which had arisen between two of the inhabitants ot the
place ; and on the 12th, we weighed anchor to return to Perce.

i-,86

31

•**n.

4

ri. ::!!<

If

■Mil

i'

f! Mi

The autumn cod Hshery had hatl goncrally but moderate success on all the
coast from L'Aiise ati.xCiriflbn.s to the Kiver Mag(hdeii. This arose from no defi-
ciency of the cod: the fish was abundant on all the fishinj^ grounds, but from
the scarcity of the bait, of which the supply was insuflicienl throughout the season.
There was abundance of herring near the shores, but so small that it could not
be taken with the ordinary net. 1 have seen fisln rmeu coirie from L'Anse auK
Griffons to the Hay ol'Gaspe in search of shell fish to bait their lines, not being
able to procure any fish which might be used as a bait for cod. This was the
case at point St. Pierre, where I stopped on the 12tli At Malbaie, a small fish
called a shrub was used as bait, being found in great numbers in the lliver du
Barachois, at the head of the bay. Tlie smelt also abounds in that river.

On the same tl;iy, I arrived at Perce,

On the 13lli, I visited the fishing establishments at the Island of Bonaventurc,
the chief of which belongs to the house of LeBoulillier and Brothers. They
had one seventh less fish than last jear. 'J'he island has 14 resident inhabitants,
who employ ft)rty fishing boats, but during the season there have been -.is many
as one hundred, the neighbouring fishing grounds being accounted good. All
was peaceable and (]uiet on the coast, and there were but few foreign vessels.

On the 14lh, at 6 A.M., we sailed for the Magdalen Islands. The wind was
at first fair, but on the next and following days, it came round in our teeth, and
we did not reach Amherst Harbor, after much lacking till the evening of the
16th. As this was the last visit which 1 was to make io the Magdalen Islands
in the season, I made a point of seeing, not only the public ofTicers and the

f>rincipal inhabiianis of Amherst Island, but also tluse of Grindstone and Allright
slands, and obtained from them the following information : —

There had been two w.'vks on the coast of the Magdalen Islands : one of a
schooner, which had been abandoned by her crew near Coffin Island ; the other of
an English brig, which had struck near the eastern point of the Island. No life
was lost in either, and a large part of the sa:)s and cordage was saved from both.

The several fisheries carried en at the isianns had all been successful. Of
the seal fishing, 1 have already spoken at the commencement of the present
Report. The cod fishery had been very good everywhere, and the fish were fine
in quality. The boats resorting to the fishing grounds still come back, late as it
is in the season, almost alwavs well loaded.

Mr. Alexis Painchaud, the proprietor of two fishing establishments, and well
known in the country for his enterprising character and success in the fish trade,
had despatched six cargoes of dry cod lo Halifax, and several others of green
cod, herring, and mackerel, to Quebec and Montreal.

Mr. Johnson, a merchant at House Harbor, shipped to Halifax several thou-
sand gallons of seal oil and a large quantity of dry cod, herring, and mackerel.

An American house, established at Amherst Harbor three years ago, have
made purchases of several thousand quintals of large cod for the markets of the
United States.

The fishing schooners belonging to the Magdalen Islands had sailed, shortly
before, with full cargoes of various kinds of lish, some for Halifax, others for
Quebec and Montreal.

1 feel assured that if fish maintains the prices of the last and preceding au-
tumns, our fishermen will make larger profits than their calling has ever before
yielded them. It is to be feared, however, that the large supplies arriving simul-
taneously at market, may have the effect of lowering the price, for some time at
least, and that our people will suffer accordingly, as they are obliged to make
sales of their produce without delay, in order to return home before the close of
the navigation.

^

CL'ss on all the
e from no defi-
nds, bill from
out 1 he season,
ut il could not
m L'Ansu auK
ines, not being
This was the
I', a small fish
la the Uiver du
il river.

f Bonaventure,
rothers. They
cnl inhabitants,

been ps many
led good. All
;ign vessels.
The wind was

our teeth, and

evening of ihe

igdalen Islands

ilicers and ihe

nc and Allright

ands : one of a
id ; the other of
land. No life
ved from both,
uecessful. Of
of the present
fish were fine
i\ck, late as it

lenls, and well
the fish trade,
>lhers of green

several thou-
id mackerel.

?ars ago, have
larkcts of the

sailed, shortly
lax, others for

)receding au-
[s ever before
Irriving simul-
Isome time at

iged to make
the close of

House (f:»rl>or, was, fo %
of r.ubr^'lor lie/-
800 I .,*ls of

nt from ic lisher-
sC the (juantity of

The proluee of the season to vessel"* I U»ni<ini( t House
schooners, 4,800 quintals of cod ; for 15 ccli -oners, ;l,( U) it^up
ring ; iind the people residing on the shore uf the ba) uiok ;»
mackerel.

I was unable, for want of time, to procure a similar stfilr,

men of the \vlioI«! coast, l)ut lli(^ custom house returns will sli .. ... , .^ _

each kind exported ; and those returns would be fiiitlufr increiised by the c-onsump
tion of the population of the islands, in number about 5,000 persons, which will
probably add 2,000 quintJils of cod, and .'>,000 barrels of herring to the account.

The population of the Magdahn Islands an; in the enj(jyinent of a di'gree of
prosperity which they iKiver attained before in many years. The only drawback
is the agitation produce<l among them by the changes which Admiral Collin, the
proprietor of the islands, contemplates making in the mode of tenure. But for
this, they would be perfectly happy. Agriculture, which had till lately been quite
neglected, has begun to be of important service; to the people. The harvest this
year was most abundant. All kinds of i^rain yielded well and ri|)ened perfectly,
and the potato was particularly prosperous and abundant. A schooner left the
islands for the United States, witlra cargo of grain and potatoes, the first exam-
ple of such an incident in exportation.

In I8t2, the whole produ(;e of the islands in grain anil vegetables would not
have sulficed to feed a tenth of the population. Facts like these need no com-
ment.

For two year.s past I have made efforts, aided by several energetic inhabitants
of Amherst Island, and the islands of House Harbor, to establish an Agricultural
Society in the Magdalen Islands, but without success. Next year, I hope for
better things. The chief object of such a society ought to be tlu; procuring of
good seed grain, and animals of improved breeds.

The inhabitants have had no complaint to make of the ibreign fishermen,
who come to fish in the bay and on the coast, to the number of .several thousands ;.
except a single case of assault and battery, mentioned already in this report,
peace and good order prevailed universally. Our own fishermen pursued their
avocations without fear of interruption or molestation.

On the 20th, having received on board the Government v/eights and measures
for the purpose of conveying them to Mr. John Fraser of New Carlisle, the ins-
pector of the Revenue for the County of Bonaventure, I gave orders to make sail
for Paspebiac. The anchor was weighed at 3, P. M. We had a ftivorable
breeze from the S. E., and passed the east point of the islands; but, while still
only 25 miles from Isle Bryon, it fell calm, and so continued through the night.

On the 21st and 22nd the wind was N.W., that is, right in our teeth, but
we kept our course. On the 23rd we saw land off Shippagan, and in the morn-
ing of the 24th came to anchor in the roadstead of Paspebiac. There were still
seven vessels there taking in cargoes of dry and green cod. Twenty had sailed
with fish for Brazil, Spain, and Italy. The importance of the trade carried on by
the commercial houses on the coast of Gaspe, and particularly at Paspebiac will
be conceived by a perusal of the following letter addressed to me by Mr. Alfred
Carcaux, representing the house of LeBoutillier & Brothers :

Paspebiac, 24th October, 1857.
P. Fort in, Esq.,

Captain, Schooner " La Canadienne."

Sir, — As it is important that you should, in your position, have full informa-
tion respecting the amount of business transacted in this section of the country,
I regret that it is not in my power to furnish you with more ample informatiori
concerning that carried on by the house represented by me in Canada.

0

i!

I

I furnish you, however, with a statement which will I trust, assist you in
drawing up a report o!" ihis part <»f the country, and sihewiiig it to be more impor-
tant than it is thought to he.

1 may be permitietl lo suggest ihi; necessity of erecting a small lighthouse
on the point of Sanily Hcactli at Paspcbiac, which you must have had dilliculty
in weathering, when you came into the harbor, in the night. Vessels g(»ing to
the Bay esm gel in with safety. Fishini,' boats will be greatly benefited by it.

The fishery has this year exceeded 2<V000 quintals of lish.

OuK cargoes this year have been as follows :

For fliiizil. . .
For ttio Moilitei'i'unciin
For Ktifflaml mul Jfi'aey
For Quubc'c .

6000 tubs.
1200O (inintnls.
750 quiutalB.
InOO quiiituls.

Oil.

80 toU8.

Herri i)g.
l20(JblU.

Gri'vn Fish.

tnciin

Jt'i'Mev

300

187r)0

81)

1 '2l 11 H 1

;!()!)

For Jersey, 60 tons of birch, 200 tons of pine, 400 of juniper, oO junipor knees.
We have this year employed 8 square rigged craft anil 8 schooners ; and in
our establishment 450 fishermen and curers.

The hou>e of Robins carries on a still more consideraMe business, exporting
in 1857 more than 30,000 quintals of cod, besides oil, and other fish.

The latter house also carries on ship-building, and now has on the stocks at
Paspebiac, a brig of 280 Ions, 1 12 feel keel, 23^ feet beam and 13;^ feet depth of
hold, and a schooner of 116 tons, 78.^ feet keel, 18^ feet beam, and 8 feet depth
of hold.

These two vessels are built with timber from llie Bay of Chaleurs, under
the skilful direction of Mr. Le Brun, and are in every respect genuine master-
pieces of naval architecture.

I owe my warmest thanks to M. Briord, the general agent of the house of
Robin & Co., at Paspebiac for his obliging attention and readiness in placing
his workmen at my disposal, when the repairs of " La Canadienne" were required.

On the 25th, having settled all my business at Paspebiac and New Carlisle,
I prepared to set sail for Perce and Quebec, but the wind having got up kept
us in the roadstead eight days.

On the 28th, it blew a heavy gale from the North East, and on the 29th, there
were on the roads, 29 vessels, one half of which, destined for Quebec, had been
obliged to lie by.

Several others which had arrived in the night, had not been able to get in
on account of the darkness. At such times it is, that the light at the point would
be of great service, by shewing the point of the spit, which runs far out, and is
dangerous.

It is proper to remark, that on all the coast of Gaspe in the Gulf, there are
only two places in which vessels can take safe refuge in a gale of wind from the
east ; Gaspe Basin and the roadstead at Paspebiac. The former is easilyacces-
sible in the darkest nights, by aid of the sounding-line ; but it is not so with the
anchorage at Paspebiac, where the coasts have no distinguishing feature, and even
the lead cannot be trusted.

A wooden lighthouse, similar to those on the River St. Lawrence, between
Quebec and Montreal, twenty feet high and shewing a red light to distinguish it
from the lights in the houses and on the vessels, would be amply sufficient for
the point at Paspebiac, and would be of the greatest service to our mariners and
fishermen.

Hui"f'

m

assist you in
J more impor-

uU lighthouso
hiul dilUcuUy
sels going to
jnefitud by it.

*

(hi'iii Fish.

i.

300

aoo

juniper knees,
oners ; and in

ess, exporting

h.

I the stocks at

h feet depth of

"8 feet depth

lialeurs, under
nine master-

the house of
jss in placing
jvere required.
e\v Carlisle,
got, up kept

|he 29th, there
»ec, had been

^blc to get in
^ point would
Lr out, and is

|ulf, there are

'^ind from the

easilyacces-

so with the

ire, and even

ice, between

listinguish it

sufficient for

lariners and

87

Colored lights ought also to be placed at various dani'.erous points on the
coast, where our fishermen, obligcti to land ai night, arc fre(|nently in gnat peril.
These might give notice of ihc Moks, banks and reefs, whicli licrc line the coast.
Particularly I would invite the attention of the government to thai point, where
\lic establishmcnl of the house of Robin is situated. Here, or at the entrance of
the River, a light is much needed by the fishermen driven homewards by stress
of weather from the banks, to guide them to the mouth of the Grand River, which
aflords the only safe slu.'lter on that part of the coast.

The buildings for these lights might be very inex|)ensive, seeing that the
material for constructing them is found on the spot.

On 1st November there was a chang(> of wind, and we weighed anclior,
making for Perce, when? we arrived on the 2nd at 9 A. M. Here I visited the
principal fishing establishments, ami founl every lliiujj; quiet and onlerly. The
fall-fishery had not been pnuluctive, the frequent gales from the olFing having
prevented the boats fn)m proceeding to the fisliing gnninds.

On the :ird I visited Point St. Pierre, where a vessel had been wrecked, the
" Lady of the Lake" of Abenleen, <'^aptain George Un|nharf, fn)m Fleetwood to
Quebec, in ballast. She had gone ashore during the jiight of 29ih October,
during a heavv gale from the East. The crew were saved with <:n!;>r. difficulty.

During the same gale, three schooners at anchor in iMalbaie went ashore, but
can be get ofi".

On the 4lh, in the morning, wo anchored in Gaspe Rasin, where we found a
bark, three brigs and six schooners, loading with dry and green cod for Quebec
and foreign markets. All was orderly as on the neighboring coast.

Mr. John Le3outilIi(?r informed me that the whalers of the Basin and neigh-
borhood who had been to the fishery with the same number of vessels as last
year in the Gulf and the Straits ofHeliisle, had had as good success as in any
former year, and their profits were greater because oil brought a very high price.

In the afternoon, I gave orders to make sail for Quebec, intending to touch at
several points of Anticosti. The fisheries were nearly all concluded, the season
was far advanced, and the vessels going to Quebec wen; mostly on their way.

On the 5th, I landed at the South West point of Aiuicosti, where there is a
lighthouse. Mr. Pope, the keeper, informed me that the only wrecks which had
occurred in the season to his knowledge were those of a bark near Ellis Bay, and
of a Canadian schooner off the River Jupiler. Tbe properly on board was saved
in both cases,

Mr. Corbett, the lessee of the island of Anticosti, informed me that the salmon
fishery had failed almost completely, in all the rivers of the island. In one of them
where he formerly took 30 barrels of silmon, he had, in the season then closed,
taken no more than ihtee. He was un;ible to account for this great falling off
in so important an article, but referred it to some general cause which has dimi-
nished the numbers of the fish on all the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

I visited the light-house, which was in excellent order ; and at 3 o'clock
P. M., embarked for Quebec.

On the 6th, heavy snow fell, drifted by a strong gale from the S. E.

On the 7th, we passed the light-house at Poinle des Monts at 1 in the after-
noon ; and on the 8th, having taken a pilot at 9 o'clock A. M., off the Pilgrims,
came to anchor at 5 o'clock P. M. in the harbor of Quebec.

(Signed,) P. FOUTLN.

Magistrate commanding the Government Schooner "■ La Canadienne."

38

Mi

lliii:

nil

(I

THE NORTH SHORE OF THE RIVER AND GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE.

The entire north shore of the River and Gulf ot St. Lawrence belongs to
Canada, as also a part of the coast of Labrador adjoining the strait of Belle Isle.

This length of coasl, extending not less than miles, is divided into

three parts, viz. : —

The King's Posts, lying between the Seigniory of Portneuf and Cape Cormo-
rant, a distance of

The Seigniory of Terra Firma of Mingan, commencing at Cape Cormorant
and extending to the River Goynish or Agwanns.

And the coast properly called the Labrador Coast, including all the distance
from the River Goynish to the frontier line of Canada in the Straits of Belle Isle
at I'Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

The King's Posts have been leased to the Hudson's Bay Company for many
years. The Company had formerly an exclusive right of hunting and fishing ; they
now enjoy only the right which is common to Her Majesty's subjects. Since the
passing (/f the law which permits every British subject to take possession of any
portion of a beach which is unoccupied, a great number of fishermen from the
Bay of Chaleurs and the coast of Gaspe have made establishments, at various
points about the King's Posts and in the Seigniory of Mingan, for the purpose of
profiling by the immense natural wealth of the adjacent sea, wealth which had
till then remained untouched, almost unknown, the Hudson's Bay Company
caring for nothing but the salmon fishery, and the trade with the Indians.

Thus, while a part of the coast stretching from the Seigniory of Mii.gan
to the Canadian frontier, was already comparatively well settled, the shores of the
King's Posts and of the seigniory contained but a few settlements, all of which
belonged to the Company.

This latter part of the coast, nevertheless, presented as many advantages
for all kinds of fisheries as the former.

But the law was no sooner passed than many fishermen hastened thither,
and founded permanent fishing settlements.

At the present time, the experience of four years has convinced our fisher-
men that in no part of the gulf is there a spot where fish of all kinds are to be
found in greater quantity, than on this part of the coast north of the River and
Gulf St. Lawrence, stretching from Pointe des Monts to Natastiquan inclusive;
and the time is not far distant when we shall see here fishing settlements of as
great importance, and conducted on the same footing, as those on the shores of
Gaspe.

In my report last year, I gave information concerning one or two of the
most important fishing stations in this part of the gulf, not having had time to
visit them all.

This year I have visited a greater number, and I have obtained the most
exact information concerning the places I have not been able to reach.

I shall therefore afiix to my report a statement showing the situation of the
fishing settlements on the coast of the King's Posts, their number, inhabitants, &c.

I will add a similar statement for the settlements situated in the Seigniory
of Mingci.i, and that part of Labrador which belongs to Canada.

THE RIVER GOD BOUT.

The River Godbiuit, which tails into the St. Lawrence about 220 miles from
Quebec, is in the possession of the Hudson Bay Company, who have a post
there for trading and salmon fishing.

39

LAWRENCE.

ice belongs lo
; of Belle Isle,
is divided into

d Cape Cormo-

ape Cormorant

ill the distance
ts oi' Belle Isle

pany for many
d fishing ; they
3ts. Since the
session of any
rmen from the
lis, at various
the purpose of
ith which had
Bay Company
idians.

iry of Mik.gan
e shores of the
, all of which

ly advantages

tened thither,

:ed our fisher-

inds are to be

he River and

an inclusive ;

ements of as

the shores of

or two of the
g had time to

ned the most

ch.

nation of the

i!ibitants, &c.

ho Soiirniory

I was told that last year several Gaspe fishermen came to try the salmon
fishing here, along the coast near the mouth of the river, but withe ut much

success.

To the east of the river, we find a large sandy cove, where small vessels
find anchorage and shelter in gales from the v.rest.

For an extent of several miles along the banks of this river, especially on the
eastern side, there is a great deal of wood, chiefly tamarack, pine and white

birch.

There is no land well fitted for agriculture in the neighbourhood of the River

Godbout.

During the autumn, cod abounds in the place, and vessels from Quebec and
the neighbourhood, which may have been to Labrador for the purpose of fishing,
might here complete their cargo.

Mackerel is also sometimes found here in great quantity.

This year, the captain of an American schooner took at a single haul of
the net, near the cove, mackerel enough to fill four hundred barrels.

Several Canadian schooners also have fished for cod and mackerel near
the River Godbout with tolerable success.

The salmon fishery in the river yields about forty barrels

RIVER TRINITY.

The River Trinity falls into the River St. Lawrence at Trinity Bay, 6 miles
to the eastward of Pointe au Mont, and 233 miles from Quebec.

It is not navigable, any more than the River Godbout.

The Hudson's Bay Company have not any trading post there, but the chief of
the Godbout post sends fishermen there, who take about 30 barrels of salmon.

Besides, the owner of a settlement situated on Trinity Point, lays his nets
along the coast, near the mouth of the river, and takes about 20 barrels of salmon
every year.

I was told that this river was much more frequented by fish than formerly.

Trinity Bay aftbrds good shelter to vessels of all sizes from the west wind;
and vessels ascending the river frequently run thither for safety.

Outside the Bay, there are very good fishing grounds for cod, where the
little Cainadian schooners often obtain good cargoes of autumn cod.

10 miles from
have a post

THE CAWEE ISLANDS.

The Cawee Islands are situated near the con.i^t between Trinity Bay and
that of the Seven Islands, and afford to vessels excellent anchorage and shelter
from all winds.

This circumstance, as well as the number of fish caught in t!ie neighbour-
hood, induci'S our fishermen to go and settle there.

For some years since, more than a hundred fishermen from the Bay of
Chaleurs, with 40 fishing boats have made, on the Cawee Islands and the ad-
joining coast, fishing settlements where nvne than 5,000 quintals of cod have
been prepared.

I wa-! told that a dozen families, engaged in salmon, trout, and cod-fishing,
and in hunting animals yielding peltry in winter, had settled on the banks of the
Pentecost and St. Margaret Rivers, as well as in may other places advantageous
for fishing.

40

! ill

THE BAY OF SEVEN ISLANDS.

The Bay of Seven Islands, one of the finest in America, is two miles and
three quarters in width by three miles deep.

Six Islands between which are several channels accessible by vessels of the
largest tonnage, protect it from the storms which prevail outside.

The whole English Navy might anchor there in perfect security.

At the extremity of the Bay, the Hudson's Bay Company have a trading post,
where one hundred Indian families of the Montagnais tribe congregate every
spring.

Last year several fishing settlements were made on the coast of the Bay ; of
these the most important is that of Mr. Clarence Hamilton of New Carlisle.

Mr. Hamilton gives employment to thirty men and twelve boats.

The other establishments employ about twenty men and eight vessels.

All these boats logelher take about 2500 quintals of cod, some of which is
sent to foreign markets, and the remainder to Quebec.

There have been taken besides by our fishermen in the Bay, more than two
hundred barrels of mackerel.

Several fishermen intend next year to settle on one of the islands at the
entrance of the Bay ; they will there be nearer to the fishing banks, where
the cod is usually found in summer.

Herring usually enter the Bay in the spring, and approach tfie shore to
spawn.

Sardines of a fine quality are also found.

In the months of July, August and September, we find mackerel in tolerably
large shoals in the vicinity of the Bay and even in the Bay itself, and United
States schooners are always to be seen taking these fish wiih seines.

For some reason which cannot be satisfactorily explained, the mackerel does
not generally speaking, bite well on the north shore, while on the south shore,
at the Magdalen Islands and on the coast of Prince Edward's Island and of New
Brunswick, they are nearly always caught with a hook and line.

At a distance of about twelve miles from the Bay of Seven Islands we find
the River Moisic, of which I have already spoken in my report, and ten miles
further there is another river of no very great size, where Mr. Chisholm, a former
employe of the Hudson's Bay Company, has settled with his family. He passes
his lime in salmon and trout fishing, and in hunting animals yielding furs.

From the latter river to Shallop River, there is no fishing settlement, the
different kinds offish frequenting the gulf not approaching this part of the coast,
as there are no banks with bottoms fit for spawning.

The distance from Moisic River 'to Shallop River is abut thirty-six miles.

Fishing settlements belonging to Messrs. Philip Vibert, Savage, and Segras,
and to Philip Mabee and Brothers, from the coast of Gaspe, were made in 1856
on the Shallop River, and on a cove situated a few miles to the eastward of it;
and twelve fishing boats manned by thirty hands took 1800 quintals of cod and
200 barrels of other fish.

SHELDRAKE OR SANDBILL RIVER.

Sheldrake River is the part of the coast of Mingan Seigniory, where the
fishermen have settled in the greatest number on account of the great quantity of
different kinds of fish to be found on the banks situated opposite at but a short
distance from the shore, and especially on account of the ease with which ihey
can erect their scaffolding at the edge of the basin formed by the river, where
their vessels are well sheltered, and are always afloat.

two miles and

f vessels of the

rity.

! a trading post,

ngregate every

of the Bay ; of
■ Carlisle.
Its.

vessels,
le of which is

more than two

i islands at the
banks, where

1 the shore to

rel in tolerably
f, and United

!S.

mackerel does
south shore,
id and of New

ands we find

md ten miles

u)lm, a former

He passes

tig furs.

Uiement, the

of the coast,

six miles.
^ and Segras,
made in 1856
astward of it ;
Is of cod and

y, where the
at quantity of
t but a short
1 which they
river, where

The following is a list of the settlements at Shelldrake which I have already
given in my last year's Report.

This year the same settlements remain, but there are not quite so many

vessels.

1 Establishment belonging to Alfred Mounsell.

to John Lebrun.

to John Ross.

to Philip Touzel.

to Jet Elias Callas.

to Rene Devouche.

to Philip LeGresley.
Thirty fishing boats belonging to these settlements, in which nearly 100 men
were employed, took about 4,590 quintals of cod, and some hundreds of barrels of
mackerel.

o

do

do

3

do

do

4

do

do

5

do

do

6

do

do

7

do

do

THUNDER RIVER.

About five miles East of the preceding river, we come to Thunder River,
where we find the foUow^ing establishments :

On the Eastern bank.

1. Establishment belonging to John Howell.

2. do do to Stephen Wells.
2. do do to James Gumming.

On the Western bank.

1. Establishment belonging to Lawrence Kennedy.

2. do do to John Toucsel.

The number of men employed at these fishing establishments is 40, with 13
fishing boats ; we may estimate the quantity of cod taken at 2,000 quintals and
of mackerel at 100 barrels.

MAGPIE BAY

George Ennis, who employs 18 men and 5 boats, ana William Malony, who
gives employment to 6 men and 2 fishing boats, have settled in a Cove situated
in the West part of Magpie Bay, called Magpie Hill Cove.

These two establishments produce 1,000 quintals of cod.

About the centre of Magpie Bay we find a Cove pretty well sheltered from
the winds where the following fishing establishments are situated :

1. Establishment, John Duguay, 12 men, 4 boats, 600 quintals of cod.

2. do JohnFerlat, 16 men, 4 boats,

3. do John Hart, 9 men, 3 boats,

4. do Pascal Gloger, 18 men, 4 boats,

5. do Louis Roussy, 4 men, 1 boat,

59

16

800

do

do.

460

do

do.

800

do

do.

150

do

do.

2810

At the mouth of Magpie River, Mr. John Ross has settled, who employs 20
men and 6 boats. The produce of his fishery is about 1,000 quintals of cod.

Mr. Jean Girard fishes for salmon in Magpie River, where he caught 36
barrels of these fish.

42

II :

*

I'-i '■'

\;rl^ ! !i

II

I

it! ||!!ii

Eight miles East from Magpie Bay is the St. John River, which I have
already mentioned in my Report ; and 15 miles further still, are Mingan Har-
bour and Mingan River, which latter falls into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, opposite
the Eastern entrance of the Harbour.

The Hudson's Bay Company, who hold the Seigniory of Mingan have a
trading post at the Harbour, where they transact a considerable amount of business.
From 80 to 100 families of Montagnais Indians go there every spring to sell to
the Company the peltries produced by their hunting.

In exchange they receive arms, gunpowder, goods, provisions, etc.

During the surYimer the Indians are engaged in soal fishinj:^ on the neighbour-
ing coast, on the Mingan Islands and on the Island of Anticosti, and it is not until
the month of September that they are supplied from the Company's storehouses
with all that they require, and set out for the interior of the country.

Mingan harbour, as I have already said, is one of the best on the coast, and
it has this advantage, that it is accessible both in an east and in a west win I.

Vessels fishing on the bar of the S*. John always come hither for shelter
during storms.

At about 18 miles from Mingan harbour, is Esquimaux harbour, were two
families of fishermen from the Magdalen Island went to settle last yoar for the
cod and seal fishery and to hunt animals yielding furs in winter. And if the
place turns out well, other families intend to go and join the first, and form a
considerable settlement.

Between Esquimaux Harbour and Natashquan (a distance of 67 miles) we
find several inconsiderable rivers, but tolerably well stocked with fish, where
several families, who live by fishing and hunting, have settled. These are : the
Whatsheshov River, where two families have settled ; the Napitippi River, and
the Goynish or Agwonus River, on which there are two families, one to each
river.

NATASHQUAN.

Natashquan is one of the most important places on the North coast of the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, on account of the river of the same name which abounds
with salmon of the finest kind, and its fishing banks, where in the months of May,
June, and July, the fishermen hardly ever fail to find a large quantity of cod.

With all these advantages is combined a harbour easy of access and very
safe for fishing boats. Accordingly the place is much frequented. It is here that
the schooners, going to fish on the north shore for cod, commence their operations.

In the month of June it is by no means rare to see in Natashquan harbour
fifty schooners, the crews of which amounting to nearly five hundred men, go
only a few miles from the shore to collect a plentiful harvest, which fully recom-
penses them for the rough labour to which they submit, and for the dangers to
which they are often exposed.

As the fish make their appearance at Natashquan sooner than on the other
parts of the northern coast, it is of great advantage to go there. For if the fish-
ing is not productive at that place, there will still be time to go elsewhere, either
westward, or to the coast in the Straits of Belleisle, where there are also good
fishing grounds, and where the fish appear later than at Natashquan.

I would advise the captains of fishing schooners, either from Quebec or
from the lower ports, to go at once to Natashquan about the middle of May, and
to try the fishing there, till the end of June. If the fish is then wanting, they
should immediately go to Salmon Bay, to Bradorc, or to White Sand Cove, where
cod is nearly always found in abundance in the months of July and August.

43

which I have
e Mingan Har-
renee, opposite

lingan have a
Lint of business,
ring to sell to

etc.

the neighbour-
id it is not until
■'s storehouses

Y-

he coast, and
Vilest win I.
ler for shelter

»ur, were two
t y..»ar for the
. And if the
it, and form a

67 miles) we
h fish, where
hese are : the

->i River, and
one to each

coast of the

ich abounds

nths of May,

y of cod.

ss and very

is here that

r operations.

lan harbour

•ed men, go

uUy recom-

dangers to

'U the other
if the fish-
here, either
e also good

Quebec or
r May, and
nting, they
ove, where
ugust.

If these places are no' saiisfactory, there is still time to go to Pieds Noirs,
and to the Modest Islands, where there are excellent fishing grounds.

As J oon as cod-fishing was over, the herring-fishery might be proceeded with,
those fish appearing in these latitudes, about the middle of August.

It frequently happens at Natashquan that the cod appear about the middle of
June, and remain there during the whole season. In that ease, the fishing boats
might take their entire cargoes from thence.

These advantages for fishing, presented by Natashquan, have induced several
families from the Magdalen Islands to go and settle there. Last year they num-
bered eight families, this year there are fourteen, making in all a population of
one hundred and twenty persons.

The 16 fishing boais used by them have taken about 1,700 quintals of cod
besides some barrel- of mackerel.

I have already mentioned in my report how successful Mr. H. Vignault had
been in his seal-fishing last spring.

If the fishery at Natashquan continues as productive as it has hitherto been,
I have no doubt that there will be formed there very considerable fishing esta-
blishments, around which will collect as numerous a population of fishermen as
there are on the coast of Gaspe.

I know that the Messrs De la Porelle, formerly agents for the Messrs Robin,
intend to go and open an establishment there next year on a large scale.

REGASCA BAY.

Regasca Bay, which is easy of access and can afford a safe anchorage during
the summer to vessels of all sizes, is situated 15 miles to the east of Natash-
quan.

Outside of this Bay is the continuation of the Natashquan fishing banks,
where the fishermen often go in the autumn to take a very large and fat fish.

Eight families making altogether a population of 27 persons, have settled at
Regasca Bay. They have each a fishing boat and liv. entirely by the cod-fishery,
which this year yielded them only about 40O quintals, on account of the scarcity
of fish in the vicinity of the Bay.

MUSQUANO RIVER.

The Musquano River falls into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 4| miles east of
Regasca Bay.

It is occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company's fishermen, who obtain 30
barrels of salmon from it every year.

This is an inconsiderable river, and affords shelter to none but small craft.

ALOMONOSHEBO RIVER.

The Alomonoshebo or Roman River falls into the Gulf of St. Lawrence
about 18 miles east of the preceding.

It is equdUy ineonsi lerable, and is occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company.
The annual product of this river hardly exceeds fifteen barrels of salmon.

COACOACHO RIVER.

The Coacoacho River empties itself a few miles to the westward of Cape
Whittle in Coacoacho Bay, the only point on this part of the coast where vessels
of heavy tonnage can find a secure shelter. »

if:i

44

'("l: ■' !

I

m

The salmon fishery in this river is worked by Mr. Augustin Boulanger, who
has lived there for several years.

The Hudson Bay Company formerly had a trading post there.
The annual product of the fishery is about 30 barrels of salmon.

MATCHIATICK ISLANDS.

Three families engaged in the salmon and seal fishery have settled on the
Matchiatick Islands.

Their income may be estimated at 150 seals and 10 barrels of fish.

They devote themselves to the hunting of the fur-bearing animals during the
winter.

ETOMOMU RIVER.

The Etomomu River, the current of which is very rapid, falls into the Gulf
of St. Lawrence 4 miles north east of Wapitigun Island.

It is occupied as a fishing station for salmon by Mr. Michel Blais.

No other person fishes in the river or in the neighborhood.

The annual product of the fishery is about 40 barrels of salmon.

Mr. Blais trades with the Indians, and is also engaged in the fur trade.

WATAGHEISTIC SOUND.

Two families, composed of eleven persons, have settled in this bay ; they
are engaged in the seal fishery, and in hunting animals yielding furs, the pro-
duce of which may be estimated at £300.

NETAGAMU KIVER.

The salmon does not run up the Netagamu River on account of the Nantem
falls, which are 50 feet high, and are found a mile from its mouth.

One family, who have settled there, are engaged in the seal-fishing, and in
hunting animals yielding furs.

Annual produce about £100.

LITTLE MECCATINA ISLAND.

On this island are settled five families, comprising in all twenty-six persons,
engaged in the cod and seal-fishery and in hunting animals yielding furs, j^

The seal fishing-stations of Pointe au Pot and of Esquimaux Harbour for-
merly yielded a considerable produce ; now, hardly enough is sold to pay the
working expenses.

It may well be believed that the herds of seals do not frequent this part of
the coast as they formerly did.

The fisheries of the island may produce annually the value of £400, includ-
ing the peltry obtained in winter.

Two fishermen from Little Meccatina work a seal-fishery at Goelon Island.
Product — 30 seals.

WHALESHEAD ISLANDS.

On the western island, there is a permanent seal-fishery worked by Mr.
Michel Kenty, who is also engaged in the cod and herring-fishery.

oulanger, who

n.

settled on the

fish.
als during the

into the Gulf

lis.

1.

ur trade.

is bay ; they
urs, the pro-

the Nantem
ling, and in

-SIX persons,
urs. f^
Harbour for-
i to pay the

this part of

1400, includ-

)elon Island.

ked by Mr.

Produce — 45 seals.

do 150 quintals of cod.

do 100 barrels of herring.
On the eastern island, there is a permanent seal-fishery belonging to Mr.
Samuel Robinson of La Tabali^re, and worked by Mr. Charles Bilodeau.
The annual produce of this place is from 200 to 300 seals.
This year, only 27 of these animals have been taken.
Population of the Whaleshead Islands— 20 inhabitants.

SHEEP BAY RIVER.

This river, which is of considerable size, falls into Sheep Bay, and is occu-
pied by Mr. Benjamin Reed for the sake of the salmon-fishery, which produces 30
barrels of salmon.

Population — 10.

On the eastern shore of Sheep Bay, three families, have settled, consisting
of 20 persons. They are engaged in the salmon, seal, and cod-fishery.

Produce — 80 seals.

do 40 barrels of salmon.

In Schooner Bay and Red Bay, opposite Great Meccatina Island, there are
five families established, numbering altogether 28 persons.

They are engaged in the seal and cod fisheries at Fish Harbour.

GREAT MECCATINA ISLAND.

Mr. Francois Levesque occupies a permanent seal fishery on this island
which yields him every year from 250 to 350 of these animals. Population — 6.

FISH HARBOUR [LA TABATIERE.]

The most important permanent seal fishery on all the coast is at Fish Har-
bour.

It belongs to Mr. Samuel Robinson and yields him annually from 500 to
1,500 seals.

Last autumn this fishery yielded only 60 seals, on account of the great cold
which impeded the laying of the nets in a suitable manner. Mr. Robinson
has always twenty men in his employment.

The fishing tackle, which consists of a great number of nets made of very
strong twine known as seal-twine, of cordage, anchors, small craft, etc., etc., is
worth from £1,000 to £1.500,

SALT LAKE.

Mr. Joseph Gallichon is the owner of a permanent seal fishery at Salt Lake^
which yields him annually 150 of these animals>

KIKAPOE.

There is a permanent seal fishery belonging to James McKennon on one
of the islands outside of Kikapoe, from which he obtains usually from 150 to 200
seals.

Last year, owing to the great cold, Mr. McKennon took only 40 of these ani-
mals.

40

I

:!-(i:ir

KIKAPOE WHALESHEAD.

At this place there is a permanent seal fishery belonging to Mr. Jean Legouve.

Annual produce 200 seals.

Last year's produce 14 "

ST. AUGUSTINE.

The brothers Andrew and Matthew Kennedy have permanent seal and sal-
mon fisheries on the St. Augustine Islands, which usually yield them an annual
return of 150 seals and 70 barrels of salmon.

This year they have collected only 40 seals and 10 barrels of salmon. Popu-
lation, 20.

PORTAGE COVE, (NEAR CHICATACA.)

At Portage Cove, Mr. Philippe LeBrock owns a permanent seal fishery which
usually yields him from 250 to 350 seals annually.
This fishery produced only 60 seals last year.

ROCKY BAY.

Mr. John Belvin is engaged in the salmon fisixery at the head of Stony Bay.
Produce, 25 barrels of salmon.

LEGROND HARBOUR.

Mr. Thomas Maurice has settled at Legrond Harbour and is engaged in the
cod fishery.

He employs one boat.
Produce 100 quintals of cod.

DOG ISLAND.

Mr. Thomas Rule, who is established on Dog Island, is engaged in the seal
and cod fishery.

Produce ; 60 seals and 90 quintals of cod.

OLD FORT ISLANDS.

Mr. Samuel Robin carries on the cod fishery at Old Fort Island, where he
employs two vessels and four men.
Produce, 220 quintals of cod.

BURNT ISLANDS.

Mr. Leger Levesque, who has settled one of the Burnt Islands, is engaged in
seal and cod fishing.

He employs two vessels and five men.
Produce ; 100 seals and 200 quintals of cod.

BATEAU HABOUR.

William Parker is engaged in the cod fishery at Bateau Harbour.
Produce ; 100 quintals of cod.

47

. Jean Legouv6.
seals.

Lt seal and sal-
hem an annual

salmon. Popu-

lal fishery which

of Stony Bay.

ST. PAUL RIVER.

The St. Paul River, also called Esquimaux River, and Quitzaqui by the
Indians falls into the Gulf of St. Lawrence 640 miles from Quebec, and 25 miles
on S. W. of Bradore Bay. . . i ,

According to the Indians who go up it m bark canoes, its course is more than
80O miies but for vessels it is only navigable as far as th first rapids, which are
only six miles from its mouth.

The St. Paul River is in the seigniory oi the same name, which was conceded
to x\niador Godefroix, Esquire, of St. Paul, on the 20th March, 1706, and comprises
five leagues frontage on each bank of the river by ten deep.

This seignory was sold by the Sherifl" of Quebec in 1807 to the Labrador

Company.

Subsequently Messrs. Nathaniel and Philip Lloyd b came the proprietors

f 'i

Mr. Philip Chevalier bought the salmon fishery post from these last, and gave
it to his grandson Louis Chevalier, who is at present settled at the first rapids,
and is engaged in the salmon fishery.

1 was informed that the Messrs. Lloyd had taken as many as 1,400 barrels
of salmon in one year, in the St. Paul River.

The present proprietor only takes about 80 barrels.

It is true that in the Lloyds' time, there were no settlements on the islands
opposite the mouth of the river, while at present, four fishermen spread their
nets in the channels between these islands.

engaged in the

ged in the seal

iland, where he

is engaged in

our.

HARBOUR OB^ GOOD HOPE.

The Harbour of Good Hope is one of the best on this part of the coast. It
is accessible to ships of the heaviest tonnage.

Mr. John Godard has settled on Stick Point Island, and is engaged in salmon
fishing, of which fish he takes from 10 to 20 barrels annually.

Mr. James Buckle is engaged in seal and cod-fishing on Godard's Island.
Produce, 1 10 seals and 200 quintals of Cod.

Mr. Buckle employs 4 men and 2 fishing boats.

SALMON BAY.

On the Islands of Salmon Bay, there are five fishing settlements, of which
the proprietors are :— Messrs. Louis Chevalier, William Kates, Darius Choaker,
Joseph Taylor, and John Haywood.

Seven fishing boats and 18 men are employed at these fishing establishmciUis.

They yield about 1,000 quintals of cod, and 20 barrels of salmon. Popula-
lation — 35. •

FIVE LEAGUES.

Mr. John Griffin has settled at Five Leagues Cove. He is engaged in seal
and cod fishing. He employs six men and three fishing boats. Produce 115
seals and 220 quintals cod.

MIDDLE BAY.

Peter Hatwood is engaged in cod fishing at Middle Bay, and takes !00
quintals of cod.

I.

48

^1

BELLES AMOURS.

At Belles Amours there is a good harbour for schooners. Mr. John Buckle
who is established there, is enj^aged in seal and cod fishing. He employs two
fishing boats and four men. Produce, 120 seals and 100 quintals cod.

BRADOIIE BAY AND ANSE AUX BLANCS SABLONS.

Canada extends on the Straits of Belleisle as far as Anse aux Blancs Sablons,
at the head of which is the river which marks the line of separation between
the part of Labrador belonging to Canada and that part which is under the juris-
diction of Newfoundland.

Pointe Amour, to the east of Forteau Bay, wher ) the Canadian Government
have constructed a first class lighthouse, is fifteen miles further; and Belleisle,
where another lighthouse has been erected to point out to European vessels the
entrance of the strait, is about 75 miles east of Anse aux Blancs Sablons, 14
miles from Quipon Island, and 12 miles from the coast of Labrador.

The navigation of this part of the strait is easy enough, so long as the wea-
ther allows the coast to be seen ; but it becomes very dangerous on account of
the currents, when the heavy fogs prevail, which are brought up by the south and
south east winds, and sometimes last for weeks together.

Then it is that steam whistles or cannon placed near each lighthouse, and
caused to be heard every quarter of an hour, or every half hour, would be a great
help both to steam and sailing vessels which may have preferred this route to
the southern one, and to the schooners which frequent the coast of Labrador to
fish and to trade.

Anse aux Blancs Sablons is situated in 51*^ 25' north latitude, and in 51° 10'
longitude west of Greenwich. It is about a mile in depth by a mile and three
quarters wide.

Wood Island, on which are situated three considerable cod fishing establish-
ments, and Green Island, at present uni habited, but near which there are excel-
lent fishing grounds, shelter it from the south east wind, while the mainland
protects it From those from the east, north and north east winds.

The depth of water throughout the whole cove, ranges from 4 to 12 fathoms.

The anchorage is not of the best ; however, hundreds of schooners might
remain there in safety during the summer months, when the west winds are not
high or of long duration. But in autumn it is dangerous to remain there, and
vessels are often thrown on the shore by the great storms of wind from seaward.

At about a mile and a half from the head of the bay, is the little harbor of
Gulch Cove, where two or three vessels, by mooring to the rocks, might pass the
summer, and even the autumn in perfect safety.

Near the eastern part of Green Island, there is a fine sandy cove, where the
fishing schooners sometimes anchor to be near the banks of cod, but the bottom
is very bad It was at this spot that twenty-nine fishing s6hooners were cast on
shore in the month of July last, during a terrific storm from the east.

Long Point, outside of which run very dangerous reefs more than a mile in
length, separates Anse aux Blancs Sablons from Ladies' Bay, where are two
important permanent seal fisheries.

Parrot Island, which is at the entrance of the last named cove, is of no im-
portance, as there is no sheltered spot where a fishing station might be made.

Advancing further, we enter the vast Bay of Bradore or Bras d'Or, so called,
doubtless, on account of the great riches that the first navigators who visited it
the Spaniards and French found there, in the shape of immense numbers of seals,
whale, cod-banks, etc., etc.

"n^

4»

At. John Buckle
e employs two
I cod.

LONS.

Bluncs Sablons,

aration between

under the juris-

ian Government
; and Belleisle,
ean vessels the
incs Sablons, 14
dor.

)ng as the wea-
3 oil account of
jy the south and

lighthouse, and

vould be a great

ed this route to

of Labrador lo

^, and in 57° 10*
mile and three

shing establish-
there are excel-
the mainland

to 12 fathoms,
ihooners might

winds are not
lain there, and

from seaward.
Ilittle harbor of

might pass the

[jove, where the
)ut the bottom
rs were cast on

3t.

I than a mile in
^here are two

., is of no im-

it be made.

i'Or, so called,

rho visited it

ibers of seals,

It is about five miU's dfcp by four wide, and contiiiiis a number of islands
and islets, many of winch are inliabitcd, and which loiiu the basin of Bnulore,
where; fifty schooners may find a very safe harbor, and IJrudoro Harbor, which
alfords shelter from all winds tu vessels of the heaviest tonnage.

The seal fisheries long since established on nrudore [Jay arc very productive,
especially that belonging to Mr. liandall Jones, which sometimes yields him
more than 2,000 seals.

There are also cod fishing settlcinenis here, but they are not on so large a
scale as those of Anse aux Bluiies Sahlons.

On all the shores of the Ciiilf of St. Lawrence or of Newfoundland, there is
no station so well stocked with fish as the one I have just described. For this
reason fishermen from all the British Provinces and Ironi the United States go
thither in crowds ; and nearly twenty vessels from the island of .lersey cross the
ocean every year to engage in the cod fishery, which yields tlu'm great piofits.

Anse aux Blancs Sablons and Bradore JJay were the lirst fishing grounds fre-
quented by Europeans on the coast of Labrador.

When Jacques (/artier made his first voyage to the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
the Basque fisheriiien were already in the habit of visiting these latitudes every
year for the sake of the cod-fishery.

Before the cession of the territories of Hudson's Bay and Newfoundland to
England by France, the French carried on an important fishery here.

At a later period, the inhabitants of the English Colonics in America came
hither more especially to fish for the spermaceti whale, which at that time was
found here in great abundance.

Fishermen from Jersey also formed fishing settlements which are still the
most important in the place.

The following is a statement of the fishingestablishmcnts at Bradore Bay and
• Anse aux Blancs Sablons, showing their situation, occupants, revenue, &c., &c.

BRADORE BASIN.

On the largest of the islands forming Bradore Basin are established three
families, consisting of 20 persons,who are engaged in the cod and herring fishery.
Produce 300 quintals of cod.
'• 150 barrels of herrings.

BRADORE BAY.

Mr. Louis Jones has a permanent soal-fishory at the head of Bradore Bay
which yields him annually from 200 to 300 seals.
^ At Jones' point is situated the permanent fishery of Mr. Randall Jones, which
Us one of the most productive on the coast, and yields annually from GOO to 800
:§ seals.

Mr. Jones is also engaged with his sons in the herring and cod-fishery.
Produce 200 quintals of cod.

" 300 barrels of herrings.
Population — 30 inhabitants.

ANSE DES DUNES.

Mr. Louis Labadie is owner of a seal fishing station here, which yijclds from
I 250 to 300 seals annually, besides which he takes 60 quintals of cod.

At Poiiite a la Barque two of his sons are engaged at a sealing station
1 which yields them from 50 to 80 seals every spring. The population is 18.

50

li'i

LONG POINT.

Mr. Philip Le Brocq is owner of an excellent seal fishery station at Long
Point, which yields him annually from 300 to 500 seals. Four families are
settled a little higher up, and are engaged in fishing for salmon, seal, and cod.
The population is 24. The produce of their fishing was 160 seals, 400 quintals
of cod, 10 barrels of salmon, and 200 barrels of herring.

PETIT HAVRE.

1. Cod fishing station belonging to Messrs Voutier and Lefebvre, employing
16 vessels and 45 men.

Produce of the fishery : 2200 quintals cod.

20 barrels oil.
200 barrels herring.
They are also owners of two vessels which carry their cod fish to Europe.

2. Cod fishing station belonging to captain Syvret employs nine boats and
men.

Produce of the fishery 1400 quintals of cod.
" "11 barrels of oil.

** "100 barrels of herring.

Captain Syvret conveys his fish to Europe in his own vessel.

3. Ciptain Nicholson's fishery station.

He employs nine men and four fishing boats.

Produce of the fishery 400 quintals of cod.
" " 210 barrels of herring.

Captain Nicholson owns a schooner of 70 tons in which he sends his fish to
New Brunswick.

VANSE AUX BLANCS SABLONS.

POINT AU POT.

Mr. Martin Parent is owner at this place of a alationary seal fishery, which
yields him, annually, from 160 to 300 seals, besides 25 barrels of herring.

Mr. Thomas Lavallee is owner of a cod fishing station, which yields 250
quintals of cod and 100 barrels of herring.

FOND DE L'ANSE.

Mr. Phillip LeBrocq is owner of a cod fishery here in which he employs
fourteen fishing boats and forty-five men.

The average yield is 1750 quintals of cod, 4 tons of oil and 350 barrels of
herring.

Mr. LeBrocq owns a barque of 20O tons burthen in which he sends his fish
to he Europesn Market.

WOOD ISLAND.

Messrs. Le Boutillier and Brothers own a flourishing fishing establishment
here, which gives occupation to seventy men and nineteen boats.

Yield of the fishery 2400 quintals of cod.
« " 24 barrels of oil.

" " 250 barrels of herring.

51

y station at Long
Pour families are
in, seal, and cod.
iicals, 400 quintals

febvre, employing

fish to Europe.
lys nine boats and

lel.

South of Wood Island is a stationary seal fishery belonging to Messrs.
Le Uouiillier which brings them I'n from 150 to 200 seals annually.

Total population of the north coast from Godbout River to Ansc aux Blancs
Sablons, 1225.

The number of fishing vessels belonging to the inhabitatus of the north-coast
is 300.

Quantity offish, &c., caught by the inhabitants of the north-coast :

Cod, 33,060 quintals at $3 per quintal $99,180

Herring, 2,235 barrels at $4 per barrel 8,940

Mackerel 700 " at «10 " " 7,000

Salmon, 1.200 " at 818" « 21,G0O

Trout, 200 " at $10 " " 2,000

Codfish oil, 300 " at $30 '^ " 9,000

Seals, 5,730 each worth $6 34,380

Peltry , . . . . 4,000

$186,100

I do not include in this statement the value of the furs which the Hudson's
Bay Company purchase from the Indians of the different trading posts on that
coast.

Those furs, consisting of Otter, Mink and Fox skins, are worth several thou-
sand pounds.

g-

le sends his fish to

s.

eal fishery, which
of herring,
which yields 250

rhich he employs
id 350 barrels of
he sends his fish

ng establishment

Statement showing the situation of the fishing stations on the South Shore of
;| the River St. Lawrence, the number of Vessels employed, and the quantity

. I and value of the fish taken, furnished by Mr. Kllchel Lesperance, owner of

p the fishing station at Grand Etang.

MONT LOUIS BAY.
Produce of 20 boats :

3000 quintals of cod, worth $9,000

20 barrels of mackerel *' 240

100 " of herring *' 30O

60 " of halibut " 200

80 " of cod fish oil, worth 2,112

$11,852

MAGDALEN RIVER.
Produce of 10 boats :

1500 quintals of cod, vorth $4,500

20 barrels of mackerel " 240

60 " of herring " 150

100 " of halibut " 400

25 " oi salmon " 400

25 " ol trout « 250

40 " of o«->. fish oil, worth 1,056

$6,996

;i ii

52

Ml

i;

m \

I

ill ^^•tlill

)'' \\:'

GRANDE VALLEE.
Produce of 32 boats :

4800 quintals of cod, worth $14,400

200 barrels of herring " 600

80 " of mackerel " 960

100 " of halibut " 400

25 " of trout " 250

128 " of cod fish oil, worth 3,379.20

$19,989.20

CHLORYDORMA.

Produce of 16 boats :

2400 quintals of cod, worth $7,200

20 barrels of mackerel " 240

80 " of herring " 240

30 " of halibut *' 120

64 " ofcoci fish oil, worth 1,689.60

$9,489.60

POINTE SECHE.
Produce of 12 boats :

1800 quintals of cod, worth $5400

20 barrels of mackerel, worth 240

60 do of herring, do 180

30 do of halibut, do 120

48 do of cod fish oil, do 1267 20

87207 20

GRAND ETANG.
Produce of 22 boats :

3300 quintals of cod, worth $9900

40 barrels of mackerel, worth 480

100 do of herring, do 300

25 do of halibut, do 100

25 do of trout, do 250

76 do of cod fish oil, do 2006 40

24 do of cod liver oil, worth 1584

$14620 40

ANSE A VALEAU.
Produce of six boats :

1350 quintals of cod, worth $4050

20 barrels of mackerel, worth 240

50 do of herring, do 1 50

20 do of halibut, do 80

36 do ofcodoil, do 950 40

$5470 40

■ f

m

$14,400
600
960
400
250
3,379.20

$19,989.20

. $7,200

240

240

120
. 1,689.60

$9,489.60

$5400

240

180

120

1267 20

PETIT CAP.

Produce of six boats :

900 quintals of cod, worth $2700

15 barrels of mackerel, worth 180

20 do of herring, do 60

30 do of halibut, do 120

24 do of cod oil, do 633

60

$3963 60

'^im

LITTLE FOX RIVER.

Produce of ten boats :

1500 quintals of cod, worth $4500

40 barrels of mackerel, worth 480

86 do of herring, do 108

20 do ofhalibul, do 80

40 do of cod oil, do 1056

$6224

^7207 20

^9900

480

300

100

250
12006 40
11584

14620 40

GREAT FOX RIVER.
Produce of fifty boats :

7500 quintals of cod, worth $22500

70 casks of mackerel, worth 840

200 do of herring, do 600

40 do of halibut, do 160

200 do of cod oil, do 5280

$29380

L'ANSE AUX GRIFFONS.

Produce of thirty boats :

4,500 quintals of cod, worth $13,500

70 do of mackerel, worth 840

100 do of herring, do 300

25 do of halibut, do IQO

120 do of cod oil, do 3,168

$17,908

','1

14050

240

150

80

950 40

)470 40

ANSE A LA LOUISE.
Produce of ten boats :

1,500 quintals of cod, worth $4,500

30 barrels of mackerel, worth 360

20 do of herring, do 60

10 do of halibut, do 40

40 do of cod oil, do 1,056

$6,016

54

CAP DES ROSIERS.
Produce of fifteen boats :

2,250 quintals of cod, worth $6,750

50 barrels of mackerel, worth 600

30 do of herring, do 90

15 do of halibut, do 69

60 do of cod oil, do 1,584

$9,984

1 '".'

•ii

Total number of fishing boats 242

Total quantity of codfish quintals 37,300

do herring barrels 1,046

do mackerel do 495

do salmon do 25

do halibut do 495

do codfish oil do 700

do trout do 75

Total value $148,830,40

I think it right to remark that I entertain the same opinion as Mr. L'Espc-
rance and others who have visited the lower part of the River St. Lawrence: Thf .
if roads were opened between the different settlements,so as to enable the inhabit-
ants to penetrate and settle in the interior of the country ,we should shortly see the
south shore of the river well settled, and the produce of the fisheries more than
doubled.

■]n

Table shewing the value of the exports and imports, and amount of revenue at
the three Canadian Ports in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

\'

Ports,

Year.

Exportation.

Importation.

Revenue.

Gasps. •

1855
1656
1857

$153092
176712
188208

$59608
63836
82432

$4640
4604

7236

Nkw Oablisle •<

1855
1856
1857

$139032
145884
181416

$114320
118232
117876

$8704
10112

9480

All HEBSI •

1855
1856

1857

$61288

82952

140432

$29600
34212
35236

$1492
1368

1720

'I

I

$6,750

600

90

69

1,584

$9,984

55

Table shewing the total value of exports at the Three Ports of Gaspe, New
Carlisle and Amherst, for the years 1855, 1856 and 1857.

• M

242

37,300

1,046

495

25

495

700

75

.. $148,830,40

as Mr. L'Espo-
^awrence: Th..
ible the inhabit-
J shortly see the
jries more than

M

FOR THE YEAR 1856.

Table shewing the quantity of fish exported from the Ports of Gasp6, New Car-
lisle and Amherst. (Magdalen Islands.)

H

DRIED FISH.

« Ports.

Quintals.

Value.

Exported

to

Qreat Britain.

To the

N. American

Colonies.

To the
United States.

To
To Foreigt
Countries.

'^n Q-asp6.

52643
47434
13614

$143160
92576
28480

$10032
6100

$12036
694

27680

$3648

2504

800

$109440

« New Carlisle

W Ainhprsti.

83276

4 ^

113691

264216

16132

40410

6952

192716

t of revenue at

FOR THE YEAR 1856.

Table shewing the quantity of fish exported from the ports of Gasp6, New Car-
lisle and Amherst. (Magdalen Islands.) — Continued.

Revenue.

$4540
4604
7236

$8704

10112

9480

$1492
1368
1720

FISH IN BARRELS.— (-SaMmwr^.)

Ports.

Barrels.

Value.

Exported

to

Great Britain.

To the

N. American

Colonies.

To the
United States.

To

Foreign

CountrjdS.

GaBp6

560

4684

18190

$ 4608
12623
42906

$787
629

$1289

2421

34700

$ 2432
10573

New Carlisle

Amherst

8206

$

23344

61037

1316

38410

21211

66

!■■: -li

FRESH FISH.

Port

Value.

To the

British North'

American

Colouies.

New Carlisle

$2433

2433

FISH OIL.

Ports.

Gallons.

Value.

Exported

to

Great Britain.

To the

British North

American

Colonies.

To the
United States.

To

Foreign
Countries.

Gaspe

5e38
10901
17242

$5100
6073
7994

87786

§6051
769

New Carlisle

588(5

Amherst

1

§

33781

19707

5886

7786

5820

^111

I ■ 'I

'

Mi4!l

67

it

be
states,

To

Foreign
Couutries.

51

fi9

20

To Pierre Forlin, Esquire, one of Her Majesty^s .hstices of the Peace for the
district of Gaspe, and Commander of the Provincial Schooner " La Cana-
diennc^
The humble petition of the undersigned, members ot the Municipal Council

of the township of Fox, and others,

Humbly represents,

That a party of fanatics excited and authorised, as they
John de St. Croix, Esquire, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the

declare, by
Peace, have
threatened, and continue to threaten the said councillors, that in the event of
their assembling to deliberate on public business, they will turn them out and
beat them without mercy.

That fearing for their lives they are prevented from meeting for the discharge
of their municipal duties.

That under such circumstances, the undersigned members of the said coun-
cil, deemed it incumbent on them to depute their mayor to the chief town of the
county, to solicit from the authorities aid and an armed force to enable them to
hold their sessions without let or hindrance, but that their application was
unsuccessful ; and they were informed that the position of affairs at the said chief
town was the same as their own, for want of a public force.

That your petitioners further beg to state that one of their officers was
recently ill-treated, beaten, and kicked, by various persons inhabitants of Fox
River, while in the discharge of his duties, and entrusted with assessment accounts.

That the said officer on applying to a magistrate, obtained a warrant for the
apprehension of one of the delinquents, but the warrant could neither be served,
nor the delinquent arrested and brought to justice ; 30 or 40 men having assembled
at his house, armed with guns, sticks, pikes, and other dangerous weapons, and
with frightful yells, prevented his arrest.

That your petitioners are not only exposed to the grievous and continual
insuhs of riotous persons, but are also in time of need, denied the protection of the
tribunals, appointed guardians of the public peace, whose functions appear to
have been in abeyance in this county for many years, through the neglect of the
persons appointed to administer and enforce the laws.

That your petitioners, the said councillors, have been unable to assemble as
a body, prior to the departure of their chairman, fearing they would be murdered.

That they have witnessed with much gratification and pleasure the arrival
of " La Canadienne," the mere appearance of which has hitherto caused the law
to be respected in every quarter she has visited, and they beg to solicit the
assistance of an armed force, and your presence in your capacity of magistrate
in order that the disturbers of the public peace may be brought to fjustice, and
suitable means be adopted to ensure respect to the laws.

Fox River.
(Signed,) G. Lavergne, Mayor,

F. L. Parant, Councillor,

Jacques Bond,
Isaac Bond,
Ed. English,
Gilbert Samuel,
N. Bernier, S. T.

u
((

((

E.

Witness,

John Crego, Sect. Treas.,

C. M. T. F.

Chs. Parant, Merchant,

D. Cloutier, Merchant's Clerk.

■'|!

^■1y!

m

Hi!,
iiji

■; IS

68

^']■■.\

Corporation of the County of Bonaventure.

At a general quarterly meeting of the municipal council of the County of
Bonaventure, held in Her Majesty's Court House at New Carlisle in the said
County, on Wednesday, 9th day of September, 1857, agreeably to the provisions
of the Lower Canada Municipal and Road Act of 1857, at which meeting there
were present, —

His Worship J. R. Hamilton, Chairman.
Messrs. McPherson,

McGee,

Ladge,

Fellar,

Landry, and

Cavanagh, mayors of different Townships in the said munici-
pality, and forming a quorum of the said council, the following resolutions were
unanimously adopted ;

Resolvedj That this council feel themselves calle I upon to express their
satisfaction, and that of the inhabitants, at having a government vessel to protect
the fisheries on this coast, and on the north shore ; and this council has pleasure
in perceiving that the government kept the dearest interest of this county in view
in making choice, to put the fishery laws in force, of Pierre Fortin, Esquire, who
possesses all the necessary qualifications for so important a post, and who to this
day has performed his duty in a manner most satisfactory to the inhabitants of
this coast, where fisheries abound.

Resolved^ That His Worship the Chairman do transmit a copy of the
preceding resolutions to Mr. Fortin.

Adopted unanimously.

Office of the County Council,
New- York 9 sept. 1857.
L. S.
Witness J. G. LeBel,
Secretary of County Council,
Bonaventure.

(Signed,)

J. R. HAMILTON,

Chairman.

Extract from a letter from John G, Fox, Esquire, collector of customs at the

Magdalen Islands, addressed to P. Fortin, and dated 20th November, 1837.

I believe you are already acquainted with the number of vessels engaged
in the seal fishery, and the quantity they take. Therefore, it is unnecessary
for me to repeat it here. I will confine myself to telling you that the number ex-
ported (from the Province) is about 6,200. I may say that about 10,000 seal
are taken at sea and on the ice along the shore.

The quantity of dried cod exported was about 12,000 quintals. S'^it fish,
herring and mackerel, 59,600 barrels; fish oil 11,200 gallons.

You must not lose sight of the fact that this estimate does not include fish
sent coastwise to Quebec and Montreal. The value of the fish, oil, and skins
will reach f 160,0(10.

About 6,000 barrels of salt fish have been exported to the United States.

The number of arrivals up to the present date is 154 — of departures 180 —
exclusive of coasting vessels.

(Signed,) J. FOX,

Collector of Customs.
Port Amherst, Magdalen Islands.

59

lONAVENTURE.

f the County of
lisle in the said
I the provisions
\i meeting there

e said munici>
esolutions were

) express their
essel to protect
jil has pleasure
county in view
, Esquire, who
,nd who to this
inhabitants of

I copy of the

LTON,

Chairman.

ustoms at the
mber, 1857.
ssels engaged
unnecessary
le number ex-
t 10,000 seal

lis. S-^it fish,

3t include fish
)il, and skins

:d States,
artures 180 —

OX,

I^ustoms.

FORMATION OF ARTIFICIAL OYSTER-BEDS ON THE CANADIAN
COAST, IN THE LOWER ST. LAWRENCE, AND IN THE GULF.

We have no oyster-beds on our coast.

We are indebted to Caraquette, Bouctouche, and several other places on the
coast of New Brunswick and of Prince Edward's Island for our supply of Gulf
oysters, and to New York for our New York Bay oysters.

Oyster beds yield great profits to those who work them. From the earliest
ages this fishery has been carried on, and where they did not exist naturally, they
have been artificially introduced.

It is said that a Roman, named Sergius Orator, was the inventor of artificial
oysler-beds, and Licinius Crassus was engaged in the cultivation of oyster-beds,
not only for his own use, but for the sake of the great profits they yielded.

The English oysters are celebrated at the present time for their excellent
flavour, as they were in the time of the Romans ; and as the natural beds were not
sufficient to supply the great cities, it became necessary to make artificial beds,
which have succeeded very well nearly everywhere.

Near Colchester, artificial oyster beds are formed in the following manner.
The spawn adhering to stones, wood, and oyster shells is removed, and thrown
into creeks and streams of salt water, where the young are hatched, and in two
or three years attain their full size.

Or, small oysters, the size of a sixpence, are caught and deposited in beds in
a place accessible by the sea, where they are allowed to remain undisturbed until
they reach maturity.

The cheapest and most simple method is that followed at New York
Bay, where there have been formed, during several years past, considerable beds
of oysters, the produce of which is sent to all parts of America ; it is to collect the
oysters a short time before they begin to spawn, and to transport them to the place
where the artificial bed is to be formed.

It is necessary, as much as possible, u> select a bottom similar to that
from which the oysters have been removed, and to be careful that the place fixed
upon shall be sheltered from the violence of external storms, so that the deposits
so made may not be moved by the waves and cast on shore.

In the lower St. Lawrence and on our shores in the Gulf, we have numerous
estuaries and openings of rivers where the water is salt, and a great many bays,
creeks and places, offering every possible advantage for the formation of artificial
oyster beds.

The sea which washes the Canadian coast contains in its bosom a great
variety of the finest kinds of fish.

They are cod, of which there are several species, — mackerel, herring, hali-
but, &c., &c.

In our rivers, we have the king of fish, the salmon, and the trout.

The coast abounds in lobsters.

But we have no oysters.

I propose, then, to form artificial beds of oysters in favourable spots on our
coast, as near to Quebec as possible, where our fishermen might go to provide
themselves, without being under the necessity of going to the shores of other
British Provinces, and at a cheaper rate than at present.

The following is the plan that I propose : —

To authorize the magistrate commanding " La Canadicnne " to go and buy
at Caraquette or elsewhere, fifty, one hundred or n '<re barrels of oysters, before
they begin to spawn, to take them on board the vessel and to go and depositthem
at any place which he shall think most favorable.

And this might be done without disturbing in the least degree the performance
of the service in which the government schooner is at present engaged.

60

For when it becomes necessary for the vessel to go to tlie Bay des Chaleurs,
it is easy to stop at Caraquette, which is only about 20 miles from Paspebiac, and
to take on board the necessary quantity of oysters to be transported to the Lower
St. Lawrence or elsewhere without discontinuing its service of protecting the
fisheries.

The rum of six hundred dollars would bo more than sufficient to make tho
first experiments.

The chances of success are very good : for why should we not succeed in
making artificial oyster beds, as they do in New York Bay, on tiie South East
coast of tlie United States, in England, and every where else.

The oysters, as I have already said, are three years in attaining their full
size. It is probable that they do not spawn before that age.

But from the time of their attaining maturity they propagate lo a prodigious
extent.

However if they should be disturbed, and if they were to be taken before the
beds were well stocked, it is probable that they would be destroyed belore the
fishermen had obtained any very great profits from them ; for which reason I
think it would be necessary to pass a law, forbidding every one under a very
heavy penalty, to fish for oysters or to disturb them in any way, or to do any thing
which might injure the increase of the beds, during three years or more, until the
oysters were numerous enough in the beds to permit their removal without fear
of seeing them diminish.

I hope the government will take this project into their serious consideration,
and that I f^hall be auth(rised to make the experiment which I suggest.

If I succeed, I shall have added a source of wealth to those we already possess
on the coasts of the iliver and Gulf of St. Lawrence ; if my attempts are unpro-
ductive, at least they will not have cost the public chest much.

P. FORTIN.

l!!l';

PLAN FOR A SCHOOL OF NAVIGATION ON BOARD
" LA CANADIENXE. "

There are in Canada very few sea-going captaitis who arc fit to take charge
of a vessel bound for Europe, the East Indies, Australia, or even the West India
islands.

According to the information I have been able to procure, there are not in
the whole district of Quebec, more than eight or ten sea captains able to navigate
a vessel to the ports of the United Kingdom, the United States, and the West
Indies so that Quebec ship builders are Imost always compelled to send al a great
expense for English mariners to take their vessels to Liverpool and lo other ports
to be sold.

The captanis of Canadian vessels are, with very few exceptions merely
coasting pilots.

When they wish to make a voyage beyond St. John's, Newfoundland, Halifax,
or St. John's, New Brunswick, ihey are compelled to engage qualified mariners at
foreign ports, to navigate their vessels.

It is my opinion, that the want of instructed mariners in Canada is the prin-
cipal cause why the Canadian navigation of Canadian vessels is confined to
voysges between Montreal and Quebec, to a few ports of the lower provinces, to
the United States and the West Indies.

The transportation of the produce of the Canadian fisheries in the Gulf of
St. Lawrence, 'to the European and South American markets is carried on almost
entirely by vessels belonging to shippers in the Island of Jersey.

61

The produce of the West Indies consumed in Canada, is brought to us during
the summer, principally in vessels from N<)va Scotia ; and, during the winter it is
taken in United States vessels to Portland and other ports, whence it is brought
to us i)v rail, whilst we often have a number of schooners and brigantines, which
lie i'lle for whole months, because the marines who command them cannot
navigate their vessels beyond the ports of the British Provinces already mentioned,
for want of the necessary knowledge of the science of navigation.

If we had in Canada a number of well taught sea captains capable of un-
dertaking all sorts of sea voyages, why, since we l)uild vessels chcaptM- than
anywhere else, and since hundreds of young men from this country, who are
induced by lh ir natural taste to become sailors, go and en<;;age them-elves, for
want of employment here, on board United States vessels fishing in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence or which make voyages on the, lakes or along the shores of the United
States, — why should we not send vessels into all parts of the world, to the whale
fishery, or to take to market a portion of the produce of our forests, but especially
of our fisheries, the value of which exceeds the sum of six hundred thousand
dollars, and which forms the lading of nearly a hundre*! vessels, and bring back
from the West Indies in our own vessels the produce which we require in ex-
change for our sailed and dried fish, oui- salted provisions, car wood, etc., etc.?

But how shall we give our sailors the necessary instruction in the science
of navigation ?

By establishing on board some vi'ssel a school of navigation, where the
theory and practice of the mariner's art will be taught at the same time.

And the Government Schooner " La Canadienne," the dimensions of which
are about the same as those of a war schooner, which generally carries from 40
to 50 hanils, might serve as a school vessel, until the number of pupils had increased
so as to render it necessary to employ a larger vessel.

To perform the service of protecting the fisheries and the public revenue in
the Gulf of St. Lawrence it is necessary to have on board " La Canadienne," a
crew including the officers, of twenty-five men.

Well then, let us have on board a master capable of teaching the theory and
practice of navigation, and a boatswain to show all the manoeuvres and work
necessary to be performed on ship board, and wc may make up this crew in great
measure of young men, who have become pupils on board the schooner.

And as these pupils would not be entitled for their services on board, to so
high a rate of remuneration as is usually given to sailors a diminution of expense
would follow, which to a certain extent, would counterbalance the increased ex-
penditure, necessary to put this school on a good footing

1 need not add that Government has already in its possession all the neces-
sary nautical instruments.

The pupils should engage to serve for at least one season, under penalty of
losing all right to their wages.

VVe might also, in order to induce the pupils to follow the whole course of
instruction, which would last at least three years, keep back a portion of the
wages ; and this might be returned to them on their obtaining their diploma of sea-
captain, in the shape of a prize or bonus, consisting of nautical instruments,
marine charts, books of navigation, etc., etc.

The magistrate commanding the Government Schooner, whose duties iii the
Gulf always leave him some hours to spare every day, might translate into English
or Blench the lessons in navigation, and might also teach the pupils the necessary
amount of arithmetic, trigonometry, astronomy, geography, etc., etc.

I think 1 may venture to say that if a School of Navigation were to be
established, in which the young men of this country might, while earning enough

to support themselves during the course of study, learn the theory and practice of
the science of navigation, a great number of our most active young men would
present themselves for admission, who having once become sea-captains, might
take our ships to all ports where good profits may be made, or become ship own-
ers themselves, and might on their own account carry the produce of our forests
and our fisheries to foreign markets.

P. FORTIN.

i'l'-H

Extract from the Los; kept on Board the Government Schooner " La Canadienney^
during the season of 1857.

Left Quebec. •

Anchored at Malbaie and at Perc6. Left Perc6.

Anchored at House Harbor, and at Amherst Harbour.

Left for the Bay of Chaleurs.

Arrived at Paspebiac.

Left Pasp6biac.

Anchored in Carleton Road. Left Carleton.

Anchored at Paspebiac.

Left Paspebiac in a shallop

At Port Daniel.

At Cape Cove and at Perc§.

AtGaspe Basin.

May 7.

((

n.

((

14.

((

21.

(C

22.

((

23.

((

24.

(<

25.

((

28.

((

29.

((

30.

u

31.

June 1.

((

2.

((

3.

((

4.

((

5.

((

7.

((

9.

((

14.

((

15.

((

17.

C(

18.

ti

19.

((

20.

((

21.

({

22.

i(

23.

tt

24.

tc

27.

{(

28,

Jul-

1,

((

f»

((

At Griffin's Cove and at Fox River.

At Griffin's Cove and at Gaspe Basin.

At Grande Grevt\

At Point St. Peters and at Perc§.

Left Perce in the morning and arrived at Paspebiac at night.

Left Paspebiac.

Arrived at the Magdalen Islands.

Left for House Harbor.

Anchored at Amherst Harbour.

Landed at Grosse Isle.

Visited Bryon Island.

Landed at Grosse Isle aux Olseaux.

Anchored at Amherst Harbour,

Off Magdalen Islands.

Left Amherst Harbour for Labrador.

Off Magdalen Point and Islands.

Anchored at Anse aux Blancs Sablons.

Anchored at Bradore Bay.

29, 30. In Bradore Bay.

1, 2, 3, 4. In Bradore Bay.
5. Left Bradore Bay.

7. Anchored at Kegasca.

8. Landed at Natashquan.

9. Anchored at Mingan.

13. Left Mingan for Hi. John River.

UMf

63

July, 15. Landed at Grand Etang.

*• 16. Visited Fox River and Griffin's Cove.

" 17. Anchored in Gaspe Bay.

" 20. Left Gasp6 Bay, landed at Point St. Peters, and anchored at Perc6.

«' 21. Left Perce.

" 22. Anchored in Carlelon Road in the morning and at the Mission

at 4 p. m.
" 26. Left the Mission.
" 27. Anchored in Carlelon Road in the morning and at Pasp6biac at

night.
" 28. Left Paspebiac.

" 28. Anchored at Perce ; left for the Magdalen Islands.
" 30. Anchored in Plaisance Bav.

li.

Aug.

1.

2.

<(

4.

IC

5.

C(

7.

«

8.

»(

9.

{(

10.

It

11.

((

13.

((

15.

i(

18.

((

19.

C(

20.

((

21.

t(

22.

C(

24.

cc

25.

((

26.

i(

29.

((

3L

Sept
((

1.

Left for the Etang du Nord.

Left Etang du Nord and landed at the Basin.

At Amherst Harbour, left for House Harbor.

Left the Magdalen Islands, passed by the East point.

Anchored in Perce Harbour.

Left for the Lower St. Lawrence, landed at Griffin's Cove and at
Fox River.

At anchor in Griffin's Cove on account of bad weather.

Left Griffin's Cove, landed at Grand Etang.

Visited the establishments at Grande Vallee and Magdalen River.

Landed at Mont Louis.

Anchored at 7 h. 30 m. a. m., in the Harbour of Ste. Anne des
Monts, left at noon and anchored at 7 p. m., at the Bay of
Seven Islands.

Left the Bay of Seven Islands, landed at Moisic River.

Visited the fishing establishments at Sheldrake River, Thunder Ri-
ver and Magpie Bay.

Landed at Griffin's Cove.

Lf ided at Cape Rosier.

Arrived at Gaspe Basin.

Left Gaspe Basin.

Anchored at Perce at 6 a. m., left at 11 a. ra., for the Magdalen
Islands.

Anchored in Plaisance Bay at 10 a. m.

Left the Magdalen Islands.

Anchored in Paspebiac Harbour in the morning.

i(

((

1. Visited New Carlisle.

3. Left Paspebiac, anchored at New Carlisle.

4. Left New Carlisle, anchored at Bona venture and arrived at Carleton

at night.
6. Landed at Carleton and visited Dalhousie.

6. Left Carleton at 2 h. 30 m. a. m., anchored in the Grande Riviere at

noon, and at Perce at 6 p. m.

7. Left Perce at 1 1 a. m., for Labrador, doubled the East point of the

Island of Anticosli at midninght.
9. Anchored at 3 h. p. m. in I'Anse aux Blancs Sablons.
11. Anchored in Bradore Bay.

64

Sept.

?' . I

i 'I

\',..

I

il!:^

(I

((
((
u
l(
u

u

11.

15.
17.

18.
20.
21.
23.
25.
26.

27.

" 29.
" 30.

Loft IJiadoro Bay.

Landed at I lie VVhalo's Head Island,

Passed near the liird Islands.

Anchored at Amherst Harbor, visited House Harbour.

Anchored in Amherst Harbour.

Left the Magdeh-n Islands.

Anchored at 8 a. m. in Carlefon Roads.

Left C'arleton, anchored at Pointe Lacarde.

Visited Cross Point and the mission, weijrhed anchor in the afternoon

and in tiie evening put into Dalhousie.
Left Dalhousie and anchored at Curleton at 3. a. m. left Carleton

and anchored at Paspebiae.
Left New Richmond, anchored at Puspebiac at 9. a. m ; visited

New Carlisle.
Left Pas|)ebiac at 5 a. m., anchored at Port Daniel at 9. a. m ;

visited the establishments at Grande Riviere at 5. p. m.

Oct. 1. Anchored in the roadstead at Perce at 7. a. m ; visited Cape Cove

in the afternoon, returned to Perc6 in the evening.
Left Perce at 11a. m. visited Point St. Pierre ; anchored in Gaspe

Basin at night.
Left Gaspe Basin.

Visited Griffin's Cove and Fox River.
Landed at Grand Etang and visited the fishery establishments at

Chlorydorma.
Anchored at 4. p. m. at River Magdalen.
Obliged to weigh anchor by stress of weather.
Landed at Point St. Pierre, visiied the establishments at Malbaie

and anchored at Perce in the afternoon.
Visited the fishery establishments at Bonaventure Island.
Left Perce for the Magdalen Islands.
Anchored in the afternoon in Amherst Harbour.
Visited the fisherv establishments at House Harbour.
Left Amherst Harbour, passed the East Point of the Magdalen

Islands.
Anchored at 8. a. m. in Paspebiac Roads.

Detained here by heavy gales from the east till 1st November,
Visited the fishery establishments.

((
((

«

2.

5.
6.

8.

10.
11.
12.

13.
14.
16.

19.
20.

24.

Nov.

<(
((
<(

1. Left Paspebiac in the afternoon.

2. Anchored at Perce in the morning ; left in the afternoon.

3. Landed at Point St. Pierre.

4. Anchored in Gaspe Basin, left in the afternoon at 3. p. m., doubled

Cape Gaspe.

5. Landed in the morning at the light house on the south west point of

the Island of Anticosti, steered for Quebec in the afternoon.

7. Passed abreast of the light house at Pointe des Monts at 1. p. m.

8. Anchored in the roadstead at Quebec at 5. p. m.

(Signed,) P. FORTIN.

the afternoon

left Carleton

a. m ; visited

'.\ at 9. a. m ;
. p. m.

J Cape Cove
tred in Gaspe

blishments at

ts at Malbaie
d.

le Magdalen

it November,

m., doubled

vest point of
[ternoon.
I. p. m.

FORTIN.

76

The number of minots of grain haiTested \n
PotatoeM - . - • .

'i-

0
»

819i

853

Giviug in all a hurvcdt of - • 1672} minota.
The produce harvested luuy he classed »» follows, according to the kind, quantity, and
a rough estimate of value :

minots (m 81 25 "'^ niiuut ss 826 25

(a| 0 60 f " = 217 40

(g 0 80 f " a 14 40

gi 1 25 f " SB 13 75

^ 0 40 f " = 162 80

@ 0 40 f " s 341 20

Wheat

21

Barley

;{62.]

Rye

18

Peas

11

Oats

407

Potatoes 853

Quantity 1,072} miuuKs.

Valuo $775 80

If to these items there be added that of the maple sugar made in the
vioinity of the Elgin Road last spring, estimated at 50,000 lbs., and
valued at about ..-.---

5,000 00

The result is a total of 85,775 80

which these few new «cttlerft liuve had tu divide, for the most part, amongst them.
Nevertheless, it seems to me to be well to remark, en puHtiauf, that out of the number
of resident families mentioned above, eight families, having together thirty-three children,
were unable to have any share in these bounties of the soil, not having had it in their power
to establish themselves in time to be able to profit by them.

No natural casualties injured the crops or disturbed the labours of the settlers in the
courso of last year ; but the difficulties of their position as the first and only settlers, poor
and without protection, compelled them to use seed of inferior quality and, therefore, yield-
ing poor returns in comparison with what might have been obtained from seed of good
quality.

The recent date of the opening of the Elgin Road for settlement not permitting me to
resent more ample information, 1 have reason to believe that the above statistics, shewing
.otual progress, are such sis to prove the importance of the efforts made in favor of coloni-
zation.

The inhabitant.^ uf the old parishes in the vicinity of the new settlements have shewn
a desire to second the efforts of the Government by founding aid societies, which furnish seed
grain to the poor settlers. It will readily be seen that, apart from the intrinsic value of the aid
pbus offered, such benevolent proceedings are calculated to encourage the young settlors,
,nd in fact they shew themselves very grateful for the interest thus felt for them.

Before concluding, I think it may be well to mention that numerous applications for

ot.s on the Tach<5 Road are daily made at my office, T am informed, moreover, that a

rctty considerable number of lots in certain Townships, and even some entire Townships,

re already occupied by settlers anxious to secure for themselves the possession of the lots

f their choice. Other lots, T am assured, are occupied by several settlers at a time, who

ispute the title to them with each other. This eagerness, although it is to be regretted

and constitutes a source of enibarrassment, .shows clearly how strong is the desire to colonize

'and how great the need of acquiring new land among our population in the country parts.

It is notorious that the Tache Road will traverse a spacious territory, having a soil of

reat fertility, watered by several streams, and covered with a magnificent growth of trees.

'his territory will become the scene of agricultural and commercial operations extending

hroughout the whole length of the said Road.

It is equally true that the inhabitants of those Townships which will be ranged along
this Grand Trunk of the colonization Roads of the lower St. Lawrence, will find good mar-
et for thei)' produce, through the traffic which will unavoidably arise with the numerous
imbering establishments on the Hiver St. John, distant ab(mt a day's journey' f»-c ;ji t ho
'ach<} Road.

It seems to me tu be beyond a doubt that the lands in the townships trave;st;fl by the
Elgin and Tach^ Roads will be rapidly bought up by rich settlers, as soon as the f lyaaexB to

ii;

I

t7

■! lill,

■! i!

'11:^

whom free grants are made shall have pushed forward a little their work of clearing. In order
to meet the demands for land which the opening of these Roads is thus about to create,
it will be desirable, it seems to me, in the interest of the settlers, as well as of the Govern-
ment, to take the necessary measures for effecting the sale of lots situated in the twenty-two
townships which the Tach6 Road is to traverse.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

STANISLAS DRAPE AU,
Agent for the Elgin and Tach^ Roads.

APPENDIX 30.

Annual Report of the Superintendent of Fisheries, for Upper Canada, for the year
1859.

To the Honorable

P. M. Vankoughnet, M.L.C,

Commissioner of Crown Lands,

&c., &c., &c.,

Quebec.

Hamilton, 31st December, 1859.

Sir, — During the year which has now just ended, I have travelled over every part of the
coasts of Lakes Ontario and Erie, for the purpose of leasing the Fishing Stations upon the
shores and islands of those Lakes, in obedience to the instructions received from your
oflSce under date 18th February, 1859.

These instructions related to the leasing of the Fisheries contiguous to Crown Land?,
and to those opposite to private property. I have from time to time transmitted to the
Department the results of those visits and my efforts to carry out your instructions. The
waters opposite private property were to be leased only when desired by the proprietors or
occupants. In reference to such stations, I have already reported my entire want of suc^
cess in inducing any proprietors to take leases of fishing stations adjacent to their own
property ; and as others could not land to draw their nets or cure their fish, it would be
impossible to get them to take leases.

In my efforts to lease Fisheries connected with Crown properties, I have been almost
equally unsuccessful, owing to a variety of circumstances to which I have called your at-
tention in the various letters which I have communicated to your Department. The chief
of these obstacles have been :

Finth/.—A combination amongst the fishermen neither to lease the fisheries themselve?
nor to allow others to do so. These places are Burlington Beach, Long Point, Turkey
Point, Presqu' Isle, Cape Vesey, Cobourg, and perhaps some others.

Sccondlij.- — The assumption, in most cases perhaps a pure assumption, to gain time,
that twenty-one years occupation has given them a title even against the Crown. The fish-
ermen at Bui'lington Beach, near Hamilton and Cape Vesey, in the County of Princf
Edwards, have set mc at defiance on this point. The Crown property at Cape VcKcy con-
tains 1260 acres, occupied by eight families of squatters, under the influence of Henry ].
Wingfield.

Thirdli/.—-\\\ some places leases would no doubt have been taken, had not the parties
felt that there was an uncertainty about the security of their tenure, fearing, as they flifi.
that lawless fishermen would with impunity have encroached upon their stations.

Fott/'^/i(y.— -Occasionally, too, I find an unwillingness to bind themselves by lea-ses,
from apprehension that the fisheries would fail ; and that they were failing in many plact-
from the reckless manner in which the fish are caught and killed, as well as from the uiiio;!
sonable time of taking them, I cannot deny. In obedience to your instruction^, oi' the ISfli
February, I proceeded to the most important portion of tlu; tishories, IVciin the oxtrenio eml
of the Point opposite to the False Ducks, and from thence alonj^ tlie J<ake shi)ro to the

78

ilearlDg. In order
us about to create,
as of the Govern-
in the twenty-two

lPEAU,
rach^ RoadR.

iiada, for the year

jcember, 1869.

er every part of the
; Stations upon the
Bceived from your

s to Crown Land?,
transmitted to the
Dstructions. The
the proprietors or
entire want of sue-
sent to their own
fish, it would be

have been almost
ve called your at-
tment. The chief

sheries themselvc,"
)ng Point, Turkey

ion, to gain time,

Crown. Thefish-

]ounty of Princf

Capo VcKcy con-

ence of Henry ]/

ad not the parties
ring, as they flid
stations.

naelves by leases,
g in many place-
ts from the uiiso;i-
cti'tns of the IStli
1 the oxtrenio emi
akc shun; to the

Welhugton Beach ; during my progress, I made an estimate of the value of the differen
fishing stations, after first determining the limits or boundaries of each lot. In all cases, I
regret to say, the sums offered by the occupants prove to be below my estimate of their
value, and, in accordance with my instructions, I beg herewith to hand you my report of
the same. The reasons advanced by the fishermen generally, as a justification for their
low proposals, has its origin in the apparent uncertainty of the catch, which I fiud has
greatly fallen off in this and other stations, from 1857.

In my calculations of their value I have duly considered this, and I have fortified my
own judgment by availing myself of all the local information to be had from the residents
near the stations, whose opinions I should rely upon, as they have no interest in the matter
either one way or the other.

You will observe by the offers made from the Wellington Beach, the statement of
which has been enclosed, a revenue of $334 has been realized from twelve stations.

One William Young has made a tender of 8500 for the whole Beach, consisting of
fifteen stations, which I accepted conditionally, that if I failed in obtaining that amount
from the parties in possession, he should have it. When ibis circumstance became known
to the fishermen, it produced much excitement amongst them, which induced Mr. Young
to withdraw his tender, and I was thus left to deal with them as best I could, and succeed-
ed in realizing the above amount.

At the sale of lands advertised to take place at Simcoe on the 31st ult., I offered the
different fishing stations around Long Point at public auction, and, notwithstanding there
was a large and respectable attendance of the inhabitants generally interested in the fish-
eries, I had no offer made me ef|ual to the upset price, and, consequently, no leases were
granted.

Immediately after the sale, however, I was offered by Mr. Buckwell a sum of $300
I'or the exclusive right of fishing on the frontage of the Townships of Walsingham, Char-
lotteville, Woodhouse, Walpole. and Raiuham, with all the privileges the Fishery Act of
1858 conferred (as per his letter of the 3l8t ult. herewith.)

The general depression of trade, aggravated no doubt by the disastrous failure of crop
last year, as well as the small catch of fish during the same period compared with former
years, render it difficult to get a fair avcago value this year for the fisheries. The fisher-
men advance all these causes as a justification for offering such small rentals, expressing
themselves, however, at the same time willing to pay more, if this season should close more
prosperously than the last. While I admit that these objections to pay the upset price
arc entitled to every consideration, I beg also to state that I am satisfied the fishermen have
combined together for the purpose of preventing fair competition when the stations shall
be offered for sale by public auction.

On my return from Simcoe to this City, from the numerous communications I found
at my office connected with the Burlington Beach Fisheries, I decided on remaining for a
few days to lay out the different stations along the said Beach.

As in all former cases, the upset price made by me of their value (which is $30 each
station, bein:; twenty-two in all on the beach) is more than the fishermen offer, their pro-
posal beinf, * 7 0 only each lot.

There yet remain but two courses to be adopted, — one will be to accept the tender
offered at $10 — limiting, however, their privilege to the use of sixty-six feet on the shore
from high-water mark, and that only for fishing purposes. If this rule is adopted, all the
land on the Beach in the rear of this reservation can readily be leased for an equal amount,
if not more, or sold, as it is now in a high state of cultivation, and through this means a
fair value secured to the Crown. This course appears now necessary, or some other that
will be the means of convincing the occupants of those stations that, while you have
instructed me to treat them with liberality, the right of title by the Crown will be vindica-
ted.

Since I left Toronto on the 17th July, I was assiduously euj^oged among the fishermen
on Burlington Beach, and along the frontier as far as Niagara, eudeavouring by every

{(OBsible means to induce them to comply with the provisions of the law, to rely on the
, iberality and justice of the Government, and accept leases under the Act without trouble
or ooerdou.

il!

: 'u

79

i/i I

i;!!!|

-li.

III ;■'

>. i 1

£ was met by the fishermen with complaints ofinjustice and objections to the conditiona
and wording of the leases ; and at Burlington Beach I have been opposed by combinations
of the fishermen, who had come to mutual agreement of SJIO each for fishing stations, with
full possession of the ground they now occupy, such pr'^posals being inadmissible.

I have therefore been compelled to adopt the only alternative Dy which any fair rental
can be reasonably hoped for — that is, to put the several stations up at public competition,
agreeably to your instructions. In pursuance of this plan I advertized for tenders for the
stations on Burlington Beach, to be opened on Monday, the 25th July.

I delayed the adoption of this course in the hope that a sense of their own interests
would in the end induce them to accept leases, and from a desire to relieve you from con-
stant and frivolous applications to be admitted to continue iheir destructive practice of
using fine mesh nets, thereby destroying the young fish in immense quantities.

Another obstacle to the profitable leasing of the Fisheries is found in the refusal of
some of the parties owning land on the waters edge to allow a landing place to the fisher-
men, who might otherwise be willing to lease the stations in front of such properties.

I have endeavored to be as lenient with the fishermen as I possibly could, consistent
with my duty to your Department, believing that the best course was to render the mea-
sure as palatable as possible, to introduce its provisions gradually, and to try to get the parties,
to accommodate themselves to its enactments, without exciting their prejudice against it
The introduction of such a measure as the Fishery Act, afl"ecting the mode of livelihood
of a large number of people hitherto unrestricted in their operations by Acts of Parliament,
requires a good deal of careful management and forbearance, to prevent the excitement of
feelings hostile to the Government and the Law ; and it has ever been my study to convince
the fishermen that it would really be to their interests to yield a ready submission to the
provisions of the Act.

On my recent visit to iSarnia, in the prosecution of my duties as Superintendent of
the Fisheries, I ascertained that the most valuable part of the fishing grounds bordering
on Lake Huron and the River St. Clair, was held by Mr. Samuel Hitchcock, under a lease
from parties who purchased it in July, 1856, — a portion of the Ordnance Lands at Sarnia—
from the Home Government.

I have already enclosed you a copy of the memorial of the conveyance referred to.
which I obtained from the Registrar at Sarnia, for your inspection.

The fishing-grounds covered by Mr. Hitchcock's lease are by far the most valuable
on Lake Huron south of the Fishing Islands. Jan. 1857 they yielded 2,800 barrels, which,
at Detroit market value, ^5 a barrel, were worth S14,000. Mr. Hitchcock pays n rental
of $600 a year.

On a visit to Amherstburg 1 examined Bois Blanc Island alluded to, and found Mr
James Cousins preparing for his Fall Fishing. On the Island there are two good stations
both occupied by him. In the year 1857 he acknowledges to have taken on it 120 barrel^

White Fish, at «10, 81200 OO

and 15 barrels Herrings at $5 - - . - - - - 75 00

isli

fro

mil

yea

fro

to

me

• 'ft '■:

1'^

|; .

1

f

J! .'i

«1275 OO

He now informs me that the fishing has since greatly fallen off, which 1 believe to be
the case, being corroborated by disinterested parties, but is still a valuable fishery.

On my arrival in Windsor I waited on Colonel Prince to close with him for a lease of
Turkey and Peach Islands, in terms of his tender under date 15th ult., for Turkey Island
fishery, with one chain of land around the Island, ^25 per annum, and for Peach $60. He
has written to you for an extension of his lease to five or nine years, which I did not feel
myself authorized to grant, but which has since been closed.

I then proceeded along the coast from Sandwich to Amherntburg, a distance of 18
miles, visitiug the fishermen, who are principally French Canadians. I offered them lease.^
covering the water in front of their lots, about the width of one hundred acres, taking theii
side-lines for a guide in the water, for 85 per year.

After having disposed of Bois Blanc Island of which I had the honor of transmitting
a detailed report under yesterday's date. I had to return to Windsor, not being able to
reach the Islands in this vicinity owing to the roughness of the weather and the agitation
of the Lake, though three different nttempts were unsuccessfully made to reach these

80

to the condition8

by combination!)

ing stations, with

missiblc.

ch any fair rental

iblic oompetitioQ,

or tenders for the

leir own interests
!ve you from con-
ictive practice of
tities.

, in the refusal of
(lace to the fisher-
ih properties.
r could, consistent
0 render the mea-
y to get the parties,
yudice against it
node of livelihood
LCts of Parliament,
the excitement of
y study to convince
submission to the

Superintendent ot

grounds bordering

;ock, under a lease

Lands at Sarnia—

yance referred to.

the most valuable

00 barrels, which,

lock pays a rental

|o, and found Mr

two good stations

on it 120 barrels

81200 OO

75 Oil

$1275 OO
3h 1 believe to bf
jle fishery.
Ihim for a lease ol
jfor Turkey Island
Peach $50. He
|oh I did not feel

a distance of 1^
|)ffered them leasc.^
jicrcs, taking thei:

)r of transmitting
lot being able to
[and the agitation
Je to reach these

islands with a boat and crew ; my time, however, was not lost, having met the principal
parties tendering for the Fisheries on them, to whom I have granted leases, but afterwards
they totally declined to complete them by failing to furnish the necessary securities.

Point Pel^e (Main) consists of a long narrow neck of land projecting into Lake Erie
from the front of the Township ofMersea in the County of Essex, for a distance of ten
miles, and supposed to contain 1,000 acres, which has been settled upon by Squatters many
years since, numbering ten families, who are desirous to purchase their respective locations
from the Government at a fair price — say t)s. 3d. per acre, and expressed their willingness
to pay a yearly rental for the Fisheries, lying opposite to their respective lots, if the Govern-
ment would guarantee to them v i 'tie for their improvements, of SIO per year.

I endeavoured, under the »'irc unstauces, to persuade them to take leases at once with

one chain of the Beach for fishu ^ purposes, under a promise on my part to recommend to

the Government to cause a survey to be made a'lotting to each their respective lots, for

which they are prepared to pay a reasonable prioe for their possession to secure it in fee

simple.

V While discussing this subject they informed me that they had been, since the year 1852,

': subject to claims for rent preferred against them, both for the Fisheries and the land, by

; Mr. James Paxton of Am'^ersburg, also a Fisherman, who exercised ownership under a

lease from the Crown Lands Department, bearing date 1852, at the yearly rental of $50, who

is still desirous to continue that lease at the said rental, including land and the fisheries.

1 was not, however, aware of this fact until he applied to me for a lease of the Fisheries also;

but he is not willing to give more than the original $50 per year, including both privileges.

I offered him the Fisheries, however, at the sum mentioned, with a chain of the Beach,

which he declined without including the land. I learned besides from himself personally

that he is in arrears under his former lease for $350, say seven years at $50 — $850.

The said James Paxton informs me that he has recently effected a definite arrangement
with the Government for the purchabC of Fighting Island, situate in the Detroit River, and
that in his purchase he has secured the right of fishing thereiit, in consideration of the ex-
cess value upon it by the Commissioners.

By reference to my communication of the 2ud July last, you will perceive the princi-
ple upon which I have proceeded from the beginning. Every means in my power has been
used to secure compliance with the provisions of the Act, but with partial success ; and it
now seems that I have carried mildness and forbearance to the extreme, and if the Act is
■ not to remain a dead letter and the Government and their Agents set at defiance, it is ne-
cessary to adopt a different course. 1 despair of leasing Burlington Beach, and other im-
portant Fisheries, unless some means can be devised to secui'c quiet men who may be dispo-
sed to lease them in the enjoyment of their rights. We are completely at the mercy of this
class of lawless men. — I find it impossible to get any of the inhabitants living in the neigh-
borhood to inform against the Fishermen, not, however, from any want of interest in hav-
ing the provisions of the Act carried out, but from fear of the consequences to themselves
and property ; and an Agent whom I employed to inform mo of any violation of the
Act was severely beaten by them. Under these circum.stances it has been quite impossible
with the limited powers bestowed upon mo to carry out my instructions, or bring to justice
the violators of the law.

Having detailed in the communications, to which allusion has been made above, my
proceedings during the past year in leasing the Fisheries on the Lakes and Kivers, and in
securing the erection of Fish Ways over the Mill Dams on the streams most frequented.

The subjects of chief importance for my attention during the ensuing year, will be
the completion of the Fishing Stations, securing the erection of the Migration or Fish
Ways, and the prevention of fishing, both at the improper seasons, and by the objectiona-
ble means which have proved so destructive to the fish.

I have hinted at some of the difiiculties which 1 have met with iu attempting to carry

out the first of these measures— the leasing of the Fisheries, and shall, at the close of this

^^ Report, suggest the means, which it appears to me necessary to adopt for effecting this

important object. As to the second— the attaching of Fish Ways to the Mill Dams on the

i, streams of chief resort by the fish. — I shall also have something to add to what has been

fl given in my previous Reports. Iu attempting to put into effect this portion of the law,

1 have been so entirely unsuccessful, that I plainly perceive that more rigorons measures

must be adopted.

(1 '

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In reference to the time during which the several kinds of fish may, with due regard
to their propagation, be caught, as well with regard to the manner of taking them, I shall
feel it my duty to recommend some changes.

The immense value of the Fisheries of our great Lakes, as well as of the innumerable
smaller bodies of water which so thickly dot the map of Upper Canada, and of the streams
which flow into them, will certainly justify the use of every means necessary to protect
them from destruction, and to bring them back to their original prolificness. Many of
the rivers which once abounded with the choicest fish, arc now entirely or almost forsaken.
Many of the streams running into Lake Ontario, were once the resort of myriads of Salmon,
(the Salmon proper from the Ocean.) I have seen them from 1812 to 1815, swarming the
rivers so thickly, that they were thrown out with a shovel, and even with the hand. Non
it is rare to sec one in those same waters, and the question occurs, is it not possible to
entice them back to theu favorite haunts ? One cannot but feel deeply at the loss — the
calamity I may say, — which we have sustained in the destruction of these noble fish. After
all the reckless and destructive agencies which have been used, the great numbers which
are still found in some parts of the Lakes show their vitality, and give us the best guarantee
that no very expensive means need be used for their preservation.

The Lake Huron Fisheries, in 1856, yielded 27,037$ barrels (and I am certain thJH
waa far below the true estimate), or say, at 120 fish to the barrel, 3,244,520 fish. The
catch, too, in Lake Ontario is still abundant, in some cases even prodigious. In my Re
port for 1857, mention is made of 47,700 White Fish at a haul — say nearly 400 barrels,—
taken at Wellington Beach. At Burlington Beach, during 1856, there were taken
1,900,000 herrings and 86,400 white fish; at Port Credit, 470,000 fish, two-thirds of then
being the Salmon, and at other fishing stations on Lake Ontario, 200,000 to 300,000 fish
The entire catchy according to the lowest estimate for 1856, amounted in value to $500,000
Yet, how little haa been done to protect and develope these literally inexhaustible richea.

Of the abundance and quantity of the fish of Lake Huron and Greorgian Bay, nearlj
the same remarks may be made. The entire coasts of the British portion of the great lakes
and St. Lawrence, within Upper Canada, extend over some 5000 miles, most of them
abounding in Salmon-Trout, White Fish and Herrings, besides a great variety of the less
numercos kinds, as the Maskinong^, Sturgeon, Pike, Pickerel, Bass (black, white, and yel-
low), speckled Trout, Chub, Perch, Suckers (black and white). Mullet, &c. This is exclu-
sive of the almost innumerable inland lakes, the largest of which, Lake Simcoe, is 40
miles by 50 ; these, literally swarm with a great variety of choice fiish. Nor have I
included in this estimate ai^y of the large and valuable rivers, tributaries of the lakes and
of the St. Lawrence.

I have also sought information from parties who have manifested much interest in the
protection of our valuable Fisheries in reference to the natural haunts of the Salmon and
White Fish, and their habits, &c. I beg to refer you to a letter from J. Y. Leslie, Esq.,
Collector of Customs, Brighton, which will be found appended to this Eeport.

The leasing of the Fisheries to prudent and responsible men would be one corrective
measure, and it would, too, have the effect o.^ ridding certain localities of a reckless and
lawless class of men who are doing their best tc depopulate our waters.

There is a subject of great importance, in rcierence to the Salmon Fisheries of Lake
Ontario, which, I have long thought, should have been brought under your notice. It k
the existence, in Lower Canada, of various kinds of standing (brush) weirs, or a kind of
fish traps, all along the south side of the St. Lawrence from St. Thomas, Montmagny, to
Three Rivers. Those which remain along the shore the year round prevent the Salmon
from ascending the river, and are doubtless one of the chief causes of the scarcity of
Salmon in Lake Ontario compared with former years. I have, therefore, recommended
their removal. In their place, the fishermen would still have the use of the gill nets.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. Seines may be used from the first of September until the twenty-fifth of October
A provision of this nature is all important, for, as the law is at present, great numbcn

of fish are swept from their spawning ground while depositing their ova.

2. Gill nets may be used at all tseasons in deep water in the open Lakes. The neti
to be rated at w. half cent per square yard. No gill net be allowed to be set nearer thin
two miles of seining ground.

d2

, with due regard
ing thein, I shall

' the innumerable
nd of the streamH
cessary to protect
icness. Many of
r almost forsaken,
lyriads of Salmon,
15, swarming the
the hand. Now
it not possible to
y at the loss — the
! noble fish. After
at numbers which
^he best guarantee

I am certain thin
14,520 fish. The
;ious. In my Re-
irly 400 barrels,—
there were taken
two-thirds of then
10 to 300,000 fish
value to $500,000.
ixhaustible riches,
orgian Bay, nearly
1 of the great lakes
les, most of them
variety of the less
ck, white, and yel-
K. This is exclu-
ike Simcoe, is 40
fish. Nor havel
!S of the lakes and

uch interest in the
)f the Salmon and
r. Y. Leslie, Esq..
eport.

be one corrective
of a reckless and

fisheries of Lake
your notice. It is
weirs, or a kind of
js, Montmagny, to

event the Salmon
of the scarcity of
ore, recommended

the gill nets.

-fifth of October
ent, great numbers

akes. The nets
)e set nearer thw

3. Inspectors of fish should be appointed at all the stations. — ^This would not incur
any expense to the Government, and would be of immense advantage to the fishermen, by
securing the packing of iheir fish in good condition for the market. Such inspectors
would iuso make efficient OverRcers of the several fishing stations, and would be n restraint
upon the lawless fishermen, and reliable sources of information on all points touching their
stations.

4. A small steamer to visit the Fishing Stations.

5. Some rivers, say two, entering Lake Ontario to be set apart as nurseries for fish,
in which no fishing should be allowed except with a hook and line.

Our object being to restore the fish to their original abundance, no moans necessary
to bring about this much desired object ought to be left untried.

I would recommend the Rivers Credit and Moira as the two to be set apart for this
purpose.

6. The spour iu all cases to be disallowed.

7. The word " Pickerel " should be inserted inthe 36th section of the Act, and the
word " Pike" in both the 35th and 36th section, and the word " black" to be struck out

; of the 35th section.

8. The penalty imposed in section 42 of the Act should be increased to £5 for the
lowest, and £40 or £50 lor the highest. — A fine of only two pounds, as at present, seems to
extrcise no check over the fishermen, for they can afford to pay such a small fine. I would
rather see the fine £10 and £50.

9. That the 73rd section of the Fishery Act, 22 Vic, Ca|>. 86, be repealed.
My reasons for wishing this are, first : that our markets m Hamilton and Toronto,

' (and I presume other markets also,) are flooded with fish after close time here, and espe-
; cially about the middle of November, and when I have attempted to fine the parties for it,
I others have come forward and sworn the fish were taken in Lake Huron, although in many
; cases I have been certain that they were caught in Ontario. This being the spawning
time, the fish are brought to the market with the ova running from them.

If close time be not applied to Lakes Huron and Superior, fish will soon become as
, scarce in those lakes as in Lake Erie. Jjakc Ontario, to which great numbers of fish mi-
I grate every year from the Ocean, has not felt the effects of this devastating system to the
i same extent as Lake Erie. Besides, the fishermen of Lake Ontario and Erie complain of
[ the partiality shown to the fishermen of the Upper Lakes.

10. That the 23rd section of the Fishery Act be amended to read as follows : — " It
I shall not be lawful to fish with any kind of net or seine in Burlington Bay, nor Dundai

Marsh, nor in the inlets or waters connected therewith."
All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,

(Signed,)

JOHN MoCUAIG,

Supt. of Fisheries for Upper Canada.

I Brighton, 3l8t December, 1H59.

Sir, — In reporting the proceedings of a meeting of fishermen held in Brighton last

year, I took occas/on to advert in a cursory manner to the seine as an engine for catching

'White Fish, and to express an opinion that it would ultimately have to give place to the

-gill net. 1 now beg to revert to the subject ; but first, let me observe that it is much to be

regretted that the natural history of the White Fish of the Canadian Lakes has not been

'suflSciently studied, and enough of fact*i recorded to make us even rea.sonably acquainted

with their habits. In the meantime, and until the subject is taken up by some competent

jfpersoD and thorougMy and scientifically investigated (and it will repay the trouble), we

tiught to a})ply what little knowledge we already possess in the practical endeavour to render

the nifMle «il" li,«hinu the Lakes us little likely to injure the permanent supply a posssible,

|iistt'ad of which the plan generally adopted will eventually render White Fish as rare us Sea

'ttalmon in the j^akes, and enhance the price to such a degree that they will be found only

on the tables of the wealthy.

111! ;

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98

The White Fish, I believe, leimiin the greater part of the year in deep water towards
the middle of the Lakes, but periodically frequent certain spots favourably situated for
depositing their spawn, in a waudy or gravelly bottom in comparatively shallow water,
where the ova are exposed to a certain degree of light which appears necessary to the
vivifying process, and also to the influence ol' a higher temperature, which likewise seems
requisite to the development of the first stages of embryo life.

THK SPAWNING ftROlINDS

Are (on Lake Ontario, at least) near the shore ; there is generally on and between
theip and the deep water, a considerable tract of the bottom of the Lake covered with a
species of Alyse. Cov/frvsp, and an aquatic moss on which the White Fish feeds, for he uii-
like most other fish is a vegetarian, and eschews cannibalism. I think it also extremel)
J. robable that, like his congeners of the sea, he frequents for the purpose of re-productiou,
the plar,.' where he was himself produced, and does not migrate to any great distance unlei*>
actually driven from his natural and favourite haunts.

From these premises (assuming them to be in the main correct) it will at once be seen
that the practice of fishing with seine, by which the spawning grounds from their proximity
to the shore are swept as with a broom (in this case the besom of destruction"), the fish arc
interrupted in depositing their spawn, captured before that necessary and tedious operation
is complete, and brought on shore witliout discrimination as to size or condition, nivsi
eventually either exterminate the species or drive them from their accustomed and acccs-
sible haunts.

That this is practically the result iA' sriiir fishing I have little doubt ; for the gradual
decrease in the number of barrels shipped at this port where that system prevails, has been
very decided for the last three years j in 1850 there were 802 barrels exported, in IS.')"
530 bbls., and in I85s only 107 barrels.

Seines are also liable to another objection of nearly equal force, for though the lucsh
may be limited to a certain size, it by no means saves the small fry, on which next ycar'>
crop depends, from destruction, for when a great number of White Fish are enclosed in a
seine the small are crowded on shore by the large, and being when young an extremoh
delicate fish, they are killed in the press, so that few escape ; and the take is often so largt
of these inferior fish that they cannot be saved, hence many bari'cls are sent away imper-
fectly cured, and the character of the fish spoiled in the market.

But the moral effect of seine fishing, as it is now carried on, furnishes, perhaps, ah
grave an objection to its continuance as can be urged, for it is found from experience that
where it prevails, idleness, drunkenness and other kindred vices spread with alarmiu;:
rapidity ; and in many respects the population resembles that of a locality where gold ha?
recently been discovered in small quantities. To such an extent has this demoraliziu:
influence prevailed in some instances, that I have known twice, and even three times the
usual wages offered in vain to harvest hands — who preferred the chance of a night's fishiu;;
to earning an honest penny at their legitimate occupation as .agricultural laborers ; and 1
question if the time absolutely lost by the fishermen, and the grain left to suffer, by tho?e
whose b\:siness it is to take care of it, being seduced by a gambling spirit to the fishinc
beach, do not more than balance the sum paid for White Fish, large though that undouht
edly is in the aggregate.

These objections do not, however, apply to the gill nets, for they arc generally set in
deep water, sometimes in 200 feet, and when they are once shiif they remain in statu 7/'^
until they are taken up, usually the following day, — they couse(juently neither interfere
with the feeding places nor sweep the spawning grounds, and the smallest size of nicsli
being 21 inches, they do not commit the indiscriminate slaughter of the Seines ; and taking
comparatively large fish and fewer at a time, no difficulty is found in preserving and dis-
posing of them. Neither do the moral objections affecting the Seines apply to them, t'oi
only persevering and steady industry can expect to make anything by Gill Nets, they arc
therefore used only by those who intend to make a livelihood by the business, and arc
therefore free from those s[»asmodic alternations fn)m activity to idleness, so injurious t(
all concerned in seine fishing.

For these, and a great many other reasons too numerous to enlarge upon within
the limits of a letter, I should recommend, if any legislative action be taken in

'-n

84

eep water towardb
rably situated for
ly shallow water,
necessary to the
ich likewise seem^

y oa aud between
ice covered with a
1 feeds, for he uii
it also extremely
e of re-pvoductiou,
eat distaace unles>

ivill at once be seen
om their proximity
ction), the fish arc
1 tedious operation
)v condition, nivsi
istomed and acccs-

t ; for the gradual
. prevails, has been
3xpoi*ted, in 1<S57

thougli the mcsli
which next year's
h are enclosed in a
ung an extremolj
kc is often so lavgt
sent away imper-

as

lishes, perhaps
)m experience that
jad with alarmlug
ity where gold has

this demoraliziug
[en three times the

of a night's fishiu;
lal laborers ; ancll
Ito suffer, by tho?e
Ipirit to the fishius
lujifh that undouht

re generally set in

Icmaiu in statu iji"'

neither interfere

lillest size of nicsb

es ; aud taking

[reserving and di?-

ipply to them, tor

rill Nets, they arc

Ibusiness, and arc

^s, so injurious tc

jlargc upon witliin
lion be taken in

regard t(» amending the Fisheries Act, that Seine Cshing for White Fish should be pro-
hibited «/5'^r fv'ot/ears, and a rate put upon each Gill Net Boat aud that in the mean-
time i)i consideration of its vast couiraorciiil importance, and the great interest of the sub-
ject as a (luostion of Natural History, that some person of competent scientific acquirements
should be eonimissionod to study the habits of the various kinds of fish in the Lakes, and
accumulate and arrange all the facts available for the formation oi' a general system of
fishing, based upon proper and intelligent principles.

I am Sir,
Your obedient servant,

D. YOUNG LESLIE.

APPENDIX No. n.

Report of the Fishun/ Oventeer for the Divwion of La/cM Huron and Superior,

for 1859.

CoLLiNuwooD, 31st December, 1859.

Sir, — I have the honor to report that, in accordance with your instructions, (as far
as my time would admit) I have visited most of the Fishing Stations on Lake Huron, and
a few on Lake Superior.

As I am not in a position this season to make a detailed report on each Station, I en-
close the following statement of facts personally ascertained, and of information received
from reliable sources.

When I commenced ray duties in May last, 1 found there was a great dislike to the
now Act, aud a prevalent idea that the intention of the Government was solely to tax the
tishermen. This focliug was encouraged iind kept up by interested parties. After hold-
ing meetings, explaining the true nature and the intent of those who framed the Act,
namely : " to preserve the fisheries and to protect Canadian fishermen," I found no diffi-
culty in carrying out my instructions, and many of the most violent opponents of the
" Fishery Act," in the first instance, an^ now its greatest advocates and stoutest sup-
porters.

I can assert, without fear of contradiction, that on these lakes, with the exception of
two individuals, I have not met with the slightest opposition since June last. The most
strenuous advocates of the Act are those for whose benefit it was framed — the resident
fishermen and local traders.

The old established mercantile firms of the Sault Ste. Marie, (_ American side) who
have been extensively engaged in the fir«heries of these lakes for many years, were the first
to " take hold " of the leasing system. 'They have invariably tendered higher than Cana-
dians, and paid in advance; in the prosecution of their fisheries they will employ a Cana-
dian half-breed just as soon as one from their own side. One of these gentlemen, who has
leased the Duck Islands at a high rent, has carried out a plan which has not been attempt-
ed by any other lessee ; he has left his station untished, and employed a boat's crew to
prevent trespassing, and although he loses the whole rent for 1859, I believe that he will
make up the loss in 18G0-'61. These islands have been overfished; 1 found upon them a
complete fishing village, fourteen houses, wharves, etc., erected by the Americans from the
Sault, Mackinaw and Detroit. I also found on all our principal stations similar establish-
ments. A very shrewd remark was made by an old Indian, in broken p]nglish, to me on
this point, at Horse Island, one of their largest fishing grounds : — " What for you come
now to see about fish ? Why not come before, ten j'^ears gone ? American been here,
build house, chop wood, bring big boat, catch all fish, cheat poor Indian, sell him bad
whiskey and bad goods ; now no fish. You make take care of fish !"

The seine fishers object to clause HO of the Act, because the size of the meshes is such
as to gill herrings, and thus cause a great loss of valuable time in ungilling them by hand
instead of (as formerly) shovelling out by means of shovels made for the purpose. If the
meshes were one quarter of an inch smaller on the square this inconvenience would be
obviated. Among twenty-two nets examined last season, I did not find one which could
be legally used as the law now stands ; the average mesh was li of an inch, many of them
1 inch.

11

86

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If the clause is retained, a time should bu set; due notice given by hand-bill to the
Heine fishermen ; and after a fixed date all seines found in use with an undersized mesh,
should be confiscated.

Finding the small measure to be universal, and that if I seized one I must seize all,
and thus put many poor fishermen to serious loss, T merely warned the parties and notified
them that their nets were not in accordance with the Fishery Act.

In the matter of tenders for fishint^ stations, T have not in any case, where the person
tendering has offered a reasonable rcsnt, refused to accept, and in no instance have I de-
clined the tender of a poor person, white, half-breed, or Indian, at his (»wn offer, however
low, for the ground he had been aceustcmied to occupy.

I have issued 07 Leases, of these 12 arc to Indian bands, 14 to the Hudson's Bay
Company, the remainder to practical fishermen, or tho merchants and traders employinj^
fishermen. Most of these leases include a number of people, as 1 persuaded the fishermen
in each locality to join together amicably, and unite in one Lease for the ground they have
been accustomed to occupy. For instance in the one lease from Sable lliver to Port
Franks, 22 separate parties of seiners are concerned ; at Kincardine 14; Saugeen 10; the
Fishing Islands altho' given to six parties, in reality l(i persons were concerned, three
of these employing seining gangs of 16 men each. In the lease to the merchants oF
Penetanguishenc, of the Shawnaga Fisheries, all of the fishing population are con-
cerned. From Meaford to Vail's Point, leased to three parties, 17 were concerned
with separate crews and boats. At Collingvvood, leased to one party, seven crews
were engaged. The lessee of the Ducks, Mississaga Straits, and Crand Batturo, will
probably yearly employ 40 to 60 separate boats and crews.

I estimate the number of grown up persons engaged this season, under our Leases,
at 917. The Lads undtr 16, the numerous bands of Indians, and those employed by
the Hudson's Bay Compauy at their 14 different fishinu: stations, will number some
2,500 more.

If I had been sufficiently acquainted with localities, on Lake Superior, so as to givi-
reliable information and define boundaries, I could have issued more let. es, and I have
every reason to believe that in 1860, there will be several parties engaged on Lake Su-
perior, exploring for fishing stations only.

I cannot state with any exactness the catch at each station, during the past season;
but from a calculation I have made, and from information collated, I am of opinion that
the take for last year on our own side of these lakes was equal to 26,000 barrels. And in
addition to this amount, during the fishing season of Fall and Spring, there were not less
than 4,000 people living upon fish. The Hudson's Bay Company depend upon fish for
the support of their respective posts, from September till June. A great portion of the
Indians, and the half-breeds depend upon fish, from September till sugar-making.

In 1857, the officer in charge of the Hudson's Bay post at Fort William, (Lake
Superior), besides the Winter supply for the post, and the daily rations of fresh fish to all
hands, shipped for Detroit 733 barrels.

In June 1859, the main article of diet at Miehipicoten Fort, (Lake Superior), was
saltfish.

I am sure that under the leasing system, new grounds, particularly on Lake Superior,
will be discovered, the quantity of fish taken will be increased, and a superior class of
fishermen will be established on these lakes.

Owing to the unusual stormy weather of the past season, the fisheries, especially ou
exposed shoals, have failed, and great numbers of nets have been lost or destroyed. The
take is therefore below an average.

The quantities of Oil made are so trifling as to be scarce worth noticing, being about
1,500 gallons. The effect of the 11th clause of the Fishery Act, will be to increase the
manufacture of Oil. The only place where it is now made to any extent is at Goderich,
where an enterprising man pays the fishermen for the offal which they formerly threw into
the lake. Many of the lessees boil Oil for their own use. I have taken every opportunity
of inducing the fishermeu to make the offal into Oil; it is easily made, and a saleable
article at 75 cents per gallon.

The fish taken at Point Edward, Goderich, Cape Rich, and Collingwood, is principally
packed in boxes with ice and sent by rail to regular agents, in Canada and the United
States, and is paid for with cash.

•■'.*

sc

•6

land-bill to the 5,^
idersized mesh,

must 8eize all,
■ties and notified

vhoro the person
mce have 1 dt;-
II offer, howevfir

c Hudson's Hay
idors employing
ed the fishermen
;round they have
lliver to Port
■>augeen 10 ; the
concerned, three
he merchants of
uhition are con-
were concerned
rty, seven crews
nd Katture, will

mder our Leases,
ose employed by
11 number some

)r, so as to givi'

es, and I have

ed on Lake Su-

the past season;
of opinion that
barrels. And in
re were not less
d upon lish for
portion of the
naking.

William, (Lake
fresh fish to all

ce Superior), was

Lake Superior,
uperior class of

3s, especially ou
destroyed. The

ng, being about
to increase the
is at Goderich,
merly threw into
very opportunit)
and a saleable

)d, is principally
and the United

A large portion of the fish taken on the oa»t coast of Lake Huron, from Point Ed-
ward to ('iipe Hurd, including the Fishing Islands, is sent to the States in barrels, and paid
for part with cash and part with American goods. These goods, however, pay duties on
their entrance into (yuuadian ports between Sarnia and Saugoen.

Two of the Lessees of the past season, occupying the isle of Coves, and Rabbit's Is-
land, sent thi'ir fish per the Collingwood line of steamers to Chicago, paid for principally
in cash. From Chicago they were sent by rail to some of their relations in the State of
.Missouri, at a total cost to the producer, from tlu^ light house at the Isle of Coves, of $2.50
per barrel, and sold there for .SllJ.

The nunainder or far greater portion t^ikeii in Lake Superior, Georgian Bay, at the
Ducks, Manitoulin. Cockburii, and St. Joseph's Island.s, Mississaga Straits, and SaultSte.
Marie rapids, with the exception of the Ilud.son's Bay Company's stations and a
small part of the coast from Cape (Jroker, via Owen Sound. Collingwood and Penetangui-
shene to the Naishcotyang lliver, is also sent to the States, and paid for with American
goods paj/iinj tin liutics.

I estimate that three-fourths of the fish taken in our waters never enter a Canadian port.
The greatest market is Detroit. The collector of that port states the value of fish export-
ed in ISiiO to be over 8150,000.

A largo portion of our fish is sold at the fi.shing stations to the Captains of i'lmerican
-chooncr.s, and paid for with sniugghul goods and whiskey.

Seines are used at Point Kdward, from thence along the iieach to Port Franks, at
Kincardine, and Inverliuron, for bait at Bale due Dard, Port Elgin, Fishing Islands, Owen
,<ouiid Bay, Nottawasaga Bay, anrl on fjake Sujjerior at Fort William, Michipicoten Harbor
.ind St. Ignace Island.

Mr. S. Hitchcock, ol" Sarnia, ha** ))aid iMes^.'^rs. Zwoski it Co., two years, for a small piece
ofPoint Edward, SOOO per annum, and now [)ays Mr. Blackwell S400 per annum for the
same ground. He told me that the Grand Trunk works had injured the fisheries. His
books shew annual sales of 82.000 and upwards to Detroit :ind Cleveland, besides a local
sale, and 120 barrels salted.

At the Fishing Islands on one occasion a few years back, on Main Station Island,
1,000 barrels and odd of herrings were landed in two hauls of the .seine ; 700 and then
•{00 ; at Cigar Island 500 barrels were taken at one haul. At Smoke-house Island, ou one
occasion, the seine was full as it could be, and for want of barrels and salt thousands of
herrings wi^-e left in it. It is said that there has never been a good haul ou that station
since, — in fact it is not now used. The greatest haul this season was at Main Station, of
152 barrels.

At Fort VVilliani (Lake Superior), near the mouth of the North branch of the Kamin-
istiquoia lliver, :{0 to 40 barrels of white fish have been taken at a haul with a very inferior
cla,ss of men to manage the siiiiie. To \w successful in seining requires a trained gang and
implicit obedience to an ex]>erieiiced foreman.

In the Nottawasaga Bay, during the Spring, only for the vast (juantities of ice packed
20 to BO feet deep near the projected terminus of the Georgian Bay ('ainil, there would be
excellent seining.

I have no doubt that under the {irotection afforded to lessees by the Fishery Act, val-
uable seining grounds will be discovered on Lake Superi(u% and in several places on the
Georgian Bay.

I am not aware ol' tlicre being ;iiiy pound-nets used on our waters this past sea-
."<on ; but two brothers from Cleveland worked one chiso to oui' boundary, between Drum-
moud Island and Tenby Bay. St. Josephs Island, and took vast (|uantities offish of every
kind, seriously injured the local fishermen, and gave great annoyance to the Indians, half-
breeds, and all the other residents in the iieigliborhood. \Vhi!ii a large kind of pound-net
is set in the ehantiel. every fish is caught, large and small ; tlie leaders extend li to 3 miles
on each side, and are seldom lifted. If they were to be generally used the fisheries wOuld
be destroyed, and the legitimate class of gill-net fishermen would scion be obliged to follow
.some other pursuit for a living.

Scoop-nets are used in the Sault Ste. Marie Ilapids nearly all the year, two men in a
canoe with poles and \me scoop-net can, during the season, catch two barrels of white fish

[i

■ :lj
'■ il'

0T

t ' ■ ,',!

I- ■!,

per day
idi

I received from an Amcricun fiHhorman u hij;h tender lor the small Island on
our side of the rapids, tor a Hooop-uet stiitiou. This island was, however, reserved by tlip
Indians in their late treaty.

Hooks are only used to any extent oft' (Joilerich, Kincardine and liiverhuron ; and lu«i
season between (Jape Rich and the Christian Islands, and will be used next season by ihi
lessee of Cabot's Flead Fishery. The i;reatest obstacle to their beiiii; more j^enerally uscmI,
IB the difficulty of catching bait. The hook fishinfj; in a place where bait can bo had is thi
most profitable of all modes, the fish so canght ar(^ gcntsrally ol" a larger (dass ; the outfii
and loss from stormy weather arc trifling, as compared with tlu; net tisliiniis. On the f)tli
Sept., 1850, at Inverhuron, 1 sawfish landed, from erne set oClutoks, iivcraginii' ;{{) lbs eacli
From reliable information received through various parties, I believe that on Lake Superior,
about Pic Island, Thunder Cape, St. Ignace, Nepigon Bay, Otter Head, and other places
Trout weighing from (iO to KO tbs. can be taken by competent hook fishermen, and lurp
sized Trout can also be taken in many places on Lake Huron hitherto untried.

Spearing and trolling are carried on to a great oxtent, chiefly by Indians nnd halt-
breeds, on all parts of these lakes. The fish are taken on the honey-combed shoals and
other places where nets cannot be set. Where this kind of fishing is pursued, fish of all
kinds cannot spawn unmolested.

The most experienced fishermen say that their regular net grounds an^ fre((uently se-
riously injured by the .spearing of wandering Indians. Whether it is owing to the blodd
or to the torchlight they do not know ; but three-fourths ol' the lessees would be glad t'
have spearing strictly prohibited, except upon the grounds leased to tho various bandf ol
Indians.

The number of fish taken by both the above methods is occasionally great. 1 knuw
of an instance at Vail's Point, in the Township of St. Vincent, where, in one night, two
persons, with one spear and birch bark for a torch, filled and emptied again their boat three
times ; and on a shoal between Cabot's Head and Barriere Island, the (Jape Croker Indians fre-
quently in a few hours (as it has been described to me) " bloody the water " for acres around
and fill their canoes with trout in a very short time. ()ne of them this Fall, on the same shoal
in two hours, killed 82 Trout. It is un.safe to set nets on this shoal, and, conHe<juenth
only for the spearing and trolling, this alone would offer a safe breeding grouudfor a larg'
extent of lake. Many other shoals are similarly situated. At Bale du Hard spearing ha>
been carried on to a great extent, and the fishery nearly destroyed. On Lake Superior, ii
September 1858, John Finlayson, a subordinate officer of the Fort William Post, with ?
common spoon hook and line, caught, in two hours and a half, (paddling), over four mile-
of coast, between Pigeon River and Big Trout Bay, seventy-four Trout, averaging fiv(
pounds each. He told me that he was tired of pulling them in, or could have filled hi-
canoe two or three times. On the 27th September, 1 859, on the shoals between Hofm
and Yeo Islands, Joseph Trudeaux, with a common spoon hook and a railroad spike for i
sinker, caught (sailing) one hundred and fifty-two Trout in six lioui-s. I saw the fish next
morning ; they averaged eight pounds each, and some of theiu weighed sixteen pounds
At the same time, and on the same shoals, greatly to the annoyance of the lessees, four
boats of Indians and half breeds were similarly occupied, tacking about the shoals, witl;
two trolling lines attached to each boat. 1 was told that in 1858, on the same shoalt^. ac
Equimico Indian in one day caught two hundred and fifty Trout of about the same weight
In October 1859, E. Boucher, of Vail's Point, in two hours caught, with trolling tiickk.
fifty-eight Trout. On the 27th of the same mouth, round and iutiongst tho islands at thi
entrance of the (Jeorgian Bay, Indians and half-breeds were catching, with the trolling lint
two to three barrels of Trout per day. In and about ( ■ollingwood harbour, and other plilc■t^
in the Georgian Bay, there would be capital Black Bass rod fishing but for the wholesait
slaughter in the spring, when the Bass run into tiie rushes to spjiwn ; in April 1850. 11?
Colhngwood harbor, ten to fifteen boats were engaged every night s|>oaring Black Bass.-
The spearing has also tended towards exterminating tht^ sjiecklod Trout in this neighbor
hood.

Gill-nets are in general use on these Jjakes, having an average sized mosli o( -V
inches stretched. .Vt Yeo Island, this season, one of the boats usi^d a 7 inch uichli. iiiii
.although not taking so many as the 5 inch mesh, the average cateli in weight vvn.s eciiu!

A

fol

/

Is

■

ni!

an
fot
frc

\

foi

>'•

for

'f

nia

at

art

BU

i pa

;|to
■! out

'W

i »niall l.slaud on
, rcscrvod by tlio

,ei'huron ; and la>i
cxt. season by thi
ore j^enonilly usvA,
t (run bo liad is thi
r <;lass ; the outfit
iri2S. On thi* 5tli
■viijritiir MO lbs cucli
ton Ijake Superior,
, and otber placLs,
shcrmen, and larp
ntvied.

y Indians and biilf-
-conibod sboals and
pursued, tisb of all

< ar(^ IVc((uontly so-
I owing to the blooJ
IS wt)uld bo };lad t'
ic vuriouH bands ol

iilly threat . I know
!, in one nigbt, tw
iu;ain their boat thrc(
? Orokor Indians tVc
r " for acres around
11, on the same shoal,
ind, couHe«{uenth
,uri>uud for a largi
J)ard spearing ha>
Lake Superior, it
liaui Post, with 3
i-f), over four mile-
out, averaging fivi
uld have filled lii-
oals between Hofm
ailroad spike lor ■<
I saw tlu^ fish iicx;
ed si xteen pouniK
oi' the lessees, fom
ut tbe shf)als, mtl
the same shoals, hl
it the same weiul;'
ith trolling tackk.
t tlie islands at tbi
th the trolling lint
ir, and other pliui-
t for the wholosai'
in April 1850. o?
ring Black Hass-
it ill this neighbor

siziHi moh <i( ■':
a 7 inch nio^h. ini-
jweiiiht was equa

On Luke Si

ipenor
Island, and other places,

88

G to 7A inches is a common sized mesh. Off Thunder Capo, Pic

ii

shed net

j^niay be used to advantage, as the large fish sell bi
^ During the season numbers of nets an; lost.

where the fish will run W and IT) to a barrel, a large most
?11 best.
Mig tJie sea.son numners 01 neis an; lost, or so entangled and torn as to he useless,
' and when the fish are " on," Lessees must have nets and barrels or miss tlu'ir best chance
■ for the sea.son, tliore being iu» place on these Lakes where a depot of either is kept, and
'• fro((U(!ntly in the midst of the "run" the lics-see has to leave his station, and wander about
for days and weeks till hi' finds nets and barrels. [ suggested to the Warden of the lle-
forniatory l^rison at J'eniitaiiguishene, that he should employ souu! of the pri.s()ncrs in
making nets and barrels suitable to these Lakiss ; both trades are easily and ((uiekly learnt
at very little outlay for "plant."

The nets made by machinery in the United States, and at Massclburgh in Scotland,

are .said not to be .so good as hand made nets. I could find a ready sale for a large yearly

supply ot nets and barrels. The greatest haul in <ull n(^ts that I liave heard of during the

'■ past season, was at ('ap(^ llich (Mr. Curtis,) of 7r4 Trout to liOOt* yards of net, and 600

; White Fi.sh to 1800 yards At this statu)n a fair haul to lliOO yards of net was considered

■ to be 250 to .'500 fish ; they arc now taking 150 to 250. At the Fishing Islands on the
voutsiile Shoals, on the 8th November last, five boats with 15 to 20 nets each, avoMged of
'? White Fish 10 barrels to each boat ; the same ])arties had previously taken on thesame Shoals

()(» to 70 barrels per boatof Trout. Aliout tbe same dat(? the Lessee of Itabbit Island, close to
Cape Ilurd, having lost nearly all of his nets, was fishing 4 nets at a time, and taking 00
to 80 trout, averaging 40 to a barrel at each " lift." At th(! I'^ishing Islands I leased to a

> half breed a small jiiece for Herring and gill net Cshery, between the seining grounds.
" He took 120 barrels in a few weeks within his own family. On the 7th (b^tober,

> S. IJoucher, at Vail's l^)iiit, with 700 yards took 250 trout. On the 2()th, off Hay Island,
'the Lessee took 235 trout to 8 nets ; :}0 fish to a net was considered a fair average take, off
' these Islands. At (Irand Portage, and off I'igeon River head-land, Jiuke Superior, in
» August, 1858, I saw numbers of Indians who were waiting for their presents go out in
; their canoes about 2 miles, some of them had not more than 100 yards of net — they would

.set in the evening and next morning bring in oO to 40 Trout, averaging 4 lbs each. Off
' Colliugwood, in November, the greatest haul was 5J 5 White Fish to ItiOO yards of net, and
;;: 282 trout to 1600 yards. They have made .several hauls thesi^ last few days of 100 to 180.

V Our harbor has been opensineethe 4th of April. In 1 857, on Ljike Superior, near St. Ignace
;« Island, Clarke, late pilot of the Rescue, with 2 men in 5 weekstilled 175 ]>arrel8 with Trout
; averaging 18 to a barrel. I have been informed that Strowger this last season on Captain

f Dick's ground, atMichipicoten Island, with 8 men in (j weeks took 700 barrels; these fish
.< would be worth, at least, S8 per barrel, being chiefly large red Trout.
4; With reference to the point of preservation on these Lakes, I think that under the

I present Fishery Act, and the addition of RuIch to totiilly abolish spearing (except on
■J grounds reserved for the Indians,) and the prohibition of trolling during the " spawning
|i time," the fish will not for many years ))ereeptibly decrease ; for, owing to the storms, honey-
'1 combed and inacossible shoals, tlit;re will be many places in all jiartsof Lakes Huron and
iS Superior, wh(!re fish of all kinds can spawn unmolested by (till Nets. If the netting,
I trolling, and spearing is allowed to be continued as at present, the fisheries, in a few years,
i;V will be destroyed. The fish will have no shoals where they can spawn undisturbed, and

■ the number of persons jmrsuing them will annually increase.

; Had it not been for the timely pa.ssage and enforcement of the Fishery Act, the

- Speckled or Rrook Trout in the neigbourliood of settlements, or steamboat communica-
.' tiou, would in a few years have become extinct. Within the last ten years, Speckled

V Trout were plentiful, and of large size in the Gei rgian Ray; they now are very scarce,
r and of very small size, in July and August, 1845, whilst engaged in surveying the pre-

.>:ent Town of Meaford, about 20 miles West of Colliugwood, situated on Rig' Head River,
■^; F kept a party of eight men for upwards of , six weeks, chiefly on iSpeckled Trout. 1 had
ij only 400 feet of net, ;md set close in shove on the North side of Rig Head River, near to
MJie present steamboat wharf It was placed in the evening and raised next morning. The
;^ take aveiMvod 10 to 1."/ ]»er Tiight, of an average weight of 2 lbs. each, some weighing 4

were

requentiy

"

flil'

;i' '(•

89

in that .stream. In May, l!S;")-, whilst survtyiii;;^ the Town I'lot nl' Tlutrnbiiry, iibuut 14
miles West (tf (!ollin}iW(i()(!, sitiiaffil mi Hoiivi-r Itivrr, I kcjit mysell'aiKi party for r)vor N
wcolcH, fliiofly on SpeikNiii Truiif i Ikivl' fakcn with a tly of iin tniiiiing in the first
rupids, to to r)(Mhs., wei};hiu^ 2, '■> uml Mh.s. eaeh. I have mmu Olrusteatrs son, (IX
yeurt* tild) .spear 1;') to Jf) Ih.s. per day (in dayli<:lit,) many ol'tliem weighing "> and H llt>
[n F^rotty River, Silver Creek, Blaek .\sh Creek, now within the limits of the Town oC
Collingwood, Sjieekled Trout weii' plentiful since th(! Railroad was opein-d. hi Mm]
River, which runs through Nottawasaga and Osprey, tln-y are still plentiful. In Demoniaii
River, Munit.oulin Island, ami other streams, thi'y are a I.^jo abundant. In (lardouund Root
Rivers, and various branches ol' the Sault Ste. Marie Rapids, and in the small creeks in the
Buy above the Rapids, they are still plentiful. The half-bjeeds and Indians with nets and
speurs tako large (luantities for the .Vmerican boats. I saw a string last season of about
40, averaging 1)' llix. eiivh, sold to the steward tjf the " iiorth Star" for HO cents per lbs ;
these had been taken in nets. On Lake Superior there are hundreds (d' creeks and .several
large Rivers full of Speckled Trout; (Current Rivcir, MeKenzie River, and various croek>
in Thunder Hay, near to Kort William, ('apt. Mick, of the "Rescue" has taken very
largo Speckled Trout in Current River. On the various Lakes {lit in number) on Michi-

{)icoton Islami, and a creek running into the (Quebec Harbor, they are plentiful, and of
arge size. In a creek m-ar t(» iMichipieoten Kort they are said to be numerous, and in
nearly all llu; streams from (iros Cap to Current River they abound. I have; been told bv
reliable parties — men who have been in the Ilud.son'.s Hay Com)»any's service for years —
that in the Rivers entering into IMack and .\ef»igon Rays, they are to be seen as large a>
the Salmon Trout, weighing 10 to 115 lbs. Three or four years ago, a ]>arty of Americans
from Rochester, came up to Beaver Rivir in the depth of winter, hired men and boys at
high rates of wages, for the [)urpo.se of catching Speckled Trout thntugli holes out in the
ice. They took away with them several sleigh loads. In IS;")", (Feb'y) I purchased at
Thorubury 82 lbs of Speckled Trout, taken by two men in 4 hours, thro' holes in the ice,
with pieces of veni.son for bait. I believe that if the hole is made over a school every fisli
will be taken. There is no sjtort or ingenuity of any kind re((uired ; but with a short
stick and 4 or 5 feet of string, a hook, and a piece of raw meat, they can be jerked out n>
fast as the bait can be replaced. It is generally said that the .saw dust from the mills i>
the cause of the destruction of Trout; this, however, cannot be the ease in Reaver Kivei
and many other steams, where they were once plentiful and now tire scarce. 1 attribute
their destruction principally to the spear, to netting the mouths of the streams, and the
want of Fish Ways to Dams. For two years in succession a small meshed net was kept
constantly across the mouth of Beaver River ; Pretty River, Big Head River, and Silver
('reek have also been netted.

In a mercantile point of view the Speckled Trout are not ol' much value, although on
Lake Superior I have seen them barreled with other fish ; but as regards the cxpenditurr
of money on our steamers amongst our boats and fishermen, half-breeds and Indians, sport.
amusement, attraction to strangers and tourists, I look upon their preservation as very im-
portant. I heard the landlord of the Chippewa House, at Sault Ste Marie, say that if it
was not for the Speckled Trout he must elo.sc his house. Our hotel keepers at (Jolling-
wood also know the importance of the Speckled Trout fishery. Parties of wealthy men
from all parts of the States, annually visit our waters tor this sport alone, and remain for
weeks and months, sjicnding tlieir money freely on our steamboats and at our hotels, S^c.
and hiring our boats and fishermen at high wages. Spearing, undni! netting, and hobbinj:
in the ice, injure the .streams m this neiglibourhood so much, that tlie total destruction of
Speckled Trout was imminent ; and immediately aftei' the passing of the Fishery Act, sonic
of the settlers on Beaver River and some of oiir people in (Vdlingwood, formed a Fishing;
Protection Society, and during the last st^ason their increase was noticed.

Having already addressed to the I)ei)artinent several special Reports on tiie subject nl'
the coasting trade, and sniuggliiigover tbescLaktJs, [need not further en large thereupon. The
husiness of fishing, trading and .smuggling have hitherto gone hand in hand together. II'
there was no revenue derived fnmi the leasing system on Lakes Superior and Huron, tlir
pcotection and encouragement given to our own lisherihen and traders by the presence
of a Government boat and crew would fully justify the attendant expense. I beg leave to

1?

^1

rj-, al)out I \
/ for ov(!r ^

ill the firMt
d'.s «()ii, ( \'\

") mid <i II •>
till! Town (il
•d. In Ma<i
111 Dotiioiiiuli

d(M)UII<l llodt

crooks ill the
with nets luifl
ison of about
^ents per 11»> :
:s and several
[irious creek-
IS taken very
er) on Michi-
itiful, and oi'
aM'oiis, and in
) been told bv
•e lor years —
:n as larf^e m-
of Anierieaiis
n and boys at
lies cut in the
purchased at
lies in the ioc
[lool every fisli
t with a short
jerked out a-
III the mills is
Beaver River
. 1 attribute
lanis, and the
net was kept
r, and Silver

!, althfiugh on
|e expenditure
Indians, sport,
nil as very in\-

say that if it
is at ('oUinfr-

wealthy men
liid remain for

ir hotels, ^c.
and bobbin;:
llestruction of

'ry Act. sonic

lied a Fishiiii:

Itlie subject "I'
lereiijion. Th<
Itoji^ether. It
Huron, the
the presence
beg leave t"

90

M^^c the necessity of more efteetnully repressiiifj; the practice of smuf^pliup on those watcrrt,
-io unjust to Ounudiau dealers, and injurious to thepopulutions. If a proper check was put
upon Hueh illicit traffic, if would cause a hirj;e and active Canadian trade to spriuu; up, pe-
culiarly benelieial to tho steamers running from (.'olIiiij;wood to Hault Sto Marie and Ijake
Superior, to tho Northern Hailroad, and of vast importance to the City of Toronto. Ves-
sels would bo started from the Ports (»f Sariiia, Oodorieh, Sauf^een, Owen Sound, Collins-
wood and l*eiiet«nj;uishene, dealiiij; principally with Canadian Merchants, and hrinj^inj^
into Canada Ports the produ(!e of Lakes Superior and Huron, which now finds its way to
l>(!troit and otluu* Ports on the American side.

I have, during the past season, on all occasions when within a reasonable distance,
visited the light house keep(irs, and fre(|nently been <d' service to them. On one occasion,
(Sept. 5th) during tho longest and most severe gale of the season, I was instrumental in
saving one of tho light-house keepers, his wife, boy and assistant fnmi starvation, although
within a short distance of the main land. I allude to Chantry Island, opposite Saugecn.
I found them without a particle of food, no means ol' reaching tho shore, and no prospect
of being able to communicate with tho people of Saugeen. On the day I was there 2 mea
and 2 women were drowned within a few miles, going into J'ort Elgin, in a large Mackinaw
boat. Tho Saugoen fishermen who have splendid sea-boats, did not lift their nets for 9
days during this gale, and no small boat dare venture out. The now Light Houses are
highly (fulogized by the American Captains ol" the Collingwood and Chicago Lino. Of au
ordinarily clear night, the Isle of Coves and ('ollingwood revolving lights can be seen
from 24 to 30 miles. If a light was built on the outer Duck Island, a Steamer on tho
Collingwood and Chicago rtmte, would scarcely at any time be out of range of a light. 1
am aware of .several instances in which tho Light House Keepers have been of material as-
sistance to our lessees. Tho Isle oi' Coves Light House is a rendezvous for the lessees be-
tween Capo Crokor and the Duck Islands. The lights have been kept up in a very efficient
manner during the past season. Three Light Houses are much needed ou Lake Superior,
and two on tho North Channel, or tho Channel between the Manitouliu Island and the
North Shore. Tho Collingwood and Sault Ste Mario Line of Boats always follow this route,
and during the fall the Chicago Lino also, being a sheltered navigation upwards of 150
miles.

My journal will show the number of times I have visited each station on thc^c Lakes ;
the distances so travelled being as follows : — in opou boat, 5,712 miles; by steamer,
2,294 miles ; by railroad, 1,555 miles ; and 99 miles by stage, making in all 9,660 miles of
travel. I have also attended 22 public meetings, — received 341 letters and written reports
and answers to tho number of 440, — filled and entered (describing metes and bounds
of stations and courses, and distances of lines) 303 leases, inclusive of duplicates and
triplicates for Indian bauds and Local Superintendents in charge. Among the letters
written were numerous special reports to tho Crown Lands Department, regarding the
Fi.shories, the Laws, Smuggling, Revenue, Indian Affairs, and the Mineral and Agri-
cultural capabilities of tho lauds around these lakes. I made a survey and plan of part of
the coast with soundings near the proposed terminus of the Red River Road, on Lake Su-
perior. I also made a diagram of soundings and points of the Quebec Harbor, Michipi-
coten Island, and laid down buoys, and the same off Gros Cap, at the request of the Cap-
tain of the '' Rescue." Since I laid up the boat, I have been constantly in the office
from 10 A. 31., until 5 P. M., up to date, and have not received the slightest aid or
assistance from any person, except in tho copying out of some notices by Mr. Moore,
in the early part of the season, at Sault Ste. Marie.

In the discharge of my duties this season, with the exception of 12 days work at va-
rious times, I was absent from home, from the 4th May until the 29th November. The
ureater portion of the Leases, and a large number of the letters and reports were written at
the various fishing stations. I have received much aid from the undermentioned Govern-
ment officers : A. McNabb, Crown Lands Agent at Saugeen ; R. Carney, Stipendiary Ma-
gistrate at the Sault Ste. Mario; J. McWatt, Collector of Customs at Collingwood; P.
t'erguson, Deputy Collector at Collingwood ; S. S. Walsh, at Goderich; William Simpson,
at Penetanguishene, and R. Mclntosli, at Kincardine, and from Captain Rowan, of the
>=ieamer " Islander," Captain Dick, of the '< Rescue," and Mr. Wright, of the steamboat

^m\k^

l^f

91

Is

ii^i

'' Ploughboy." And I have invariably been kindly^receivcd by the officers of the Hud-
sv'p's Bay Company, at their respective posts on Lakes Huron and Superior.

In cuncluding this Report, ] state plainly, that with the class of half-civilized people
[ have to deal with on these Lakes, over an extent of coast-line equal to 4,000 miles in one-
direction, and with a large majority of our leasees residing at stations remote from law
and redress, that I cannot protect our fisheries from encroachment^ — our lessees from depre-
dations, annoyau'"! and trespass, unless 1 am clothed with powers of summary jurisdic-
tion similar to P. Fortiu, Esquire, in Lower Canada. F have during the season reported
many instances strongly corroborative of this statement, and the last case reported regard-
ing the willful trespass upon the lessee of Michipicoten Harbor, in L«ke Superior, despite
the notice from the lessee, is a very strong one.

f have the honor to be,

(Signed,) WILLIAM GIBIJARI),

Overseer of Fisheries for La ken
Huron and Superior.
The Hon. Commissioner
of Crown Lands.
&e., &e., &c.,

APPENDIX, No. 32.
REPORT OF THE Superintendent of Fisheries for Lower Canada, 1859.

,.it

Office of the Superintendent op Fisheries,

Quebec, December 31st, 185S.
The Honorable Comnmsioiier of Croion Laiuh.

Sir, — In relation to my operations in the River and Gulf of St. Lawrence during last
season I have the honor to report :

I left Quebec on the 27th May, my first point of destination being the Saguenay
River District.

The principal fishery at the mouth of the Saguenay is the Tadousac Salmon Fishery,
generally yielding from 1,400 to 1,500 fish. Previous to the present system being adopted,
it had been fished by the Hudson's Bay Company, and was one of their posts for trading
in furs and fish.

Having understood that they had sold the?r nets and "what right they had to the
fishery" to Mr. Thomas Simai'd of Murray Bay, I had notified him by letter that no ar-
rangement that he might make with the Company with regard to the fishery would be re-
cognized, and that it would be necessary for him to obtain a license from the Superintend-
ent of Fisheries. On my arrival I found Mr. Simard in occupation ; and having understood
that he had made arrangements with the Company in ignorance, I consented to accept from
him the amount he had agreed to give the Company ($200) tho', I gave him plainly to
understand it would give him no prior claim to the next season's occupation, inasmuch as
an offer of a' much larger sum (S?500 for the station) had been tendered to me.

Having arranged all things satisfactorily with Mr. Simard, I proceeded to lay off the
different stations along the shore, in such a manner that no one Fishery should interfere
with another, and also with a view to make each station productive.

Most of the fishermen along the Saguenay are poor men ; I therefore considered it
advisable to charge them a mere nominal sum for their license certificates ; each of these
Stations will, in a short time, become of much greater value ; and they will then be able
to pay something more for their licenses, and will, at the same time reap a rich harvest
from a system which, I venture to tissert, cannot be surpassed.

June 2nd. — Crossed the St. Lawrence to Riviere du Loup, and then by steamer to
Quebec.

June 10th. — Left Quebec for Rimouski and the Gulf; crossed from Rimouski to God-
bout River ; marked out the net and fly fishing division for the lessees, and put Mr. Al-
fred Blais (who had been recommended by Mr. Cbapais, M. P. P.) in charge as "fishery

X

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d2

i' the liud-

ce duriu" last

y steamer tn

».

■■-i

i
I

i

overseer," with instructions to see that the requirements of the Fishery Act, aod con-
ditions of the lease were fulfilled.

According to the terms of the lease, possession could not be had of the Hudson's
Bay buildings, till the 15th November, but on my arrival T found that the Agent, (Mr.
McKenzie), was preparing to leave the station, and he very kindly gave the lessee of the
Godbout, (Mr. Holiday), permission to occupy the house and stores.

June IG. — Left Godbout and proeooded along the coast, issuing licenses tosuch parties
as had fisheries along the shores. In Trinity Bay, settled a dispute between some of the
fishermen in relation to their stations, and found the men without exception, not only
satisfied, but well pleased to take licenses, as it secured them a^raiust all other parties, who
might otherwise plant their nets so as to destroy the fishery.

While at Trinity Bay, application was made to me by Mr. Morin, Notary, on behalf
of J. Maclure, for a fishery at Isle de Caribo. It appeared that a brother of the applicant
had died, and that they wished to force the widow to give up possession. T told the
Notary that I would make myself conversant with the facts of the case, before granting a
license, consccjuently, a few days after (having been delayed by most terriffic weather at
Trinity Bay), I started for Isle de Caribo ; ascertained the merits of the case, and found
that the widow was still desirous of continuing the fishery, and wished to obtain a license
for that purpose, which I accordingly granted her.

Isle de Caribo appears admirably adapted for a Salmon Fshery station, and in a short
time by guarding all the rivers, this and many others will become very valuable stations.
I found at this place a family of Indians, (Antoine Vallin), who appeared by their indus-
trious habits to have made themselves a comfortable home. From all parties I heard of
their industry and integrity, which had been nvinccd on two occasions during shipwreck,
and of the great assistance they had been to the shipwrecked and drowning crew. The
old man had had for a long time a Salmon Fishery station, and I consequently granted him
a license at a nominal rate. To his son, also, I granted a licence to fish at the mouth of
the little Trinity river, an inconsiderable stream below Isle de Laribo.

Left Caribo and proceeded along the coast, — towards evening we were obliged to come
to an anchor in the Calumet river, the wind having died away, where my Indians told m*"
a considerable quantity of Salmon were formerly taken.

Tuesday, June 21st, 4 a. m. — Left the Calumet river and proceeded to the Pente-
cost, but after a few hours was obliged to return, a heavy wind and tide being dead against
us. Explored the Calumet river for some distance, found the remains of a house that had
been occupied by some fishermen, also a smoke house, used I presume forsmoking Salmon.
This must evidently have been a good Salmon river, but I suppose the spear has destroyed
it, as the Indians told me they used to spear Salmon in it. In the evening a fox and bear
came out on the beach. The Indians went in pursuit, and in about an hour returned with
the bear across their shoulders.

June 22nd, A. M. — Wind still continued to blow heavy from the east with heavy
rain ; not able to leave the Calumet. 2 p. M. — Walked a few miles along the shore to-
wards English Point; found two nan from Green Island fishing for Salmon and sea Trout
opposite Egg Island. They had not been very successful, granted them a license.

June 23, G A. M. — Wind lulled, made preparation to leave the Calumet ; sent back
the boat to Trinity Bay by Pierre Vallin ; and started oflF in canoe, surf very heavy.

' 2 p. M. — Arrived at the Pentecost river after a long and dangerous journey ; the
canoe being too heavily laden ; had no opportunity of exploring this tine river, but under-
stood there are few or no Salmon in it, from some local cause ; I believe the clay deposits.
It is a beautiful river and looks in every respect well adapted for Salmon ; formerly large
quantities of sea Trout were taken, but the river has been destroyed by seining.

Left the Pentecost river, and proceeded towards the Cawees ; here there is a very
good Cod fishery establishment ; arrived at a log hut near Isle de Mai, where from its ap-
pearance I think there could be a very excellent Salmon Fishery establishment. June 24,
6, A. M. — Heavy fog with rain, got under weigh and proceeded onward amid thick fog and
mist, very dangerous canoeing ; not knowing where to go, being unable to see the length
of the canoe ahead, amid deeply indented bays and creeks.

10 A. M. — Weather clear, and being able to see our way proceeded to the Little Mar-

12

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98

3!

guerite, where wc arrived at 1.30. At the moutli of this small river 1 perceived shoals of
young Salmon fry ; at 2.30 arrived at the Marguerite and found Joseph Langlois, Antoine
Blais, and Joseph Vallin, Indian, Salmon fishing. Thoy had very little success ; granted
licenses to each at nominal rates, as they had been so unl'ortunatc.

June 25th. — Left the Marguerite in a boat owned by an Indian, the weather being too
rough for a canoe, and started lor Seven Isbuids, where wc arrived at 2 F. M. Mr. McKeu-
lie stated that he had been at the ftloisic a day or two before ; tl.ot Captain Fortin had not
arrived, and that the Fishermen would not give up the river to Mr. Holiday. I had hoped
that Captain Fortin had arrived long before, but heiiring he hud not I immediately started
for the Moisic ; but the weather becoming calm was obliged iigain to take to canoe, and pro-
ceeded onward to about half way to Moisic ; left the ciikh' on the shore and walked the re-
mainder of the distance (about nine miles,) and arriviid at the Moisic river about!) P. M.;
found that the ''Cauadienne" had arrived the same evening, and that Captain Fortin had
gone up the river to order the men off from the fishing stations. Friday, June 20th. — Fine
weather ; visited some of the stations ; Ibund that there were nearly as many stands of nets
as there were last year.

Monday, June 27th, 1) A. M. — Measured off the boundary on the seaboard to constitute
Mr. Holiday's limit (one mile on each side of the river); notified the parties who had nets
within the limits to remove them. 31r. Holiday informed me that immediately on his
arrival he had sent written notifications to the parties who were fishing, that he was lessee
of the river, and that he expected them to remove their nets; but that they would not do
80 without some direct authority.

Tuesday, June 28th. — Fine weather ; visited the different fishing stations; notified
the owners of the schooners that they were not, on any consideration, to throw the ofl'al in
the river ; examined into the matter of Guiniette, Maturin and Talbot, who had written to
the Commissioner, requesting permission to continue their fishery in the river. I found
that the houses they had mentioned as having built were not worth $10 each, and as re-
gards the places where they had set their nets, I found there had been nine stands of nets
set where certainly not more than three stands of nets should have been placed ; and in
relation to the applicunt Guimette, 1 could find that no such person was on the river, but,
on further inquiry, I ascertained that he was a shopkeeper at Cap St. Ignace, and who, for
appearance sake, I presume, had sent his son, a bey of about 15 years of age, to the Moisic
this season, with the other applicants ; and I much fear that the system generally in vogue
is for the merchant or shopkeeper to tit out the fisherman, and one can well understand
who would reap the benefit from the fishery.

It is much to be regretted that neither Captdn Fortin nor myself were enabled to put
the lessee in possession of the river Moisic at the commencement of the fishing season, for
most of the parties who had formerly fished this river had (notwithstanding the Govern-
ment notice of the lease of the Salmon rivers) gone over from Gaspe, Bonaventure, and the
South Shore, and were in occupation on our arrival, and though tliey quietly took up their
nets when requested to do so, they had occupation of the river two-thirds of the whole
fishing season, and (Ja^pard IMaturin (who had a schooner at the Moisic) took upwards of
150 barrels of Salmon (the produce of the fisheries) to the Quebec markets, the value of
which the Government or the lessee must sustain ; for, I could scarcely recommend a pro-
secution of the fishermen ; who, as I said before on being officially notified took up their
nets, though they arc to be censured for occupying the river after seeing the Government
notices regarding the leasing of the Moisic and other Salmon rivers.

Appointed Mr. Hugh Chisholm Fishery Overseer for the District from Seven Islands to
Mingan river, and gave him the necessary instructions regarding his duties.

Made arrangements with Captain Fortin for a division of our duties, so that there
would be no necessity for our occupying the same field of labour.
Canadienne got under weigh for the Labrador and lower ports.
Wednesday, June 29th. — Proceeded up the river to lay off the boundary between the
netting and fly fishing divisions. 1. P. M., — Arrived at the camping ground of Messr?.
Bacon and Williams, the lessees of the fly fish-,ug limits, (17 miles from the mouth of the
river). The nets having been taken up (and Mr. Holiday being busy in preparing his nets)
the nsb had a clear run for a few days and shoals of enormous Salmon were constantly pas-

i

^i

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i

I

i

ved shoala of
jlois, Antoine
cess ; granted

ther being too

Mr. McKeu-
L^'ortin had not

I had hoped
diatcly started
uanoe, and pro-
walked the re-
bout y P. M.;
lin Fortin had
10 2(>th.— Fine
1 stands of nets

I'd to constitute
s who had nets
ediatoly on his
it h(! was lessee
y would not do

ations; notified
row the offal in
I had written to
river. 1 found
sach, and as re-
; stands of nets
placed; and in
[1 th»! river, but,
and who, for I
to the Moisic
erally in vogue
understand

enabled to put
ms, season, for
the Govern-
uture, and the
took up their
of the whole
upwards of
the value of
immend a pro-
took up their
e Croverument

non Islands to

so that there

y between the
nd of Messrs.
mouth of the
raring his nets)
constantly pas-

94

sing upwards. There have been such a stock of breeding Salmon in the Moisic this
season, that in a few years the catch will be more than doubled.

Heavy rains having set in, I was therefore unable to define the upper limits of the
river. I shall endeavor to explore the Moisic at some future occasion, as it is a most valu-
ftblc river.

On juy return to the Post, in formation was laid before me by the Fishery Overseer, to
the efl'ect that l)omini(jue Lepage (one of the Codfishermcn) had been throwing fish offal
in the river, though he had been warned not to do so. Summoned the offender and con-
victed him on confession of judgement.

It will be neessary that the Superintendent of Fisheries should have authority to de-
One the anchorage ground for the numerous schooners that frequent the Moisic and other
rivers, for though it would possibly bo a haidship to prevent them from anchoring in the
rivers, yet due care should be taken that they do uh little injury as possible.

Numerous applications have been made to me for lots of land for fishing purposes, for,
though the Act permits the oci.'upation uf the unoccupied wild lands for carrying on the
fisheries, yet, at certain places where the uien congregate to cure their fish, dispuies arise
as to occupation ; some wishing to hold more land than they can directly use, while others
are put to inconvenience from not having enough.

Having proceeded up the river, T temporarily laid off the net from the fly fishing Umita;
giving each of the lessees a letter describing the limits assi,j;ned to each party. I now
gave final instructions to thi^ Overseer, and on the Hth July left the river Moisic and
crossed to the South Shore, landed at Cape Chatte, and from thence proceeded to St. Anne
des .Monts.

The inhabitants along the shore are all (more or less) engaged in the Cod fishery, the
principal parties being .Mr. LelJoutillier, Mr. Lamontagne, and Mr. Lesperance.
These houses generally employ a large number oi' boats, and likewise purchase from the
fishermen gejierally. The (!ateh along the J)istriet has been very successful ; Mr.
LcBoutillier alone secured above 'JOOO quintals of CVid fish ; the others in proportion.

The St. Anne and ('ape Chatte llivers are well adapted for Salmon, and in a short time
they will be very valuable. The catch in these rivers is not large, but it only requires a
little care to be taken to prevent spearing, and a due observance of netting to cause them
once more to abound in salmon.

There is no Mill Dam on the St. Anne's, though on the little St Anne's (a mill
stream) there is one belonging to Mr. Sasseville, but on which I told him for the present
there is no necessity for building a Salmon pass. Cape Chatte River is well adapted for
Salmon, and a great many are taken in it, though none in comparison to what ought to be
caught on this river. There is a Mill Dam about eight miles from the mouth, which I
visited. 1 I'ound this a most niagnifieeiit river, and when the impediment of the Dam is
overcome, the fish hav<i u clean run of some twenty mi'es, with good spawning ground.
The man at the mill informed mo that he had that day seen swarms of Salmon at the pool
near the foot of the Dam, but 1 was sorry to hear that the people along the banks (princi-
pally squatters) were in the habit of fishing with flambeau and spear.

Hired a pilot boat and proceeded towards Matane ; passed several vessels Mackerel
fishing. Arrived at Matane and found several nets in the river ; ordered them to be taken
out. This is also a very valuable river, as the fish have a clean run of above 30 miles
without any impediment, savD the .Mill Dam at the mouth.

The ow )r, Mr. Hradley, had, after frc(|ucnt notice given him, built a fishway, but
from letters I have received from the residents, it is not built in accordance with the model
»nd is, therefore, of little or no utility.

From Matane proceeded to Metis, visited the lilaiiche and Tartigo, (intermediate
rivers) and also the Mill Damson the Metis, one belonging to Mr Price, the other to
the Hon. Mr. Tessier. Hetwe>'n two and three miles up this river there is a very high
Kail, but between the Mills and the Fall thore 's some very tine spawning ground for
Salmon.

Left Metis for llimouski. and having visited this place in the Spring, I did not go
up the river. 1 found that one man, a notorious poacher, had been at his old practices,
that he had killed a large quantity of Salmon with the spear, but that he had been sum-
moned and convicted ; he has since absconded.

lir

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96

ill ■■ :;li, ;.[r

Left Rimouski in the steamer Saguenay, and arrived at Quebec on Tuesday, July 9th
Having heard that some people were spearing in the Jacques Cartier river, I drove out for
the purpose of ascertaining vho the parties were that were breaking the law ; called on Mr.
Langevin, (who resided during the summer at the river) and was told by him that he had
heard there had been spearing carried on, but that he could give me no direct information.

Called on the Dubes, who I suspected were some of the parties who had been spear-
ing, and cautioned them of the punishment that would bo inflicted on them should they
again be convicted of spearing salmon, and [am sure that nothing but the severest penalty
will stop them from such evil practices.

Found that during my absence from Quebec H. Atkinson, Esq., had finished the fish-
way on his Mill Dam, at the Etchemiii river, so that we may hope to find that river soon
Btocked with Salmon as it was formerly, there having been an excellent Salmon Fishery at
the mouth of the river, previous to the Mill Dam being built.

August 10th, left Quebec for Green Island to examine the Mill Dam on the river. —
Served Mr. Bertrand with a notice to build a fishway, which he promised to do immediate-
ly. Drove to Riviere du Loup, examined the Mill Dam on the river, the whole of the water
being left off; the immense height of the Dam will cause an outlay of at least $200 in the
construction of a fishway. 1 have hitherto declined prosecuting the proprietor, as he in-
tended addressing the Department, praying to be relieved from building the same.

Having been informed, on my arrival at Quebec, (by Mr. Doucett, Clerk of the Peace)
that two persons from the Saguenay had been convicted by Mr. Radford, Magistrate at
I'Ance a I'Eau, for spearing salmon in the river St. John, and that in default of paying the
penalty imposed by law, they had been sent to the Quebec gaol ; but that from some cause
the men had been liberated from prison, under a writ of Habeas Corpus.

Knowing that Mr. Radford at all times exercised great care in the discharge of his
Magisterial duties, and as he had written to mc on the subject, I waited on the Judge who
had ordered the discharge of the prisoners, and proved to him that there was no error on
the part of the convicting Magistrate, and thi't his whole proceedings had been in accord-
ance with the law.

I regret to say that much evil has arisen from the disch'irge of these men, (who were
notorious spearers j they had often been cautioned that they were breaking the law, but
they were determined to brave it.) They returned to the Saguenay district, stated that
there was no law against spearing, and it happening that a large party of Indian.' being
then at the Saguenay, they immediately commenced spearing on the different rivers, and
the consequence has been great destruction of Salmon from the use of the vile spear ; and
as regards the men (Delaires) who had escaped punishment, the convicting Magistrate
wrote me that unless they were punished, iimre would be no use in attempting to deter any
others. I therefore went down to the Saguenay, went up to the river St. John's, and obtain-
ed sufficient evidence to convict them of another breach of the law. I therefore summon-
ed the parties, who, with great humility, attended the Court, confessed their guilt, and on
their expressing contrition and promising never to offend again, I fined them in the mini-
mum penalty, the complainant remitting his share of the tine and costs. The conviction
of these men had a very salutary effect, for, as before stated, the inhabitants, seeing them
return from gaol, naturally conceived that there was no law to prevent them from spearing ;
and thus, it was absolutely necessary that they should be punished and th<i dignity of the
law upheld, as also to shew others that the Act was a reality. I would also suite that the
counsel for the prisoners, (in Quebec) when he found that he had been misled by the men,
and that there had been no error in the conviction, wrote to the men, cautioning them not
to commit a like offence, and indeed did all he could to remedy the evil that had been com-
mitted.

Francois Bouillianne, of St. Catherines, had been summoned by Mr. Radford for a
breach of the fishery law, but had treated the matter with contempt. I went over to the
Bay of St. Catherines, found he had a trout net set tor catching Salmon, caused the same
to be removed, and had him served with a summons for breach of law.

Oa the day appointed to try the case, defendant did not make his appearance, but
having heard from good authority that he was absent from his home for ;some time, even
prior to the service of the summons, I declined to proceed cr pnrtr, mul hold the mattef
over to a future occasion.

I

y, July 9th
[rove out for
ailed on Mr.
that he had
information.
I been spear-
should they
erest penalty

;hed the fish-
lat river soon
on Fishery at

the river. —
lo immediate-

of the water
t $200 in the
3t()r, as he in-
nie.

of the Peace)
Magistrate at

of paying the
)m some cause

schargo of his
be Judge who
3 no error on
een in accord-

ou, (who were
the law, but
ict, stated that
Indian.' being
nt rivers, and
le spear ; and
g Magistrate
to deter any
s, and obtain-
fore summon-
guilt, and on
iu the mini-
he conviction
, seeing theiu
[rom spearing ;
lliguity of the
state that the
by the men.
iiig them not
ad been (.'(im-

ladford for a
It over to the
ised the same

pearanee, but
lie time, even
Id the mattef

96

There is no part of the whole coast where so much opposition to the law has been ex-
perienced as in the district around the river Sa-ruenay, owing, I fear, to the ill advice the
poor illiterate men receive from those from whom we might expect better things, and who,
mstead of being friends to the fishermen, are in reality their worst enemies.

Having arranged matters at the Saguenay, J returned to Quebec, and during the few
days there visited the L..kos and Rivers in the vicinity. In the lliver St. Charles there
has been a good many Salmon taken this season ; great injury has been done this river this
season from persons killing the young ^;«/- and smo/t. Some protection must be afibrdcd to
the young Salmon or the river can never bocunu; well stocked with fish.

It is not generally known that the young Salmon smolt return to the river the ensuing
season Grilse from 31bs. to 4tbs. weight. How satisfactory it would be to find that the River
St. Charles could produce c ough Salmon to supply the wants of the city, and most assu-
redly it will if due care be taken to prevent the destruction of the young Fry, Par and
Smolt.

Having received information that certain gentlemen wore Sal, n fishing on the St.
Anne's lliver, (after close season), I sent to a.scertain if the iufoDa stion I had received
was true; the parties were caught in the act of fishing, they had hooked two Salmon ; upon
receiving the report of the parties I had sent down, I immediately issued summonses against
them, and they, knowing it was useless to defend the case, confessed judgment, and were
convicted and paid the penalty.

Saturday, September 17th. — Left Quebec in steamer Ludj/ Ileud for Gaspt' and Baie
de Chalour; arrived at Gaspe Basin at 9 P. M.

Gaspe Bay and Basin, second only on this coast to the Bale de Chaleur, receives the
waters of three fin J Salmon rivers, the Dartmouth, the York, and the St. John's, which
formerly abounded with large quantities of Salmon ; latterly, from injudicious netting and
spearing, the Salmon Fisheries have been nearly destroyed ] so much so, that the fishermen
had forsaken the fisheries on their own shores, and had frequeut<'l most of the rivers on
the North Shore, where, I am sorry to say, they were following tiie same destructive prac-
tices which had so much injured the fisheries on the South Shore.

Happily this evil has been put a stop to iu a great mensure. Gasp6 and
Bonaveuture, together with portions on the North Shore, have been divided into Dis-
tricts over which overseers have been appointed. The main object to bo kept in view is,
the increase of the Salmon Fisheries, which can only be brought about by a system of judi-
cious netting, and the abolition of the spear and drag nets.

Monday, September 19th. — Examined the beach lots at Gaspe for which applications
have been made, (and reported on the same in my letter of the 20th to the Department).
The person who had been appointed to oversee at Gaspe Basin (including the York and
Dartmouth rivers) having accepted another situation, this station had been without an
overseer till 1st August.

I have every reason to believe that^the Indiaus have been selling speared Salmon to
one or more of the shop-keepers at this place. The party is known to me, tho' the evi-
dence would not be clear enough to convict him : I shall, however ,||eause him to be narrow-
ly watched.

The " Canadienne" arrived at Gaspe while 1 was there ; had some conversation with
Captain Fortin, to whom I had sent a license book early in the season, for the purpose of
granting the necessary licenses to the fishermen. Captain Fortin had acted with ^reat
judgement in granting the licenses in this district. The inhabitants were fully convinced
that the system was adopted for the preservation of the fisheries. Ultimately they will be
the gainers in the increased value of the fishing stations, from an abundant supply of fish.

Having arranged all matters at Gasp6, I proceeded onward to the Baie de Chaleur;
visiting and giving the necessary instructions to the over.seers at Douglastown, Mai Baie,
Pabos, and Port Daniel.

On my arrival at New (,'arlislc 1 was informed that Mr. Hamilton had been purchai?-
ing speared Salmon from the Indians, lie had left home for Quebec the morning of my
arrival. I gave instructions to the Overseer to obtain, if possible the necessary evidence
to convict Mr. Uumiliiiu of the offence. I also requested Mr. Martel (advocate) to con-
duct the prosecution should he find the evidence (that would be laid before him by the
overseer) snfiicieut to obtain a conviction.

97

■>

-((

«

From New Carlisle I procficdcd onward to Bonaventurc and New Richmond, the dis-
trict of Mr. Ralph Diiuock, a most efficient overseer, who had exercised so much diligence
in his official du*y as to have prosecuted and convicted several parties for illegal fishing
in the Cascapedia and Bonaventurc Rivers. He had also seized two barrels of speared
Salmon from Indians and others?, (which 1 have given to two charitable institutions in this
city : the Finlay Asylum and Sisters of Charity or Grey Nuns). The energy and determi-
nation he had evinced in the discharge of his duty will doubtless deter others from like
offences in the future.

One general complaint was the evil that has arisen Irom permitting the Indians to
spear Salmon for their own use. In the; Hale de Chaleur above -iOO barrels have been taken,
and conveyed across the New Brunswick sideol' the river and sold.

The Grand Cascapedia is a most valuable Salmon river, and ought to yield from 500 to
600 barrels annually. The great yield of certain parts of the Bay in former times exceods
belief. At Maguasha Point above 7000 barrels have been taken annually by one person.

The overseer having informed me that he had seized some speared Salmon from the
Indians, and desiring my instructions in relation to prosecuting the parties, I desired him
to act in accordance with the regulations I V.ad previously sent him, and to niake no dis-
tinction of persons. After my departure I was glad to find that he had convicted the
parties before H. Mandersen, J. V., and Captain Fortitj, who arrived at the river at this
juncture. Leaving the Cascapedia I drove on to the Maria and Nouvelle districts, in charge
i-espectively of Finlay Cook and E. McEwen. These districts were formerly very valuable,
and yielded an abundance of salmon. For the first time for niany years there has been a
tolerable catch of salmon in the Baie .^ ('haleur and Ristigouche. The causes that have
led to the increase of Salmon in this locality this season, are two-fold ; the first arising from
the partial protection that has been afforded, but more particularly it arises from the fact
that the fishery had been brought to so low an ebb, that it has been considered by the
Indians useless to go up the rivers to spear; hence, for these few years past there has been
comparatively little spearing in the Ristigouche and the tributaries, in consequence of which
the fish have spawned in safety, and thus the inhabitants have reaped a tolerably rich har-
vest this season.

The produce of forty salmon (if permitted to spawn in safety) in any river, must give
a return of 2,000 barrels annually. It is a pity ^hat the history of the Salmon is not more
generally known, for it would induce a beHer care of so valuable a fi^h.

So great has been the abuse of the privilege granted to the Indians, and so glaring
has been the evil, that I may with safety say that at the least 200 barrels of Salmon have
been speared by them in the Baie de Chaleur, and sold to the shopkeepers at Campbell-
town and Dalhousie, wticre unfortunately, at the present, there is no law to prevent the
sale of speared Salmon.

There is nothing tojjustify th«! Indians in spearing Salmon, particularly in the Baie de
Chaleur and the Ristigouche, for they have excellent farms, large grants of the best lands,
and every thing to render them comfortable. Why then should they be permitted to
destroy valuable public property ?

The inhabitants along the shore, both of Canada and New Brunswick, wer( loud in
their denunciations of the great abuse that has taken place, and with the exception of a
few shopkeepers, they all requested me to put a stop to spearing by Indians or any others.
In my intercoirse with the people of New Brunswick, I found a strong desire to co-operate
in the preservation of the fisheries, and they would gladly adopt siiriiar laws to our own.
So much do they now ace the necessity of it, that the gentleman that owns the largest
Salmon Fisheries on the Ristigouche, wrote to the New Brunswick government stating that
he would willingly pay a license fee if the government would adopt a similar system to that
of Canada ; others are desirous of doing the same thing, and it is very pleaeing to find
that the Fishery Ac* of Canada is thought worthy of being copied by the sister Colony.

I am aware, also, that it is the desire of the New Brunswick government to co-operate
with Canada as regards her fishery laws.

During fhc iast Session, a Cou.mittee of the House did me the honor to write mo on
the 8 ubjec*., and had it not been that the House closed earlier than usual, doubtless similar
laws would have been adopted.

98

the dis-
iligcnce
fishing
speared
i in this
letcrmi-
rom like

dians to
jn taken,

lu 500 to
I exceeds
person,
from the
ired him
e no dis-
(cted the
iT at this
in charge
valuable,
tas been a
hat have
sing from
n the fact
ed by the
J has been
c of which
V rich har-

must give
not more

so glaring
uion have
Campbell -
Icvent the

le Bale de
test lands,
Emitted to

H loud in
Ltion of a
Ly others,
fco-opcrate
lour own.
|ie largest
atingthat
Li to that
Ig to find
"polony,
jo- operate

tc mo on
Is similar

The Honorable Mr. Hamilton and other gentlemen, members of the Council, and
Assembly of New Brunswick, have promised to do all they can as soon as the House meets,
to as.similate their laws to our own, indeed it had been my intention to have waited on the
members of the government and to have submitted to them the importance of the matter ;
having told Mr. Hamilton that I thought of doing so, he immediately gave me a letter of
introduction to the Provincial Secretary, but, conceiving it would be prudent to consult
and take connsel with you, 1 decided on deferring taking any other steps before I had an
opportunity of so doing.

My attention having been directed by the overseer, Mr. McKwen, t(» t' (; diflBculty he
had experienced in relation to the lliver Ristigouche, I paid particular attention on my
journey up the river to the position of the several islands, and if it bo that the whole of
them belong to New Brunswick, I can only say, that each one is named, and its position
fairly laid down on a map ; it will be diflicult to determine which are islands and which
are portions of the main land, for 1 could without difficulty have stept across to some of the
so-called islands, while on the others it was only necessary to lay a plank on which to reach
some of the largest.

In appointing overseers on the Ristigouche it will be necessary that they have joint
jurisdiction on either side, so that each may have a right of pursuing an offender should
he escape from one side of the river to the other, otherwise, do what we may the law will
be evaded.

In branching off from the Ristigouche to the Metapedia I was surprised and delighted
to find a new road opened out and running along the banks of this valuable river ; of the
construction of this road I can only say that it equals almost any that I have passed over,
indeed as far as I went over it, it was, where finished, like a bowling green, and reflects
great credit on all the parties concerned in the construction.

It will be a boon indeed to the traveller who wishes to cross from New Brunswick or
Bonaventure to the St. Lawrence, besides opening up a tract of valuable land, rich and fit
for all agricultural purposes. It will also render valuable the fisheries of the immense
Lake Metapedia, for a few thousand pounds could be esusily got out of it, provided there are
good roads for conveyance.

It is intended that this road shall come out at St. Flavien, if so, the journey will be
made in half the time it now takes to cross the Metis road ; besides the great advantage
of being able to transport produce over the road, which it is impossible to carry over the
old one.

My duties on the Ristigouche having now closed, and having given the necessary
instructions to the iverseers, I proceeded to Dalhousie, pledged myself to the people of
New Brunswick that I would do all I could to bring about a similarity in the fishery laws,
I left in the Steamer Arabian, and arrived in Quebec on the 6th October.

Before closing this report I would desire to make a few remarks, on a subject of much
interest in relation to the inland fisheries.

It is more than twelve months sine;, a proposition was made to me, to lease tome of
the Lakes in the Eastern Townships. To the first application I dissented, being of opinion
that the residents on rhe borders of the Lakes, should not be debarred from fishing.

A short time since, the same gentleman make a new and somewhat different proposi-
tion ; and which had not that objectionable feature.

Having had an opportunity (on several occasions lately) of personal communication
with the party, and having had his views and intentions more fully explained, I hesitated
not for a moment, to submit the proposition to your consideration ; feeling assured that by
the adoption of the measures proposed, it was securing to the Eastern Town,ships in parti-
cular, such a means of prosperity, that few can realize.

You are aware that it is the intention of Mr. DeCourtenay (should he obtain the
lease) to carry on the fisheries in the Eastern Townships on a very extensive scale ; by the
system of artificial propagation of the more valuable species of fish.

In one of the Lakes applied for there are large quantities of Sturgeon, a fish that is
little valued in our locality, yet, nevertheless, very valuable ; not only as fi^od, (when pro-
perly prepared after the Italian mode) but also an account of the Isinglai^s that can be
obtained from it, aod which is only to be had in its pure state from the Sturgeoc

f*^

99

II

I.

I!

It is the iutentiou of Mr. DeCourtcnay to combine the manufacture of isinglass with
the developement of the other fisheries.

When we consider the valuable results that have arisen by the adoption of fish breed
ing in European Countries ; we may reasonably hope, that like results may arise by the
adoption of the same system ; more particularly as Mr. DeCourtenay has a thorough and
practical knowledge of the whole subject (obtained in France and Italy), and is well aware
of the capabilities of the waters which ho is desirous to lease ; the value of which will be
enhanced by their vicinity to the Railroad, thereby opening the Markets of the South and
West, for the consumption of any quantity of fish that may bo bred in the Lakes.

Mr. DeCourtenay has been a resident in the Townships during the hust two years, has
given employment to very many labourers in the vicinity, and hasi the means and the intel-
ligence to carry out the system, on the most extensive scale.

I certainly feel it a source of gratification, that a gentleman of such large experience
and public spirit should come forward (at his own cost) in support of a system, which by
the sanction of the Government 1 have inaugurated in Canada.

In relation to the licenses issued, it will be soen, that not more than one half the coast
has yet come under the system owing to the lateness of the season, when we were able to
commence operations. This season our duties must commence earlier, so that every portion
of the coast will come under the operation of the system.

Experience having shewn me that in difierent localities the fish spawn at difi'erent
periods, it will be necessary therefore to vest in the commissioner of Crown Lands the
authority to determine the close season in the various Districts. In most places (though
not in all) the fish have spawned by the month of December ; it will be doing no injury
to allow Trout fishing to begin on the 1st day of January in each year, unless in certain
waters to be named by the Superintendent of Fisheries.

The compulsory inspection of Salmon has become a necessity, and which will do
much to put a stop to the destruction of Salmon by the spear.

In relation to that section of the Act that refers to the Bounty, the accompanying
returns will shew the number of vessels that have come under its operations during the
past season. It will be seen that not all who obtained licenses have received certificates ;
owing in some places to their not having complied with the requisitions of the law, others
may not have been able yet to prefer their claims. This boon has been greatly apprecia-
ted by the fishermen and an impetus has been given that will soon make itself felt through-
out the whole fishing community.

When it is considered that France gives a bounty of ten francs — equal to eight and
four pence per quintal ; and the States from three to four dollars per ton ; and when we
reflect that by the operations of the Reciprocity Treaty, the United States fighermen have
acquired the concurrent right of fishing in our waters, it is reasonable to suppose that some
assistance must be rendered to our people to cyable them to compete with those who receive
80 much assistance from their own Government. When the system is abolished by France
and the United States, I shall no longer be its advocate.

There is one light in which to view the operations of the " Bounty Claim." By it,
a nucleus is formed, which, if fostered may grow into large proportions; and as a necessity
is felt for a 3Iilitia foi'ce, surely a little fostering care should be shewn to endeavour
to create a Marine force, and as our fishermen are a very hardy and enduring race, we may
easily, by a proper and systematic enregistration, form a Marine Corps, which would (if re-
quired) be of some service. As it is my intention to address you more fully on this subject
I would now conclude — and have the lionor to be.

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

RICH. NETTLE.
Supt of Fisheries, L. C.

Hi

li ',*'.

100

SYNOPSIS OF OVERSEER'S REPORT.
Heney SimaRD — Saguenay District.

Commenced duties as Fishery Overseer 15th Juue, 1859.

17th June. — Served summons on Napoleon and Xavier Delaire of River St. John's
Sagnenay, for spearing Salmon in contravention of " Fishery Act." *

Caused Richard Morin to remove a second net that he had set in Ance la Barque in
in contravention of instructions received.

20th June. — Joseph Tremblay occupied a Station at Pointe Cariole without license ;
gave him a certain time to pay the license fee ; the matter afterwards arranged.

Entered a complaint against Paul Ross (Indian) for fishing with a Nryoy, within the
limits of Thomas Simard, Esq. ; summons granted by the Magistrate, and judgm^ant ren-
dered in default.

5th July. — Visited the Districts of Mai Baie.

10th " Went up the St. Margueiite river.

17th " Summons granted at my request against Jean Baptiste, and Jean Baptiste

Philipe (Indians) for having taken Salmon in the River Marguerite, leased by Blackwell,

Esq. The parties were convicted in default by the sitting Magistrate* J. Radford, Esq.

Again visited the St. Marguerite, having heard that Indians were spearing ; found
that no spearing had taken place.

July 20th.— Went to Bale Laval with Mr. Whitcher who confiscated the nets of Peter
McDonald, he having barred the river, and fished with nets the meshes of which were
only three inches.

July 28rd. — Visited the River St. John in the matter of the Delairea.

July 24th. — Went to Baie St. Catherine, and confi.scated the nets b(*louging to Fran-
cois Bouillianne the meshes being contrary tn the dimensions necessary. ■}"

Sept. 3rd.— On complaint of C. Cimon, Esq., M. P. P., went to the Grand Lake at
Mai Baie to obtain evidence againt parties who were charged with netting the said Lake
for Trout ; could obtain no evidence sufficient to convict.

The Overseer has been engaged generally in the duties pertaining to his office.

ALFRED miW^—Gndhout Division.

Appointed this day, June 13th, Fishing Overseer of the Ctodbnut District ; and com-
menced my duties by assisting the Superintendent of Fisheries in marking off the limits
of the Godbout Bay Salmon Fishery for the guidance of the Lessee, Mr. Haliday.

Went up the river in a canoe with the Superintendent to order off a party of Indians
who were netting above the place where the Lessees of the Fly fishing portion of the river
were encamped.

Served C. Gagnon with a summons to appear before the Supt. of Fisheries to answer a
charge preferred by J. Poitras (the ficssee's agent) for persisting in placing a net within
the limit assigned to his employer ; the defendant not appearing af the time of the return
of the summons, he was convicted in default, and by the instruction of the Superinten-
dent, removed the said net.

Went up the river, and was shewn by the Superintendent the place he had marked
out, as a boundary, between tiie Net and Fly fishing districta ; above which I was not to
allow any net to be placed, nor was Fly fishing to be allowed in the river set apart for
netting.

Had occasion on several nights to watch the upper pools of the river ; heard that In-
dians had been spearing ; a Ncijoij or spear found in tliat locality.

July 2nd. — The following parties were guilty of forcible entry by breaking into the
premises of Antoine Blais, and taking therefrom a certain net, then in my custody, by
process of law seized; having been set in contravention of the Fihhery Act. — Viz ; Cyriac
Gagnon, Joseph Nadeau, George Belisle, Andrew Belisk^ and David liclisle. Tliese men
should be punished, to deter others from such and other offcneef! of a like nature.

* These parties wore convicted before J. Radford Bsq., J P. and sent to Quebec Jail. (See
R«|)on.)

t This is the partjr who evaded the summoas of the Magistrate aud agaiust whom an action
J>B M«r pending.

13

fr

101

Visited Trinity Bay stationB, abnent f.hreo days.

Up to tho Ist Aufiust, IVw if any Salinou had bi'uii .speared. Had no difficulty with
Indians ; but from thattinn; to tho 12th Au;,'ust, great destruction had taken phicc by the
bad advice that had been j^iven to them by lY-rc Babel the Missionary ; I told lY're Babel
I was sorry to find that it was only on his arrival, that the Indians had vi(»lated the law,—
at least openly. That I eoncoived his position should rather have led him to use his influ-
ence to cause them to rcs|)eet the law, that tho law must l)e maintained, and the men
would certi<inly be punished, and thus, seeing that he had led them into error, he wcmld
lose all moral control over them.

Great injury has been done to the Les,sees by the spearing that lias taken place, for
the river was swarming with lish, in conseciuence of the severe gales having carried away
most of the nets in the bay and river. *

HiKiii (!jn.siiOLM.— (J/c)/«/V Dixigion.)

Tuesday, 2Sth Junc-Kcceived an appointment as Fishery Overseer, and certain
written instructions from the Superintendent of Ki.sheries.

Visited the different Schooners and cautioned them not to throw the tish offal in the
river.

After repeated cautions, laid complaint before the Superintendent of Fisheries, who
convicted and lined Mr. l)ominii|ue Lepage, for having thrown tish offal in the river Moisie.

Remained at the jMoi.sic, until the close of the Salmon Fishing ; .saw all the nets up
according to law.

In accordance with instruction.'*, proceeded along shore to 31ingan.

80 Miles east of Moisie, is Birch river extensive Cod-tishcry, carried on by Mr.
L'Esperance. The whole line of coast, from Moisie to Mingan, tolerably settled with Cod-
fishermen from Gasp<5 and elsewhere, wherever Cod are fished for they are to be found ;
nine rivers between Moisie and Mingan, formerly had Salmon in abundance in them, theyare
now becoming scarce, something must be done to prevent their destruction ; no nets should
be set in small rivers. In Moisie river 175 barrels of Salmon taken, (formerly 000 to 700
barrels, see report). Codfish taken this season in Moisie Divisi(m, 38,886 quintals ; very
few Mackerel taken this season. Herrings tolerably nujiierous, but of an inferior quality.
Whalers met with good success. Whiiles /ery numerous on the Labrador. Captain Stewart,
of Gasp6, had killed seven, the others in proportion.

The whole of the Ood-tishermeu on tnc coast, would prefer to ^ 'ly a smai! rental for
their Cod-fishery Stations, than to hold under the present system, ' i their lots were marked
off for them by the Superintendent of Fisheries, as they would not be liable to be trespassed
on, when they have their limits terminated by measurement.

GASP^ DIVISION.
Bernard Conley, — (Dowjlan Town.)

Appointed '' Fishery Overseer" for Douglas Town District, and received written in-
structions from the Superintendent of Fisheries.

Visited the St. John's river on different occasions, to see that the netting was carried
on according to law.

* This Overseer has .sent no return of the quantity of fish taken within his station. The
liBSsees of tho Fly fishing limits killed above 150 Salmon. The Lessee of the net fishing was very
unfortunate, having been compelled to purchase material which was of little use in the fishery, and
also in consequence of the boisterous state of the weather during the principal run of fish. Quantity
taken by Lessee in nets, 479 pieces.

Average number of Cod fishing vessels, frequenting tho Godbout, each season, is 57, large and
small.

In relation to the spearing, it is very much to be regretted that the Missionary should have acted
so injudiciously, as he appears to have done, it is so contrary to every thing I have experienced from
the other Missionaries, especially Pt^re Arnand, who appears to be loved by the Indians, and much
esteemed by all others.

My official duties have brought me in contact with very many of the Clergy, and from all' I havi
received great kindness and assistance, and it appears to be tbeir anxious desir* to aid, with all their
influonce and power, the operations of the " FiBbery Act,"

il. NETTLE

iculty with
iiice by the
V6re Hubol
tho law,—
(C his influ-
x\ tho nion
, he would

1 place, ibr
tirricd away

and cortain

offal in the

sherics, who

river Moiaii;-

the nets u]*

I oD by Mr.
ed with Cod-
to be found ;
hem, they are
[10 nets should
ly 000 to 700
[uintals; very
i'crior quality,
itaiu Stewart,

lai! rental for
were marked
be trespassed

written in-
Vt was carried

station. The

|shing was very

le fishery, and

I fish. Quantity

|s57, large and

puld have acted
tperienced from
pans, and much

Irora all' 1 hav«
with all their

NBTTUB

108

In former years, 70 barrels of Sidmou were formerly taken by one fisherman in the
St. John's river.

Indians ^ihould not be allowed fo spear Salmon ; they find a ready market in Gattp^
Basin, for the sale of speared Salmon.

Salmon nets should be up by the ISth July.

Present occupants of stations, desire to have their licenses renewed as they look for
more success, now the tisherios are protected.

John Ge.mmel, — (.'W Bafc.)

Great destruction has been committed heretofore, within the Township of Mai Bale,
by the killing of Salmon and Trout by every illegal means.

Vihiced the river at the "Baraehois" several times, and took every trouble to warn
the fishermen against illegal fishing, and at thvi same time shewed them that the " Fishery
Act" wan made for their benefit, and to increase the quantity ol'fish, and that, by their
carefully observing the law, they would in a shoi t time find the coast and rivers, plentifully
supplied with Salmon.

One person took 64 Salmon from the Spawning Ground kat fall ; he will be strictly
watched this season.

Spearing eels in rivers by torchlight should be prohibited, as it is only a blind to
evade the law.

Would respectfully suggest, the compulsory inspection of all Salmon, and that if one
speared fish bo found in the barrel, the whole should be forfeited, and the owner fined.

JAMES llEMON, (Fabas Division.)

Received appointment as Fishery Overseer for the Pabos District, with written in-
structions from the Superintendent of Fisheries, in relation to the duties oi' my office.

Visited the whole of my District, and notified all parties to fish in accordance with
the Fishery Act, which I explained to them.

Received complaints from parties that obstructions were placed in the entrance and
channel of the Grand River. My jurisdiction did not extend to that river.

Took proceedings against certain persons who had been netting the upper waters of
the Little Pabos. They were convicted by the nearest Magistrate and fined.

Mill Dam on Grand River, belonging to the Gaspe Mining Company — Charles Kelly,
Esquire, Agent, and no fishway attached thereto.

Warned the Codfisherraen, that a heavy penalty would be enforced if they continued
to throw the "ofFal" in the Salmon rivers.

Notified all parties interested that they would be required to take out " licenses" to
fish for Salmon the ensuing year, which they desire to do. '''

WILLIAM PIIALEN, (Port Daniel Divixion.)

Received an appointment as Fishery Overseer for Port Daniel district, and accor,j.
to instructions visited the whole of the Salmon fisheries in my district. '"»

Besides the Coast fisheries there arc three rivers — West, Middle and East.

The Saw mill on West river prevents the Salmon from coming up — owner, Will'^"!.
Carter, Esquire. No fishway attached ; according to instructions from Superintendent
Fisheries, I served the owner with printed notice. Salmon steps to be built early in the
Spring, as soon as the river is low.

Saw mill on East river, no obstruction to Salmon.

Visited all the fisheries on the 1st August, and saw that all nets were up.

Notified Codfishers not to throw oifal in the rivers, caused great excitement, espe-
cially among the women; told them the consequences, when they considered it better to
conform to the law.

Had a meeting with Mr. Dimock, (fishery overseer for New Richmond,) at the office
of Mr. Marlet, Advocate, in relation to the affair of Mr. Hamilton, who was said to have
bought a quantity of speared Salmon, of the Indians. Mr. Dimock will prosecute if evi-
dence can be found.

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33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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Ralph Dimock — (New Richmond Division.)

Acting under the authority vested in me as Fishery Overseer, I proceeded up the
Grand Cascapedia, and caused the removal of certain nets set in the river above tide water.
Visited the Shore Fisheries and caused a bag net to be removed.
After the removal of the net, the inhabitants and fishermen expressed their gratifica-
tion at the interest the Government has taken in the Fisheries, seeing that no foul fishing
would be allowed.

Caused the doors to be placed in the nets as prescribed by regulations.
Drove to the Bouuventure River, caused the nets of E. Porrier to be removed, the
same being illegal in size of mesh, and placed as a barrier to the main channel.

Several of the nets in the harbour being placed contrary to law, and some of them
being too small in mesh ; caused the illegal ones to be removed, and the rest set in con-
formity with the law.

Notified R. Montgoniory, Esq., not to allow his men to throw Mill rubbish in the
River, Mr. Montgomery complied with the law, and expressed his satisfaction with the Act.
Visited the Little Cascapedia, and found all correct.

Laid a complaint before N. Cavagnah, Esq., J. P., against Mr. Arsineau, for having
extended his net further into the main channel of the river than the law allowed — the
Magistrate ruled that two-thirds of the whole breadth of the river might bo occupied. *

Feeling convinced that the navigation was impeded, and the channel obstructed by
this net, I told them T. would send for Captain Fortin. Soon after Mr. Arsineau called on
me, and said he would place his net where directed, which was accordinfi!;ly done and the
channel was left clear. 31 r. Lynd caught a Salmon 4 feet 8 inches ; all that have been
taken in this district have been large fish.

August, 8th. — Entered a complaint against B. Zest for netting Salmon out of season,
and the charge being fully proved before 11. jMandersen, J. P., he was convicted and fined
$13. 00 and costs, which were paid.

" 12th. — Searched the premises of R. Montgomery, Esq., for speared Salmon,
but found none.

" 30th. — Seized 13 Salmon that had been speared by the Indians.
September, — Obtained judgment against James Harrison for spearing Salmon —

penalty and costs ^13.25, which wa.s paid.

*•' 21st. — Seized two barrels of speared Salmon on the premises of A. Ar-

sineau, and on complaint bel'ore N. Cavanagh, Esq., J. P., the owners of the Salmon (Mr.
Lawlor, plasterer, of Quebec, and A. Arsineau) were convicted and the penalty paid.

Gave the speared fish in charge of the Magistrate ; awaiting orders from the Superin-
tendent of Fisheries.

" 28th. — Obtained a summons for Louis M^shell, senior, and Louis M^shell,
junior, for killing Salmon with spear ; and handed them to the Bailiff for service.

Went to New Carlisle in the matter of Mr. Hamilton, who was reported to have
bought a quantity of speared Salmon from the Indians : sufficient evidence will, I think,
be obtained to convict Mr. Hamilton of the ofl^ence.

Notified the fi.-ihermen that they must be prepared to take out licenses this coming
Spring ; they are all desirous of doing so, and wish that their different stations should be
allotted to them.

Having received instructions from the Superintendent of Fisheries to continue the
prosecution of the parties (M^^shell) referred to above, I was much indebted to Captain
Fortin, who sent his men and had them brought before the Magistrate, before whom they
were convicted and the penalty paid.

FiNLAY Cook, — (Maria Division.')

When appointed Fishery Overseer, proceeded up the Ristigouche with A. McEwen,
Fishery Overseer for the Nouvelle Division, having heard that Indians were spearing and
white men were dragging the rivers. Found that the Indians were spearing great quanti-
ties of Salmon, was notable to prevent them, as they came down the New Brunswick side

* Wrong judgment. A liOrtion of the river channel must be left open, equal to one>third the vhoU
brtadth oj the Hream,

1 up the
le water.

gratifica-
iil tithing

jvcd, the

of them
3t in con-

sh in the
I the Act.

lor having
»wed — the
)ied. *
tructed by
L called on
le and the
have been

of season,
1 and fined

;d Salmon,

Salmon —

of A. Ar-

ilmon (Mr.

paid.

le Superin-

lis M^shell,
e.

ed to have
11, I think,

lis coming
should be

ontinue the
to Captain
whom they

L McEwen,
)earing and
reat quanti-
nswick side

lird the whole

104

of the river and sold their Salmon in Campbelltown. Unless the Fishery laws of both
Provinces are the same, no good can ever be done.

Visited all the Stations within my own Division, and found them all fishing in accord-
ance with the law.

The Indians have speared a large quantity of Salmon in Canadian waters, and have,
during the night time, taken them to Dalhousie and Campbelltown.

At the close of the netting, vi.sited my Division, and saw that all the nets were taken

The fishermen are all willing and desirous of complying with the law, which they know
to be for their advantage.

Archibald McEwe.n, — (^Nonvdk Dimsion.)

Immediately on my appointment as Fishery Overseer, I proceeded up the River Risti-
gonche, by the advice of John Meagher, M. P. P., as the Indians were spearing large quan-
tities of Salmon.

The Indians having heard of my visit kept on the New Brunswick side of the river.

For three weeks they had been spearing large quantities of t»'almon by torchlight, and
had sold them to the shopkeepers and traders in New Brunswick. The inhabitants on
both sides of the river destroy large quantities of Salmon by means of drag nets while the
fish are on their spawning beds.

Until New Brunswick has the same laws as Canada it will be little use to attempt to
save the Salmon Fisheries in this Division.

The net-fishing in the Ristigouche and Baic de Chalcur has been better this season
than for many years before. One stand of nets at Cross Point has averaged a hundred a
day for three weeks.

No spearing or drifting should bo allowed under heavy penalty.

Visited the various Stations in my Division and found the nets to be set in accordance
with the law, except in a few cases where they overlapped.

The people arc all pleased with the care the Government arc taking to preserve the
fisheries, and the people of New Brunswick would gladly have the same laws.

If all the Islands in the River Ristigouche belong to New Brunswick it will be difficult
to determine what are Canadian Fisheries, and which belong to New Brunswick ; however,
as they are mostly above tidal water if joint authority be given, and the laws are made the
same, it will be a very little matter, as most of the evil is done above the tide waters, and
where the fish go to spawn.

Thomas Boyle, (Temporary Overseer), — {Ga»p6 Basm Diummi.) ]

Commenced my duties in the River St. John, North Shore.

Aug. 1st. — Visited the diiFerent stations in the Division assigned to me, saw all the
nets were up, people willing to comply with the law, tho' with some occasional reluctance.

Observed fishing lights in different parts of the rivers on several occasions ; visited
them and found they were fishing for eels.

Oct. 24. — Caught two men spearing trout, informed the nearest Magistrate, who let
them off", it being their first off"cnce.*

It will be seen that the Gasp<i Whalers have been again successful in their season's
operations ; the total quantity of oil from 27 whales, being 1,641 barrels. Total value, at
816.00 per barrel, $26,256.00. ^

* Wroto to the Overseer for the names of the parties who bad broken the law, and also of
the Magistrate who bad " let them off." R. N. .

106

Tho following are the returns from Gasp6, New Carlisle, and Magdalen Islands ; th
fish being generally exported to the Mediterranean, the West Indies, and to South America'

GASPE-

F18II. — Dried and Smoked

do Pickled in Barrels

do Oil

N. B. — Whale Oil in generally taken to Quebec market

NEW CARLISLE.

Fish. — Dried and Smoked

do Pickled in Barrels

do Oil

MAGDALEN ISLANDS.

Fish. — Dried and Smoked

do Pickled

do OU

do Skins, (Seals', &c.)

QUEBEC.

Fish. — Dried and Smoked

do Pickled

do Oil

MONTREAL.
F18H.— Pickled

Quantity.

78185i cwt.
2427 do
6140 gal.

52279 cwt.
14550 do
29109 gal.

12429 cwt.
101380 brls.
27971 gal,
5515

Value.

$236720
1928
3042

$241690

$171212
21468
12216

$204896

116 cwt.
175 brls.
238 gal.

593 brls.

$29271

215485

15490

6097

$265343

$1272

1502

140

$2914

$7473

The quantity of fish taken by the vessels of other countries, is more than equal to the
quantity exported from our own ports ; and for home consumption, the quantity may b^
estimated at about 175,000 cwt.

The Returns can never be correctly given, until every vessel shall be compelled to
enter the Custom House, and give correct Returns. Probably one third of the coast fish-
ing vessels, arrive in port, and never think of entering their cargoes, which all should do
without exception ; for never can Quebec take her proper position, as the emporium of the
fish trade, unless all vessels enter their cargoes at the Customs, and compulsory inspection
be had on all sorts of fish.

The terminus of the Grand Trunk Railroad being now at Riviere du Loup,will greatl3f
facilitate the operations of the fishing interests, for with little difficulty the markets of
Upper and Lower Canada, may be supplied with fresh fish every day, consisting of Salmon,
Mackerel, Cod, Halibut, Herrings, and indeed with almost every variety of fish, and it will
become even more valuable should the Grand Truhk operations proceed towards Riraouski
or M6tis.

RICHARD NETTLE,

Superintendent of Fisheries, L. C

a

m:'

lands; th
li America'

Value.

S23672l>
1928
3042

S241690

$171212
21468
12216

$204896

$29271

215485

15490

6097

$265343

$1272

1502

140

$2914

$7473

equal to the
ntity may b^

compelled to
he coast fish-
all should do
lorium of the
ry inspection

p,will greatly

e markets of

p; of Salmon,

, and it will

ds Rimouski

K,
iheries, L. C

106

APPENDIX 33.

Annual Report op PIERRE FORTIN, Esquire, Magistrate, Commanding the Expedi-
tion for the Protection of the Fisheries, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, during
the sea.sou of 1859.

The Government schooner "hu (.'auadienne" which I have the honor to command,
was ready to sail on the 7th of May, but a north-easterly gale detained us in the harbor
of Quebec until the 10th, when the wind, changing'; to the south-west, enabled us to
set sail for the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; and on the morning of the 14th, we cast anchcr
at Percd'.

A portion of the coast of the District of Gaspe was covered with snow ; the
weather was cold, and the spring backward. The codfish however had already made
its appearance on the bunks nearest to the land, and our tishermcn were at work.

The herring, which at this season is used as bait for the cod, was plentiful, and
1 was told that codfishing promised to be reniuner..tive in the Bay of Ohaleurs.

We left the same evening for the Mtigdalen Islands, and on the morning of the
IGth, we dropt our anchor in Pleasant Bay. I at oacc visited Amherst Harbor,
with Mr. Fox, the Collector at that port. It was already crowded with fishing vessels —
we counted one hundred and fifty schcfoners at the least, most of them from Nova Scotia,
and especially from the Gut of Canso; the remainder were from Prince Edward's Island, the
United States, and the Magdalen Islands; nearly one hundred other vessels had already
left that port, some fully loaded, and the remainder half loaded with herring.

The herring had been quite as plentiful this spring, in Pleasant Bay, as during
the preceding years, but our fishermen had not been able to take them in such quantities
as last year, owing to the great number of seines that were in use, and interfering with
one another. Herring fishing had commenced about the end of April, which was some-
what earlier than usual, and had just closed, although the day previous to my arrival at
the islands, there had been taken, at a single haul of the seine, enough to load fifty small
boats.

I have already remarked in several of my reports, that the herring taken in the spring
as they come close to the shore, to deposit their eggs, in convenient places, in shallow
water, were small and lean. Though not so valuable as those taken in the autumn, they
form a most important article of export to warm climates, particularly to the West
Indies, where fat fish cannot be preserved.

Another advantage with this fish, is the facility it affords of being salted in bulk, that
is to say, that on its being brought out of the water, it may be thrown into the hold of the
vessel without being drawn. It is necessary however to cover it with a thick layer of salt.
It can then be kept for three or four weeks, and even for several months, and it is often
conveyed in that state to the markets of Nova Scotia and the United States, but generally,
the fishermen, on reaching their homes, with the assistance of their wives and children,
put the herring in barrels before they sell it. It is then worth about ten shillings, or
twelve shillings and six pence per barrel of two hundred pounds. When in the hold of
the vessel, it can be bought for three shillings for every two hundred pounds weight.

Early spring fishing of the herring in Pleasant Bay, and in the Bay of Chalcurs,
has the advantage of being generally remunerative, without interfering with the cod
fishery, which does not commence until a few weeks later. 1 particularly recommend toour
Canadian Shipowners who fit out vessels for the fisheries, to send ihem by the end of
April, in time for the herring fishery at the Magdalen Islands, and to go and sell their
cargoes in Halifax, where they will often realise a suflScient sum of numey to buy their
fishing tackle, and all the salt required for the season.

The schooners of Amherst Harbor and of House Harbor, fitted out I'or hunting
seals on the floating ice in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, had returned in the begin-
ning of May from their hazardous expeditions, each vessel bringing the spoils of from two
hundred and fifty to six hundred and fifty of these amphibious animals. A number of these
schooners had been obliged to proceed long distances in quest of ice-fields; some had reached
the Straits of Belle Isle, others the open sea, beyond the Island of Cape Breton. A
schooner belonging to that fleet and quite new, was literally cut to pieces by the ice off

107

1 *

Sydney; fortunately the crew of the ill-fated vessel was picked up by another schooner
8aiUn^ in company.

The proceeds of the seal fishery this year, at the Magdalen Islands, are estimated at
about six thousand seals, worth more than twenty thousand dollars, divided between about
two hundred and eighty fisheruien.

The latter can very seldom take any part in the herring fishery, as they are busy melt-
ing their oil when that fish appear?.

On my arrival at the Magdalen Islands, I was required to take cognizance of a case of
assault and battei-y; and on the 19th, I settled a difficulty between two fishermen, on ac-
count of damage done to a fishing boat by a schooner.

I have already stated that there were about one hundred and fifty schooners in Amherst
Harbor, on my arrival at the Magdalen Islands. Amherst Harbor is known to be small
and shallow, its entrance being only nine leet deep and very narrow. These one hundred
and fifty vessels had to be placed in regular order, so as to allow a free egress and ingress
to vessels, and also (which was of still greater importance,) they had to be prevented from
throwing their ballast into the harbor. Both duties I performed.

I was told that ballast had been thrown in previous to my arrival, but then there was
no one to enforce the re(juirements of the Fishery Act, and the guilty parties could not
be found. The inhabitjuits, however, entertain evgry hope of being able to put an end to
this very injurious practice, even during my absence from the islands, now that the muni-
cipality of the iMagdalen Islands have named a Harbor Master, whose duty it will be to
watch and superintend all vessels at anchor in the harbor, and report any infringement of
the law.

On the 19th, having left on shore one of my officers, .^Ir. F. Bouchette, with four men,
to assist the Collector of Cu.stonis and to maintain order in the harbor during my absence,
we sjiiled for the Bay of Chaleurs ; and on the following day we cast anchor at Paapebiac.

There were in the harbor, three barks, three brigs, four brigantines and seven schoon-
ers. All these vessels were employed in fishing, in the importation of goods or fishing
tackle from Europe, or in conveying dried fish to foreign markets. Two of them were
preparing to sail for the Brazils, with cargoes of dried cod fish packed in barrels and pressed.
I tendered my services to the Collector of Customs and other public officers, and having
left with the master carpenter in the employ of the Messrs. Robin, the measure for a fore-
top-maift, to ve-place the one carried away by a gale of wind on the morning of the 16th
May, we lef*^ on the iJlst and arrived the same evening at New Richmond.

On the 22nd I repaired to the Indian village at the mouth of the Grand Ri^dr Casca-
pediac, and there I explained to the Indians assembled the provisions of the fishery laws,
and particularly the Regulations for the Salmon Fisheries adopted by the Governor
in Council. They all appeared to be satisfied with the regulations, excepting
only the one prohibiting the sale of fish speared by torchlight ; they, however,
pledged themselves to obsi!rv«' them faithfully. I next visited Mr. Dimock,
an able and zealous magistrate, settled on the Grand River Cascapedia, who
informed me that nut a single saluiou had been killed, to his knowledge, on the
Grand River Cascapedia, last year, after the month of July, and that during the
.spring of the present year, the salmon wa.s seen going down to the sea by hundreds, and in
greater numbers than ever, which proved that salmon had not been killed as formerly,
during autumn and winter, and had not been disturbed in the places where they had re-
sorted to spawn and perform the important act of reproliictioii. Mr. Dimock also promised
to do all in his power to enforce the observance of the fishery regulations.

On the 2ord I went to Bonaventure, where I met the principal inhabitants of the place.
Mr. Kavanagh, J. P., informed )ne that my visits of last year to the Bonaventure River
had prevented, to a great extent, the illegal destruction of salmon. I distributed copies
of the Fishery Act, and received assurances on all sides that it*( different provisions would
be enforced. 1 reached Paspcbiac the same evening, ami remained there until the 27th.
Caplin had already been caught at Pa.spebiac and at New Carlisle. It was used to a certain
extent as bait for th(! cod fish, but the greatest portion was used as manure and is said to
fertilize the ground to a very high degree.

At Carleton, Maria and Caplin River, the herring fishery had been pretty good ; at
Bonaventare and Paspebiac it had been indifferent.

1 1

108

schooner

imatcd at
een about

)U8y mclt^

a case of
jn, on ac-

I Amherst
I be small
e hundred
nd ingress
snted from

there was

could not

an end to
, the muni-
t will be to
igement of

li four men,
ny absence,
, Paapebiac.
ven schoon-
Is or fishing
them were
ind pressed,
and having
e for a fore-
)f the 16th

liror Casca-
ishery laws,
le Governor
excepting
however,
Dimock,
pedia, who
Igc, on the
during the
reds, and in
as formerly,
they had re-
so promised

of the place,
nture River
uted copies
isions would
ilthe 27th.
i to a certain
is said to

tty good ; at

T.

Everywhere on the shores of the Bay of Chaleurs, parties Avere preparing expeditionsj
for the cod fishery on the north shore df the liivtT and Oiiltdf St. Lawrence ; but Bona-
venture, Paspebiac and Port Daniel .supply the greatest nuiubcr of fishermen, who, in
the spring of the year, leave their homes aiul families to go and pursue their arduous call-
ing on the coasts of Labrador, which are so inhospitable, but at the same time so rich in
fish of the finest description ; and tluy return in the autumn with the fruits of their
labors.

This year, the number of lisheruicn leaving for those .shores was greater than ever, on
account of the great abundance of inA li^h oi' late years, 'fhey took with them the
timber and other requisites fur the forniatioii nl' iu\v i ■itublishniunts.

We reached Perc6 on the morning ni' tlu' '2>\\\, am! on the s;iiiii' evening we cast an-
chor in Gaspe Basin.

On the 29th I went to ihe Aii.-o-aux-Cini'^ins and the Anse-aux-Morls to see .some In-
dians settled there to the number ol' seven or eight families, and employed in salmon
fishing in the North-west and Snuth-wost Fiivers. I explaim-d to them the various pro-
visions of the Fishery Act and Regulations, nlutivi! to the ])reservation of salmon, par-
ticularly insisting on those prohibiting the taking of .'^almon after the first of August,
which provisions though allowing the Jiidiaiis (o kill theso fi.sh before that period 'with
the spear by torch-light, prevent them from selling them to white men.

This last provision of the law meets with strong opposition irom the Indians, and I
feel persuaded that it will be very difficult to enforce it, as they can carry their speared salmon
to Gaspe Basin during the night, where they can easily find parties who, for goods ufatrifling
value, not only buy the fish already taken, but seeure it before hand, although aware that
the law forbids such apractice, and that they are eneouraging the wanton destruction of the
finest fish in our waters. It is well known that salmon killed with the spear bring only
half price.

Being obliged to sail for the Magdalen Islands, to lie there during the mackerel fish-
ery, I was unable to grant licenses for salmon and trout fishing in the rivers that empty
themselves into the Bayof Gasp^', in pursuance of the instructions received I'rom the Crown
Lands Department, and dated, Toronto, May 11 th, 1S59; but I caused notices to be put up,
that I should return about the 12th of June to attend to the matter.

Several vessels from Europe with salt and fishing tackle, were at anchor in Ga8p6
Basin. On the 80th May, at 'J p. m., we set sail, and at 12 o'clock, noon, on the follow-
ing day, we di'opt our anchor in Pleasant Bay. nurinir ray absence, the officer I had
left at Amherst had succeeded effectually in maintaining peace and order in the harbor,
where no ballast had been thrown to his knowledge. Complaints were made that several
vessels riding in the bay obstructed our fishermen, and hindered them from setting their
nets for the mackerel in a satisfactory way, and that the crews of these vessels were in the
habit of visiting, during the night, the fishermen's nets near to them, and appropriating
the fish to themselves; however, these complaints could not be substantiated.

On the 1st of June, at G o'clock in the morning, we were under sail, and! visited ton
schooners, at anchor, some in Pleasant Bay and others in the offing. 1 caused the first
to leave, and distributed to all copies of the Fishery Act. I warned the crews not to throw
the ofial of the fish into the water near the fishing grounds, and not to use any set lines
or bultow lines in contravention of the law.

From thence r 'til the 9th, when I left the Magdalen Islands, I was occupied with my
officers in enforcing the observance of the regulations made by the Governor in Council in
the month of May last, applying specially to the Magdalen Islands, and in particuhr to
Pleasant Bay.

Our object was to keep free the entry of Amherst harbor and that part of Pleasant
Bay situated opposite, as also the channel of Sandy Hook, and to prevent the nets from
being set less than two hundred yards I'rom each other, with a view of allowing the fish a
free passage to the shore, and enabling vessels to come into the harbor.

There were upwards of three thousand nets set in Pleasant Bay, the greatest
number belonging to foreign fishermen. As I have already stated, there were in Amherst
Harbor about one hundred and fifty schooners, of which about a hundred had been eiagaged
in the herring fishery.

14

to»

11

'i r

■

ti' :

The crews ofthcsc vessels amounted together to at least fifteen hundred men, a portion of
whom had never come before to the Magdalen Islands. Many of them were not acquainted
with the provisions of the Fishery Act, and very few knew anything at all about the new
regulations. We had to make them known, — and above all, to cause them to bo observed. We
all set to work, my officers and myself. Almost every morning wo got under weigh and
cruised in the channel, with a view to keeping it free. I ordered those I saw under-
running their nets, to place them beyond the limits that I had fixed, conformably to
the Regulations, by moans of buoys. They conformed to my directions unless prevented by
stress of weather. When the owners of the nets were unknown, I caused them to be
taken up by my men, and placed where fishing was allowed, taking care that they should
experience no damage. I had the satisfaction of observing after a few days, that not only
was there no obstruction to the navigntion in Pleasant Bay, hut that the space re-
quired by law had been kept between each net.

In the harbour, all the vessels were lying in order, so as not to impede the navigation;
and, generally, peace and tranquility had continued uninterrupted.

Notwithstanding all these precautions to secure to the mackerel a free ingress into the
Bay, very few shoals of tliat fi.sh were seen, owing to the frequent westerly and south-
westerly gales, which kept them off the Banks, according to the opinion of old fishermen.
Had the wind blown from the east, the mackerel would have been forced to seek shelter
in the Buy.

The results of the mackerel fishery were therefoi very indifferent. A few fishermen,
whose nets happened to be on theline of passage of iLe shoals of mackerel, caught a quan-
tity sufficient to indemnify them for the cost of their outfits ; but the others caught only
a few barrels.

It proved a severe loss to a great number of poor fishermen, who, in the hope of real-
izing large profits, (for mackerel was scarce in the markets of Halifax and Boston, and com-
manded a high price,) had laid out considerable sums on their outfits, and beyond the
a few means of several of thcra.

For some years past hundreds of fishermen from Nova Scotia, and particularly from vhe
Gut of Canso, have come to Pleasant Bay for the mackerel fishery, bringing with them
very considerable outfits, some having fifty nets each. Unfortunately they have met
with little success. They have come this year in greater numbers than ever ; but as I
have already stated, few of them have been successful. They were greatly discouraged ;
and few vessels are expected next year, in the month of June, at the Magdalen Islands.

It is not expected that the proceeds of the mackerel fishery in Pleasant Bay
will exceed

On the 9th, a great number of nets had already been taken up; and, for some days past,
little or no fish had been caught. The fishing season was considered to be over.

Other avocations requiring my presence elsewhere, I gave directions to weigh the an-
chor, and on the following evening we arrived at Gasp6 Basin, having called at Perc6 on
our way.

As early as the 11th, I directed my attention to the Salmon and Trout fisheries of the
Gasp6 rivers. I first visited the fishing stations in Gasp6 Basin, and, on the following
days, the south-west and north-west |rivers, aod the river St. John. I examined every
salmou-fishing station ; caused all nets that were too close to each other to be removed,
and insisted upon there being a distance of at least two hundred yards between every net
that remained in the water. I also took particular care that no obstructions remained in
the main channel. Afterwards I granted to each occupant of a station a license to fish for
Salmon and Trout. I fixed the upper and lower limits of each fishing station, in order to
remove all pretext of dispute between neighboring fishermen. The prices of the licenses
were proportioned to the importance and value of the stations higher prices being
charged to parties occupying fishing grounds at the entrance of the river, where fish are
caught in greater abundance, and lower prices to others.

On the 16th, I despatched my long-boat, under the command of an officer, to the
Peninsula to examine all the fishing stations of that locality, and direct the fishermen to
call on board for their licenses. As they came opposite the Bluff, a squall from
the north-west upset the boat, and out of seven men four only could be saved.

1

2
S
4

b

0

f

8

9

10

11

12

18

14

15

16

17

IS

1»

30

i

110

portion of
cquaioted
t the new
rved. W«
fcigh and
aw under-
rmably to
svented by
lem to bo
ley should
It not only
I space re-

lavigation ;

>ss into the
and south-
fisher men.
ick shelter

fishermen,
^ht a quan-
laught only

ope of real-
n, and com-
beyond the

rly from vhe
with them
y have met
r ; but as I
iscouraged ;
1 Islands,
easant Bay

ae days past,

ir.

Digh the an-

at Perc6 on

leries of the
e following
lined every
}e removed,
m every net
remained in
le to fish for
, in order to
the licenses
)rices being
lere fish are

icer, to the
shermen to
squall from
be saved.

Notwithstanding the strenuous efforts made and the prompt assistance rendered by
Captain H. Bouianger, whose schooner (the Eup<5nio) happened to bo riding at anchor
close by, three of the crew disappeared for ever in the deep. 1 hastened with Capt. Bcrnicp
to the spot where the accident had happened, but our eflbrts to recover the bodies were
fruitless. During the following days the boats crews dragged the bay, on a radius of half a
mile round about the spot, and on the afternoon of the 18th they picked up the body of
Calixte Fortin. He was buried on the 19th, in the cemetery at Gasp6.

Having left directions for the suitable burial of the others, should their bodies be re-
covered, I gave orders to set sail for the north shore of the River and Gulf of St. Lawrence;
at 8 o'clock p.m. we doubled Cape Gasp6, and on the following day we cast anchor near
Mingan.

On the 20th, I visited the Mincan river. The Hudson's Bay Company had not set
any nets this year, and the waters were so high that very few Salmon had gone up. Mr.
Anderson, one of the superior officers of the Hudson's Bay Company, sent mo the deposi-
tion of Mr. Comeau, an agent of the same Company, in which that gentleman complained
that certain fishermen (all of them British fishermen) were engaged in fishing in the Rivers
of the Seigniory of Mingan and near the coast.

Mr. Comeau maintained that the proprietors of the Seigniory of Mingan had the ex-
clusive right of fishing and hunting within the limits of that Seigniory, and that the
Hudson's Bay Company, as the lessees of the Seigniory, had a right to the exclusive
privilege of the proprietors.

As I was bound by my instructions to grant licenses to fish for Salmon and Trout in all
the rivers on the north shore, as they were granted on the south shore, and also for fishing
in the rivers of the Seigniory of Mingan, occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company, 1 did
notdecmmyself justified in entertaining Mr. Comoau's complaint j but I told Mr. Anderson
that I would protect, to the utmost of my power, all the property of the Company.

In the afternoon of the 22nd, I visited the fishing establishments at Long Point, enu-
merated in the following schedule, beginning at the east : —

SUUoDS.

NAME OF TUB OCCUPANT,

Number of

Men
Employed.

Number

of
BoaU.

1

P. Vautier

13
«
6

t

9
15
6
9
5
50
0
9
3
0
2
8
2
18
8

4

3

Josenh B^livcftu. >.....■■

2

3

Daniel Bisson

2

i

Placide Asdido

2

8

Clem Homes

Edouard Huart

3

3

7

James Walker

5

8

Jean Albert

2

9

Philippe Bisson

^

10

Patrick Dav

2

11

Clarence Hamilton

20

12

Pierre B61iveau

3

13

Richard Maueer

3

14

John Baudin

1

li

Peter Couture

2

16

R6n6 Dunuis

1

17

Pierre Saiut Cceur

3

IS

Jean Marie DesobGnes

1

19

Hilarion Rev

4

. 30

Antoine Boassy ,

3

199

69

Ill

Stations lyin^ u mile nn<l n half West of Loii^ Point.

1! >

StatioDK.

N A M

n 1 T II K () (• V i: r A -N T.

ThaiU'i" L.ililanc.
I'Moiiiiril I.i'lilaiio

JciUI Uil.SljUO

I'k'ri'o lloUKPi-aii.,

Number of
iMcn

Kmploycd.

Numbar

of
Roatn.

14

It is Wdrlliy of note, l!i;it last year, tiuno was on tiiat part of the Coast, but one estab-
lishment, with ci/^'ht tishin;^ hunts.

Codfish had not y(!t iiiiidt! its appcanuito at (ionj; F^oint, and our iishermen were
obliged togoaudfisli at tlu- llivcr St. John, a distancool" ton or twelve miles; however, they
found the fish sufficiently ahiiudant nu the lishinj^ <irounds. On the af'ternoonof the 23rd,
I stopped at Thunder Hiver, wlierc; I lound, ridini;' at aiiehor, fifteen fishing Schooners
from Gaspe, Quebee, and the Magdalen Islands.

Three now fishing estahlishinents had been fornu'd at that place, two of which belong-
ed to fishermen from St. I'homas. I settled a difficulty lietwcen two fishermen, respecting
the right of possession to a fishing station.

Caplin had made its appearance at Thunder River, about the 16th of June, and Cod-
fish a few days later, but not in great <(uantities, and the fishermen complained much of
the absence of fish, on the fishing grounds since.

We left the same evening, and on the iJoth, in the morning, wc anchored at River
Moisic. I immediately conimunicated witli Mr. Holiday, the lessee of River Moisic, and
having obtained information as to the number of fishernu;n that were fishingin the River,
in contravention of the law, and of the places where they could be found, I prepared to
carry out my instructions and [mt the lessee in full possession of the River, by requiring
the other fishermen to remove their nets. 1 went up the River in the afternoon, and met
with the following fishermen :

nets, had taken 5

Francis Maboe, with
(rcrmain Dupuis, "
Felix Poirier, '•

James ^[clsaac, "
ArtOmiseRelivoaii, "
James Thompson, ••
James Conning,
John Adams,

barrels of Salmon,

s

a

12

i<

5

It

s

<t

(<

;')

>>

.(

12

ik

i(

t(

(i

n

ki

a

a

I pitched ray tent the same evening, near John Adams' Station, eight miles from the
mouth of the River. Next day, 1 saw the following fishermen, viz :

Philippe Renouf, with 2 nets, had taken 5 barrels of salmon,

Hugh Conning, " 3 " " 4

C. Mercier, " 2 " " 2

Nazairc i»upuis, " 2 " " 7

I arrived at noon at 3Iessrs. Williams and Bacon's Camp, about 16 miles from the
Bca, and one mile below the first rapid. These gentlemen have purchased from Govern-
ment the right of killing salmon with the fly. They had arrived on the grounds a fort-
night before, but the waters were still too high to allow them to kill a single fish.

The following day, having made sure that there were no nets above those of Nazaire
Dupuis, I returned down the river, and again visited the fishing stations. All the nets
had been landed, and the stakes supporting the same removed. T saw on the cast bank
of the river the fishermen, Talbot and Glascow.

The former, with 5 nets, had taken 6 barrels of salmon,

The latter, " 5 " « 20 « «

i''

Nutnbar

of
T?oat?.

one cstab-

men were

ever, they

the 23rd,

Schooners

!h belong-
rcspecting

L', and Cod-
1 much of

:l at River
Moisic, and
the River,
)rcpared to
y requiring
n, and met

es from the

s from the
om Govern-
inds a fort-
ih.

! of Nazaire
til the nets
cast bank

112

I caused to be removed and landed by my men one of Oonning and ThompBon's
nets. P. Tulbot and F. iMabcc, removed theirK hy my orders.

On the 2Hth, I took cognizance < a case of assault and battery. The defendant, who
was fined ten dollars and costs, and, in default of payment, condemned to six days imprison'
mcnt, paid at omo.

I had the pleasure of meeting Messrs. Nettle anil Whitcher, who had just arrived at
River Moisie, having after visited all the fishing stations along the western por-
tion of the coast of the River St. Liiwrcnee, as far as the Seven Islands, and granted
licenses to parties fishing for .salmon.

In the afternoon I sent one of my officers to remove Messrs. Conning and Thomp-
son's nets, which were the last remaining in th(' river, excepting those belonging to Mr.
Holiday, the lessee.

Mr. Holiday became theruby in full posseH.sion of Iliver .^loisie / and I had beeu
enabled to fulfil my duty without nu'oting with any ri'sistunci! IVom the fishermen (which
would have been vain), but not without causing great discontent to most of them.

We left at 4 o'clock p.m., and on the 2!)r,h, in the al'teruoon, landed at Fall River,
where Messrs. L'Esperancc & (!o. Ii;ive fouudt-d another fishing establishment. They em-
ploy eighteen men with six boats.

The mouth of the river which is forty lathoms wide, is protected by a sand bank,
covered with nine feet of water, at high tide, und four feet only at low tide, and can easily
give shelter to ten schooners. The basin formed on one side by the mud, and on the other
by the rapids, has a depth of from eight feet to three i'athoms, at low tide.

This was the first trial of cod fishing at Fall River. It promises, like several neigh-
boring coves, to become an excellent fishing station.

The launce had made its appearance on the Kith May; the caplin on the 20th, and
the cod on the 15th of iJune. They all continued along the shores in great abundance.

Messrs L'Esperancc &, Co.'s men had met with great succc.s.s, and taken quantities of fish.

The same evening we continued our voyage, and the next day, at 11 o'clock in the
morning, we anchored at Slielldrake, in spite ol" a raging sea. 1 landed at LeGros
Cove, and obtained the following information JVoiu the fishermen I found there:

Josiah Bebee, James Dow and William llamier have settled on the River Manitou,
with 4 boats and 12 men, and in a creek, a mile further to the cast, W. Rebec is settled
with 5 boats and 12 men.

On Shallop River, the Ibllowing establishments arc found :

Ibt Establishmcn
2nd do

West Rank.

Abraham Lebruu, 4 boats, 13 men.
Philippe Vibert, 7 do 21 do.

East Bank.
Ist Establishment — Philippe Le Grcsley, 5 boats, 15 men.

In Gibraltar Cove I found the following new establishments :

1st Establishment — Abraham Lebruu, 7 boats, 27 men.
2nd do — Charles LeClerc, 5 do 14 do.

In LeGros' Cove.
Savage and LeGros, with 5 boats and 14 men.

And in Philip's Cove,

1st Establishment — Philip Mabee and sons, 8 boats and 11 men.
2nd do — John Verdon, 4 boats, 12 men.

On visiting Shelldrake, in the afternoon, I found the establishments of last year, and
two new ones, belonging to Clavet and Joncas. The first has 5 boats and 15 men, the sec-
ond 4 boats and 12 men.

Mr. Robert Loisel, the proprietor of a fishing establishment on Thunder River, came
onboard to enter a complaint against one Frederick Obus, a fisherman, who had deserted his

lii )■

13^'

: I

1. '»

mi

118

service. I received the compIaiDant'a dcpusitiun, issued a sumniouM and placed it in tho
hands of one of luy men. Obu» appeared the same evening', and pleaded guilty; but u
ho promised to go back to his work, I Imposed but a very t^light fine upon him.

On thclst of July I granted fishing licenses for salmon and trout to John Lebrun,
Philippe Touzel, and ifohn and Ellas Collas.

I settled a difference between (Japtain LcCornu and Mr. Gallichou, of Shelldrake, and

f>rocecded to Hope Cove, about ono mile cast of Ihundcr River. 1 found there the fol-
owiog new establishments for cod fishing, beginning by the west.

1st Est. Donald Koss, ... '* boats, 6 men.
iind " John <{• F. McCrac, - - 2 '' 8 "
8rd " Louis Vignot, ... 15 " 11 "
4th" I'ierre (jignac,. - - - li " 7 "
5th " Auj'ustin Gignuc, • - 4 '* 12 "

1 proceeded to Jupitagan Island, where arc settled Charles Robson & Co. with 4 boats
and 12 men ; and I next landed at Jupitagan River. That river is not more than 50 feet
wide at its mouth, where there arc rapids iusurniountable to boats. It then becomes wider
and deeper until it reaches the falls, about a mile distant from the sea; the latter are be-
tween 25 and 30 feet high.

James Girard, who has been settled for several years past ut Jupitugan, is occupied in
fishing for salmon in the river, and takes from six to ten barrels annually. I granted him
a license.

I continued my visitation of the fishing establishments at Ridge Point Cove, where I
found two new ones, one belonging to Jo.seph Arscnault, with 3 bouts and 11 men, and the
other belonging to Andr6 Arsenault, with 2 boats and 7 mun.

At Magpie Hill Cove, and at the important place called Rambler's Cove, I found the
same establishments as last year. In the Cove situated at about a quarter of a mile to the
cast, there is a new establishment belonging to Romain Joseph, with 2 boats and 7 men.

The last establishment I visited was that of John Ross, at the bottom of Magpie Bay,
which gives employment to 20 men with S boats. 1 went up us fur as the River Magpie,
where John Girard has carried on the salmon fishery for a few years, and granted him a
fishing license. The River 31agpie yields from 30 to GO barrels of salmon annually. At
10 p.m. wc went and anchored at Long Point.

Codfish, caplin and lauucc had made their appearance at the usual periods of the
year on the banks and along the shores of all the stations I had vLsited, but not in equal
quantities everywhere. For instance, while large quantities of codfish were taken at River
Moisic and Fall River, the fishing was indifferent at Shallop River and at Shelldrake, and
still worse at Thunder River ; but further to the east, in Magpie Bay and at the River St.
John, our fishermen had been more fortunate.

The westerly and south-westerly winds, which blow from sea all along the north
shore, and toss the waves in such a fearful manner as to prevent our fishermen from re-
maining on the fishing banks, had been very frequent since the spring ; and at times the
boats, manned by the most athletic fishermen, had been unable to go out of the coves
more than once or twice a week.

The results of the cod fishery on this part of the North Shore were not, therefore,
very favorable ; but they may have improved, as it was then the beginning of the summer.

Wherever I had been, order and tranquillity had prevailed.

At Long Point, where I landed on the 2nd July, cod fish had not yet made its ap-
pearance. In the afternoon I went as far as Mingan.

The following day, which was Sunday, fifty schooners, which had been engaged for
a few weeks in the cod fishery on the bank of Mingan, sailed into the harbor of Mingan,
and anchored there. Fifteen were from the United States, the others from Nova Scotia.

In the afternoon I had the honor of receiving His Excellency the Governor General,
Sir Edmund Head, who paid a visit to " La Canadienne" previous to his return to Quebec,
on board the steamer " Napoleon."

In the morning the schooner " Lucknow," from Halifax, had run foul, on entering the
liarbor of Mingan, of a schooner belonging to an Indian named Philippe, and had broken her
main mast and jib-boom. The latter having brought a complaint, I went on board, and OB
cceiTing the neoeasary information, I settled the matter.

114

I it in thn
y ; but u

1 LebruD,

[rake, and
e the fol-

th 4 boats
an 50 feet
mcs -wider
cr are be-

ccupicd in
inted him

J, where I
u, and the

found the
nile to the
I 7 men.
agpic Bay,
sr Magpie,
ted him a
ually. At

ids of the
}t in equal
n at River
drake, and
! River St.

the north
I from re-
■; times the
the coves

therefore,
e summer.

Eido its ap-

Qgaged for
if Mingan,
ova Scotia.
General,
to Quebec,

itering the
broken her
^rd, and ott

The mister of the " Lucknow" agreed to replace the mast and jib-boom of the Indiaa'i
lohooner.

On the 4th of July I sailed to the River St. John. I saw at the mouth of that ri?er, and
even further up, a great number of nets set in contravention of the law, some not being
at the required distance of 200 yards, others too near the centre of the channel. I at onc«
ordered the first to be removed, and the last to be set according to iaw ; I also gave fishing
licenses to the owners, charging them a fee proportionate to the importance of tneir rcspec*
tive stations. Next day I saw the parties who nad set their nets at the foot of the rapids,
and having made sure that the required distance had been kept between each station, I
also gave them licenses.

Before leaving that river I pave copies of the Fishing Act to the fishermen, and I
appointed Mr. Thoma.s Boyle, of GaspC- Basin, to attend to the observance of its several
clauses.

At 8 o'clock p.m., we got under weigh and sailed for Natashquhan, whore we arrived
at 7 o'clock the following morning.

At Frigate Harbor are to bo found the following establishments :

1st establitihment, Kdouard de Laparalle & Bros., employing IS men and 6 boats.

2nd " Wni. Lcnfosty, " 10 " 3 "

8rd " John Hogan, " 4 " 2 «

I noticed in the smaller harbor the following vessels :

Schooner.

Moy Flower

Free Town

Marie Alma

La Pcrle

Mary Margarut

Lucio

Marie Uart

Euphro«in«

Clotilde

Triton

Adelaide

Marie Louise...
Espfiranofi

Whero from.

Master.

Oaspf David Beiird

MagdaliTi lalamli lofcpli Bourgeois.,

Uo. iScptinio Ceruicr...,

EboulcDienfa jZcphiriii Oiignon.,

Magdalen Isluudd '.lean Vignault

Capo Bretou JLiizaro Lcblanc...

Cheat-fuup |Micliel Maillot.

Do.

Do

Magdalen Islands.,
Do.
Do.
Do.

Gilbert Ilocho

Jean Ramart

Charles Montiguy..

Jeau Boiidruult

Jeau Boudrault.,..
Jean Viguault

Crow.

Boati.

10

.3

8

2

10

:{

10

3

8

2

10

3

11

3

8

O

10

3

8

2

8

2

8

2

8

2

117

32

Codflih.

18000
25000
23000
19000
17000
18000
40000
26000
37000
20000
17000
23000
14000

297000

All the above schooners carried on their cod fishing operations opposite to the Point
of Natashquhan.

Mr. E. deLaperelle communicated to me the following information.

The Codfish had made its appearance at the usual time, about the begining of June,
and had been abundant, but the bad weather and the wind from the sea had seriously
interfered with the operations of the fishermen, and their returns were very small indeed.

About the end of June, there had been as many as 80 Schooners at Natashquhan. For
a few days past the Codfish had not been so plentiful near the shore.

In the afternoon I visited the Salmon fishing stations on the Grand River Natashquhan,
and on the following day, having ascertained that all the nets were set according to the
requirements of the law, I granted licenses to the following fishermen.

Samuel Foreman

Alexander Rumkey

Edward Quigley ,

Stephen Maloney & Co,
Robert Stanley

Nova Scotia
Do.

Gasp6

Qasp6

Qasp6

6 Stations $30

6 do 30

6 do 30

3 do 15

3 do 16

$1S0

'%

115

Salmon had abounded in Natashqubau river; nearly 250 barrels had already
been caught. I was informed that two fisherman had set Salmon nets IG miles higher up,
but I could not spare sufficient time tu j^o and visit them, the river being too rapid, full of
sand banks and difficult to ascend.

I received the deposition of Robert IJaird, of the Sfhoonor " May Flower," complaining
that the American Schooner '* Olio," Allan Lavaudcr, Jlat^ter, while sailing on the fi.shing
banks, hadj some weeks befort', run foul of his fishing boat, then ut anchor and occupied
in fishing, and had upset it, thereby endangering his life and that of his man; and more-
over had so seriously damaged his boat, that ho had not been able to use it since. Allan
Lavander was summoned to appear on the following day. On the morning of the 9th,
Baird and Lavander came on board of " La Canadieune," and I settled the case by arbi-
tration. The Defendant i^tnd the Plaintift" eight dollars and ten cents damages.

Seven schooners from Provincetown, United States, had anchored on the Natasli-
quhan bank, where they carried on their tishinj: operations, to the great dissatisfaction
of our fishermen, who protested against these parties remaining on the fishing banks day
and night, and complained that they were i;.' the habit of throwing overboard the offal oi'
the fish, which practice had the effect of driving away the fish.

They wanted me to oblige the American fishermen to anchor in the harbor, and then
to go out and fish in their boats. I told them that I had not the power to comply with
their request ; that the right of fishing was free, and that the Americans could fish on the
Banks in their schooners as well as in their boats; but that all foreign fishermen, like
British subjects, were bound to conform lo the Fishery Laws and Regulations.

I went on board of the American schooners and distributed copies of the Fishing Act,
and warned the crews not to throw overboard the ofiiil of the fish, but to come and deposit
them close by the shore, where they would cause no evil. And I was enabled to ascertain
that the American fishermen were not in the habit of throwing overboard the beads and
refuse of the Codfish; having seen on the decks of their vessels several large boxes, where
all the oft'al of the fish were placed until they could be conveniently thrown out, near the
shore. I had found in the river Natashquhan, the schooner*' Victoria," Samuel Foreman, Mas-
ter, and the schooner " Samuel Thomas," Alexander Rumkey, Master, both carrying foreign
goods, on which I exacted duties. And whilst I was at the small harbour of Natashquhan, I
granted Olivier Rochette a license for the Agv/anus River, and Sylvester Kennedy one for
the Nabessippi River.

On the evening of the 9th I visited the Kckasca river and saw that all the nets were
set in conformity to law, and granted a fishiug license to Jean Lef^vre.

On the morning of the lUth I repaired to Kekasca Bay and visited six American and
five English schooners engaged in the Codfishery in the offing, (rooerally speaking they
had been pretty successful.

In the afternoon I proceeded to the river Wash-Sheccootai. Prosper 3Iorrissette was
engaged in Salmon fishing on the West side of the river, near its mouth, but had caught
only a few fish. I gave him a License.

I then uscended the rapids and having found about a mile below them, one Pierre
Blais. fishing for Salmon with several nets, all set according to law, I granted him a License.

The river Wash-Sheecootai, has rielded this year Salmon weighing 9 and 10 pounds,
whilst last year and the year before last more than half of the fish did not weigh above 5 or
6 pounds.

On the 13th, we came to Coacoacho river, which I visite.l, and warned Jean Girouse,
Joseph Aub6's fisherman, occupant of the river, not to fish with a weir, as it was contrary
to law. I gave him a License for $5. I'he river Coacoacho for these few years past has
not yielded more than 8 or 10 barrels of Salmon annually.

On the 14th, I proceeded to Wapitigun harbor and visited the Etamamu river which
emptiee itself into the sea, at about a mile to the east. I granted a fishing License to Michel
Blais, who has long since been the sole occupant of the river.

Michel Blais has 12 nets set in the river, but within the distance required by law.
The channels are free, and even were he disposed to obstruct them, he could not do it,
owing to the rapidity of the current, from which the river derives its name of Etamamu,
meaning in the Montagnais language " Long-Rapids.''

116

already
igher up,
d, full of

dplaining
le fishing
occupied
nd more-
!. Allan
the 9th,
3 by arbi-

; Natash-
itisfactiou
banks day
le offal ol'

, and then
oaply with
ish on the
men, like

shing Act,
nd deposit
3 ascertain
heads and
xes, where
t, near the
!man, Mas-
ing foreign
hquhan, I
dy one for

nets were

ericau and
iking they

issette was
lad caught

lone Pierre
a License.
0 pounds,
above 5 or

in Girouse,
as contrary
rs past has

liver which
e to Michel

ed by law.
not do it,
Etamamu,

There were six schoouers in Wapitigun harbor, occupied in the Cod fishing. They
were suspected of purloining the puffins' eggs and gulls' eggs on the Bird Islands, in the
vicinity of Cape Whittle ; but one of my officers, Capt. Bernier, whom I sent on board,
found no signs of it in the holds or cabins of any of the schooners.

Michel Blais and Collas informed me that a schooner had como into Wapitigun har-
bor, and that her crew had been wholly occupied in purloining the eggs of wild fowl for
the purpose of selling them in Halifax. She had left about ten days before, but with half
a cargo only. She was the only vessel fitted out for the egg trade that had been seen on
the coast, but the eggs had not escaped, for they had been taken by the fishermen passing
by the Islands where the fowls had laid them.

On the evening of the 15th, we anchored in Mutton Bay. I visited on the IGth the
rivers Great Mecatinna and Little Mecatinna, sometimes called Mutton Bay River. One
Benjamin Reed has been fishing there for these twelve years past. I saw that his nets were
set according to law and gave him a license for the two rivers.

He generally takes 25 barrels of Salmon in the large river, and from 4 to 5 in the
small one.

One of my oflicers visited the schooners engaged in tlie (^od-fishing in Mutton Bay, and
furnished the following return :

SfhooutTS.

iVI asters.

From what Port.

Schooners.

Master.x.

From what Port.

Lord Bury

Wanderer

B. Griffin

Harling

Liiblauc

MeMullin

R. Abbot

Renney

Rand

Halifax

Liverpool, N. S.
Arichat.
ilalifux.

do

do
Sydney
Halifax

do

do

do
Newburyport.
Halifax.
Guysboro'.

Sarah

Boudrault ....
Babin

Magdalen lalauda.
Arichat.

Liberal

Augusta

Ste. Marie

Bis.<;ette

Mills

do

Eastern Star

Dora

Halifax.

Banner

Mic Mac Indian
AdoIIo

J. Brick

Martel

Guysboro'.
Arichat.

Mariner «.,

Three Brothers...

Speculator

Catherine

Prude

Halifax.

Eliza Hooper

H. Hooper ...

MeMullin

C. Stewart ....
Lisle

Samson

McKenzie

Iram Hobbs..

S. Griffin

Plako

Arichat.

Bar

Matilda

do

Delegate

Emma .,

Prince Edwards Island

California

Banquet

Halifax.

Independenco ...

Enterprise

Enterprise

Hewitt

Latham

Boon

Idelia

Guysboro'.
Halifax.

ConiDasrea

Coon'

Vesta

Mickinson

do

On the morning of the 17th, I went
sohooncra in Spar Harbor.

to La Tabatiiire, and visited the following

Marble Head.

Willow

Exchan),'e. ...

LeviMcIntirejThomaston, M

\Vm. Bunker
J. McKenney

Mount Desert.
Shelburne, N.

Sarah jBenj. Perry.. iSht'lburiK'. N. S.

Deluoagh WenilBunkerjC'ranlterry Islundj.

Port of Spain iHenry Shultz,Shelburne.

Codfish had been tolerably abundant since the commencement of the season, about
Mutton Bay, and all the vessels employed in fishing there had done well. At La Taba-
ti6re such quantities of Codfish had never been seen before.

Herring was making its appearance in several places. Ev«ry iiere tranquillity pre-
vailed. During my ?tay at Mutton Bay I granted licenses for Salmon fishing to all parties
following that business in the Bay or at La Tabati^re, as may be seen in Schedule of Fish-
ing Licenses granted by me this year, and annexed to the present Report.

On the 19th we weighed anchor and went to Esquimaux Harbor in the Little Meca-
tinna, where no vessels were found, and on the 21st we anchored in the Harbor of Bonne-
Esp6rance. i visited the schooner " Labrador," John Cronau of Halifax, Master, and found
on board foreign goods, which he intended to land oii the Canadian shore. I informed him
that 1 was a Custom House oflicer, and required him to pay the duty on the goods; but
he refused, and I was under the necessity of seizing both the vessel and the goods. Some
time after, however, John Cronan told me that he would enter his goods according to law,
and I discharged the seizure.
16

Si,

t^h

117

We found the following vessels in the Harhor of Bonne-Esp^rance.

Schooners.

Master.^.

From what I'ort.

Schooner.s.

Masters.

From what Port.

Tonada

Rid«r

Arg.vle N.S.
()

irnlifa.x.

1
i

Snoedwell

Di.xon

Capo Right.
Halifax.

Zoaldnd

Rider. ,

j [dclifi

Flake

John Honry

l'rogre8s

llutton

'Lord Bury

1

Grift'on

ih

(jivten

And in Salmon Hay Harbor the followinsi: ;

Schooners.

Masters.

From what Port.

tSohooiiers.

Miiflter.i.

From what Port.

.1. P. Johnston...

Noeldbii

Biekolnian....
Ilatfie

Newburypoit.
it

Ellen Herbert....
Native American
llczroon

Jov

Xewhuryport.

Harriet

Siuiburn

Martin

Life Boat

>i

lireen Island

Joy

The following information I gathered from the tishermen: —

Codfish had been plentiful at Bonne-Esp6rance and at the Dog Islands, and still more
M> at Salmon Bay, where the fishermen from some American schooners had taken great
((uantities with seines, sometimes oO or 40 quintals at a single haul oi' the seine. These
\ ossels were consequently all loaded and ready to .sail.

I visited St. Paul River and the salmon fisheries in the neighborhood, and granted
licenses to the occupants of those stations.

We left in the afternoon and arrived in Blaucs Sablons Cove at 10 o'clock P. M.

On the 23rd, I visited Fruing & Co's establishment — Mr. Fall, the agent, paid me
the duties on the goods in their store. I next settled a difficulty between two fishermen
residing at the bay, respecting the possession of a piece of land, and then proceeded to
fiittle Harbor where I visited the vessels lying there, and the fishing establishments.
Tranquillity prevailed everywhere.

In the evening, I crossed over to Wood Island, and went to Messrs. LeBoutillier &
brothers' establishment, and requested the agent to pay the duty on the goods I noticed
iQ their store, all of which appeared to be foreign merchandize. He said that being under
the impression that the whole of Wood Island belonged to Newfoundland, in as much as u
Custom-house officer of that island had called two years before to collect the Customs du-
ties, he could not accede to my request, until I gave him positive proof that the island
formed part of the territory of Canada. For my part, I did not think it proper to act with
>;everity and seize the goods before receiving further instructions from the Commissioner
>)f Customs.

While I was engaged at Blancs Sablons Cove, one of my officers was visiting
Bradore Bay. He found there 14 schooners, some of which were from St. Pierre ; he
asked our fishermen whether they were molested by the latter, and they answered in the
aegative. [ thcrefure did not deem it necessary to order them away from our coast, par-
ticularly when a joint commission of FiUglish and French officers was engaged on the coast,
in settling the/difficulties existing between the fishermen of b«th nations. Codfish was
abundant stBiiincs Sablons Cove, and on the bank of the Belles-Amours — they had madu
their appearance two weeks before the usual time. Caplin had been very plentiful.

The firm of LeBoutillier A: Brothers had on their stages 2,700 quintals of codfish,
and the other establishments had also done well.

Herring had likewise been coming in for two weeks past; it was small though very fat.
At a single haul of the seine, on the 21st, 000 barrels of that delicious fish had been taken
at L'unce-au-Clair.

3rd
day.

118

at Port.

bat Port.

)ort.

i still more
;aken great
ne. These

nd granted

P.M.

it, paid me
0 fishermen
•ocecded to
blishments.

^outillier &
I noticed

)eing under
much as a
ustoma du-

t the island
to act with

)mmissioner

Ivas visitiug
Pierre ; he
ered in the
coast, par-
)n the coast,
(Jodtish was
V had made
Iful.

oi' codiish,

igh very fat.
been taken

The mackerel had not yet been seen on the portion of the coast I had just visited.
. The Spring Seal Fishery had been very bad at almost all the stations, owing |to the
backwardness of spring : the icebergs grounded near the shores and the winds constantly
blowing from the land. A good seal fishing season cnn only be expected when strong winds,
blowing from the sea, swell up the ocean and force the herds of seals to seek shelter in the
bays and behind the points where our fishermen have set their nets. Neither had the Fall
Seal Fishery of 1858 been attended with favorable results, owing to the severe frosts
which had frozen up the bays and passes where our fishermen generally set their nets during
the fishing season, that is between the end of November and the beginning of December.

We sailed at midnight to take advantage of a favorable wind, and were off St.
Augustiu the next morning, but not close enough to the shore to land. The wind was
blowing from the east and the land could not be seen, owing to the fog.

On the 25th we set sail for the iMagdalen Islands, and arrived there on the 27th, at
one o'clock, P. 31. T saw Mr. Fox who communicated to me the following information:

Cod fishing was very indifferent about the islands, owing particularly to the strong
westerly and south-westerly winds, which had been very frequent and prevented the mea
from going out fishing.

For the last few weeks, the fishermen were beginning to take mackerel with the lino
and with nets, but not in large quantities. A great number of American schooners had
visited the islands lor the mackerel fishery since the beginning of July, keeping often at
the east point and sometimes at the west point, and anchoring in Pleasant Bay
during stormy weather. Some of these vessels had been very successful, the others had
hardly taken anything. Complaints were heard from different parts of the islands of
the depredations committed by their crews. At one place, nets had been stolen, at ano-
ther, timber; elsewhere, . fish had been taken out of the nets and carried away. Unfortu-
nately, it was a difiicult thing to discover the guilty parties, as the depredations were always
committed during the night, and in the morning the vessels had put to sea and
conveyed away the authors of these misdeeds. Order prevailed on the islands ; a few
schooners belonging to House Harbour had just returned from the cod fishery on the coast of
Labrador, but not with full cargoes ; they were to start soon lor the herring fishery.

At 6 o'clock, P. 31., we got under weigh, and at o o'clock, P. M., on the following
day, we anchored at Perc(5. Codfishing had been very bad at Pere(5, Cape-cove and the
neighboring stations, since the beginiug of July; bait was also very scarce. There were no
foreign vessels on the coast.

On the 29th, I visited Malbaic and Point St. Peter, and proceeded to the Basin on
the 30th. There were in the harbor a few English ships and two American schooners. I
remained at the Basin until the 2nd of August, to enforce the observance of the regula-
tions for the salmon fishing. The nets had been removed i'u all directions as well as the
stakes that supported them. The rivers were entirely free. In virtue of the authority in
me vested by the Act 22 Vic, c. 62, 1 appointed Mr. Joseph Eden, of Gaspe Basin, Harbor
Master of Gasp^. 3Ir. Eden, who is both active and intelligent, will prove a most useful
officer for the harbor of Gaspe, where vessels arrive in great numbers every year, and many
of them in ballast. The necessity for such an appointment had long been felt in Gaspe.

On the 2nd we crossed over to the north in the morning, and in the afternoon of the
3rd we doubled the west point of Anticoati, arriving at the Long Point of Mingan the next
day. I visited the establishments of Mr. Clarence Hamilton and other fishermen.

Codfish had made its appearance at Long- Point about the 15th of July. It had been
plentiful ever since, and our fishermen had taken great quantities, as much as fifteen
hundred weight a day. There were only three vessels in the Port of Mingan. That
evening we proceeded to the River St. John, which I visited on the 5th, to make sure that
the salmon fishing was given over, and that the fishery laws had been observed. In the
afternoon, a ease of assault and battery was brought before me. Both plaintiff and defend-
ant belonged to the schoone • Annie Laurie, from Nova Scotia. The defendant was found
guilty, and fined, and he ^aid immediately.

About forty schooners, two-thirds of them from Nova Scotip and the
others from the United States, were very busy fishing for cod on the
bank at the St. John, where it abounds. I sent one of my officers to
visit them, and give them copies of the Fishery Act, and at the same time to

mS 'J

119

warn them not to throw tho oflfal of their fish on the fishing banks, of which our fiphermen
complained very much.

On the 6th wo started for Thunder River, and arrived therein the evening; but a very
heavy sea, cau.std b^ an easterly gale, prevented our landing, and I pave orders to set sail
for the southward. The next day, at 8 o'clock in the morning, we anchored nt Fox River.

I saw Mr. St. Croix, the Custom House officer at that port, ami Mr. DumarMq.
These gentlemen gave nic the following information :

Codfish had made its appearance at Fox River and generally all along the south shore
of the River St. Lawrence, in the beginning of May. It had been plentiful up to the end
of June. Since that period, it had moved from the banks; but our fishermen could still
take two or three quintals a day, when they could get fresh bait.

Only a few American schooners had visited that part of our shores ; they had not in
the least disturbed our fishermen in their pursuits. In the afternoon, J went to Griffin
Cove. My remarks relative to Fox River, equally apply to this cove.

Several of the fishermen had diflFerences together respecting the manner of setting their
nets to take the herring, used as bait for the codfish. 1 explained to them the law on the
subject, and they were satisfied.

On the morning of the 8th I landed at Cape Rosier, and proceeded to Grande
Gr^ve, where I met the proprietors of the principal establishments of that locality; after
which we started for Gaspe Basin, and anchored there the same evening.

Order and tranquillity had not been disturbed at any of the posts I had just visited.
There were only five vessels in the harbor of Gasp^, and not a foreign one.

We left on the 9th, at 4 o'clock in the morning. We stopped at 1 o'clock, P. M., at
Perce, and at three o'clock we continued our route to the Bay of Chaleurs. The next day
I visited the Grand Pabos River, to see that no one was engaged in salmon fishing, and
in the evening landed at Paspebiao. " La Canadiennc" remained there until the 15th for
repairs and painting. I availed myself of those few days of forced interruption of my
regular cruise, to visit, by land, a portion of the coast of the County of Bonaventure.

On the 18th I stopped at Bonaventure and gathered all the inibrmation I could ob-
tain on the salmon fishery in the river of that name. I learnt with satisfaction that the
Indians had not fished there since the end of July.

At New Richmond, Mr. Dimock, the zealous and active overseer of the rivers along
that coast, reported quite as favorably with respect to the Cascapedia Rivers.

Codfishing in the Bay of Chaleurs, and particularly at Ruisseau Leblanc and at
Caplin River, had not been so plentiful for many years past.

I must not forget to mention the splendid appearance of the country through which I
had travelled from Paspebiao to Carleton ; and I may add that agriculture has made great pro-
gress in that part of the Province within the last few years.

At New Carlisle, Bonaventure, New Richmond and Maria, I met with fields
of wheat, oats and barley as well cultivated, and promising as favorable re-
turns as in the most favored districts of Canada. Oats, especially, were of a
most superior quality. It is known that on that coast where the soil is light,
sandy, and of a reddish color, potatoes, turnips and Swedish turnips grow and ripen to
perfection, and therefore they are cultivated on as large a scale as any of the
other productions of the country. The hay alone did not promise an abundant crop, owing
to the drought in the spring. The lands along the sea shore only have as
yet been cleared and settled. They had been equal to the wants of the inhabitants until
lately, but now that the population has considerably increased, settlers have to leave the
shores and clear lands in the interior of the country. Unfortunately there are no roads.
The inhabitants, who are nearly all obliged to fish whenever they are not employed in cultivat-
ing their lands, in order to find sufficient means of subsistence, have no time to make
roads. Government ought to come to their assistance. It must be borne in mind that it has
thousands upon thousands of acres of most fertile land in the district of Gasp6, stocked
with the most valuable timber, and which cannot be cleared and is consequently of no use
whatever from the fact that settlers cannot reach it, for want of means of communication.

The opening of roads, coupled with the encouragement now given by Government to
agriculture «nd the fisheries, would cause the population of that important district to

120

iphermen

•

ut a very

I set 8ail
»x River,
'umaroaq.

ith shore
> the end
ould Btill

liifl not in
to Griffin

ting their
iw on the

A) Grande
iity; after

it visited.

, P. M., at

3 next day
jhing, and
e 15th for
on of my
iure.
'. could ob-

II that the

vers along

uc and at

;h which I
great pro-

?ith fields
orable re-
ere of a
a light,
I ripen to
)y of the
rop, owing
have as
;ant8 until
leave the
no roads,
n cultivat-
le to make
that it has
)6, stocked
y of no use
ication.
3rnment to
district to

doable in a few years. I may safely say that the two counties of Ga8p6 and Bonaventure,
can maintain, with the produce of their lands and their fisheries, a population of 100,000
souls.

In the afternoon, I embarked in " La Canadienne" at Carleton, and arrived in the even-
ing at Dalhousie, where we remained until the 16th, in consequence of westerly winds.

On the 17th I went to Mission Point with Mr. McKeon the overseer of the Risti-
Rouche River. We travelled up that river as far as the river Metapedia, to see that the
•fishing regulations had been observed. We were informed that the Salmon nets and stakes
had been taken up everywhere, before the end of July, except at a fishing station at Crosn
Point ; but these were removed the next day by my orders.

From the information received by Mr. McKeon and myself, it did not appear that
the white fishermen had violated the Fishery Laws ; but the Indians sold, contrary to the re-
gulations, quantities of Salmon speared by torchlight. However, Mr. Daniel Fraser of
Metapedia, assured us that he had not seen any Indians on the Metapedia river since
the beginning of August, that is, since the close of the fishing season. But it could not be
expected that one officer alone, though very zealous, could watch effectually over the rivers
Ristigouche and Metapedia, particularly with the facilities of infringing the law offered by
the close proximity of New Brunswick ; that Province owning, at several points, more
than one half of the river.

I have mentioned in several of my reports the many difficulties which presented them-
selves, whenever the fishing regulations had to be put in force, with respect to the rivers,
or when parties infringing the law had to be prosecuted. These difficulties exist to this
day, and perhaps to a greater degree,"owing to the daily increasing numbers of settlers on
the banks of the rivers. Until the Governments ol' Canada and New Brunswick agree te
the appointment of a mixed commission, composed of an equal number of officers from the
two provinces, having control and authority over the whole of the river Ristigouche and its
shores and tributaries, and power to prosecute all parties infringing the fishery regula-
tions, wherever they may be found, I fear much that it will be impossible to prevent the
total extinction of the Salmon in those rivers formerly so full of fish.

The measure which I now take the liberty of strongly recommending to Government,
is also earnestly solicited by the most influential Citizens of Campbelltown and Dalhousie,
»nd amongst others Messrs. Fergusson, Botsford, Montgomery, Barbarie, Stuart and
Hamilton.

On the 19th, we left Mission Point at 6 A.M., and arrived at Carleton at noon, having
called at Dalhousie on our way.

At Carleton, I was required by Mr. Freer, the Deputy Sheriff of the place, to execute
at LaNouvelle a Wi'it from the Superior Court at New Carlisle ; the party against whom the
Writ had been issued, had threatened to ill use and even to kill that Officer, if he attempted
to put it into execution. I repaired at once to the spot with some of my men, and Mr.
Freer served and executed the writ without meeting with any opposition.

In the evening we cast anchor at New Richmond. Tranquillity prevailed at this
part of the coast, and Mr. Montgomery informed nie that he had heard of no complaints
on the River Cascapedia for infringement of the fishing regulations.

We reached Paspebiac the next day, and spent the Sunday there. On the evening
of the 22nd we went to Bonaventure, and on the 23rd, I employed 15 of my men during
the whole day, in clearing the eastern channel, (formerly the main channel) of the River
Bonaventure, of trees and trunks of trees which had accumulated there in such quantities as
to block it up almost entirely and divert its waters into the Western Channel. The stream
which is so formed makes a long circuit and then washes away the sand and gravel at the
entrance of the western branch of the river, accumulating them in such quantities on the
bar during the last few years, that the depth of the water in the channel where the vessels
pass, has much diminished. Hopes are entertained however that after the eastern channel
shall have been restored to its former condition, the waters flowing in a straight line and
with greater force into the sea, will carry away all the obstructions which impede so seriously
the entrance of the river, and will restore to the pass its original depth.

The Reverend Mr. Alain, who has contributed so much to the advancement and pros-
perity of the fine parish of Bonaventure, and who displays so much zeal whenever public

Ii^

J' L
¥ > I

V

121

improvements are in question, took a lively interest in the succeps of my undertaking, and
like myself, was of opinion, that all the obstructions existing in the channel of the river
could be removed, and the body of water that formerly flowed into it restored to its original
course, by making my men work at it every year for some years, when detained by busi-
ness in Bonaventure or its neighborhood.

The wind compelled us to leave on the 24th, but wc had already done much work.
We sailed for Perc6 and arrived tliere the next morning. T found at the Post OflBcS;
the following letter to my address from Mr. Collas.

Point St. Petee, 20th August, 1859.
To P. FoRTiN, Esquire,

Schooner "Canadienne," Perc6.

Sir, — In consequence of opposition having been met with, in the execution of a war-
rant against one Peter Rail of Barachois, for having contrary to the provisions of the local
Municipal By-law of the Township of Malbaie, ordained and made in April, 1859, cut hay
and grass, on the Common of Barachois, I beg leave therefore to request your early presence,
here, in order to render assistance.

I have the honor to be, &o.,

ELIAS COLLAS, J. P.

1 proceeded at once to Point St. Peter, saw Mr. CoUas, and left with him three of my
men, under the command of my boatswain, until my return from Gaspe.

On the 26th, at noon, we anchored in Gasp6 Basin. All was quiet there. Only a
few American Schooners had called at this Port.

Mr. Thomas Boyle reported that he had visited several times the rivers under his
charge, and seen quantities of salmon. He did not know of any infringement of the
fishery laws.

On the 2yth, at noon, we left the Basin, and found in the Bay of Gasp(5 about fifteen
American Schooners fitted out for the Mackerel fishery. We were informed that they had
taken only a limited quantity of fish. Though mackerel were abundant near the coast, it
appeared that no kind of bait would tempt them, and they would not bite at the hook. At
3 o'clock p. ra., we arrived at Point St. Peter. I learnt that ray men had captured Rail, on
Friday morning ; that he had been fined and had paid. We started the same evening, for
Fox River, where we cast anchor the next day id 7 p. ni. I at once took cognizance of a
suit of John LeBoutillier, Esquire, against one Louis Fouraier, of Fox River, fisherman,
for having deserted the service of his master. He was brought before me, and pleaded
guilty. I fined him ten dollars ; and I had just closed the case, when a violent gale from
the west-north-west, obliged us to weigh our anchor. 1 availed myself of it to proceed to
the Labrador coast. On the 80th, at three o'clock, a. m., wc doubled the cast point of the
Island of Anticosti, and on the morning of the 31st, I landed at La Tabatiere, and then
visited Mutton Bay, having first called at Red Bay, and at the harbor of Gros Mecatinua.
In the afternoon, I sailed up the Grand River Mecatinua, where I found everything in
order. There were only five fishing Schooners remaining in the harbor of Mutton Bay.
The easterly wind detained us there until the 2nd, when the wind changed to the west. I
reached St. Augustin the same evening, but too late to discover the islands where Mes.srs.
Kennedy have their fishing establishments ; and such a gale sprung up during the night,
and it became so violent the next day, that we were obliged to go back to Mutton Bay,
with the loss of our jib boom.

The wind having changed on the morning of the 5th, wc entered Bradore Bay at half
past three o'clock P. M. I landed at Mr. Jones' and obtained the following information.
He had captured 270 Seals.

The Herring Fishery, as I have already stated, had commenced earlier than usual.
Fish had been plentiful in Bradore Bay, but generally small, though very fat.

Fifty schooners, out of which one only from the United States, had been engaged in
the Cod and Herring fishery in that Bay. They had all left heavily laden. The months
of July and Augiist had been very fine.

At the Blancs Sablons Bay the fishing had been a,s favorable as at Bradore Bay.

The crews of the only three remaining schooners were occupied in drying their Codfish on
the rocks. Some Jersey vessels were waiting for their cargoes of dried fish intended for
the markets of Spain and Italy.

122

•taking, and
)f the river
> its original
aed by busi-

much work.
Post Office.

ust, 1859.

ion of a war-
5 of the local
859, cut hay
irly presence

AS, J. P.
I three of my

ere. Only a

rs under his
;inent of the

about fifteen
that they had
r the coast, it
10 hook. At
turod Rail, on
i) evening, for
iuizance of a
er, fisherman,
, and pleaded
ent gale from
to proceed to
it point of the
crc, and then
as Mecatinua.

everything in

Mutton Bay
) the west. 1
where Messrs.
ng the night,

Mutton Bay,

re Bay at half
information.

!r than usual.
..

in engaged in
The months

jre Bay.
leir Codfish on
intended for

Out of the vessels that were engaged in the fisheries this year on that portion of the Coast of
the Straits of Belle Isle, a large proportion were from Prince Edward Island. It is only since
five or six years that the inhabitants of that Island have entered into the fishing operations
on a large scale. But now they possess a fleet of fishing vessels, quite as well equipped as
tjoseof the United States and Nova Scotia. Such favorable results are due principally to
the encouragement received some years agofrom the Government of i^rince Edward Island, by
wayof premiums ou the tonnage of vessels. These premiums, it is true, are no more al-
lowed, but the itnpulse was given, and the profits realized by those who first went into
the fishing business encouraged others to follow their example.

On the 7th, in the afternoon, I sailed for Bonne Esperance. Not a vessel was to be
seen there, nor at the Dog Islands. The day following we pursued our course towards
the West, and at 8 o'clock P. 31., we were opposite St. Augustiii ; but the sea was too rough
to allow us to land and wo were forced to continue our course. On the morning of the
10th I landed at Natashquhan River, where we did not find any one. i was told by Mr. Little-
later, the Agent of the Hudson's Bay Company at that Post, that two fishermen who had
sctnets at the foot of the rapids, hadfished on halves for the Hudson's Bay Company. I made
him pay me $5 for a license. That gentleman also informed me that all the nets and stakes
had been removed from the Natashquhan River beforethe 1st of August. Ho was not aware
that the fishery laws had been violated. 1 wont in the afternoon to the Harbour of
Natashquhan, and after visiting the fishing establishments there , I exacted customs dues from
Mr. DeLaperelle, and Mr. H. Vignault, on foreign goods which theyhad just received.

At 3 o'clock P. 31. we took advantage of a strong breeze from the South-East to sail
for Mingan, where we arrived the next day at 8 o'clock A. 31.

The Topsail Schooner Tickler was in the Harbor preparing to set sail for Spain, with a
cargo of dried Codfish, taken and prepared on the North shore.

Having remained two days in Mingan to take in water and wood, we left on the 13th
and landed at Long Point. The Codfish had disappeared a Ibrtnight before, but the boata
had taken upwards of 100 quintals each during the summer. 3Ir. Clarence Hamilton had
2,200 quintals in his establishment. I next went to the River St. John, where I found 6
schooners from Gasp6 engaged in Codfishing. Codfish is not more plentiful on the banks
of the St. John than at Long Point. The boats fishing at the River St. John have not
averaged more than 81 quintals each. Nowhere did I hear any complaints. We pursued
our journey towards the West, but we were becalmed at night and obliged to drop our
anchor.

On the morning of the 14th a light breeze sprung up, which afterwards became so
violent that we found it impossible to land anywhere along the coast; I therefore gave orders
to direct our course to the Southward. At 11 o'clock A. 31. there was quite a storm and the
sea became terrific ; and one of our boats was washed away from the davits and could not
be recovered ; shortly after our jib-boom was partly broken, and we had no alternative
but to go back to 3Iingan, knowing that it was impossible to double the East Point
of Anticosti, where the sea is always very rough and dangerous when the wind blows froicu
the westward. The violence of the wind increased in the afternoon, and at about 4
o'clock we dropped two of our anchors in the harbor of 3Iiugan. There were 6 schooners
in the harbor, driven there by stress of weather. The fury of the wind re-doubled during
the night, and having dragged our anchors about a cable's length, we cast a third one. A
schooner which was riding to lee-ward of us had broken her cables during the night
and drifted on the sand bank at the mouth of the river 31ingan, but suffered no damage.
The storm was still raging on the 15th ; almost all the fishing boats at anchor at Long Point
had broken their cables and were drifting away, some outside of the Island of Mingan har-
bor, others inside of it. I rescued some of the latter, but with the greatest difficulty, for
at times the wind was so violent that the men could hardly hold their oars. In the after-
noon the schooner " Bee," ct anchor at Long Point, broke both her cables and went on shore
in the harbor.

On the 16th the wind somewhat subsided in the morning, but was as high as ever
in the afternoon, and two more schooners entered the harbor. At last, on the morning of
the 17th, the storm ceased, and at noon the weather was almost calm. We set sail and
stopped at Long Point. I enquired about the amouut of damage caused by the storm of

123

' *

ii'''' * '

till

if |;

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and obtained the following information : — The fishing
establishments had not sufl'crcd, the wtage head alone of Mr. Hamilton's establishment had
been carried away by the waves. All the fishing boats, twenty in number, at anchor at
Long Point, were carried away by the sea. About 12 were saved at Mingan, the othera
were lost. We left during the night, and on the following day we landed at Bridge Point
Cove. The fishermen here had taken from 100 to 120 quintals of Codfish per boat. Nei-
ther Herring nor Mackerel had been seen.

I then sailed for India Rubber Cove, where are settled

Manuel Le Brasseur, H boats, S men, 300 quintals of Codfish
Fabien Duguay, ii " 9 " 300 •' "

The next place I visited was Indian Cove, .-ibout a mile to the west, where I found
the following fi.shermen :

James Day, 4 men, 2 boats, 200 quintals of Codfish.
Pierre Duguay, G " 3 '' 300 " "

It was there, on the i4th of September, that the schooner " Mary Jane," 50 tons
burthen, and belonging to Fabieu Foug^res, of Maria, was lost. That vessel had just been
launched, and was not insured. It had been so completely broken to pieces on the rocks
by the sea, that there was not enough left of the wreck to build a boat. All hands were
saved excepting a seaman who was; carried away by the waves.

At 8 o'clock, P. M., I set sail for Thunder River. The boats at the station had taken
only 90 to 110 quintals of Codfish each. The brigantine Aurora and the schooners Mer-
maid and Primrose were anchored in the harbor. At Thunder River, as at all the other
posts I had just visited, and at Shelldrake, the autumn Codfishery had not been good.
However, bait wa,s not wanting, and on that account it was expected that the Codfish
would approach the coast previous to its retiring to the deep waters of the Gulf and the
ocean. I embarked again at 7 o'clock, P. M., and directed my course towards the south.
On the 19th, a light breeze was blowing from the south-east. On the 20th, in the morn-
ing, I landed at the Magdalen River. The names of the inhabitants of that locality are as
follows :

1. Jean Briard, 7.

2. Jacques Lafiamme, 8.

3. Joseph Dereehe, 9.

4. Jacques Sinnet, 10.

5. R6hul Brachette, 11.

6. Alexander Mercier, 12.

These men have each a boat, but they attend to the cultivation of their lauds as well
as to the fisheries. Joseph Der^che had taken 150 quintals of Codfish, the othera from 40
to 60 only. The fish had been very abundant at the beginning of the season, but scarce for
the last six weeks. I next visited Grand Valley. At that place, the number of inhabi-
tants was] the same as the preceding years. The Codfishing had been indiflFerent, being
about 100 quintals for each boat. I returned on board at 1 o'clock, P.M., during a storm
of north westerly wind. We found it impossible to land at the station of Grand Etang.
Cape Gasp6 was doubled at 6 o'clock, P. M., and notwithstanding a violent head wind,
we cast anchor outside the sand bank, in GasptJ Bay, at 11 o'clock, P. M.

At 8 o'clock, A. M., on the 21st, we droped our anchor in Gasp^ Basin, where we
found three Brigantines and four Schooners. I was told that the Mackerel fishery had
not been attended with better results since my last visit. Tranquillity prevailed in Gaspfi.
I saw Mr. Thomas Boyle, who did not report any new case of infringement of the fishery
law in the Gasp6 rivers.

On the 22nd, we sailed out of the Basin at half-past five in the afternoon. In the
morning, Mr. Connolly overseer of the River St. John, came on board, and made a report
quite as favorable as that of Mr. Boyle. In the evening I stopped at Point St. Peter, and
tne next day I arrived at Perc6. I visited the fishing establishments of that Station, and
of the Island of Bonaventure. On the 23rd and 24th those of Cape Cove. I made a short
stay at Grand River on the 25th, and cast anchor at Paspebiac on the 26th. There were in
the harbor three brigs, two barks and several schooners.

The ships " Blanchard" and " Mackerel," belonging to the Robins, had ktely ar-
rived from Rio Janeiro, where they had discharged cargoes of dried Cod Fish that had

Francois Briard,
Abraham Sinnet,
Martin Chicoine,
John Sinnet,
Remain Dub6,
Benoit Talbot.

124

10 fishing
ment had
anchor at
he others
dge Poiut
lat. NeU

I found

" 50 toua
just been
the rocks

anda were

hud taken
ners Mer-
the other
been good,
he Codfish
If and the
the south,
the morn-
ility are as

ds as well
•s from 40
scarce for
of inhabi-
ent, being
ig a storm
ad Etang.
lead wind,

where we
ahery had
in Gaapfi.
he fishery

In the
~\e a report
i*eter, and
Lation, and
Ide a short
Ire were in

lately ar-
that had

been sold for more than two pounds sterling per barrel of 128 pounds. The " Blanchard" had
accomplished her voyage, going and returning in 85 days ; the " Mackerel" had exper-
ienced a rather longer passage. The former carried 3,000 barrels of Codfish, the latter 2,000.
I may remark that these two splendid ships were built at Paspcbiac, with Timber from the
Bay of Chaleurs.

All along that part of the coast of GaspC*, extending from Point St. Peter to Paspebiac,
the results of the (Jodfishing had been indifierent, since autumn had set in. There waa
enough Codfish on the banks in the offing, but bait had often failed, and the heavy winds
that had prevailed for some weeks past, had prevented our fishermen from going out to sea.

No foreign vessels had been seen iu the Bay for a long while. Moreover, very few
American schooners had arrived during the season, compared to the number of arrivals of
former years, and the conduct of their crews had not given rise to any complaints.

On the 27th, we took in a supply of water and wood, and on the 28th, we left for
Caraquette, to take in Oysters, for the purpose of establishing artificial Oyster beds along
our coasts, at such places as seemed most favorable for ensuring the success of the experi-
ments I was about to undertake.

We anchored next day in Caraquette harbor, at about two miles from the head of
the bay of that name, where the famous Caraquette oyster beds are situated.

As I proposed to use St. Simon oysters also for my artificial oyster beds, I sent my boats-
wain to the bay of St. Simon, lying about 15 miles to the east of Caraquette, and supplied
him with the funds to buy a quantity of these shell-fish, instructing him to have them
taken up in his presence, in order to make sure that he brought back fresh oysters.

On the morning of the 80th, Captain Bernier proceeded to the banks of the Cara-
quette, and returned in the afternoon with sixty barrels, which had been fished under his
personal superintendence.

The St. Simon oysters did not arrive until the 2nd of October, owing to calms and
contrary winds. They were taken on board on the 3rd, at 4 o'clock a.m., and three hours
after wc prepared to set sail for New Richmond, where I had proposed to deposit my va-
luable cargo in the bay of that name, but we were forced by a north-westerly gale to seek
refuge in Port Daniel I availed myself of the delay to pay a visit to that place.

In company with the overseer of rivers, Mr. Phelan, and with Mr. McPherson, I visit-
ed Mr. Carter's Mill Dam, on the South-West River. The Dam is not more than four
or five feet high. Salmou can ascend it, but with difficulty. The party in possession of
the mill, Mr. Br^aus, to whom I gave warning, promised to build a fish-way, and to place
it on the Dam which had existed for many years, and was only carried to its present height
in the spring of this year. Last year it did not offer any impediment to the passage of Sal-
mon or Trout. The Dam on the North-West River is only eighteen inches high, and can
easily be cleared by the fish. About eighty barrels of Salmon have been taken in the Bay
at Port Daniel.

On the evening of the 4th, the wind had subsided, and we set sail for New Richmond,
where wc arrived on the following day, at five o'clock p.m.

We immediately commenced a survey of the bay, and Captain Bernier took soundings
until seven o'clock p.m. I received from Mr. Manderson, of Maria, the following letter : —

Maria, 4th October, 1859.
Sir, — I beg to submit for your consideration the following case, brought before me
by our active and energetic fishery overseer, R. W. H Dimock, Esq., who, on the 28th of
September last, made complaint against two Indians, of the name of Michel alias Managc-
Eet, for having killed Salmon in contravention to the 24th section of the Fishery Act. I
immediately issued my summons, commanding them to appear before me on the 3rd of Oct.
instant, which they accordingly did, bringing with them the summons with which they
had been duly served, (the bailiff', however, not attending.) On demanding of them what
they had to say to the complaint, they confessed having taken Salmon as therein set forth,
or, in other words, pleaded guilty, but offered in extenuation of their fault, the one, the
father, that he was ignorant of the law in that respect, and the other, the son, that he was
aware at the time of doing wrong, but that he had nothing to eat for himself nor his fami-
ly, and expressed, apparently, sincere regret at not having endeavoured to obtain provisiona
by some other means.
16

I

'■ iiii'

i

125

The law on the subject appears to be imperative, leaving no discretionary power in the
Magistrate, whether it be the first offence or not, or whether it may have been committed
wantonly or out of dire neccHsity, so that my duty is quite clear in the matter. Yet, not-
withstanding, 1 have thought proper to defer judgment, or rather not put it in execution
until I should communicate with you in the matter. Now, although I have had occasioD
to put the law in force this season against others, this is the first complaint brought against
:iny Indians, who, however well aware they may be that thoy arc violating the law, canaot
be easily made to understand the heinous nature of the ofi'ence.

I would therefore respectfully suggest that if the law in the present instance was put
ill force under your immediate instructions, it would have theeffectof preventing in future,
(-a the part of Indians, any violation of the statute, and would do more in bringing them
to submit willingly, (which of course is the thing desired,) than twenty convictions from
iuiy local authority.

And should it not interfere with your arrangements otherwise, I am convinced that
your presence in this quarter oace more this season, would be attended by vast advantage
to the interest of the inland fishery of this locality.

Should we, however, be deprived of the pleasure of again seeing you amongst us this
summer, I shall be happy to receive any instructions you may honor mc with, regarding
these unfortunate creatures.

I have the honor to be. Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

H. A. MANDERSON, J. P.
R FoRTiN, Esquire, Command-'
ingschooner "LaCanadienne,"
Perce

As may be seen by the above, Mr. Manderson had not expected to see me so soon,
and it was intended that his letter should reach me in Perc6. My arrival was consequently
very opportune. I assured that gentleman that he might at all times rely on my willingness
to assist him in the discharge of his duties as a Magistrate, and we took the necessary
steps to have the Indians brought before us.

On the morning of the 6th, the weather being calm, we continued our survey of the
Bay of Cascapedia. This is the Indian name of the Bay of New Richmond.

I determined upon depositing the oysters opposite to the entrance of the Grand River
Cascapedia, on a muddy bottom most favorable for the purpose, on the eastern side of the
middle channel, leading into the river, and in a place well sheltered against the sea breezes,
and having a depth of from four to eight feet at low tide.

In the afternoon, notwithstanding a strong north-westerly wind accompanied with rain
and hail, I went out with the two boats loaded with 25 barrels, and assisted by Captain Bernier
and Mr. Dimock, I caused the oysters to be deposited at the bottom of the water, and
spread all over the bank selected for the purpose of forming oyster beds.

In the course of the night, the wind changed and it blew a hurricane for two days without
intermission. It was not until the night of the 8th and 9th, that we could deposit the re-
mainder of the oysters we had on board, availing ourselves of the calm and of a splendid
moonlight, which enabled us to get through our work as well as in broad daylight.

The superficial extent of the shoal on which the oysters had been deposited was
about four acres in length by three-fourths of an acre in width. The water there is salt,
except perhaps in the spring and fall of the yeai', during the freshets, when it is brackish.

I had made arrangements with Mr. Manderson, on the 7th, to summon before us the
next day the two Indians accused of having violated the fishery laws.

On the 8th we went to Indian Point, and there we were told that the two Indians had
gone up the river, no doubt to hide themselves until after my departure from New Richmond. I
decided at once upon despatching one of my men after them. He found them at a dis-
tance of about 10 miles up the river and brought them back.

They appeared before Mr. Manderson and myself and again pleaded guilty ; Louis
Michel, senior, of having in his possession 14 Salmon killed on the 25th of August, and
Louis Michel, junior, of having speared three Salmon, also on the 25th of August. The
fijst was fined £2 with 1 shilling and 3 pence costs, and the other £5 with 1 shilling and

126

er in tho
)mmitted
Yet, not-
ixecutioD
occasioD
it against
w, canaot

e waa put
iu future,
'ing them
lODs from

[need that
advantage

gat ua this
regarding

J. P.

te 60 soon,
jnsequently
vrillingness
e necessary

rvey of the

rand River
side of the
ica breezes,

with rain
ain Bernier
water, and

ays without
osit the re*
a splendid

josited was

[here is salt,

brackish.

Eifore us the

[ndians had

lichmond.I

Dm at a dis-

|ilty; Louis
August, and
[gust. The
Ihilling and

8 pence costs. They both pjiid the fine at once, and Mr. Dimock, taking their extreme
poverty into consideratlou, very charitably returned to them his share of tho fine, as
Tho following is u letter I received from Mr. Dioiock, in reference to this

informer
matter :

Sib,

New Richmond,

October Sth, 1859.

Permit me to tender you my thanks for the ready and important assistance you have
given me this day in putting tho Fishery Act in force, and I trust in future the appear-
ance of the " Canadienne," under her noble Commander will be a terror to evildoers.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Yours, &c.,

RALPH DIMOCK.
P. FoRTiN, Esquire,

Com. *' La Canadienne,"
New Richmond.

We sailed for Paspebiao on the 9th and spent the 10th there, and on the 11th we oaat
Aoehor in the evening below the Island of Caraquotte.

On the 12th, a very strong head wind blowing from the north-west prevented us from
going beyond the entry of the harbour of Caraquette. I landed and sent my boatswain to
the head of the bay to make the necessary arrangements to enable us to obtain oysters the next
day. On tho 13th I proceeded to the oysters banks and had the oysters taken out of the
water under my personal superintendence. One hundred men in fifty barges were busy
at work, and at 1 o'clock P. M., the boats I had engaged to convey the oysters on board
had already a full cargo, consisting of 193 barrels.

Tho boats arrived alongside of La Canadienne at half-past one, and at 7 o'clock, P.M.
the whole of the oysters were in the hold. We set sail on the 14th, at 6 o'clock in the
morning, for Gasp6 Basin. We were becalmed in the afternoon, and did not arrive
at Perc6 until 7 o'clock the following morning. I left for Point St, Peter, and arrived
there at 11 o'clock, A. M. Mr. John Verdun, who had just returned from the north
coast, reported that cod-fishing had been very abundant since the end of September, par-
ticularly at Shelldrake and in Magpie Bay. We anchored in tho evening at Douglastown.
The fishermen of that place had not been very fortunate. Mr. Connolly reported that
the fishery laws had not been violated to his knowledge at the River St. John.

On the 16th, notwithstanding a very strong gale from the north-west, we entered
Gasp6 Basin. The steamer " Lady le Marchant," having on board Capt. Orlebar, R.N,,
hydrographer, charged with the hydrographic survey of the coasts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
had been lying at anchor in the harbor of Gasp6 since the preceding evening. I hastened on
board of that vessel to acquaint her Commander with the discovery we had made, by
striking against it, of a sunken rock, covered with nine feet of water at low tide, the
position of which we ascertained with the compass, as lying south-west of the west point of
the entry of the River Washshecootai, a distance of about two miles. That rock was not
noted on Capt. Bayfield's charts, nor was it known to the inhabitants of the coast.

On the 17th wo began depositing our oysters, on bottoms selected as the best calculated
for that purpose after a careful survey of the whole basin. These bottoms are formed of
mud of a certain consistency, resemble very much the Caraquette oyster beds. Being in the
basin, they are well sheltered, and are covered with a body of water from 5 to 15 feet in
depth. I determined upon having two oyster beds, one opposite Mr. Horatio LeBoutillier'a
house, about four acres from the entrance of the basin, the other a mile further up, opposite
Mr. Short's house, both being on the south coast.

On the first bank were deposited 80 barrels of oysters, covering a space of four acres
in length and one in breadth; and on the secondbank 70 barrels were deposited.

There remained on board 40 barrels in a perfect state of preservation, which I intend-
ed for the Magdalen Islands, where there are to my knowledge, at different points, but par-
ticularly at Basques Harbor, excellent banks for the formation of Oysters beds.

During this last visit to Gasp6 Basin, which was prolonged until the 22nd
owing to strong and unfavorable winds from the east, accompanied by fogs and rain and

1 '

'■i[iii'^

* ;

127

continuing from thu 18th to the 22nd, I bad to take cognizance of two cases of assault and
battery by two Huilors ou the person of the master of a vessel. The evidence bein;^ heard,
they were found piilty and condemned to ptiv a fine which they refused to pay. I thcrcforo
detained them onboard to convey them to the county jail at l*crcC'.

On the 18th, Capt. Joseph Pcarsc of the schooner Atravida, came and complained
that his mute was evidently deranged in his mind, and danj^crous to himself and his crew
sinco ho had jumped over board while the schooner was sailing out of Gaspfi Bay, no
doubt with the intention of drowning himself, for he had opposed for some time the efforts
of those who hud gone to his rescue. Tic prayed that he might be put into safe custody
I ordered the man to be brought on board and I examined him. Thinking that the fit
would only be temporary, I kept him on board of Ln Cancultcnne, after his master had
given him his discharge, and before sending him to jail. As I had suspected, after a few
days, he was quite well and I discharged him.

On the night of the 19th to the 20th, the schooner performing the postal service be-
tween tho Magdalen Islands, Pictou and Perc6 had been cast ashore by the storm, at tho
entrance of the basin, but had suffered no damage. I sent my men several times with

anchors and stream cables to float her off, but as she had been cast ashore during a very
high tide, and as the tides had decreased since that day, their efforts were unavailing. It
was obvious, however that she could be set afloat at the next spring tides. In order that
no delay should result from that accident in the delivery of the mails, I took on board those
intended for the Magdalen Islands, where I was going in a few days.

There were in Gasp6 Basin six Brigantines and eight Schooners. All these
vessels were engaged in the Codfish trade j some had brought back from different fishing
stations, situated both on the north and south shores, fish dried and prepared for expor-
tation, others were receiving that fish to convey it to the markets of Cadiz, Naples, and Ci-
vita Vecchia, and to divers other ports in the Mediterranean.

Messrs. Conolly and Boyle brought me satisfactory reports of their last visits to tho
rivers under their charge. They were not aware of any infringement of the Fishery laws.

Wc weighed our anchor in the afternoon of the 22nd. I remained for some time at
Grande Gr6ve, where I was told that tranquillity prevailed and that fish were becoming mora
plentiful. At midnight wc anchored at Perc6.

I landed my prisoners on the 23rd, and they were delivered over to the Jailor by my
Constable. Having visited the fishing establishments at that place, I proceeded to Malbaio
where I met Mr. Collas, of Point St. Peter, and went with him to Barachois to inspect the
river of that name. A considerable number of fishermen have settled on its banks.

Next day Mr. John Verdun, of Malbaie, brought a complaint against two fishermen
of the same place for having deserted his service without fulfilling their engagements.
The parties were heard before Mr. Elias Collas and myself, and the two fishermen were
founa guilty and fined $10 each and costs, amounting to $1 15, or to 8 day's imprisonment
in case the fine and costs should not be paid. In the afternoon the defendants paid the fine and
costs. Codfishing had been improving for a few days past at Malbaie. When the weather was
favorable, the fishermen would take from two to three drafts of Codfish in the course of
the day.

A considerable number of fishermen of that locality had gone north and had returned
quite satisfied with the result of their labors. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon the wind
changed to the west and we started for the Magdalen Islands. On the following day, at 8
o'clock, A.M., it veered to the S. S. E. and kept blowing from that quarter until 7 P. M.,
when it suddenly shifted to the west and became tempestuous, being accompanied during
the night by fog and snow, wliich forced us to lay to.

The weather cleared on the 26th in the morning, and we hoisted our sails ; at 7
o'clock, A. M., we came in sight of L'Etang du Nord, and at 5 P. M. we cast anchor at
the head of Pleasant Bay, opposite to the entrance of Basques Harbor. The wind,
which had been very strong during the day, became more violent during the night,
and it was only in the afternoon of the following day that I could effect a landing.

At Amherst Harbor where I met Mr. Fox, Mr. Painchaud and the principal inhabi-
tants of the island, the following particulars were furnished to me :

The Mackerel fishery had failed in Pleasant Bay on the side of Amherst Is*
lttfl| bnt near Albright Island it bad been very satiafactory during the months of

128

September and October. At L'Etang du Nord, where Mackerel ts s^cldom seen in such
abundance, 250 barrels of that excellent fish had been tiikoa duriiip the i-anic jjcrioj.

Since the month of Septcmbfr Codfish had been very plentiful alonci' the coDit. but unfor-
tunately the frec|ucncy of westerly and northwesterly galcssincc thcbcfrinuino; of autumn had
prevented our fishermen from obtaininj^ favorable returns. Vessels that had gone to tho
north had returned with large farg'-os of Ilerrin*. Several of the Schooners from tho
United States which had remained noai tho Magduirn Islands during the mouth of Sep-
tember, for the3Iackercl fishcr^v had suffered eonsidcrnblc damage during tho storm of tho
14th and 15th of that month. Ten had been obliged to take rcfuce in Amherst
harbor for the purpose of undergoing r(paiip. It Avas imported that a fishing schooner
from the same country hud run foul of another vessel during the night, oflf
Amherst Island and had foundered immediately with all on board. 'J l;r> vcscls IVom tho
Magdalen Islands had not suffered any damage. On the 28th I ordered the Oy^tov.i wo
had on board to bo deposited in Basques harbour, on tho Fouth side of the central
channel, in a place where the water was from 4 to S feet high, iiud en an e3:ccl!cnt bed of
mud ; the Oysters covering a space of two acres and i\ half in length by three-quarters of
an acre in breadth.

To find out that bed, the north-cast point of the entrance to liaiquci hnibor must
be brought into a line with the north cape of Entry Is.laud, and Care Albrij^ht in a line with
a largo mound of sand situated at about G acres oif the said North Eait Point of the entry
of Basques harbor.

In tho afternoon we landed at House Harbor wbicli I visited. Almost all
the Tcsaels at that Port had returned from Halifax and other ports, where their cargoes of
fish had been sold at remunerative prices, especially Herrings. There were two large
schooners building. I remarked with satisfaction that the fishermen oi' House Har-
bor, like those of the other Islands, had continued to advance steadily in the path of
progress and improvement, which they had been pursuing for the hi t 'j (<r C years. Tho
number of their vessels had been increased, and those of 00 or 10 tons burthen replaced
by others measuring from 60 to 80 tons. Their e((uipu!cnt3 and ijLhing implcnionts ior the
Seal, Cod and Herring fisheries on the north coast, arc letter ,'ind more complete than
heretofore. Their fishing instruments arc manufactured on more recent and n]iprov(-d pat-
terns. Some have already acquired large Mackerel and Herring seines. They all have
the advantage of being able to go themselves to the bcr,t uiarkcts to sell the produce of
their labor, and buy, at moderate prices, the salt and all other supplies required for tho
fisheries.

Education, which has been .so long neglected, la also attracting general attention.
The inhabitants spare no exertions nor expense for maintaining tho old schools and es-
tablishing new ones ; unfortunately a large proportion of the inhabitants arc so poor that
they cannot afford to subscribe a suflScicnt sum to pay suitable salaries to their school mas-
ters ; and consequently it is with the greatest difficulty that they can procure any. It
would be most desirable for them to obtain the services of masters v,ho could instruct their
children both in the English and French languages; for of late years, tlio eomnicrcialin-
tercourse of the Magdalen Islands, has been carried on more with Xova Scotia; n.nd espe-
cially the port of Halifax, than with Quebec and Montreal, [fit v/crc possible for one of
the Teachers at Amherst Harbor or at House Harbor to instruct in the elementary branches of
the art of navigation, his pupils and the fishermen desirous of acquiring daring the winter
when they remain unoccupied, the knowledge of a science so useful to tlicni, there is
no doubt that after a few years, being thus instructed. Captains commanding fishing ves-
sels in the Gulf, during the summer season, would be competent to cross the ."^cas with their
vessels, laden with the proceeds of the fisheries, and sell their cargoes in foreign countries,
where most remunerative prices could be obtained.

One can easily imagine how beneficial it would be to the inhabitants seUled on our
eoasts in the Gulf to add to the advantage derived from the fisheries, the profits result-
ing from the transportation of that produce across the Atlantic ocean. Couscquently I
take the liberty of calling the attention of the Government to that most important subject,
and of suggesting the propriety of allowing a special grant of money for tho Magdalen
Islands, so as to enable the School Commissioners of those islands to engage the services
of a master capable of teaching the science of navigation.

129

ill

i

I proceeded to Amherst Harbor on the 29th and visited the Basin and the Moulin on
the 30th.

On the Slst, at 3 o'clock, P. M., the wind having sprung up from the South, we set
sail and arrived at Perc6, on the 2nd of November, in the morning. I received from Mr.
B^chard, the Inspector of Schools for the County, the following letter :

To PlEERE FORTIN, ESQUIRE,

Commander of the vessel " LaCanadienne,"
At Perc6, Nov., 2nd 1859.
Sir, — The School Commissioners of the United Municipalities of Pabos and New
port sued, in the coutse of last August, two of the rate payers who had refused to
pay their taxes. Their names are Germain Dupuis and Abraham Buguay. Judgment
has been rendered against them, and the only thing remaining to be done is to seize their
goods and chattels ; but owing to the repeated threats of these two individuals, no bailiff or
constable can be found to take charge of the writs of execution. I therefor j request that
you will be good enough to give your assistance to the above named Commissioners, who
suffer great embarrassment in consequence of that delay.

On the execution of the above judgment will depend the collection of monies due
by other parties indebted to the Municipality, who are awaiting the result of the proceed-
ings to satisfy or not the demands against them.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most Ob't. Servant,

A. BECHARD,
Inspector of 'Schooh, & J. P.

I at occe informed Mr. B^chard that I would lend him, as well as to the School Com*
missioners of Pabos and Newport, all the assistance they might require for carrying out
the School Laws, and I took on board my vessel the Bailiff from Perc6, charged with the
Writ of Execution for the seizure of Dupuis and Duguay's goods and chattels.

We set sail at 6 o'clock P. M., and at half-past two o'clock P. M. of the following day
" La Canadienne " anchored opposite Pabos. Capt. Bernier, to whom I had communicated
the necessary instructions, went on shore with six men and the Bailiff, who effected the
seizure this time without meeting with any resistance. From Pabos the schooner proceed-
ed to Paspebiac and arrived there at six o'clock in the morning.

I had previously, on the 3rd, taken passage on board the " Lady Head " and visited
Dalhousie, but I had returned to Paspebiac, on the evening of the 4th.

I shouM have gone again, for the third time, toCaraquettetotakein a cargo of Oysters,
intended this time for the Bay of Seven Lilands, which is only three hundred miles distant
from Quebec ; but the season was so far advanced and the weather so cold, (there being
hard frosts every night) that we had the greatest difficulty in preventing the Oysters from
being frozen ; it was therefore with great reluctance that I abandoned my project.

Navigation was on the point of closing. All the fishing was over and it was high time
to think of going into winter quarters.

Four vessels still remained in the Harbor of Paspebiac, which were preparing to sail
for Naples, besides several schooners which were to be run ashore on the beach for the win-
ter. AH the vessels bound for Quebec had left several weeks before.

On the 5th the wind was blowing from the S.S.E., and it rained and snowed all the
day ; but on the following day the wind veered to the South-west. We set sail at noon,
and at 6 o'clock, P. M., we anchored at Perc^.

I was told by Mr. Gui!lemette, the curate, and by Mr. Bdchard, that a meeting was
to be held on the next day, of persons supposed to be opposed to the imposition of a school
rate, and that riot and disorder were feared. I was informed that several individuals had
threatened to assault the Inspector of Schools, and that fears were entertained for the safety
of the School House. Mr. B4chard and several of the leading men of the place desired
that I should attend the meeting, and therefore I deemed it my duty to remain in Perc6 for
that purpose, especially when the wind from the land, that was blowing at the time, al-
lowed our vessel to ride at anohor in the South-west Bay, without being exposed to any
danger.

whici

to ml

impol

o'cloif

havii

colled

lalh

night

■>

panic

and 0

(

Levi;

EZTR,

Jul

130

Moulin on

luth, we set
d from Mr.

idienne,"
,, 2nd 1859.
3 and New
refused to
Judgment
> eeize their
no bsuliff or
equest that
sioners, who

monies due
the proceed-

School Com'
carryine; out
with the

yed

following day

ommunicated

effected the

oner proceed-

and visited

0 of Oysters,
miles distant
'there being
Oysters from
ect.
ras high time

aring to sail
for the win-
owed all the
sail at noon,

leeting was
^ of a school
tviduals had
jfor the safety
llace desired
1 in Pero6 for
10 time, al-
bosed to any

The meeting accordingly took place on the following day, for tho avowed purpose of
opposing the imposition of School Kates. Hitherto the voluntary .system of taxation for the
support of Schools had prevailed at Perc4, as well as every where else along the coast, but
in consequence of the default of many persons to pay their share of the taxes, the School
Commissioners found it impossible to pay their School Masters, and to keep the School
Houses in repair. In order to remedy that unfortunate state of things, the Inspector of
Schools had received instructions from the Honorable Mr. Chauveau, to introduce the
system of taxation.

At 1 o'clock, P. M., I repaired to the Court House, where the meeting was held, and
which consisted of about two hundred persons, who seemed all very well disposed to listen
to me. I addressed them for nearly two hours, and explained several times tho most
important clauses of the School Laws, that they might be well understood. At three
o'clock, I had the satisfaction of seeing the crowd disperse in the most orderly manner, and
having apparently given up all idea of offering any violent opposition to the imposition and
collection of the School Rates, and rather disposed not to throw any obstacles in the way.
I allude of course merely to the majority of those that were present at the meeting.

The next day, as the wind was blowing from the west, we set sail for Quebec.

On the 10th, at noon, we were off the Seven Islands, having encountered, during the
night, a north westerly storm.

We were assailed on the 11th by a most violent storm of north easterly wind, accom*
panied by a heavy fall of snow, which obliged us to lay to during a portion of the day,
and on the evening of the 12th we anchored in the harbor of Quebec.

On the 14th, " La Canadienne" was placed on Mr. George Davis's patent slip, at Point
Levi, and on the 15th the crew were paid off and discharged.

P. FORTIN,
Magistrate, Commanding

" La Canadienne."

Extract from the Journal kept on board of " LoiCAnixdxaMU" during the season 1859.

Set out from Quebec.
Anchored at Perc6.
•Left Perc6.

Anchored at Amherst Harbor (Magdaletx LilAitdk.)'
Left Amherst Harbor.
■Anchored at Paspebiac.
Left Paspebiac.
Anchored at New Hichmond.
•Left New Richmond.
Anchored at Bonaveature.
Left Bonaventure.
Anchored at Paspebiao.
■Left Paspebiac.
-Anchored at Perc6.
Left Perc€.

Anchored at Gasp6 Basin.
-Left Gasp6.

-Anchored at Amherst Harbor.
■Left Amherst Harbor.
-Arrived at Percl.
-Left Perc§.

Anchored at Gasp4 Basin.
-Left GaspS Basin.
-Anchored at Mingan Harbor
-Left Mingan.
Landed at Thunder River.
-Anchored at the River Moisic.
28.--Left River Moisic.

May

10.-

((

14.-

u

14.-

«

16.-

((

19.-

C(

20.-

{(

<(

«

((

((

23.-

<(

((

((

«

u

«

((

27.-

(C

28.-

((

((

((

u

((

30.-

((

31.-

June

9.-

«

10.-

ii

10.-

«

((

<c

19.-

<(

21.^

l<

23.

I(

«

((

25.

r-. \

131

ti

29.-

IC

30.-

July

1.-

(I

<:

((

o_

t:

<l

ti

t:

((

4.-

<t

((

ti

5.-

ti

G.-

ii

9.-

tt

((

<(

10.-

a

12.-

tt

13.-

tt

14.~

(t

11

IC

15.-

(I

((

<c

19-

tt

((

<t

I!

<(

21.-

tt

22.-

ft

(I

ti

23.-

<i

27.-

(I

ti

<t

28.-

tt

29.-

<l

u

It

ti

tt

30.-

(t

li*

Aug

ust 2.

(i

4.

t!

(>'

<(

G.

tt

ti

It

G.

t:

({

tt

7.

tt

((

it

.(

tt

((

ti

8

it

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ti

tt

9

tt

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({

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10.

tt

tt

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14.

u

15.

-Landed at Fall River.
-Anchored at ShcUdrako River.
-Left Shelldrukc River.
Landed at Ridge Point.
Landed at Magpie Bay.
-Anchored at Long Point (Miagan.)
Left Lonjr Point.
Anchored in Mingan Harbor.
-Left Mingan.
Anchored at River St. John.
-Left liivcr St. John.
-Anchored in Natashquhan Harbor.
-Left Natashquhan.

Anchored at Rckasca.
-Anchored in Washeecootai Bay.
-Left Washeecootai.
-Anchored in Coacoacho Bay.
-Left Coacoacho.
Anchored in Wapitigun Harbour.
-Left Wapitigan.
Anchored in 3Iutton Bay.
-Left Mutton Bay.
Landed at Little Mdcatinna.
Left Little 3K'catinna.
-Anchored at Bonne E3p<jrance.
-Left Bonne EspC-ranee.
Anchored at Anse aux Blancs Sablons.
-Left Anse aus Blancs Sablons.
-Anchored in Amherst Harbour.
Left Amherst Harbour.
-Anchored at Perce.
-Left Perce.

Landed at Point St. Peter.
Anchored at Douglaa Town.
-Loft Douglas Town.
Anchored in Gasp6 Basin.
— Left Gasp6 Basin.
— Landed at Long Point (Mingan.)

Anchored at River St. John
, — Left River St. John.

Laid to opposite Thunder River.
— Impossible to land on account of the sea.

Left Thunder River.
. — Anchored at Fos River.

Left Fos River.

Landed at Anse aux Griflfons.

Left Anse aus Griflfons.

Landed at Cape Desrosiers.

Landed at Grando Gr^ve.

Anchored in Gasp6 Basin.

Left GaspC' Basin.

Anchored at PerciS.

Left Pcrcu.
, — Anchored at Grand Pabos.

Anchored at Paspebiac.
. — Left Paspebiac.
. — Lauded at Carleton.

132

August 15. — Anchored at Dalhousie

17. — Left Dalhousie.
" Anchored at The Mis.sion.
19.— Left The Mission.
" Anchored at Carletou.
'• Left Carleton.
" Anchored at New Richmond.
20,— Left New Richmond.
" Anchored at Paspebiao.
22. — Left Paspebiac.
" Anchored at Bonaventure.
24. — -Left Bonaventvre.
25. — Anchored at Perc6.
" Anchored at Point St. Peter.
'' Anchored at Sandy Beach.
26. — Anchored at Gaap6 Basin.
28. — Left Gasp6 Basin.
" Anchored at Point St.'Peter,
" Left Point St. Peter. *
29. — Anchored at Fox Rirer.
" Left Fox River.
31. — Landed at La Tabati^re.
" Anchored at Mutton Bay.
September 2.— Left Mutton Bay.

" Laid to opposite St. Augustine, the heary sea preventing our landing.

3. — Anchored in Mutton Bay.

5. — Left Mutton Bay.

" Anchored in Bradore Bay.

7. — Left Bradore Bay.

" Anchored in Bonne-Esp6rance Bay.

8. — Left Bonne-Esperance.
10. — Anchored in Natashquhan Harbor

" Left Natashquhan.
11. — Anchored at Mingan.
13.— Left Mingan Harbor.

" Landed at river St, John!

" Left river St. John.
14. — Anchored at Mingan.
17.— Left Mingan.

Anchored at Long Point.
Left Long Point.
18. — Landed at Bridge Point.

'' Landed at Thunder River.

<' Left Thunder River.
19. — Anchored at Magdalen River.
20. — Landed at Grand Valley.

" Anchored at Douglas Town.
21. — Anchored in Gaap6 Ba3iu.
22.— Left Gasp6 Basin.

" Anchored at Point St. Peter.
28.— Left Point St. Peter.

" Landed at Perc6.
September, 24. — Landed at L'Anse du Cap
" Left L' Ansa du Cap.
25. — Landed at Grande Riviere
'« Left Grande Riviere.
" 26. — Anchored at Paspebiac -^

17 >

u

a
u

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a

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a
a

(<
u
(<
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mi

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•

H

iifl

Septembci

, 28

<!.'

29

October, 8.-

4.-

a

9.-

(k

u

11-

«•

12.-

'•

14.-

15

IG.

i»

28.

'•

24.

it

20.

1.

2S.

<i

29.

(i

31.

November^ 2

a

I.

4.

ii

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^ . « "•

■ ■ ik.

u'

H.

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10.

a

11.

(.

12.

133

— Lett Paspebiac.

— Anchored in Caraquette Karbour.

— Left C'araquette Harbor.

Anchored at Fort Daniel.
-Left Port Daniel.
—Landed at Pasprbiac.

Anchored at New Richmond.
—Loft New Richmond.

Anchored at Paspebiac
— Left Pa.spebiae.
—Anchored at Curaqiiette,
—Left Caraquette.
-Anchored at Perce.

Landed at Point St, Peter.

Anchored at Douglas town.
—Anchored in Gasp^ Basin.

—Left Gasp6 Basin, landed at Grande Greve, and anchored at Perc<j
—Loft Peru^, anchored at Ahilbaie.
-Left Maibaic.

—Anchored at Havre aux Bysquci.
-Left Havre aux Bi\sque.s.

Anchored at Havre aux Mai.sous.
-licft Havre aux Maison».

Anchored at Amherst Harbour.
—Left Magdalen Islands.
—Anchored at F^erc<5 ; left Perce.
-Anchored at Pabos; left Pabo,s.
—Anchored at Paspebiac.
—Left Paspebiac.
• Anchored at Perce.
-LeftPcrc6.

— Paaaed off Pointe-t.le."<-Mont,'<.
-Snow storm.
— .\nchorfd in Quebec Harbour.

liEMARKS ON THK CANADIAN FiSHERlKS IN THE Gl'I.F OF SaINT LaWBENCE.

(.lanada possesses, in the River and Gulf of Saint Lawrence, more than nine hundred
miles of coast, along which are to be found, at different seasons of the year, a greater
abundance and variety of fish and marine animals than in any other part of America.

The shoals of herring, cod and mackciel, which approach our shores for purposes cod-
nected with the reproduction of their species, are immense and inexhaustible. Then, to-
wards the end of November, and at the beginning of December there are seen to enter, by
the Strait.s of Belle Isle, ihnumerable herds of Seals which, after having followed the Coast
of Labrador as far as Cape Whittle, keeping very close in (and it is this circumstance which
admits of their being taken in standing nets) proceed to seek in the middle of the Gulf
those floating fieliis of ice on which the females despft«<it their young ones in the month of
March.

('ertain shoals, such as those of Mingan and St. John are frequented every year by h
considerable number of Whales of different kinds, for the purpose of taking which many
vessels are fitted out from the Port of Gaspe.

One unist not either forget the Salmon, justly called the king of ircsli water fish, which ii
furnished in great quantities by the Rivers of liubrador and the Coast of tJaspc.

I must^lso mention several excellent kinds of Trout, the Haddock, the Halibut, the Eel,
theCaplin, the Lobster, which, without being great objects of trade, furnish the settlers along
the shore with nourishment as healthy as it is abundant.

Of all the fish and other creatures named above, the t'od, the Herring, the Salmon, the
m^l and the Whale, alone have attrated more or less the attention of the fishermen of Ca-

1f?4

nada. As to the Maokerol fishery, it may hv, said to have been hitherto almost entirely
neglected.

The advantage of prosec-uting this branch of industry on a large scale i« loft to United
States fishermen, to whom it is a source of considerable gain, in Canada, at present, the
Mackerel fishery is practised only in boats along the shore, when the Cod fishery is not pro-
ductive. It has never been made a special object of pursuit.

The fisheries are divided into two ^rroat classes ; — The Sea fisheries and the River
fisheries.

The former are subdivided into the Cod fiabcry, the Herrinc fi-shery, the Mackerel fishery,
the Seal fishery, the Whale fishery. The latter fomprise the Salmon fishery, the Trout
fiehery, &c. &c. &c.,

Although the Cod fishery is not the first that is followed in the sprinjx, I have placed it
before the others on account of its importance ; it is the one that gives occupation to the
greatest number of fishermen, employs the greatest number of vessels, and produces the
most advantageous results.

And in mentioning the dift'erent fisheries, for the purpose of proving their value and im-
portance in an economic and commercial point of view, and at the same time shewing the
aecessity for encouraging them by all possible means, 1 shall begin with the cod fishery.

TtiK (,'OD FlSHKKV.

The Cod {Morr/ma), of the family of the Gadida?, i.** so well known everywhere that I
may dispense with giving a description oi' it. Let it suffice to say that there arc several
kinds, of which the only one of any consequence to us is the common cod (Morrhua vul-
f/aris) which is found along all the shores of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

The Haddock (il/orj'AM« ^Eiflejinnf) and the H-aVq {Phi/cis Am^ncamis,) are frequent-
ly taken in autumn ofi^ the coa.st of Craspe ; but these fish are not salted for exportation.

The Cod inhabits cold and temperate climates. It is found along the coasts of Greenland
Labrador, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the United States. All the world has heard of the
G-reat Banks of Newfoundland, and of the immense quantity of Cod to be found there.

It abounds on the coast of Iceland, and on the coast of Norway, where it forms the prin-
cipal food of the iohabitants. It visits the coasts of Scotland, England and Ireland. It
is sometimes taken on the coast of France. But, it does not appear that if goes beyond
the latitude of Gibraltar ; and it lia.s never been seen in the Mediterranean.

The Cod generally stays in the Sea, at a depth of troni twenty five to sixty fathoms. It
is seldom taken in more than seventy five fathoms But when the instinct of rcproductii ,
is felt, it approaches the shore in pursuit of the Caplin, of which it then makes its chit ^
food, and remains six or eight weeks in twelve, eight, and even five fathoms. It is thei
that the taking of this fish can be most successfully carried on.

The Cod appears on the Canadian cojists at uncertain dates, generally between the 10th
of May and the 1st of June, but sometimes later. It has some favorite spots, where it is
found in greater quantities than elsewhere. These are the places which present the great-
est advantages for the preservation and hatching of the spawn. Having deposited its
';pawn, the Cod withdraws to the shallow places called banks, where it always finds food in
Rufiicient quantities to satisfy the well-known voracity of its appetite.

Cod are found in great quantities along the coast of Gasp6, from Cape Chat, in the
Kiver St. Lawrence, to Paspebiac, and even as far as New Richmond, in the Bay of Chal-
eurs. Formerly they were taken in abundance even at Rimouski, at Escoumins, and in
Carleton Bay; but for the last thirty or forty years they have appeared in such small quan-
tities in these places, that fi.shing for them has been given up.

At the Magdalen Islands the Cod, following the Herring, makes its first appearance in
the beginning of May, in Pleasant Bay, and then it is found to the south of Entry Island
and at North Pond. Later in the season it is found on banks situate some ten miles from
Entry Island and Amherst Island, and near Deadman'sJIsland and the Bird Islands.

On the North shore of the River and Gulf of St. Lawrence, and on the Coast of La-
l)rador, it abounds almost all along the coast from Pointc des Monts to the boundary of
Canada, in Blancs Sablons Bay. But it is chiefly in the last mentioned Bay, in Bradorc
Bay, in Salmon Bay, at Dog Island, in Mutton Bay, at Natashquhau, at the River
St John, in Magpie Bay, and at Shclldrakc River, that it is most abundant.

•hA

W^ I

<fi

135

In many of these places the Cod approaches m near the coast that at times from four
to five thousand may be taken at a single haul of the Seine ; but they are generally fished
for with hcnip lines and hooks baited with pieces of fresh fish, or even with small fishcx
whole, such as Capliu and Launco.

The Cod fishery is carried on in ves.«cls or in boats. The former method is the mosi
expensive, but at the same time it is that by which the finest fish arc obtained.

Vessels employed in the Cod fishery, manned by from ten to thirty fishermen, accord-
ing to their tonnage, are anchored by hemp or manilla cables, in from fifteen to fifty fath-
oms. Bait is obtained by spreading nets in the sea at a distance from the vessel, and the
fishing is then begun with hook and lino, and carried ou, often by night as well as by dny,
in spite of wind and storm, until the hold of the vessel is filled with fish,all split and galtc<i
On the return of the vessel to port the Cod is landed, wasshed and dried, and piled up in
stores. It is then ready for exportation.

It is chiefly the fishcrmcu from Nova Scotia and the United States, who carry on tho
Cod fishery in vessels along our coasts. The Canadian fishermen, on the contrary, carry
on the fishery in boats, most of them near tho coasts and on the banks in the neighborhood
of the coves and bays where they reside. Others, as, for instance, a great number of tho
fishermen of the Magdalen Islands, Bonaventure, Paspebiac, Malbaie, and Douglastown,
go and follow their calling on the coast of Labrador, at tho fishing stations I have named.
They find good ha/bours therein which their vessels arc safe, and sometimes also, such an
abundance of fish that it is often in their power to make the voyage in four or five weeks,
returning vvith a full cargo.

The boats used by our fishcnncu are built like Whale boats, that is to say, they arr
pointed at the stem as well as at the stern. Along the coast of Gasp6, their length of keel
is from eighteen to twenty-two feet, and their breadth of beam from five to seven feet.
They arc very sheer built ; the keel is usually of birch, and the clinker work of pine or
cedar. The rigging consists of two sprit sails or gaft' sails. The fishermen of the Grand
River and the neighboring coast, who are in the habit of going very often to the bank at
Miscou, use boats of from twenty to twenty-five feet keel, and decked at the bows. At tho
3Iagdalen Islands, the boats arc smaller and lighter, especially in the Coves, where they
tavc to be hauled ashore when the wind blows hard from sea. The settlers on the coast of
Labrador all have boats (which they buy from the American fishermen) of about sixteen
feet keel, with cotton sails which are very high, but narrow aloft.

All i.Iiose boats are good sailers, and behave well at sea, especially those from Gaspo.
They will lasi- six or eight years if no accident happen to them.

The fishermen always set out for the fishing grounds about two or three o'clock in the
xQorning. Sometimes they are so fortunate as to have the wind in their favor, but often
times it is otherwise, and then they are obliged to row for several hours. On arriving at
the place where they expect to find fish, they cast anchor, take down the masts and sai'^'
and place them, with the oars, across the boat ; then they bait their hooks with fresh fish
and drop their lines into the water, each with a leaden sinker attached to it weighing from
one pound to four pounds, according to the supposed depth of the water and the force of
the current. As soon as the exact depth of water is thus ascertained, by one end of the
line being carried to the bottom, while the other is attached to a cleat ou board the boat.
the line is hauled in until the hooks arc about a fathom from the bottom.

Off the coast of Gasp<?, each of the two fishermen who man each boat has two linc;^,
and they are quite enough, for the fishing is carried on in twenty, thirty, or even forty
fathoms. In many places on the coast of Labrador where the fishing is in ten fathoms or
less, they use four lines each ; and sometimes tho master of the boat, who is alv ivs iii the
stern, has six to manage ; but the sinkers to these lines must be very light, and the depth
of water not more than five fathoms. If there are plenty of fish the fisherman has not a
moment's rest when once he has begun, for while he is hauling up one line the other is
going down, and before he has unhooked the fish from the former another fish is fast to
♦he latter. The lines are always furnished with two hooks, and oftentimes they come up
with a fish on each hook. The fishermen call this taking a pair.

Very often there is no good fishing at the first anchorage ; in that case the anchor is
weighed and the boat is sailed or rowed away in search of a better place. A good deal is
frequently gained by changing places in this way, but it often happens also that a fisher-

136

from four
■ally fished
mall fishcx

IP the most

cu, accord-
) fifty fath-
cl, aud tht'
I as by day,
and trailed,
piled up in

arry ou tln^
trary, carry
iighborhood
mbcr of the
louglastown,
lavc named.
Iso, such an
five weckf>,

iay, they arr
ngth of keel
) seven feet,
k of pine or
F the Grand

the bank at
Q'ws. At the
, where they
I the coast of

bout sixteen

from (jaspe.

slock in the
|r, but oCtcn
arriving; at
Ists and sai'^
ih fresh fish
ighing from
the force o\'
end of the
rd the boat,

lias two lines,
or even forty
fathoms or
llv ivi^ ill the
\d the depth
fan has not a
Ithc other i;^
}sh is fast to
jhey come up

Ihe anchor is
T good deal is
that a fisher-

man, afler having sailed or rowed from fifteen to twenty miles in this way, in the eourtio
of a day, returns to land in the evening with no more than from fifty to sixty fish. When
fish are plentiful the boats take from three to five drafts of Cod each, (a draft being '252
lbs weight.) On the North Shore, boats manned by two men only have been known to
take from 1500 to 2000 Codfish in a single day, during the time they most abound near the
beach

The fishermen generally remain on the fishing grounds until four or five oVlock in
the afternoon, after which they hasten ashore, in order that the Cod they bring may be
f«plit and salted immediately, before it has time to heat or soitcn.

But the weather is not always favorable for fishing operations. Our fishermen cannot
put out when there is a strong sea breeze. They arc often kept on shore by storms which
last for whole weeks. Sometimes they set out in calm weather, and no sooner have
they reached their fishing grounds than the wind rises or a fog comes on, and they arc
forced to return to land as quickly as possible— often without having taken a single fish ;
— and a season seldom passes without our coasts being visited by squalls and hurricanes so
violent and so sudden that the poor fishermen who arc in the offing are obliged to scud
home under bare poles, and then to remain in doors for whole days at a time. And every year a
score of fishermen are lost in boats which founder at sea or capsize among the breakers in at-
tempting to gain the shore.

The months of June, July andjAugust arc the most i'avorable for the Cod fishery; not
only because during the period of twelve weeks, which they <'ovcr, the air is frequently
calm, there are long spells of fine weather, and storms arc more rare than at any other
time during the season, but also because it is then that the Cod resorts most to the coasts,
cither to spawn, or in pursuit of the Caplin and the Launce, on which it feeds,
and because these fish, which serve as bait for it, arc abundant and easy to take ; for it
must be borne in mind that there is no fishing without fresh bait — the Cod not being at all
partial to salt fish. It is only on the great banks, where the Cod feeds chiefly ou crustacea
and moUusca that it bites at all freely at a line baited with salt Herring or salt Caplin.

It is, therefore, most essential for the fishermen to be always well provided with fresh
fish for bait; and they accordingly have Herring, Caplin and Launce seines, which they make
use of every evening and every morning to provide themselves with a sufficient quantity of
little fish for the day.

It frequently happens that these fish do not eome near enough to the beach to be ta-
ken by the seine, and in that case the fishermen go out and take Herring in nets, and other
fish with hooks and lines.

The fishing from the beginning of the season to the fifteenth of August is called the
summer fishing ; what is carried on after that date is called the autumn fishing. All the
Cod taken until September is salted and dried for the purpose of being exported to foreign
countries ; vhat is taken from September to the close of the fishing season is merely salted
nnd packed in barrels, and in that state it comes to the Quebec and Montreal markets.

Great care and attention, as well as labor, arc required in the preparation of Codfish
for foreign countries. And besides these, stores and other buildings for salting them down
in, and proper grounds for drying them on, are required. But before explaining the mode
in which Codfish are prepared, either for foreign or home consumption, it will be of use, 1
think, to give a short description of what constitutes a fishing establishment.

A fishing establishment on the coast of Gasp6, or the coast of Labrador, consists of a
collection of large and small wooden buildings, looking from a distance like a village, some
of which serve to lodge the fishermen and other employees of the establishment, and others
to receive the fish, either in its fresh or salted state, and to contain goods, the rigging of
fishing vessels and boats, provisions, salt, &e., &c.

There is first the house of the chief of the establishment, or of the agent in charge,
generally placed in the centre of the group of buildings, and in an elevated position from
which he can see all that goes on in the establishment, and at the same time overlook the
boats that arc out fishing ; then around the stores for goods and for provisons arc the sheds
in which the fishing tackle is kept, the workshops of the carpenter and sailmakcr, the
blacksmith's forge, aud lastly, the stage, placed as near as possible to the beach, on which
are performed the first operations in the process curing the fish.

The house of the chief, and thoae of the employees, as well ds the stores and t^hcds,

>M

i i'

^m''r

^4r

ifir j<f

j.

lar

are very much like buildings of the same kind in our country places. It is not so, how-
ever, with the stage, which deserves to be specially described.

The stage is the most important building in a Codfishing establishment. It is a lar^jp
wooden building — covered with bark or turf, on the coast of Labrador, and with boards and
shingles on the coast of frasp(? — at one end of which is a wharf, called the stage-head, ox-
tending far enough into the sea for boats loaded with fi.sh t) come alongside of it at low
water. The flooring of the wharf, formed of poles of fir, or more frequently still of spnict .
is divided into compartments, into which the fishermen, on their arrival with boat loads nf
fish, toss them one by one with an implement called a pew.

At the end of the stage nearest to the wharf are the tables on which the Cod is dressed.
In the middle is a passage, with a level floor of strong pbnks, on which the shore hand^
can wheel with ease their barrow loads of salt or fish ; and on each side are places for pile;.
offish, for salt, for troughs to wash the fish in, &c.

The first operations in the process of curing Cod, are performed on the splitting tablr
In the Canadian establishments three men are generally employed in the operation of
dressing Cod, called respectively, the cut-throat, the header and the splitter. The French
employ only headers and splitters, the duties of the cut-throat being performed by cabin
boys.

As soon as the Cod has been landed on the stage and counted, the men go to work. —

The cut-throat, armed with a two-edged knife, seizes the fish by the eyes, cuts iti;
throat, and having opened it down to the navel with a single stroke ot his knife, passe.^ if
to the header. The header detaches the liver, which he throws into a barrel placed near
him, and with the same hand tears out the entrails; after which, with his left hand, ho
cuts off the fish's head. The splitter now seizes the fish by the left side of the neck, uud
opens it from the neck to the tail, cutting from left to right; after which, he place? it
against a batten nailed on the table, and with a single stroke of his knife, if ho can, he re-
moves the back bone, from the navel upwards.

The head, entrails and other offal of the fish are thrown into the sea, through a hole
under the table, and arc carried away by the ebb tide, if not sooner devoured by the Angler.-;
and Plaice, which are always in great numbers near the stages.

From the hands of the splitter the Cod passes into those ot the Salter, who places it mi
a pile, spreading it carefully, with the flesh up and the napes out, and with a wooden
shovel scatters a layer of salt over each row. The salters's art lies in sprinkling on each
fish just salt enough to make it keep well, but not enough to burn it.

The Cod is left piled in this way for three days, or sometimes four, according to the
quality of the salt, after which the operation of washing commences. On the coast of
Labrador it often happens that Cod is left in piles for several weeks, or even for wholo
months; but it is never so white as when it has been subjected to the action of salt onlya.-
long as is necessary.

When Cod is to be washed it is conveyed in wheel-barrows or hand-barrows to a large
trough made of deals, ten or twelve feet long by four feet wide and three feet deep, filled
with water which is continually being changed ; in this trough it is turned over and over
by men armed with poles, and rubbed on both sides with the swabs on the ends of the poles,
until all the salt is washed off', when it is put in piles again in order that the moisture may
drain off from it. After some days the piles are taken down and the fish are spread, one
by one on hurdles, three feet wide, covered with fir or spruce boughs and supported
upon posts about three feet from the ground, in order that by exposure to the action of the.
bun and air they may be deprived of all the water they contain, and be reduced to that
dry state in which they may be preserved for several years even in hot countries.

If the process of dressing Cod has to be performed with care, so must that of drying
it not be neglected for a single moment ; for Cod is merchantable, or of inferior quality, or
even sometimes entirely spoiled, according as the process is well or ill managed.

The hurdles on which Cod are stretched to dry arc called flakes. They are placed
parallel to each other, with spaces of four feet between to enable the men in charge of the
fish to move round them.

At night the fish are gathered into piles of fifteen or twenty each, with the fiesh side
down, the largest on top by way of cover to the rest. In the morning they are spread out,
with the flesh up. If the sun gets too hot about the middle of the day, they are turned with

138

tho flesh down to prevent their being burned, but as soon as the great heat 13 over the
flesh la again exposed to the drying influence of the sun. For the faster Cod \n dried
tho whiter and more transparent it is, and the dearer it sells in foreign markets.

The master-voyager, or whoever in tho establishment is specially charged with
the superintendence of the final operations of curing the fish, is incessantly on the
look out when he ha.-^ 11 large quantity of fish on the flakes. He is always watching
the sky and looking to every part of the horizon to see if clouds that threaten rain
are gathering. But above all he consults his barometer, and if he finds it indicates rainy or
inoist w<^ather, he gives orders immediately to gather up the fish as quickly as po3.9ible.
Then, if tho rain seems very near and there is much fish out, all go to work, from the
chief to the smallest cabin boy. Wlien they have done, each goes back to his own business,
-atistied and fre(! from anxiety, for the Cod, once placed with its skin up, cannot .suftcr from
rain, unless the wet weather lasts very long and there are no intervals of a few hours of
t^unshine to admit of its being spread out again.

When tho Cod is aufliciently dry, large round piles of it are made, containing as much
as a ton and a half of fish each, and covered with birch bark and heavy stones; by the
pressure of these it is deprived of the little moisture that remained in it, and after remain-
ing in this state for some weeks it is put into dry stores, where it is left until the time
(•omes for sending it to the best markets. But before it is shipped, it in spread out ou
ground covered with fine gravel during the warm hours of one day, to give it its " last
■sunning," or '-parting fun/' and extract from it any damp it may have contracted in the
store.

In fine weather and during the dry season, when westerly v/inds predominate, cod is
easily cured and made of the first quality. It is not so when the easterly and south easterly
winds prevail and bring upon our coasts mists and rain that last for whole weeks ; our
Ushcrmeii are then in the greatest state of anxiety, and in spite of every possible care and
[jro(!aution, they frequently see the fish spoiled before their eyes which it has cost them so
tiiueli of the toil and exposure to danger inseparable from tlieir calling, to snatch from tho
.sea, without its being in their power, by any means whatever, to obviate the destructive
(■fteets of the dampness; for, once the fish has been washed and is exposed upon the flakes,
it onnnot be taken into the stores until it is perfectly dry.

In ordinary seasons from five to six per cent, of the dried Codfish is of second quality ;
ill rainy seasons from fifteen to twenty per cent, is thus deteriorated.

It is on the coast of (jiasp6, where the eff"ects of the mists generated by the Gulf
Stream are least felt, that the finest Cod in all America is cured, ft is well known on the
markets of Spain and Italy, where it is preferred to all other fi,sh.

At Labrador, on the coasts of the Straits of Belle Isle, and at Newfoundland, where,
for whole weeks, the fogs brought on by the easterly and north-easterly winds do not allow
a single ray of the sun to be seen, Cod is cured with great difliculty, especially in the
months of June and July ; and the fish from those countries is always inferior to that which
is despatched from the ports of Gaspd and New Carlisle.

In order to guard against all risks from the weather, attempts have been made to dry
Cod artificially by means of large ovens, in which it is exposed to moderate and regular
heat ; — but I am told that these attempts, which have been made at tho Island of St. Pierre
and in Franco, have not succeeded as well as was expected; so that it remains well proved
that the agency of the sun will always be the best that can be employed for the drying of
codfish.

The Codfishery oif the coasts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, I repeat again, is a most
important branch of industry, and gives rise to a considerable trade, as well with the Lower
Provinces as with the United States and with countries beyond the sea. Unfortunately,
the greater part of this trade does not belong to Canada. For, not to mention the exports
of Codfish 1'rom Newfoundland to Spain, to Italy, to the West Indies and to Brazil, nor the
immense quantity of Codfish that French fishermen come and take every year on the Great
IJauk off Newfoundland, and on the northern and western coasts of Newfoundland, we find
fishermen from Nova Scotia and the United States on our coasts, from the Spring to the
Autumn, in well-equipped vessels, busily employed taking our finest fish; and we find them
afterwards, with these very fish, competing with us in foreign markets, and almost always
successfully.

Hii II

ii;

1.39

All uloDp; the coaNt of Novu Sootiu, and in almoiit uU the maritime towns oi' the Htate^
(if Alainc and MassachuHctts the fisheries constitute the chief branch of industry, abflorb-
iug a large amount of capital, giving employment to the greatest 'number of seamen anil
vessels, yielding the largest profits, and affording the means of living to a considerablt!
portion of the population.

In Canada the Fisheries are known only on the coast of Gaspi-j in the interior of tht;
eountry, and above all in Upper Canada, their importance is not even suspected.

Our city merchants are content with receiving for sale on commissson the lish which
is brought to them by the fishermen. None of them, not one large shipowner of Quebec
or Montreal, has yet determined upon carrying on the Codfishery, and an export trade in
Codfish, on a large scale. And yet, nowhere in all America is their a greater abundance of
tish of all kinds, than on the coasts of Canada. And what proves this clearly is, that they
are visited every year by from 250 to 300 fishing schooners from Nova Scotia, and by from
200 to 300 fishing schooners from the Uuited States, more than half of which come for
the codfishery only. What, then, has kept this branch of industry in our country V What
are the causes that have prevented it from developing itself in the same proportions here
as in the neighboring countries ? Many causes. First of all, the want of capital ; then
the total absence of communication duriig winter between the central part of Canada and
the coast of OaspC-, and, until these last years, the di£Scttlty of maintaining commercial in-
tercourse by sea between Moctreal and Quebec and the principal Canadian ports on the
(jiulf, and, 1 must add, the little spirit of cnterprize on the part of a large'portion of t\u'
inhabitants.

Several of these causes now exist no longer. Easy and cer*:ain commnnicationr; by
steamers have been opened not only between Quebec and the coast of Gasp6, but also with
the coasts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Formerly it took one often a fortnight or
three weeks to go from Quebec to Gasp6, now it is an affair of from thirty-six to forty
hours. The Government is making a road, the Natapedia road, which will connect the
settlements at the head of the Bay of Chaleurs and on the River Reotigouche with those
on the banks of the St. Lawrence. Capital, although not abundant, is certainly not en-
tirely wanting at present. But, I say it again, the little spirit of cnterprize that people
have in the central parts of Canada, and their want of practical knowledge of the impor-
tance of the fisheries, and of the precious and inexhaustible resourccr' they offer, are the
principal causes which have retarded the development of our fisheries.

We have thousands of fishermen, thousands of fishing boats, some hundred schooners
engaged in the cod fishery, the herring fishery, the seal fishery and the whale fishery. We
export fish to the value of about $1,000,000 annually.

On the coasts of Gasp6 and on the north shore we have large establishments,
rivalling those of the French and of the people of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the
Uuited States; but they were founded, for the most part, by persons who, although
British subjects, it is true, did not belong to Canada; and even now, the chief proprietors
reside in the channel islands, which are thus enriched by the accumulated profits of the
C'anadian fisheries.

Let us hope, however, that a new era in the history of our fisheries, fruitful in happy
results, is at hand ; and that their great commercial importance and the immense value of
their resources is at last about to be understood in Canada.

I have already described, within the last four or five years, great advances in the dif-
ferent departments of this branch of industry, particularly since'the north shore — previously
included in the King's posts — have been open to all fishermen ; and I have easily proved
the truth of my assertions from the customs returns which show an increase of 100 per
cent in the value of the exports of cod and other fish to foreign countries.

But what will undoubtedly help more than anything else to draw the attention of
capitalists and shipowners to the great wealth of our fisheries, is the bounty which the Go-
vernment offers every one of the Queen's Canadian subjects who choses to engage in the
fisheries. I have always recommended that measure, not as a permanent one, not as a ne-
cessary and indispensible means for the maintenance of this branch of industry; — for this
branch of industry is sufficiently profitable to those who understand it, to be able to support
itself; but as an enticement, as a stimulus. Tho profits to be obtained in the fisheries are
generally sq certain aud m cQnsiderable that as soon as they are carried on with intelligence

140

He Statei
, abNurb-
imen and
Nidorubk*

or of th«

sh which

f Quebec

trade in

ndance ol'

that they

I by from

come f(»r

'{ What

:,ion» here

ta) ; then

inada uud

icrcial in-

•ta on the

on of th(r

latioiu; by
also with
rtnight or
: to forty
)QDect the
(vith those
ly not en-
lat people
;he impor-
5r, are the

schooners
ery. We

lishment»,

ta and the

although

Iroprietora

its of the

I in happy
value of

the dif-
[reviously
ly proved

100 per

entiou uf
the Go-

B;e in the
as a ne-
-for this
I support

keries are

lelligence

and sagacity on a large scale, and with the economy which distin ushr?» the . twaj fishof-
men, the Government may, in a few years, without any danger i> our fiphm >^, (l^tv*
with the bounty.

Tho Governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick gave bountioa to their flshe^lfc
for several years, and the good results that followed proved the excellence of the meisur

The Govcrnuieut of tne llnited States has, for tho last sixty years, given largo bourn -*i
to the codfishorics.

It is well known that the French Government spends several millions of francs every
year in developing its Newfoundland fisheries.

Holland became a great maritime power in ihc seventeenth century .,olcly by means of
the immense resources placed at her command by her herring fisheries; and it waa by
means of bounties that she had developed them.

So that our Government has but followed the example of several other countries in
offering the encouragement of a bounty to our fisheries.

Now I can prove that last year the good effects of this important measure had been
already felt. At the Magdalen Islands all tho vessels fit for sea, to the muubor of 25, went
to the fisheries. Their crows were larger than in previous years, and they wore much bet-
tor found. New vessels also, larger than the old ones, are being built.

On the coast of Gaspd, where they had been satisfied with fishing for cod from boat«
near the shore, more than thirty schooners have been fitted out and scut to fish on the
north shore, besides those engaged in carrying fish.

In the parishes below Quebec a number of schooners have been well fitted out, not
only for the cod and herring fisheries, but also for the seal fishery.

These are certainly good results ; and there is every reason to hope that in a few years
wo shall have to rejoice at the extension and increased importance of our fi.sherio3, encour-
aged and protected as they now are by tho Government.

THE HERRING FISHERY.

Tho herring, (Clupea Harengm) of the genus Clnpea, and of the family of tho
Clupeadse, is ono of the fishes that are met with in greatest quantity along the coasts of
North America, from the latitude of New York to Hudson's Bay.

Naturalists arc not agreed as to whether or not there is more than one variety of thia
fish, though some American authors give the name of Clupca Elongata to the variety
which frequents the coast of tho United States. The herring found along tho coasts of
England, Ireland and Scotland, certainly differs a little from ours ; it is shorter and smaller
than that which is taken off the coast of Labrador, and it is said to taste better.

The herring, like tho cod, inhabits cold and temperate climates. In winter it disap-
pears from our coasts and resorts to tho depths of the ocean, or perhaps, as some Naturalists
pretend, to the Arctio seas, where it finds an abundance of the Crustacea on which it
feeds ; but no sooner has spring returned, and the ice disappeared, than the herring, im-
pelled by a powerful instinct, tending to the reproduction of its species, is seen to arrive
in immense shoals on all the coasts in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, especially on tiio
Southern coast of Newfoundland, in tho Gut of Canso, at tho Magdalen Islands, and in the
Bay of Chaleurs.

Owing to some cause which no one has been able to explain satisfactorily, the herring
does not visit the coast of Labrador in the Spring; or if it does, it is only in email num
bers.

At Pleasant Bay, in the Magdalen Islands, herrings make their appearance at the be«
ginning of May, and almost always in large shoals. They come very near the shore, enter-
ing even into the lagunes of House Harbour, and sometimes in such dense shoals, that the
pressure upon each other, often increased by the force ef the tide, kills them by thousands.

In the Bay of Chaleurs, especially in Gascapcdia Bay, in Carleton Bay, and at
Port Daniel, they present themselves in as great numbers as at the Magdalen Islands, and
always for the purpose of spawning ; which is a highly favorable circumstance for tho
fishermen.

The female herrings come very near the shore, in calm weather, and generally at night,
to deposit their ova in from ono fathom, to thre« fathoms depth of water. The males foK
18

I, ■

\

m

..V

l:J J'i'

(.'■■■

141

low, aud swimiuiug iibove tlu; i»va, sIicjI over them tlicir iiiih, which, Ix'inj; >*pr<»nil nhoHf
by the wiitor, conios itM-untact with hoiuc of tho ova arnUociindati's tlium.

It i.s iiupo8.sihh> to form a rorrcct idea, without soimiil: it, of thi* prodigious ahundaiicu
of the ovuofthe Hi'iTing deposited at tho Ma>.'dnleii Islunds, and j^enerally uii all the coast.'.
where the Hcrriiip; .spawns. I lia\e seen tlie shore at l'lca.sant Bay covered two or three
I'ect deep with fhoni for several niiU-s ; and often times, on retiiminj^ to uiy vessel of a
culm evening', 1 have seen the sea white with milt lor several acres around, though when i
passed the same spot two hours before (he water was of the usual color. This will,
perhaps, appear astonishing to some persons ; hut they will soon recover from their astoniali
ment when they reflect upon the fact that each female Herring has from six to eight
millions of ovii in its ovaries ; and that each male is fiirnisheil with a proportionate
tjuaotity of milt.

Providence has, no doiiht, ordained that then? .should he this prodigious (|uautit) ol
ova, in order that there should remain enough for the prcservatiim of the Hjiecies in the
numoriea! proportion re([uired by the Creator, notwithstanding a loss of a great portion of
theiu, Home of which are not fecundated and are therefore unproductiv*', while others arc
washed on .shore by the waves or are devoured by the little fishes, numerous kinds oi'
which use them for food.

Notwith.standing the immense numbers that have been takev in the (Julf of ,St
Lawrence, and along the coasts of Newfoundland, the Herring li.vs not perceptibly dimi-
nished in abundance there. It may indeed, for several years at a tinu', have presented
itself iu smaller numbers at certain places, or oven have disappeared froui certain ooasta ;
but these phenomena were rather owing to peculiar circumstances arising from the weather
and tho action of the winds. They re-appeared afterwards in these same places, aud more
abundantly than ever. The same thing has happened on the coast of Norway. For thirty
years the summer shoals of Herrings (called there wmvirrsiitf,^ had entirely disappeared
from the coast to the North of Christiansund, which they had frequented during twenty
consecutive years ; but for tho Inst twenty-five years, or thereabouts, they have returned
thither regularly again.

As soon as the act of reproduction has been accomplished, the shoals of Herrin<;,s
disperse themselves throughout the OJulf in every direction, as I have had opportunition
of observing iu my voyages aud cruises there during the last eight years.

At the latter end of August, aud during the months of September aud October, the
coast of Labrador from Cape I\Iccatinna to Cape Charles, and from thence to Hudson's
Bay, is visited by shoals of very large, fat Herrings, well known throughout Canada by
the name of Labrador Herrings. Neither ova nor milt arc found in them, so that they
do not come to spawn. They are probably Herrings that made their appearance in the
spring ou the coasts of Newfoundland, at the Magdaleu Islands, and in the Bay of Chalcurs,
returning to the main ocean, or making their way to the Arctic seas.

Both the shape and the flesh of tho autumn Herring differ very much, it is true, from
those of the spring Herring, so that ouc would almost think they were of different species ;
but knowing as we do how much fishes change, even in the space of a few months, espc-
eially after the spawning season, we are constrained to believe they are tho same.

During the summer season large numbers of Herrings are to be met with along the
coast of Gaspd, and even along the North shore of the St. Lawrence, but they are not in
shoals. It is only off Caraquette that they are found in small shoals, on reefs and in shal-
low places, where the fishermen of that locality take considerable numbers of them with
nets in the month of October.

As might naturally be expected, the appearance of the Herring in immense shoals along
the coasts of the Gulf does not fail to engage the attention of our fishermen, for whom its
capture is a highly profitable employment.

Nf» sooner, in the spring, has the first shoal of Herrings been observed at any place
along the coast, than all the fishermen in the neighborhood repair to the beach with their
nets, their seines, and all their other fishing tackle. Soon a great number of boats are ply-
ing in every direction about the bays and coves where the fish arc expected. These contain
the fishermen, who go to spread their nets so as to intercept the shoals of Herring when
seeking to approach the shore at niglit, for the purpose of spawning.

arc ver

If

this wa

nately,

once or

offish

Ol

"(ometin

are not

The La

He

where h

other pi

other sn

and a gi

foundlai

Bay on

Iti

Hug. A

difficulti

W^ *:.

142

)rofi<l nbout

I iibundauct'

II th« COlLSt,-

\vi» or three
yr vessel of it
)U?h wlieu 1
This will,
m- astoniah-
six to ei|{ht
(ropf)rtioii;U('

i (|uuutit> ot
»0(;ios in the
sat portion ol'
ilo others arc
rous kiii'ls of

(iuir of Si.
loptibly dimi-
ave presented
crtain eoasta ;

III the weather
ces, aud mori'
f. For thirty
y disappeared
lurinj,' twenty
have returned

^ of llerrinf;s
opportunitiot*

October, the
to HudsonV

ut Canada by
so that they
irance in the

ly of Chalenrs,

is true, from
Ferent species ;
months, cspe-
anie.

rith along the

ley are not in

's and in shal-

of them with

sc shoals along
for whom its

. at any place
ich with their
boats are ply-
Thesc contain
Herring when

— - ■ - ■■ ■ -■ =.!iw£.'» .--J.- ■■■ — y — ri'«..^'"i '■■ ' ■ — —ffrTT — ^ — ' r '

At the Mu^daKn JHlunds, and in the Buy of (/hateurs, us well us along u portion of
I ho coast of Oasp('' immense numbers of herrings are taken in the spring. At PIcauaDt
Bay more than OO.OUO barrels are taken with nets and seines every year, in the npaeo of 16
days at the most. Th« siuiic thing happens on the coast of (Susp(>, although there tho seine
is loss usikI.

As I have saad, tlie nets, which are generally thirty futhom.s long, by hve or six wide,
uie set in theaftei'n(M)n, and in the morning the tishermeti visit them and take out the fish,
generally to the t xKent of from five to ten barrels full out of eaeh net, each night, when the
fishing is good. T^mi nets remain sot as long as the fishing lasts, although they are somc-
tiines taken up to hv cleaned.

But there is n much more expeditious modit of taking herritigs than with u net, uud
that is with a seine. Seines for this purpose must be of large dimensions, say from one
hundred to one hundred and thirty fathoni.>i long, by from eight to eleven fathoms wide,
with braces two hundred fiithoms long. They cost a good deal of money, and require
many hands to work them, so that it is not every tishermun that can have one. Large
seines, indeed, ar»' seldom seen, except in the pos,-<ession of Americans or Nova Seotians. I
have observed with pleasure, liowever, of late years, that they have begun to be introduced
into Canada; experience hiiving shewn our fishermen, that the only way to make large
profits is to fish on a largo scale, and with the best kind of tackle.

Those who tish with nets, when 'jnce they have set them in places where they think the
greatest number of tish will pa.ss,wait for the fish to go of their own accord, and get taken.
Those who fish with th(! ssoine, on the contrary, go out in search of the tish along the
coasts they expect them to approach, with the seine in a large boat, manned by eight men.
A score of seamen in smaller boats j)reeede and follow the seine-boat, and look out in every
direction for signs of the presence of shoals ol' herrings. If the surface of the water i.s
agitated at any particular spot, they make towards it immediately ; when they get to it
they stop and look about them, leaning over the sides of their boats and gazing down into
the depths of the sea. Their cruises are frequently unsuccessful. Sometimes they row for
whole days without seeing a single fish, or sec them only in too deep water for seining. But
they have also their strokes of good fortune ; and fishermen with seines of the large dimen-
sions I have described often take, at a single liaul of the seini^, herrings enough to fill
500, 1,000, 2,000 or even 3,000 barrels. One need not be surprised at such great results,
when one reflects that herrings in a shoal arc s(» crowded together as to form » compact mass
from the surface of the water to the bottom.

When the seine is so much loaded with tish it cannot be hauled on shore without risk
of breaking it and losing all the riches it contains. In that case the braces are made fast
on shore and the fishermen seine with small seines inside of the large one j or, if the fish
arc very thick, they are taken out with scoop nets, or landing nets.

If the weather is calm, or the wind is off the land, the seine may be lell moored in
this way for several days, or until all the fish have been taken out of it; but if, unfortu-
nately, a sea breeze springs up and it begins to blow hard, the seine must be taken up at
once or it will be torn to pieces by the violence of the waves. Many thousands of barrels
of fish arc lost in this way.

On the coast of Labrador the Herring fishery is carried on in September and October,
sometimes even beginning as early as the latter end of August. The first Herrings taken
are not generally very fat ; but after them come those fine fish that are so well known.
The Labrador Herring is almost always taken with the seine.

Herrings do not frequent all parts of the coast in equal numbers. There are piaoes
where hardly any are to be seen, while they make their appearance in great numbers at
other places, such as Kelles Amours Harbour, Bradorc Bay, Blancs Sablons Bay, and many
other smaller bays on our coasts, Aitse au Clair, Forteau Bay, Red Bay, 3Iodc8te Islands,
and a great many other important stations on the coast of Labrador belonging to New-
foundland, and St. Barbe's Bay, St. Genevieve's Bay, St. Fdr^ole's Bay, and St. Margaret's
Bay on the Northern coast of Newfoundland.

It is to these bays and harbors that the fishermen resort for the pursuit of their cal-
ling. As at the spring fishing they scour the coast in search of shoals of Herring j and the
difficulties they meet with are even greater than in the beginning of the season, because
fish arc not plenty, and there is more bad weather But, on the other hand, the fish arc

ut

%

of greater vuluo, und arc worth more than twice as much as those that ato taken at the
Magdalen Islaucls.

Owing to the thick coating of fat which covers tho flesh of these Labrador Herrings,
thejr Biuat be salted immediately, and with great care, to prevent their turning yellow and
•polling. The spring Herrings require less care. They are almost always salted whole;
that is to say, without opening them and taking out their entrails.

The produce of the spring fishing goes to Nova Scotia and tho United States, and from
thence to the West Indies. The Labrador Herring comes to Canada, and is consumed
chiefly by the Iiish und Scotch.

It will be seen from the Statistical Returns accompanying my Report, that the Herring
fisheries are very productive j but they could still afford employment to more than a hundred
additional vessels, and more than a thousand additional hands, particularly the Labrador
Herring fishery.

The Custom House Returns notice only the salt fish exported from Canada to foreign
countries ; but it must not be Ibrgotten that the population of Upper and Lower Canada
consume a large quantity also, which 1 estimate at near 10,000 barrels, and almost all Her*
rings.

THE MACKEREL FISHERY.

The 3IackereI {Scomber Vernalis,) of the genus Scomber, and of the family of the
Scomberoidese, is one of the most valuable of all the fish that visit the coasts of the Gulf
of Saint Lawrence. Unfortunately, we have only lately begun to appreciate it as it deserves
in this country ; and it may be said that the Mackerel fishery along the shores of Canada is
•till in its infancy.

It was formerly thought that the Mackerel inhabited the frozen seas during winter;
but that opinion has been given up, and naturalists now tell us that when it quits our
shores it retires to the bottom of the ocean, there to wait until the return of spring enables
it once more to approach the land.

The Mackerel is met with along the coasts of the United States as far South as Cape
Anne, in the Bay of Fundy, off the coast of Nova Scotia, in the Gut of Canso, and some-
times off the coast of Newfoundland ; but nowhere is it more plentiful than along the
shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, especially off the coast of Prince Edward's Island, in
the Bay of Chaleurs at the Magdalen Islands, and in the lower part of the River St. Law-
rence, as far up as Matane and the River Godbout. It is sometimes found along the shore
and the coast of Labrador, but not in great numbers.

Like the Herring, the Mackerel comes in shore to spawn. It arrives at the end of
May or beginning of June. But it does not make its appearance at that time in such
great numbers as the Herrings in the preceding month, and the large shoals resort to the
Magdalen Islands only, so that nowhere else in Canada is it taken in nets.

The Mackerel, after having spawned, disappears entirely from Pleusant Bay about the
15th of June. Yet, about the end of July it begins to be seen again at the Magdalen Is-
lands, at first in small numbers, but afterwards it becomes more plentiful, and in the months
August, September, and October, it is to be met with all round that group of Islands. It
makes its appearance at the same period in the Bay of Chaleurs also, as well as off the coast
of Gaspfi and along the shores of the River St. Lawrence. It is then in the best possible
condition, and more than twice as fat as it was in the month of June. We all know that
the Mackerel, like almost ali other fishes, grows very lean daring the time it is engaged in
performing the important functions tending to the reproduction of its species. It begins
to fatten immediately after it has spawned, and the later in the season it is taken the finer

•a •

it IS.

I have said that the Mackerel has only recently been appreciated at its just value in
Canada. The fact is the people of the Magdalen Islands have c..!y fished for it during
twenty years past, at the most j and even then they have had to learn to do it from
American and Nova Scotian fishermen. I am now speaking of the spring fishing. As to
the summer Mackerel fishing, which is by far the most important, it may be said to be
entirely in the hands of the American fishermen. Our fisbermea are content to fish for
Mackerel fVom boats, near the shore, when Cod fails.

He

144

Fisbing for Mackerel with hooks and lines is carried on chiefly in Pleasant Bay, off
North Pond, around the Island of Bonaventure, in the Bay of Cbafeurs, and in Gasp6 Bay.
At Sheldrake, Seven Islands, and the Iliver Godbout our fishermen sometimes take them
with the seine.

The sea&ring population of the maritime towns in the Northern States, especially
the State of Massachusetts, make Mackerel fishing one of their chief pursuits. Nearly a
thousand of their vessels, worth not less than five millions of dollars, and manned by more
than twelve thousand seamen, are employed in it.

The American Mackerel schooners, especially those which sail from Gloucester, a
trading port which owes its existence to the fisheries, and which alone sends out more
than four hundred, are the finest vessels and the best sailers of their class in the world,
and form a fleet of little vessels of which the maritime population of Maine and Massachu>
setts are justly proud.

These schooners leave ^he ports to which they belotig about the middle of July,
and immediately on their arrival in the Gulf, a week after, their crews commence fishing.
They generally make for our shores, because near them the fish are most abundant.

As the Mackerel fishing carried on by American fishermen in the Gulf is a source ot
great profit to them, and a matter of some interest to us, inasmuch as a great proportion ot
the fish they carry home with them are taken in Canadian waters, I will describe it a
little in detail :

The summer Mackerel fishing is carried on in two ways : with hooks and lines, and
with the seine.

The greater number of fishermen use the hook and line. These are the crews of those
beantiful schooners to be met with everywhere in the Southern part of the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, during the months of July, August, and September, and which, from far, look
more like a small squadron of yachts than a fleet of fishing vessels, so beautiful are their
masts and sails, and so neat and clean are they kept.

But on a nearer approach this is found to be an error j for ou the decks of these ves-
sels are to be seen crews of from ten to twenty men, all occupied either in catching fish, in
repairing fishing implements, or in splitting and salting the fish that have been taken ; and
what is most striking is the order that reigns on board of these Schooners, whose decks
and holds are almost always full of fish, fish barrels, salt, &c.

These Schooners are generally of from 60 to 100 tons burthen. They have little
depuh of hold, great breadth of beam, rake very much fore and aft, and carry large cot-
ton sails which enable them to sail fast, even with a light breeze. Their decks are roomy,
and on them the whole work of salting and barrelling, &c., is carried on.

Before sailing from their port of outfit for the the Gulf of St. Lawrence, they pro-
vide themselves with several barrels of very fat little fish, called poggies, to serve as
bait, and as feed for the purpose of attracting the Mackerel to the surface of the water
and retaining them near the vessel. At a later period, when the poggies are exhausted,
recourse is had to the offal of the Mackerel for bait, and it is prepared in this way ; whole
fishes, or the offal of fishes, either poggies, Mackerel or others, arc chopped up very fine
in a machine something like a straw-cutter, and then put into a large bucket full of salt
water ; the mixture is then stirred for a long time with a small paddle, and this is the
whole secret of preparing feed or bait for Mackerel. Machines for chopping up the fish
are sold for from $5 to $7, according to their size.

As soon aa the Schooners have reached the places where shoals of Mackerel are
usually found, they keep cuising backwards and forwards, and the moment there is the
least appearance of fish, or their presence is even suspected, near a vessel, the jibs arc
taken in, and the vessel is brought to, with the raizen sail and mainsail veered half round.
Feed is then scattered all around, from small pails, the fishermen seize their lines, bait
their hooks with small pieces of the skin of the leck of the Mackerel, or any other fish,
(but the Mackerel is much preferable) and throw them into the water. The lines are fine
and are made of hemp or cotton, generally the latter. They are from six to eight fathoms
long, and to one end is fastened a small sinker of polished pewter, oblong in shape, and
weighing about two ounces, to one end of which is soldered a middle sized hook.

Each fisherman plies two lines, one in each hand, and leans on the rail while fishing.
He tery seldom pays out more than four or five fathoms of line, for the Mackerel^ attracted

146

by the chopped fish thrown over board, thouisands of pieces of which float iu mid water,

i:. :

V' ■''■ 1

leaves the depths of the sea, and comes

swimming

towards the surface, to feast with

avidity on this excellent bait, prepared for him with so much care ; and while he is gorg-
ing himself with pieces of poggie and Mackerel, he seizes the bait on the fisherman's hook,
and soon, iu spite of his violent efforts to break the iron that is tearing his mouth and to
free himself, he is pulled out of the water and thrown upon the dock, where he dies before
long.

Such is the method of taking Mackerel with the line pursued by the American fisher-
men J and our own, as well as those of Nova Scotia and the other Provinces, have adopted
it as being the best. But it is far from being invariably successful j for it very often hap-
pens that the fish, finding plenty of food at the bottom of the sea, will not rise to the bait,
or care so little for it as hardly to bite at the hooks. But the great difficulty with the fisher-
men is to find the shoals of Mackerel. It is almost always an affair of chance.

When Mackerel swim near the surface, as they do when they are pursued by the ])or-
poise or some other of the large fish that prey upon them, they are easily recognized,
especially by the experienced fishermen, by the ripple they make in the water, and some-
times by the noise they make by beating the water with their tails ; and the moment they
are seen from the fishing Schooners, these bear down upon them and make all sail, so as to
reach the place where they are as quickly as possible. Then quantities of bait are thrown
into the water, and if the fish are hungry a good take may be expected. From fifteen to
thirty barrels of Mackerel, for example, maybe taken iu a forenoon by a crew of fifteen.
But Mackerel do not always show themselves near the surface j on the contrary, they
generally keep at a great depth, in order not to be seen; and the-:: the fishermen are
obliged to seek for them. For this purpose they cruise with their vessels, as I have said
already, in certain places, from sunrise to sunset ; and I should add that iu fine weather
they stop every half hour, and sometimes oftener, to throw bait into the water, in the hope
that some shoals of Mackerel may see it, and allow themselves to be attracted by it to the
surface. The Mackerel fishing Schooners, which are almost always good sailers, often sail
from 60 to 100 miles in a day, on a cruise of this kind ; and they may cruise for a week at
a time, and sometimes longer, without taking a single fish. I meet many of these Schooners
during my cruises in the Gulf; and as I make it my duty to obtain all the information \
can from them, I have often been told by Captains who had been fishing a great part of the
season, that they had not taken fish enough to pay for the board of their hands, while others
have informed me that they had loaded their vessels in the space of ;i fortnight or three
weeks.

It will be seen from what I have said that the Mackerel fishery is difficult, precarious
and uncertain. It requires, therefore, to be carried on with sagacity and perseverance,
qualities for which the American fishermen are distinguished. Hitherto they have suc-
ceeded the best in this branch of industry, which is assuming very considerable propor-
tions in some of their Northern sea-ports.

If the owners of vessels that have not had good fishing lose iiiuuey, uu the other hand,
those whose vessels have been successful, and have been able to make several voyages in
one season, make large profits, particularly when 3Iackerel sells, as it has done for some
years past, at from eight dollars to twenty dollars per barrel, of 200 pounds.

This fishery is certianly worthy of the attention of Canadian Ship-owners and mer-
chants, especially those of Quebec ; and it is to be hoped that many years will noi, elapse
before wc also have our fleet of Mackerel fishing Schooners.

It is difficult to state the exact quantity of Mackerel the American fislxu-men eomc
and take every year along our coasts, — from before our very doors, as it were ; but I think
I am within bounds in estimating it at 55,000 barrels, of the value of not less than
$600,000, — that is to say, more than half the value of all the fish exported from Canada.

The Mackerel fishery in Canada docs not yield 5,000 barrels.

These figures speak for themselves. I need add no comments on the state of inferi-
ority to the American fishermen with respect to the Mackerel fishery in which we find
ourselves.

whi(
the

146

mid water,
feast with
le ia gorg-
lan's hook,
nth and to
dies before

ican tishci-
ve adopted

often hap-
to the bait,

the fisher-

>y the ])oi-

recognized,

and somc-

iiuent they

lil, so as to

ire thrown

fifteen to

of fifteen.

itrary, they

icrmen are

have said

ac weather

u the hope

by it to the

i, often sail

' a week at

k Schooners

Drmation I

)art of the

lile others

or three

)rccarious

severance,

have suc-

e propor-

ther hand,

oyagcs in

for some

and moi-
noi; elapse

leii conic
it I think
CSS than
anada.

of inferi-
we find

THE SEAL FISHERY.

The Seal or Sea-calf is a carnivorous and amphibious animal, belonging to the order
of mammalia. There arc several varieties, three of which are peculiarly deserving of our
attention : these are the Harbour Seal, (^Fhoea Vitidiiui) whose average length ia three
feet; the Harp Seal, (P//'^ca Groenlandica) whose average length is five feet; and the
Hooded Seal, {Phoca Lconina) which is sometimes nine feet long, with a moveable sack
on its head, formed of several folds of skin, with which it can cover its eyes and its muzzle
when it likes.

The two latter varieties iiasemble together in herds, and are migratory. The Harbour
Seals appear to live apart, and are to be met with in the same places at all seasons of the
year.

Seals have round elongated bodies, gradually diminishing in size from the chest to the
tail, and thickly covered with short smooth hair, — their lower extremities are short and
end in webbed feet, something like the fins of the cetacea, while the upper extremities
which are longer, but very strong and muscular, and terminate in webbed hands, resemble
the fins of fishes.

Owing to this formation, the Seal is the best swimmer among the mammalia, with the
exception of the crtacea ; and it succeeds in catching the most active fish that are known,
and among others the Salmon, of which it seems to be very fond, and against which it
wages a deadly war in the estuaries of rivers.

Almost all kinds of Seals couple in June ; and the females bring forth their young
(seldom more than one at a time) in March, on floating fields of ice. The young are bora
with white hair, and remain on the ice as long as they are suckled by their mothers. At
three or four weeks old they can live in the water ; but for some months they continue to
follow their nothers, who partly provide for their support and defend them against the
attacks of other creatures.

Seals arc fond of approaching the shore and landing on sandy beaches or flat rocks, to
bask in the sun ; but at the slightest noise, and especially if they perceive the fishermen,
they make for the sea, and disappear under its waters. Nevertheless, if they are taken
young they are easily tamed, especially the common seal; and they attach themselves to
their masters, whom they follow about everywhere, and for whom they seem to entertain an
affection as lively as that of the dog.

The herds of seals that fro juent the Gulf of St. Lawrence arrive there in the month
of November. They come chiefly through the Straits of Belle Isle. They keep very close
in to the coasts cither of l^abrador o: of Newfoundland, penetrating into all the bays, and
not going out far from land when doubling the points and capes. They often stop to sport
when they find a favorable place for the purpose. It is then they are seen to dive repeatedly,
coming up again almost immediately, and to roll themselves about and beat the water with
their hands. The fishermen call this brewing, and hence the name of " brewer" given to
those kinds found on our coasts.

In winter they spread themselves through the Gulf in search of icebergs, on which
they live for several months. In the months of May and June the herds of seals reappear
on our coasts; but then they pursue an opposite course to that of the preceding autumn.
Afterwards they go out of the Gulf into the main ocean, and probably repair to Hudson's
Bay and the Arctic seas.

Seals are of great value, not only on account of the thick layer of fat between their
skin and their muscles, which yields an oil superior to that of the whale, but also on account
of their skin, which is used as a covering for trunks and valises, and which, moreover, tans
well and makes excellent leather. Their importance in a commercial point of view was
soon perceived by the first mariners who visited the Gulf of St Lawrence, for no sooner
was Canada discovered than the seal fishery was prosecuted on our coasts ; and if wo are to
believe the accounts of several voyages to the coast of Labrador in the last century, which
have come down to us in manuscript and by tradition, immense numbers of them were
taken at that period.

Then, as now, nets were used for the purpose of capturing these marine animals.

These net;-! are made of a hempen cord which is very strong, although not more than
the twelfth part of an inch thick. The meshes are eight inches square, and will admit
the head and neck of the seal. Some nets are more than one hundred fathoms long, by

:ll

I y

147

ten fathoms wide; and several nets placed together as advantageously as possible, for th«
purpose of taking seals when they are migrating in herds in the spring or in the autumn,
form what the fishermen call a set of nets. Some of these sets of nets in use on our coasts
are of great value, costing as they do as much as £1500 for cord alone, to say nothing of
the anchors and cables by which they are kept in their proper places after they are set.

The usual time for the Seals to pass near the shore on their migratory voyage being
known, the nets arc set a few days before. One of the fishermen is posted as a sentry on a
rock, a little in advance of the fishery, to give notice of the appronch of herds of Seals,
and the moment there are any in the fishery the signal is given, and the fishermen hasten to
raise, by means of a capstan, a net sunk by leaden weights to the bottom of the water at
the entrance of the fishery. With this they close the opening through which the Seals
made their ingress; and as soon as this operation is completed, and the seals are fairly im-
prisoned, the fishermen jump into their boats and enter the fishery shouting and beating the
water with their paddles, and sometimes firing off guns. The frightened Seals, trying to
escape, dive down and run their heads into the meshes of the nets, which are kept always
open by means of cables round the borders of the nets, hove taut by capstans.

As soon as all the Seals are caught in the meshes, the men underrun the nets, knock
on the head with iron clubs, those that are not strangled, and carry them all on shore in their
oanoes.

The Autumn Seal fishery takes place on the coast of Labrador at the end of Novem-
ber, and in the month of December, and is very arduous by reason of the severity of the
cold at that season, and of the ice-fields which often break thiough the sets and tear the
nets, if care is not taken to take them up. The Seals are no sooner taken out of the water
than they become frozen ; and in that state they are put into stores, and it is not until the
spring, when the warm air has softened them, that they are out up, and their fat is melted
in iron pots.

The spring fishing is carried on nearly in the same way as the autumn fishing, with
this difference, that the entrance of the fishery is to the Westward, because then the Seals
are going out of the Gulf

The fat of Seals taken in the spring is softer and more mellow than that of those
taken in the autumn, and it is melted in the sun in large wooden tubs. It is in this way
that the pale Seal oil of commerce is obtained.

The spring and autumn Seal fishings are carried on along the Canadian shores of tho
Gulf of St. Lawrence, from Blancs Sablons Bay to Cape Whittle, and yield the fishermen
annually, from 5,000 to 7,000 Seals, of the value of from one pound to three pounds each.
But it is rather precarious ; and it fails sometimes, by reason of the cold, or of the ice, or
of calm weather or adverse winds. A sea breeze is most favorable to this fishery, and it
does not require clear weather; on the contrary, misty weather is better for it.

I shall not describe the seal fishing stations belonging to Canada on the North Shore,
aa I have done so already in my report for 1857. I will merely add that seals are not taken
in nets on the coast of Gasp^, at the Magdalen Islands, or on that part of the North Shore
which lies between Cape Whittle and the River St. Lawrence, because these animals do
not approach thie shore in herds at these places.

Seals are not only taken in nets near the shore, in the manner I have just described,
bat they are also pursued in every directiou, and are sought for on the ice-fields, not only
in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence but also in the Atlantio, and at a considerable
distacoe from Newfoundland and the Island of Cape Breton.

The expeditions that are fitted out for this kind of fishing, or rather of hunting, re*
auire to start soon after the young ones are dropped, in order to find them stiU on the ice-
nelds; for, once they are in the water, seals, whether young or old, can set the most prao*
tised fishermen at defiance, and it is useless to attempt to pursue them.

At Newfoundland sealing, as it is called, is carried on on a large scale. The vessels
employed in it are brigs and top-sail schooners, solidly built, well strength "^ned within to
enable them tc resist pressure from the ice, and plated with iron forward to prevent their
being cut through by it. They have crews of from 20 to 60 men, and carry half a score of
small boats, which the men drag after them on the ice and make use of to cross the open
water dividing the fields or bergs from each other. This branch of industry has attained
to coniiderable proportion! in that ialAad. Nearly 850 yessahi, mt aguring mora thaa SO,-

148

le, for th«
10 autumn,
1 our coasts
nothing of
are set.
^age being
sentry on a
Is of Seals,
m hasten to
[le water at
1 the Seals
B fairly im-
beating the
s, trying to
kept always

nets, knock
bore in their

i of Novem-
rerity of the
md tear the
of the water
lot until the
fat is melted

fishing, with
iien the Seals

that of those
in this way

jhores of the
t,he fishermen
lounds each,
jf the ice, or
shery, and it

[North Shore,

are not taken

North Shore

to animals do

lat described,

fids, not only

coniidQrable

hunting, r«-
\\\ on the ioe*
|ie most prao«

The vessels
Led within to
[prevent their
lalf a score of
[o33 the open
1 has attained
hn thaa 80,«

000 tons, and carrying 10,000 men, len.ve the ports of Newfoundland every year in the
months of March and April for the purpose of hunting seals on the ice-fields wherever
they can bo found ; and the profits derived from these dangerous and fatiguing expeditions
are very great indeed, and sometimes even enormous.

It appears by the Customs Returns, that from 400,000 to 700,000 seal Hkin.s arc ex-
ported from Newfoundland every year. These figures will convey, better than uiiy obser-
vations I could make, an idea of the value and importance of this fishery.

The vessels employed in the seal fishery in Canada are of froux 30 to SO tons burden,
and until late years it was only at the Magdalen Islands that this branch of industry was
pursued. As capital was entirely wanting there, the vessels were badly equipped; and
notwithstanding the well known courage, dexterity and experience of the fishermen of
those Islands, it was out of their power to make great profits. Within the last four or five
years, however, larger and better schooners have been built at House Harbor and at Am-
herst Harbor ; and the fishermen of these two ports carry on seal fishery with better success
now than they did formerly. But although the number of vessels at the Magdalen Islands
has increased of late years, there arc as yet but 25, manned by 2G0 fishermen; this is very
little in comparison with some of the ports of Newfoundland. There are seamen enough,
however, at the Magdalen Islands to man 100 fishing vessels ; but, as I have said, capital is
wanting. The majority of the inhabitants have not even the means of building little
schooners for themselves.

For two or three years past schooners have been fitted out on the coast of Gasp6, and
even in some parishes below Quebec, and sent to the North Shore in pursuit of seals ; and,
notwithstanding the inexperience of those on board, they have brought back pretty good
cargoes of the fat of these animals. I know that several other owners of vessels in the
same localities have made arrangements for sending them, well found in all necessary equip-
ments, to winter in some ports on the North Shore, so as to be able to go to sea early in
the spring, and reach the ice between the North Shore and the Island of Anticosti before
the end of March.

I have already mentioned, in my report for 1857, how Mr. Vignault, sailing out of the
port of Natashquhan, with his schooner of 40 tons burden, manned by seven men, about
the end of April, found floating fields of ice not far from Point Natashquhan, covered
with Seals, and killed 600 of them in eight days. At the same time, and only a few miles
ofl', a brig from Newfoundland took 3,000.

Mr. Vignault, who now resides at Natashquhan, was equally successful in his Seal
fishing in 1858 and 1859.

Last year there were fitted out for tie Seal fisheries from 30 to 35 Canadian vessels;
some from the Magdalen Islands, and the others from the North Shore, from Gasp6, and
from the parishes below Quebec. They brought back 8,000 seals, the skins and fat of
which were worth from $40,000 to 860,000.

The autumn Seal fishery of 1858, at Labrador, was bad and did not yield more than
4,500 Seals, worth at least $8 each, or $36,000 in all. It must be borne in mind that Seali
taken in the autumn are all full grown, and yield more fat than those taken on the i<M«
fields in the spring, when they are only a month old or a little more.

THE WHALE FISHERY.

The Whale fishery on our coasts has hardly made any advance, although it has been
followed for a long time. The first persons who pursued this branch of industry in the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, were some fishermen from Nantucket, who came to G-aspfi Basin
during the war of the American Revolution ; but it was on a very small scale at first, for
their means did not admit of their making extensive outfits. Afterwards, however, they
were enabled to procure larger vessels, and make greater profits ; and to this day the
schooners that are fitted out every year from GaspS, for the Whale fishery, are chiefly
jowned by their descendants. These schooners are ten in number, and are manned by
nearly 200 seamen, who are not inferior to American or to English fishermen cither in
skill, in hardihood, or in courage.

The Whales that frequent the Gulf are the Black Whale, the Humpbacked Whalt,
the Sulphur Bottomed Whale, and the Finaer Whale.

1»

M'f

w

I .■''

I

'l k

^^i

1! '*

149

The Black Whale which is the most valuable of all, has been met with, unfortunately
in very small numbers of late years, and it has been very seldom that our whalers have had
the good fortune to kill one. The Humpbacked Whale, so called on account of a hump
on its back, is the most common in the Gulf, and the easiest to kill. As soon as its pur-
suers get near enough, they strike a harpoon into it, and allow their boat to be towed after
it by means of a line attached to the harpoon until it is exhausted, when they approach it
again and kill it with a spear.

The Sulphur Bottom and the Firmer arc so quick in their movements, and at the same
time so wild, that it is difficult and dangerous to attack one in front and strike a harpoon
into it, before it has been wounded with long sharp spears, which penetrate three or four feet
into its flesh. After that it is tracked through the water by its blood, and if overtaken
when the great loss of blood occasioned by its wounds has obliged it to slacken its furious
course, it is harpooned and towed alongside the vessel.

If this happens far from land the Whale is cut up alongside, and the pieces of blub-
ber are stowed in the hold ; if near the shore it is towed into port or some well sheltered
bay, and some of the crew arc left on shore to make the blubber into oil, while the vessel
puts out to sea again in search of fresh prizes.

The Whalers leave Gasp<5 Basin, where they are fitted out, at the beginning of June
not to return for the purpose of laying up until the middle of September. The places they
prefer to all others, because they generally find shoals of Whales there, are the Mingan
shoals, at the west point of the Island of Anticosti, the River St. John on the north shore,
and the St. John shoal, ofiF the Island of St. John, on the north-west coast of Newfoundland.
They cruise along the coast of Labrador, off the Great River Mecatinna, off Gasp6 Bay, and
in the lower part of the River St. Lawrence, where Whales are met with as high up as the
River Saguenay.

It seems that the Whale repairs for the winter to waters of higher temperature than
thoseof the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It finds such on the south-west coast of the United
States, where it brings forth its young.

Towards the end of May, Whales make their appearance in the Gulf followed by their
calves, (at that time from 8 to 12 feet long), which they seem to cherish with miaternal
tenderness, and which they defend with fury when attacked by large fish or by the whalers.
The calves feed so plentifully on Capelin, Launce and Herring, in the Gulf, that they grow
very rapidly, and attain half their full size by the end of the season.

The whaling schooners from Gasp6 bring back from twenty thousand to thirty thous-
and dollars' worth of oil every year.

A Black Whale will yield from 100 to 500 barrels of excellent oil, besides the fins,
which are of great value.

The Humpback, the Sulphur Bottom, and the Finner produce from 10 to 100 barrels
of oil only.

I may remark that the Whale Fishery has been attended this year with very satis-
factory results.

THE SALMON FISHERY.

The Salmon, (^Salmo Salar), of the family of the Salmonidse, is so well known in North
America that I need not describe it. It is justly styled the king of fresh water fish. It
is brought forth in rivers, — and in them it passes three-fourths of the year. It resorts to
waters that run over gravelly bottoms. On the breaking up of the ice in the Spring it
migrates towards the sea, but returns to the rivers in the months of June and July, for the
purpose of accomplishing the important function of perpetuating its species by means of
the spawn which it deposits and fecundates, in North America in August, September, or
October, (the period varying according to the latitude and temperature of each place).

Before repairing to the most favorable spots in the rivers for the preservation and
hatching of the spawn, the Salmon sojourns for some time in the brackish waters of the
estuaries, in order, it is said, to get rid of the parasites with which it is covered, and to
which these waters are fatal.

The places where it spawns are sometimes at very great distances from the mouths of
the rivers ; as in most cases it penetrates to the very lakes in which they take their rise.

t(

160

Urged by an imperious instinct of nature it refuses to allow its course to be arrested by cas-
cades, by the most rapid currents, or by any other obstacle, and it soon ceases to look like
the beautiful and vigorous fish it was when it left the ocean. The exertions it has made in
order to overcome all these obstacles have emaciated it, and robbed it of its lustre, and it
has become languid in its movements ; but it has reached the spot which its instinct com-
pellcd it to seek.

The spots which Salmon seem to prefer, are those where a gravelly bottom is covered
by three or four feet of clear running water.

The act of reproduction is performed as follows : a male and a female fish dig with
their heads, which they keep turned towards the current, a furrow of some inches deep.
This they can easily do as the bottom is composed of very light little stones. Ahcr
making the furrow, they both place themselves alongside of it, and rubbing themselves
against each other, the female sheds her ova, and the male the milt that fecundates them.
This process, which lasts from eight to twelve days, having been accomplished, they care-
fully cover the furrow up again with the gravel which they had displaced in making it.

In England, the Salmon spawns from November to the end of January, and the ova
are hatched in from 90 to 100 da^'s. In the rivers of Labrador, where the temperature of
the water is lower, they must take a longer time ; and it is probable even that they do not
come to maturity, until the month of April. It is said that the Salmon does not go down
to the sea during the first year of its existence. It is adult at the age of 3 years, but con-
tinues to grow every year afterwards, and Salmon are often caught, weighing from 40 to
65 lbs. The ordinary weight of a Salmon is from 10 lbs to 25 lbs. The fish vary in form
and often in color, as well as in size, according to the rivers they frequent. It is known
that Salmon almost always return to their native rivers.

The Salmon fishery, although not of the same importance as the great salt water
fisheries, such as the cod fishery, the herring fishery, and the mackerel fishery, is not the less
deserving of the attention of Grovernment. It produces an excellent article, the value of
which must increase when our railroad lines are prolonged to the lower part of the River,
and afibrd facilities for its transport in a fresh state, packed in ice, in thick wooden boxes.

When Canada was first settled, our rivers were celebrated for the numbers of Salmon,
and I might say also of trout, that were taken in them; and the following passages in the
narrative of a voyage made in 1704, by the Sieur de Courteraanchc, to whose family
the Ance aux Espagnols, now known by the name of Bradore Bay, had been granted in
Seigniory, in 1630, substantiate my statements : " the French settlement (that of the Port
" of Brest) is 20 leagues from it (the great river Mecatinna) ; its appearance is very gay.
" There is a very fine harbor there, into which, all kinds of vessels can enter. More than
" 100 ships could lie there together. ******

" Abo/e the fort, at the head of the Bay, are three very pretty hills, on the summits of
" which are small lakes, in which trout and salmon abound to such a degree, that with two
" or three hand lines, or a common net, one might tackle enough to feed a pretty large gar-
" rison ; and half a league lower down is the Esquimaux river, full of Salmon of extra-
" dinary size."

Afterwards the rivers ceased to be so well stocked with fish, in consequence of too
many being taken at all seasons of the year, and of the want of laws and regulations tend-
ing to preserve the salmon, by prescribing the manner of taking them. It is only within
the last 20 or 30 years that there has been any legislation on this important subject; but
the Fishery Laws at that time were a dead letter. As there was no oflScer to put them in
force, nobody obeyed them or paid any attention to them, and the destruction of this use-
ful fish continued until it had disappeared from several of our rivers. But within the last
few years there has been a great change: good laws and judicious regulations limit the
fishing to certain seasons of the year, and prescribe the kind and number of fishing
implements that may be used. On many rivers, officers have been appointed to enforce
them ; the coasts are effectually protected ; and wo have every cause to hope that, in a few
years, our rivers will bo replenished and we shall again be able to procure, at moderate
prices, this delicious fish, which ranks so high among the luxuries of the table.

The salmon fishery has been very productive this season, in the north as well as in the
eouth. I estimate its yield in all Lower Canada at from 3500 to 3800 barrels, at the value
of $50,000. On the north shore, from the River Moisic to the boundary of Canada at
BlancB Sablons Bay, about 1000 barrels were tal^en.

M

THE TROUT FISHERY.

All oar rivers and lakes in Lower Canada abound with trout of all kinds. I will in-
Btance, as the best, tho brook trout (Salmo Fontinalia), which varies in length from 6 to
20 inches, and the salmon- trout (Salmo Tniita), which is chiefly mot with near the
shores of the Gulf and the estuaries of the rivers. No expeditions are fitted out expressly
for the trout fishery. It is chiefly the salmon fishers who apply themselves to this fishery
also. I estimate the amount of the trout fishery at 600 barrels, of the value of $18,000,
one half of which finds its way to our markets, the remainder being consumed by tho set-
tlers along the coast.

(Copy.)

Port or Amueest, C. B.

Rettjrk of the Number of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered
Inwardt at this Port, shewing their Tonnage, number of Men employed, and the
Countries whence they came, during the year ending 31st October, 1859.

Total.

Grbat
Britain.

BniTiSB

COLOKIBS.

Unitkd

States.

Other Foreign
Countries.

No.

Tons.

Men.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

Gteomers. British

""m

1

"iim

65

8*'

68

"'488'
4671

do Foreign

Bailing Tessels, iBritisb.
do Foreign

'"3O6*

m

"l2408
4736

"im

432

'""i"

'"sos"

i

.36"('st.
Pierre)

374

11744

3134

3

305

294

11645

76

6159

1

35

(Copy.)

Poet op Amheest, C, E.

Return of the Number of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered Out-
wards at this Port, shewing their Tonnage, number of Men employed, and to what
Country cleared, during the year 1859.

11

T 0 IT A 1. .

Grbat
Britain.

British
Colonies.

United

S T ATB a.

Other Foreign
Countries.

No.

Tons.

Men.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

Steamers, British

do Foreign

"212"
2

"86I3"
191

CO
35

*— \

Sailing vessols, British.

236
56

9282
3916

1204
351

13
54

734
3725

1

u

do Foreign

.S
p,

Total

282

13198

1555

214

8704

67

4459

1

CO

I i

162

(Copy.)
Port op Amherst, C. E.

Statement shewing the Coasting Trade and and the Tonnagu of the Canadian Vosaels,
Inwards and Outwards, at this Port, during the yoar 1859.

INWARDS.

0 U T WA R D S .

(JTBAN.

Sail.

1

Steak.

Sail.

»No.

Tons.

»No.

Tone.

•No.

Tonii.

*No.

Tom.

21

S50

31

1313

•These ColumoB include the number of Trips made by the various Vessels.

Tons.

35 (St.
Pierre)

35

Foreign
in tries.

Tons.

^

.--^

■ h

lO ■
€13

36

(Copy.)
Port op Amherst, C. £.

Statement of the Number and Tonnage of British and American Vessels entered In-
wards and Outwards, shewing the intercourse (exclusive of Ferryage) between this
Port and the United States, during the year 1859.

INWARDS.

OUTWARDS.

British.

AUKRICAN.

Britisu.

American.

Steam.

Sail.

1

Steam.

Sail.

Steam-

Sail.

Steam.

Sail.

No.

Tons.

No.
8

Tons.

No,

Tons.

No.
68

Tons.

No

Tons.

No.
13

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.
56

Tons.

488

4671

734

3916

Port op New Carlisle.

Return of the Number of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered In
'wards at this Port, shewing their Tonnage, number of men employed, and the
countries whence they came, during the year ending 31st December, 1859.

Total.

Great
Brita IK.

Britisr
Colonies.

UNITiO

States.

Other'Foreign
Countries.

No.

Tons.

Men.

104

'"695"
15

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

Steamers. British

4

"ioB*

2

936

11421'
496

4

■""Vij"

1

936

"5764"
413

*"'"io"

1

" Foreign

Sailing vessels, British.
" Foreign

'2099"
83

4"

"sw""

16

2661

112

11853

714

16

2661

81

7113

11

2182

4

897

158

:i'

(.Copy.)
PoBT OF New Carlisle.

Rerurn of the number of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered
Outwards at this Port, showing their Tonnage, uiuuber of men employed, and to what
country cleared, during the year 1859.

Total.

Qheat
Britai n.

British
Colonies.

UXITED 1

States. !

Other Foreign
1 Countries.

No.

Tons.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

1
No.

Tons.

No. Tons.

No.

Tons.

Steamers, British

1

1

1

7 679

" Foreign

1

Sailing vessels, British..
" Foreign

1

10805
412

588
11

17

1

4310
412 1

61

4727

8

1083

1 ,

U 11217

1

b99

IS

4728

61

4727

7 67y

1

8

1083

(Copy.)
Port op New Carlisle.

Statement shewing the Coasting Trade, and the Tonnage of the Canadian Vessels, In-
wards and Outwards, at this Port, during the year 1859.

INWARDS.

OUTWARDS.

Steau.

Sail.

Steam.

Sail.

»No.

Tons.

♦No.

Tons.

*No.

Tons.

»No.

Tons.

19

3518

79

4815

70

•1390

These Columns include the number of Trips made by the various Vessels.

.f ,'

(Copy.)
Port op New Carlisle.

SrATEME.\'T of the Number and Tonnage of British and American Vepsels entered Inwards
and Outwards, shewing the intercourse, (exclusive of Ferryage,) between this Port
and the United States, during the year 1859.

INWARDS.

OUTWARDS.

British.

A.MRRIOAH.

British.

American.

Steam.

Sail.

1

Steam.

Sail'

Steam.

Sail.

, 1

Stoam.

Sail.

¥o

T0D«.

No.
10

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No. Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.
7

Tons.

No.

i

Tons.

■
1

NO.

Ions.

1

i

1099

1 83

679

154

Is entered
1(1 to what

ther Foreign
Countrien.

No. I Tons.

I

8 I 1083

8 I 1083

i^cssels, In-

Port of GaspA.

Rbturx of the number of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered In-
wanh at this Port, shewing their Tonnage, Number of Men employed, and the
CouDtrios whence they came, during the year ending 31st December, 1859.

Total.

t

Great

B R I T A I s ,

British
Colonies.

UjfiTED ij Other Foreign
States. Countries.

No.

Tons.

Men.'

1
No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons. 1 No.

Tons.

Steamers, British

1

■""is"

1

237

"4821"
70

26

"335*
6

1

""li

237

""m

j

Do. Foreign

""■22"

"2514"

\

Sailing Vessels, liritisb
Do. Foreign

2
1

306

70

i

11

1103

11C3

Total

50

5128

367

22

2314

14

1075

3 1 !<7fl 1

11

{Copy.-)

Port of Gasp^.

Return of the Xumbcr of British and Foreign Steamers and Sailing Vessels entered
Outwards at this Port, shewing their Tonnage, Number of Men e&ployed, and to
what Country cleared, during the year 1859.

IL.

Tons.

4390

Total.

GUEAT
B B I T A I K .

British

COLONIE s.

U.MTED

States. 1

i

1 Other Foreign
1 Countries.

No.

Tons.

Men.

No.

1
Tons. 1

No.

Tons.

No.

a, 1
Tons. 1

1
No.

Tons.

Steamers British

1

""42"

1

237

"4029"
70

26

1

1

237

Do. Foreign

Sailins Vessels. British

""27'

273
6

6

838

9"

532

285!)

Do. Foreign

1

70

I

2650

Total

44

4336

.'.05

6

838

10

769

1

70

27

ed Inwards
this Port

rica;^.

Sail.

No.

Tons.

(Copy.)

Port of Gasp^ .

Statement shewing the Coasti-ag Trade and the Tonnage of the Canadian Vessels, Inwarcls
and Outwards, at this Port, during the year 1859.

INWARDS.

OUTWARDS.

Steam.

Sail.

Steau.

Sail.

*No. ! Tons.

*No.

Tons.

*No.

Tons.

*No. Tons.

22 4290

1

151 1 7902

23

4524

165 i 8S52

1

*Ibes« Columaa include the aumber of Xripi made by tb« TMiooi Yfueh.

Pi'
I

?

"^f

155

(Copy.)

Port or Gahi'I^.

Statement of the Number and Tonnage of British and Ammerican VcmcIh entered In-
wards and OutwardH, sliewing the iuteroourflo (cxclufiive of Ferryago) botwoun thin
F'ort. and tlio TInitcd States, during the year 1859.

IIP

It

iv i

I N W A U D S .

OUTWARDS.

liniTisn.

Amkiucan.

niiiTiiii.

AMiniCAN.

Steam.

Hnil.

8toani.

Sail.

Steam.

Sull.

•Steam.

Sail.

No.

Tons.

No.
2

Tonn.

No.

Tons.

No.
1

|Tou«.

No.

Tons.

No.

TliHB.

No.

f

Ton».

No.

1

Tonn.

• •

.noo

70

70

f'i i:i?;»ai'

M

I

Statement of Exports from ho Fisheries at Amherst, Gasp6, and Now Carlisle in the

year 1859.

•

tiuantity.

TotalValuo

Orcat
Britain.

North
America.

United
States.

Other F'gn
Countries.

AmherBt—
Dried and nmoked fish cwt

1-M29
1U1380

$
29271
215485

28569
1327^3

702
82732

Pickled do brls

Freth do

Oil galls

Fur, or skins of Fish, or creatures
livins in the sea

27971
5515

15490
5097

14860
5097

030

$ 265343

$ 181279

$ 84064

aaip6—

Dried and smoked fish..... owt

78186i
'>43i

236720
1928

3642"

460

36337
469

19281
1084

181102

Pickled do brls

175

200

Freih do

Oil galls

6140

2958
460

84

Fnrs, or skins of fish, or creature?
livincr in the sea.

$ 242150

$ 40224

$ 20449

175

$ 181302

New Carlisle-
Dried and smoked fish cwt

5i'27»

171212
21468

28181
408

3542
5836

199489

Piokled do brls

15224

Fresh do »

Oa galls

Furs, or skins of fish, or creatures
ivioff is the sea

29101

12216

12216

-■ •

$ 204896

$ 4.0806

$ 9378

$ 15224

$ 139489

Total raluo for the tbteo Port $712389.

166

entered Id-
bctvroen thin

IRIOAN.

S«il.

No.

Tonn.

70

arlisle iu tlu;

d

Other F'gn
Countries.

2
2

0

4

i"

181102
200

>

$ 181302

...

199489

M^

$ 189489

Port op Amiierst-

—(Magdalen I^laDds.)

Year.

Exports.

Importi.

DuticH.

Yoar.

Ezporti.

luporti.

DnU«(.

1861

$
19604
44334
68338
76820
01283

*

6034
12984
12704
18304
29800

$

444

1212
1330
1090
1492

1866

$

82962
163072
234583
200060

9

34212
41880
33704
64803

ISAfl

Ig62

1857

2131
1809

1868

1868

1864

1869

3821

1865

Number of Vessels entered at the Port of Amherst.

Your.

Tnwnrda.

Outwarda.

Y«»r.

luiTttrda.

Otttwardi.

1864

104 vQHselfl..
106 do ..
1.11 do ..

112 veaaela..
106 do ..
163 do ..

1867

100 vesHols..
247 do ..
374 do ..

190 vesaeU..

1866

1868

248 do ..

1866

18S9

282 do ..

Statement, shewing the value of Imports at the Port of Amherst, (Magdalen Islands)
in 1859.

Prom NoTa Soolia

" New Brunswick,

" Prince Edward Island, .. .

'' Newfoundland,

" Great Britain

" The United States,

" St. Pierre and Miquelon,.

$ 49,058

265

2,024

156

1,174

2,051

86

$ 64,803

Cuitonif) Duties, $3,672

7.40

20.40

106.57

100.00

4.00

$ 3,821.82

The value of the goods imported from Quebec and the coasts amouut;s to not less than
$12,000.

Number of coasting vessels arrived, 21 ; tonnage, 856.

Statement, shewing the quantity and value of produce exported from the Port of Am-
herst, (Magdalen Islands,) in 1859.

Fiib, dried,

" piokled,

" OU,

Fvra and Skins,

Cattle,

Animal produce

Agrioaltaral produce, .

Quantity.

12,429 quintali

101,380 barrels.

27,971 gallons.

6,d72 skins.

6S

Value.

$ 39,271

216,486

15,490

6,408

030

67

310

206,060

Britiah N.
America.

$ 38,569

132,753

14,860

5,403

67
310

U. States.

$ 702

82,732

630

Foreign
Countries.

C30

$181,962 $84,064

630

Statement, shewing the number of the Magdalen Islands schooners engaged in the Seal
Fishery, &c., &c.

Seboosers.

Tons.

Men.

Stals.

•

24

sso

SSO

0,000

20

167

Number of Vessels entered at the Port of Amherst

, in 1859,

Total Number.

From
Great Britain.

From British
North Ameri-
can Colonies.

From
United States.

From

St. Pierre,

and Miquelon.

No.

Tons.

Men.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

British

305
09

12408
4730

1702
432

305

293
1

115S0
05

3
68

488
4671

I

35

Foreign

374

17144

2134

3

305

294

11645

76

5159

1

35

Number of Vessels cleared at the Port of Amherst, in 1859.

Total Number.

For
Great Britain.

For British
North Ameri-
can Colonics.

For
United States.

For St. P;?rre,
and Miquelca.

No.

Tons.

Men.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

No.

Tons.

British

226

50

9282
3916

1319S

1204
351

212
2

8513
191

13
54

734
3725

1

35

Foreign

282

1555

214

8704

67

4459

1

35

For these interesting statements, I am indebted to John J. Fox, Esquire, Collector of
Customs at the Port of Amherst.

APPENDIX No. 34.
Mr. Whitcher's Report.
To the Hon. P. M. Vankoughnet,

Commissioner of Crown Lands.
&c. &c.

SiR,--Your directions of the 17th May last, honored me with the service of inspect-
ing and taking inventories of certain public properties within the territory known as " The
Ki'ig's Posts," preparatory to their resumption by government at the expiry of lease with
the Hon. Hudson's Bay Company. Obedient to which I have made a personal and mi-
nute inspection of the several premises with the view of ascertaining their actual state.
The results of such examiaation, and other information affecting their delivery and accep-
tance as between the Company and the Crown, form the subject of various special communica-
tions and of a general Report already addressed to the Department.

The same instructions directed rac also to concert proceedings with the Superinten-
dent of Fisheries, for Lower Canada, in furtherance of the season's operations under the
Fishery Act; and concurrently with the first mentioned duty, in the neighbourhood of tho re-
spective localities where the above Posts are situatsd, to render assistance. The present Re-
port describes the additional service thus performed agreeable to your desire.

I met the Superintendent of Fisheries at Quebec, about the 21st of May.— Reference
is requested to a full statement of particulars in connection with such arrangementa as I
wa.s charged to suggest, also, to subsequent explanatory letters.

We repaired together to the Saguenay, and spent some days in kying off and licen-
sing thestations thereabouts. The application of the petty license system enabled us to oiaka
the netting more regular and moderate. At the same time the different occupants fished
more successfully than usual.

After Mr. Nettle had returned to Queliec, and in course of business further up t£e
River Saguenay, I succeeded by a simple stratagem in detecting two notorious Salmon
epearers, who have hitherto evaded detection. In default of payment of the fine imposed
by the convicting magistrate, the defendants were committed to prison at Quebec— I here
beg to refer to my letter of the 12th of August.

Before leaving the Saguenay I was agttin forced into the painful duty of prosecuting
to conviction another offender named Edward Hovington, for coniraveuing the Fishery Act,

mg

•

158

From
St. Piene,
nd Miquelon.

No.

Tons.

1

35

1

36

For St. Pi?rro,
inJ Miquelca.

No.

Tons.

1

35

1

35

Collector of

3of inapect-
ivn as "The
f lease with
lal and mi-
ctual state.
and accep-
jommunica-

=!uperinten-
} under the
jd of tho re-
Dresent Re-

-Reference
menta as I

and .licen<

us to make

lants Sshed

her up the
)us Salmon
ne imposed
ec— 1 here

irosecttting
isheryActi

and for persistence in an obdurate and defiant trespass upon limits under license ia TadousacBay ,
to Thomas Simard Esq. I had warned and entreated him, both orally and by written
notice, to desist. Incited by bad counsel he not only turned a deaf ear to all remonstrances,
but set a troublesome example by his behaviour, — carried indeed to the extent of retorting
by insolent notes to myself and to the magistrates, even whilst the utmost lenity was
shown towards him, in order to aflFord full opportunity for obedience to avert punitive pro-
cess. He treated every step with obstinate defiance. During the night previous to the
limit of time specified in the magistrates' order, he sailed away in a schooner bound
for Quebec. Conceiving it necessary that such a case should not end in triumphant impu-
nity, I procured a warrant and crossed over to River DuLoup in time to overtake the
steamer **Saguenay," and thence arranged with the High Constable at Quebec for Hoving-
ton's capture en arrival in port. He afterwards fell into custody, and escaped imprison-
ment by paying the amount of fine and costs.

I recrossed the Saguenay in a pilot-boat during a violent storm, and next morning left
for the North coast below.

Being anxious to deliver the despatches sent to my euro for the Superintendent of
Fisheries and Captain Fortin, I pushed onwards to reach the river Moisic. Detained by
contrary winds, and in one instance driven back three times by weather so tempestuous that
oven larger boats than mine could not live through it, I at length made Seven Islands Bay,
on the 27th of June. The breeze calmed and the rain ceased at nightfall. To proceed fur-
ther by water was impossible. Hearing that La Canadknne was expected to s& '1 next day
from the Moisic, I determined to ovortakc her before day-light. With this view I started
afoot along the beach, and throuj^u eighteen miles of bad walking gained the j\Ioisic at an
opportune moment. Our business thereat concluded, Captain Fortin went down to the
Labrador coast, Mr. Nettle crossed over to the South Shore, and I returned homewards.
This splendid river, when cleared of the innumerable nets which again as last season
thronged its course, was fairly alive with Salmon arrived at its upper waters during a short
period after such clearance.

Between the Godbout and Moisic Mr. Nettle had placed under season license the prin-
cipal stations for Salmon and Sea Trout fishing. In repassing the same ground, however, I
took occasion to explore the intermediate streams.

The River Marguerite discharges a large volume of water, and in the tidal portion af-
fords tolerable Salmon fishery. The lower course is much broken by abrupt falls, and the
fish not ascending the stream to the more highly aerated waters of its sources, are ill-shapen
and coarse, and but of middling size. The spawning places swarmed with Salmon fry. A
trifling outlay in the construction of stone basin steps would overcome the main obstacles to
the ascent of Salmon along this stream.

The river Pentecost is smaller, and has a high fall quite inaccessible to fish, some three
miles from its mouth, where the bottom is soft and mudiy and the shores clayey, — which
peculiarities probably deter Salmon from entering it. In the entrance and for upwards of
a league along the St. Lawrence bank westwards, there is excellent Sea-Trout fishing for
nets. The Trout reach 41bs weight, and are well flavored. They take the artificial fly and
bait with great avidity at the ebb and flow of the tide, particularly inside the embouchure.

Stress of weather compelled me to advance from here to Trinity Bay, without explor-
ing the River Calumet, where I am informed there once was an abundance of Salmon.

There are several fair salmon, and many good sea-trout fishing stands on this part of
the coast.

The Trinity River I consider a valuable stream. Of the estuary portion I shall not now
speak, having described its fishings, &e., in the previous season's report. An almost unin-
terrupted passage for near 40 miles admits Salmon into a part of this stream where it widens
and is divided by small islands. Here seems to be the breeding ground ; and it is so dis-
tant from any place where fish taken could be disposed of, and the labor of navigating it
with a canoe, even lightly laden, is so fox ndable that Salmon may again multiply there in
primeval quiet. Hitherto the estuary has been over-netted, and the river barred across by
gill-nets. Hence the decline of the fishery. Now, however, fair play is insured, and the
natural consequence will be a rapid restoration of the river to its pristine celebrity.

Some three leagues west are the forks of the famous Godbout. Here, too, the spawn-
ing beds in the North-east branch arc admirably sheltered and spacious. The North-wes

159

k-

iiL

arm communicates through a long deep lake with one of the feeders of the Manicouagau
River. The Godbout Salmon breed also in a North tributary of this lake ; and from ap-
pearance it might be inferred that they lie also within the main outlet. Were spearing
everywhere prohibited, and reasonable netting alone allowed, there cannot be a doubt that
the supply of Salmon from this river would in a few years become almost inexhaustible.
Indeed, when we recollect the dire havoc and riotous abuse of fishing which this beautiful
Stream has already suffered, nothing save a knowledge of its extensive and fine breeding
places could enable us to account for the present existence of any remnant of former
abundance. There is encouragement in the hope that protective measures strictly enforced,
will fast multiply and improve the run of Salmon resorting to this rich river.

Between the Godbout and English Bay the only Salmon fishery stations worthy of note
are those at the neighboring rivers, Betscie and Mistassini, both of which I placed under
license. The last named stream when earliest fished for the Hudson's Bay Company,
yielded 1600 to 2000 Salmon. The yield now is but 100. And if the mode of fishing it for
years back has been similar to that attempted last season, it is only surprising that the des-
truction is not now more complete. Two men (Henri St. Pierreand Benjamin Damour, both of
Trois Pistoles) occupying the station, had, on my return, drawn their net far above tide-
waters, so as to close up the river entirely. It was so strongly set that I was obliged to
cut away different pieces in order to free and haul it ashore. The extreme poverty of these
men, and their contrite pleadings, induced me to forbear from confiscating the material and
subjecting them to the penalties to which they have rendered themselves liable. Com-
plaint is, nevertheless, entered, and the matter stands reported with a recommendation that
you will be pleased to approve of its being held in abeyance, depending upon the lawful
conduct of the same fishermen for the future.

After examining English Bay, and ascertaining that there are promising sites for
fishing locations, I advanced to Bersimis. The water has continued unusually high in this
river, so that during the months of June and July the Indians were unable to spear many
fish. In the autumn (after 1st of August) I have reason to believe great numbers of Sal-
mon were speared and exchanged for provisions with the Hudson's Bay Company.

I am constrained to observe, in relation to this point, as well as with respect to kin-
dred occurrences elsewhere — that so long as Indians are encouraged by purchase or barter,
and by the imprudent advice of persons whose position and character ought to place them
in harmony with the laws of the land, to infringe enactments designed to preserve fish or
game, nothing but evil can ensue. Manifold injuries occur : the Fishery Officers are put to
greater trouble and expense, and the offending Indians incur punishments which seem al-
most cruel to apply in face of the advice given to them by those in whose word they are
accustomed to place implicit reliance. The tribes are made more vindictive and insensible
to reason, when thus told that the Law has no right to restrain them, and that they can
without wrong defy and resist any interference with their natural freedom to kill, barter or
sell, without let or hindrance, for such is their birthright. Possibly it may be sometimes
overlooked that the Statutes attach a serious liability to persons " aiding and abetting" the
commission of offences punishable by statutory law.

The 17th of July, I reached Bay Laval. There was but one fishing station (Batture
aux Gibiers) occupied between there and Goose Point eastwards. Upon inspection I found
the Laval River completely barred by the nets of Mr. Peter Macdonald. The apparatus
was ingeniously laid, and its existence could be detected only by groping about the bed of
the channel. It being Sunday, no further action was then taken. Without alarming the
owner, I concluded to profit by the land breeze and get home that evening, intending to
return again from Tadousac, 74 miles. The following Tuesday night I rowed quietly into
Laval Bay, and at daybreak took possession of all the nets &c., so illegally set, serving the
occupant (at Sault au Cochon) in due form. He objected to the entire procedure, refused
to meet the fine, and resisted the consequent arrest; ultimately, however, entering into recog-
nizances to appear in Quebec at a given date and settle the matter. Meanwhile I removed
the nets, and have retained them in safe keeping. Attention is called to the letter of 20th
September, respecting this case.

In August I explored the Laval River to the Grand Chute, above Lake Laval, and found
it quite eoual to our expectations as a Salmon stream. Unfortunately, a party of Mic Mac
Jnaians (sis in number) went up to the Lake, and with their n^gogs nearly emptied the

160

pools of the few fish that had gone up after the removal of Macdonald's nets. Myself and
oanoeman could offer but feeble hindrance to to the progress of this party, and so contented
us with making known the terms of the Law, and warning them of the risk they ran. We,
however, the same afternoon, headed them off by traversing the four miles portage (over
the mountain) with our canoe, in such a way as to catch them that night in the act, and
obtained ocular proof on which thereafter to found a prosecution. The Superintendent of
Fisheries is in possession of these facts. Seeing our determination to watch and follow
them, they turned back from the Lake, and thus spared the upper waters of the river from
like spoliation.

The Bivere Sault de Mouton, St. Margaret (Saguenay,) and others above mentioned,
were visited in a similar manner.

Oooasional visitations to these secluded streams, heretofore locked up in silence and
eeoresy, where lawless men could pursue' without dread of observation their own selfish will,
are calculated to deter poachers from spearing and netting expeditions. The facility with
which the passage up one stream and down another can be effected, and the difficulty of
fixing upon any individual the charge for acts 'tis morally certain have been committed,
must otherwise leave the law a dead letter as regards depredations of the kind.

The bounds of the leased fisheries in the rivers Laval, Sault au Cochon, Escoumain,
Little Bergeronne, St. Margaret, Little Saguenay, and St. Johns, have been measured off
and defined in the field, as per special report to the Superintendent.

Those under lease to J). E. Price, Esq., of River du Moulin, have not been fished
by him this year.

I have sounded and examined numerous bays along the coast to ascertain their adapta-
bility for the planting of Oysters ; a description of each of which has been forwarded to
Capta? . For tin.

A'^ ''e nfficial notice r<jquiring Squatters to notify the Department of their claims
could , • n :wise reach many of the settlers upon the North coast, I took note of their
claims ..if" •. -voumstances for report.

Several cases referred to me for inquiry have been specially attended to.
In the nomination of Fishery Overseers on the North Shore, it has been endeavored to
secure efficient local guardians, and, wheresoever circumstances would admit of so doing, to
confer the situation on persons who by the operation of the leasing system may have neces-
sarily been deprived of fishery stations.

Frequent and continued disturbance and damage to the river fishings takes place
through the very irregular and careless anchorage of vessels and boats engaged in the cod-
fishery. And until some definite control is exercised to compel them to anchor at proper
spots, it will be quite impossible to prevent offal from being thrown into the channels, there-
by blocking them up, and also injuring the Salmon Fishery. Either Captain Fortin or the Su-
perintendent should be empowered to mark by buoys the anchorage limits, and to place
vessels and boats at anchor so near to the banks at high water that there can be no plea of
long distance to excuse the crews and fishermen from burying the offals ashore.

I cannot close this report without touching upon the subject of spearing by Indians.
The practice of capturing Salmon by torch-light and spears is justly held to be most
pernicious. Employed, as it almost invariably is, at a time when the waters of each river
are lowest and clearest, — whilst the Salmon are baulked at the base of steep falls, awaiting
the next freshet, and congregate during sultry nights near the mouths of little rivulets, emp-
tying into the main stream, or loiter about the tails of pools, — spear-fishing involves exces-
sive slaughter. Sometimes in the course of one nijht as many Salmon will be thus killed and
maimed as an ordinary net-fishery along the the coast, or in the estuaries, can capture
throughout the regular fishing season. Practised during autumn and periods of reproduc-
tion, as is still more frequently the case, it becomes indescribably bad, — 'tis the crowning
act of extirpation. The luckless fish are then killed at a stage which makes the bare fea-
ture of destroyal in the highest degree deplorable. They have won their devious way from
the luscious pastures of old ocean, through labyrinths of nets and a multitude of watery
perils. Urged onwards by strong instincts, they have surmounted incredible difficulties,
and achieved marvels of adventurous travel. They are now arrived at nature's free hos-
pitals of piscary lying-in. The water-way by which they came is in many parts impassably
shoal, and no more heavy breeders can reach the same high grounds, or supply their places, for

m

I

::f

that year at least. And, after all, lean from exertion and thin food ; dark and slimy from
the physical dra"n and unhealthy action incident to the procreative state, perhaps sluggish
and heavy with thousands of ova, or busied in the exhaustive labor and anxious cares of
depositing their prolific burden, — they are ruthlessly slain by the spear. With every dead
orwounded fish, there perish in embryo from ten to thirty, forty, fifty — even as high as sixty,
thousands. Spawnersand melters both suffer. Is it, then, possible to exaggerate the ruinous
consequences of such improvidence ?

There are also other features in this practice contributing to the waste and injustice
which it entails. The Salmon so taken by spear are, comparatively speaking, worthless as
a marketable commodity. 13ut, being easily taken, the captors willingly dispose of them
at miserable prices, and in barter for the cheapest kinds of goods j for rusty pork and moul-
ded biscuits. The vrvong- to the public, of sufi"ering the richest and finest fish in Canadian
waters — the precious capital of our rivers, — to be thus traded in when almost valueless, and
under circumstances that admit only of unscrupuLus fishermen and dishonest traders deriving
some mean benefits thcrol)y, is obvious. These dealers adroitly scarify the ugly portions,
disguise their ill-conditioned bargain by diy-salting, or hot pickle, and concealing the un-
wholesome fish at the bottom of the tubs, or dispersing them among other sound pieces,
thus pawn them ofl'upon the public. Costing little at prime, the sale is a ready one below average
market price. If consumers a\ ere but once to see a few specimens of unseasonable Salmon
struck by the ."^pcar, they would remember the loathsome sight, and rather than venture the
chances of again eating such deleterious food, would eschew Salmon altogether.

If the river fisheries become exhausted through this custom, the whole public suffers,
because thcfjo streams are the nurseries which breed supplies and furnish wealth to the
'longshore and estuary fishings. Besides, to tolerate it, must always expose Crown lessees
to the risk of havinii,- their limits suddenly deteriorated by the bold encroachments of
spearers. To punish them, even, cannot restore the damage. Years, indeed, must elapse
ere the pirated rivers can recover from the effects of successive or casual devastations.
A.nd while there remains a loophole for escape, as between the Indians and abetting
traders, active temptations on either sides will drive them to calculate their mutual chances
of evading the law.

The qualified exemption of Indians under the Fishery Regulations arose, I feel assur-
red, from motives humane and considerate. Those considerations doubtless were influenced
by arguments in ;:upport of such exception drawn from the apparent necessities of Indian
life. Experience dissipates this cause of sj^mpathy. It proves that the Montaignais, Mic-
mac, Naskapis, and 3Ietifs, seldom spear Salmon in any considerable quantities for present
subsistence ; and to smoke, or dry, or pickle them for winter use, never. They go to the
salting vats of the nighcst trader, — pork, tea, sugar, tobacco, and sometimes spirits, princi-
pally returning to the wigwam in exchange. I, of course, speak of the Indians whilst near
the St. Lawrence, whether from the interior or residing by turns near the sea-board. It
is quite a mistaken notion that they kill and cure Salmon for provisioning the inland hunt.

The cxpericmcod Missionary, Pero Arnaud, in his evidence to the Indian Commis-
sioners, says, "These Indians care for nothing but hunting and fishing." Indeed, I think
that, as regards several of them, the native love of excitement in the chase has somewhat to do
with their pertinacious pursuit of Salmon by spears and flambeaux. 'Tis a passion among
some of the bauds. And, I must admit, the habit has peculiar fascinations, and to many
it is strangely exciting. Nothing can exceed the wild excitement with which these men
pursue it. The sombre night scene of the 'brest river, seems to delight them. The elder
man occupies the stern of the canoe, while the younger takes " the post of honor" forward.
The murmur of water-falls and rapids, drown those exclamatory Ughs ! and the frequent
splash that avouM else disturb the pervading stillness. With steady stealthy speed, the
light birchen boat enters the rapid, and cutting through its white waters glides smoothly
over the fall and into (he "tail" of the pool above, or across the quiet "reach." The
blazing torch, stuck in a cleft stake and leaning over the bow of the canoe, glares with
dazzling lightness. The flame and shadow, swayed by ripples, conceal the spearers' forms
and bewilder the doomed Salmon. Like moths they sidle towards the fatal light; their
silvery sides and amber colored eyeballs glisten through the rippled water. The dilated
eyes, the expanding nostrils and compressed lips of the swarthy canoemen, fitly picture their
eager and .xcited mood. A quick deadly aim, a sudden swirl, and those momentary con-

162

injustice
>rtliles8 as
e of them
and moul-

Canadian
aeless, and
rs deriving
J portions,
ng the un-
ind pieces,
ow average
bio Salmon
renture the

alio suffers,
alth to the
fown lessees
ichments of
must elapse
levastations.
md abetting
tual chances

I feel assur-
e influenced
;s of Indian
ligiiais, Mic-
for present
;y go to the
irits, princi-
whilst near
la-board. It
inland hunt.
an Commis-
jeed, I think
ewhattodo
Lssion among
Irid to many
fch these men
The elder
tor" forward.
I the frequent
speed, the
ies smoothly
each." Tbc
glares with
sarers' forms
light; their
Tho dilated
I picture their
Imcntajy con-

vulsive wriggles, tell the rest. The aquatic captive, with blood and spawn, and sHrae and
entrails, besmear the inside of the canoe. Often the quarry is transfixed with wonderful
precision, and instantly killed, — the spinal maraow being pierced by the barb, and the
staong springy tines of the spear paralysing in their sharp pinch the whole muscular sys-
tem, the fine rays spread in a feeble quiver, and the once powerful fish dies
literally without a struggle. During a single night from fifty to two hundred Sal-
mon may be thus slaughtered, and half as many more lasceratcd in their efforts to escape;
the pools at such seasons being too shallow to afibrd certain safety in retreat. The bed of
coarse boughs — the chill and hungry awaking at sunrise — the mixture of peril and fagging
which form the return down a swift stream, broken by fulls and rocks, and rapids, with
here and there a tedious portage, over which several hundred pounds of fish, and bruised and
blistered canoes must be transported, — all these exertions appear but natural to Indians,
and not worthy of comparison as against the fruits of so much toil, converted at last into
six, eight or ten dollars worth of provisions and store goods, or perchance a dcmi-john of home
made rum. Speared Salmon are sold to traders at their own price, as the deteriorating
mode of capture so much depreciates the fish. The illegality of the purchase or exchange,
also, often is pleaded as a risk for which a further proportional deduction iu the value of
barter must be made.

That the Indians must suffer starvation by being deprived of tho " native liberty" to
ruin our Salmon Fisheries, is a very flimsy apology ou the pari of tho,=o who still desire to

gerpetuate so flagrant an abuse. With the exception of some families of Xaskapis, who
ave imprudently left their upland hunting grounds, and wandered towards the rocky
coasts, where sickness soon debilitates and cuts oft' whole encampmeuts, the Lower St. Law-
rence Indians do not endure privations similar to many of the tribes in Yvcstovn Canada.
This comparative immunity is certainly due in great measure to the paternal solicitude
exercised by the exemplary missionaries of the lloman Catholic Church. Almost total ab-
stinence from "firewater," is not the least of a beneficent improvement resulting from
these self-denying missions. Were there not another Salmon to be caught betwocu Que-
bec and Labrador, the extinction could not occasion to Indians one tithe of the misery de-
picted by persons whose interest or prejudice it is to excite a sympathetic feeling favorable
to the continuance of facilities for spearing. I make no more vague assertion— -'tis a de-
duction from nractical observations and inquiry. Tho Indians themselves know this ; and
it makes them rdl the more reckless and disregardful of the future in their ravages. Trout
are plentiful all along the coast, and the inner Lakes swarm with them. Every bay and
bank teems with Codfish. The rod, and line, and bait will catch both in hundreds.
Hooks and lines are cheap as spearing implements. Seals are plenty everywhere. The
product of ojje seal will buy the fishing gear of a ftimily for the entire year. But,
'tis argued, they need pork and flour, tea and sugar, guns and ammunition, which can be
bought with Salmon carcasses. Yes, and all of these articles can be better had in exchange
for Trout, Cod, Seal-oil, skins and furs. Birch canoes, baskets, and other manufactures, find
rapid sale. Canoes bring from, eight to twenty-four dollars a-piece, in cash. Xeeessity,
therefore, is simply an excuse, equally deceptions and unfounded. 'Tis the habitual indo-
lence of most of these Indians which lies at the root of the matter. It ties them down to
frequented spots, where inducements held out by cunning traders, (whether on land or
afloat) are irresistible.

Is there, then, sufficient reason why their inveterate habits should be humoured at tb»
cggt of extirpating the supply of Salmon ?

I h&ve the honor to be, Sir,

Very respectfully,

Tour obedient Servant,

W. F. WHITCHEB,

Qttoxo, 81it PeeemW, IS^IT: J. P.

163

APPENDIX NO. 35.

i '.

Account op Dr. Boutillier, Inspector of Agencies L. C, for the Year 1859.

Thomas BoutillieR; Esquire, Inspector of Agencies L. C, in account with the Crown

Land Department.
Dr. Cr.

m

'I. ■!■

1859.
Jan. 1...

To Balance from last
year

To cheque on Bank of
Upper Canada

To do do

To do do

To do do

To do do

To do do

To do do

To do do

To do do

To amount refunded by
V. St. Germain, be-
ing balance in hand
at doge of season ...

To cheque on Bank of
Upper Canada

Carritiovtr ...f

$ cts.
4409 65

2000 00

10000 00
1000 00
6000 00
3093 25
6000 00
6000 00
6000 00
6000 00

47 00
6000 00

1859.
Jan. 5...

do 8...
Feb. 3...

de 3...

do 10...

do 10...

do 16...

do 22...
March 14...

do 14...

do 14...

do 16...

do 21...

do 21...

do .30...
April 4...

do 4...

do 7...

do 8...

do 11...

do 27...
May 18...

do 20...

do 25...

do 26...
June 1...

do 6...

do 6...

do 6...

de 6...

do 7...

do 7...

do 7...

do 7...

do 7...

do 8...

do 9...

do 9...

do 9...

do 10...

do 13...

do 13...

do 14...

do 18...

do do...

do 20...

do do...

do do...

do 24...

do 28...
July 1...

do 2...

do 6...

do 7...

do 8...

do «...

do do...

do 11...

do do...

dc do...

do do,..

do do...

By pa
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do

id Henrv Borisht

$ Ota.
257 36

XiOuia Aroand..

17 48

March 4...

L. H, Lebel

35 26

Louis Arcand

150 00

April 28...
May 1...
July 4...
Aug. 10...
Sept. 10...
do 23...

M. Granger

30 GO

Geortre Hamilton

9 00

John Guay

46 22

John Dillon

67 55

W. Farwell

51 40

Rev. C. F. Turireon

100 00

Oct 12...

Louis L'H6rault

100 00

Nov, 7...

J. 0. Tremblay

35 80

do 9...

H. Boright

328 24

George Hamilton

100 00

D. M'Coshan

190 05

E. Audct

100 00

Dec. 10...

a. P. Gauthior

15 80

Louis Arcand

100 00

D. M'Coshan

3 76

John Naime

200 00

Rev. C. F. Turgeon

200 00

E. Audet

500 00

Ed. Cote

300 00

J. L. McMartin

32 85

H. Garon

800 00

P. L. Poudrier.

200 00

George Hamilton

400 00

P. Farrell & P. X. Desloges
J. B. Gaudin

800 00
510 70

Ls. L'Heuroux

100 00

C. Magnaut

100 00

P. Skelly

150 00

Rev. C. F. Turgeon

200 00

V. St. Germain

187 87

A. Talbot

103 31

Henry Cutting

200 00

Louis Aroand

200 00

J. 0. Tremblay

600 00

T. Boulliaire

200 00

C. Ampleman

76 00

Rev. C. Gagnon

100 00

C. P. Caron

IdO 00

Elie. Audet

600 00

Geo.Bonallie.

fiOO 00

W. Farwell

75 OQ

Hugh Daly

150 00

F. L. Poudrier

200 00

L«. Dufresne „

Louis Lorti«

100 00
100 00

Geo. Hamilton

800 00

P. 0. Verrault

300 00

I. Goodhue ,

500 00

Ambroiie Gagnon

206 04

L> Lortie

50 00

James Ross

400 00

C. F. Caron

50 00

M. Bossj

200 00

N. MiTille

300 00

L. M. Lapointo

200 00

P.P. PeUetior »..

300 00

J. E. Praaar

200 00

0. TMriault

150 00

67UB 00

C0rri$4 M«r

12728 01

57

EAR 1859.
the Grown
Cr.

$ Ota.
257 36
17 48
35 26
150 00
30 00
9 00
40 22
67 65
61 40
100 00
100 00
35 80
328 24
100 00
190 05
100 00
16 80
100 00
3 75
200 00
200 00
500 00
300 00
32 85
800 00
200 00
400 00
800 00
610 70
100 00
100 00
160 00
200 00
187 ST
103 31
200 00
200 00
600 00
200 00
75 00
100 00
150 00
600 00
600 00
75 00
150 00
800 CO
100 00
100 00
800 00
300 00
600 00
205 04
SO 00
400 00
50 00
200 00
SOO 00
200 00
800 00
200 00
150 0*

. 18738 «»

I should an;ain press upon you, Sir, the necessity for the acquisition by the
Government of the Indian Reserves laid out on the Batcheewuna and Goulais
Bays, and the Garden and Thessalon Rivers, but fhat I am asvarc that subject has
already received the attention of the Indian Department. In my report to the
Honorable Commissioner of 1855, I dwelt at length upon the resources of this
country as to its agricultural cupabilities, its timber and mineral wealth, and its
fisheries, and it will therefore be needless again to touch upon the subjoct. I shall
therefore confine myself to the mode of settling the country, upon which I beg
respectfully to offer a few remarks.

I am of opinion that settlement should be pushed from the westward to the
eastward; or in other words that the tract of country in rear of the vilhige of
St. Mary, hounded on the West by the Batcheewana bay, and on the eastward by
the ]Mississa'j:a River, should first l)e surveyed and offered for settlement.

First, There is a larger block of contiguous arable land between these two
points, than in any other portion of the country I have examined ; and this block
is easy of access from the shores of Lake Superior and Huron, and also from the
River St. Mary ; and secondly, there is already a vdlage at the S lult, and a
settlement at the Bruce Mines, which form naturally much for settlement, and
posts upon which settlers can fall back in case of need.

I cannot conclude this report without referring to the facilities now offered
to explorers for a thorough examination of the country from Lake Nipissing to
to Lake Superior by the work just completed.

In a country so extensive, and provided with no " harbor of refuge," if I may
use the term, mineral and other wealth may have lain for centuries undeveloped,
as no single individoal or company, unless possessed of extensive capital, could
properly or advantageously explore the same. I need only allude to the great cost
of supplying an exploring party with provisions to prove this ; but further, to
explore a v/ilderness so va'^t, not only means but experienced practical surveyors
and wood;smen, who, well versed in the use of instruments, could lead a purty out
of the woods as well as into them.

This difficulty is now obviated, as by the Base and Range lin«^s parties wishing
to explore the country for mineral or other wealth, can readily do so, means of
egress to the coast being opened at every 18 miles, rough and rugged though some
may be, at which distances on the Base line blazed lines are surveyed to the coast
of the lake. The base has also posts at every six miles duly marked, and a tree at
every mile marked in chalk to note the distance.

In prosecuting my survey and exploration of this country, I had occasionally
an opportunity, through an interpreter, of conversing with the Indians from the
interior. By the Chief of one band I was informed that near the loot of the height
of land, in the vicinity of Green Lake at the head waters of the River Mississft^a,
a valley of considerable width, unbroken by rock ridges or Lakes, stretches east-
ward and westward ibr a great distance.

I have generally found the Indians truthful in the reports they have given
me of the country, and have no doubt that in this instance they do not exaggerate.
Looking to the opening up of the North West Territory, and to the acquisition, by
Canada, of the Red River and Sas-kat-che-wan valleys, a subject which at present
agitates the public, I have deemed it my duty to mention this circumstance to
you : as, if the information afforded me be correct, a great highway as a means of
communication between Canada proper and the Red River might by '■. be effected ;
which in a national point of view would be most desirable, if they ai'C to form one
country.

In conclusion. Sir, I beg to return my thanks to the several gentlemen you
had appointed as my assistants in this service, which has been one attended with

58

considerable mental and bodily labour, and at times with much anxiety a!id depri-
vation, for the readiness and pjjomptitudo they ever evinced in carryinjr out my
instructions, and would respectfully recommend them to your favorable notice, as
gentlemen possessing both great professional ability, and untiring zeal and energy
in the prosecution of their duty.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your very obedient Servant,

(Signed,)
Chatham, January 20th, 1858.

ALBERT PELLEW SALTER,

Provincial Surveyor.

l;V

APPENDIX U.

REPORT ENDING SEPTEMBE'i 24th, 1857.

(Cony.)

Office op the Superintendent of FtsiiERiEs,
Quebec, September 24th, 1857.

Sir, — I have the honor to report that, < n receiving the necessary instructions
from you I hastened from Toronto to Quebec, and deeming it of pariiinount import-
ance that the artificial sahnon-passos (as required by law) should be planed on the
various mil-dams within the Province, I directed my attention in the first instance
to the south shore of the St. Lawrence.

Commencing from Point Levi, I proceeded to visit mills situate on the various
tributaries flowing into the St. Lawrence.

The first river of any importance is the Du Sud, on which are the saw-mills
of William Patton, Esq., and also those of the Messrs. Price. ILiving inioimed
them of the provisions of the '' Fishery Act," and having given the necessary
instructions for the construction of the passes, I obtained the cordial co-operation of
the proprietors, and I have to state that they were placed on the dam soon after my
visit, and we may hope that the Du Sud will once more be stocked with fish, inas-
much as Mr. Patton had seen salmon attempting the leap of the dam previous to
the boxes having been placed thereon.

From the Du Sud at St. Thomas, I drove to the Des Trois Saumons, at St.
Jean Port Joli, and called on the proprietor, Mr. De Gasp6 (the Seignior), gave
him a plan of the migration passes, also a copy of the Act ; he promised that the
matter should be attended to. This river is well adapted for the salmon, and
without being obstructed by falls, leads into a lake in which are large quantities
of trout. At the village of St. Ann's there is a mill belonging to Mr. Dionne, — the
streaiT! being of minor importance, I did not stop to direct the fishways to be put up.
I have since heard that salmon have been taken at that place, and consequently
the boxes will have to be placed on the dam.

I had to proceed to the back settlements on the River Quelle, on which are a
grist-mill and saw-mill. On this river the first salmon were taken this season.
With the persons in charge of the mills 1 left the proper instructions, also a copy of
the Fishery Act, and a plan of the migration passes, desiring them to give the
papers to the owner of the mills, Mr. Casgrain. This river is admirably adapted
for salmon, and vast quantities could be taken with only moderate care. Salmon
had been taken at the dam (fourteen miles from the mouth of the river) a few days
before my arrival.

60

and depri-
i(T out my
notice, as
id energy

TEll,
jrveyor.

FrsiIERIE3,

i57.

istructions
lilt im|)ort-
'ed on the
St instance

he various

saw-mills

iniormed

necessary

JO rat ion of

n after my

fish, inas-

)revious to

ons, at St.
lior). gave
d tliat the
inon, and
quantities
)nne, — the
ie put up.
isequently

lich are a

lis season,
a copy of
give the

y adapted
Salmon

X few days

^ !

From the wharf ai River Quelle I crossed to Mai Baie in the steamer
" Saguenay," as I wished to hire a schooner to proceed to the lower rivers on the
north shore. Failing to do so, and not having any more copifs of the Fishery
Act, I returned to Quebec. I am happy to say that since the destruction of the
dam on the Murray River the salmon are returning to their old haunts. The stream
is full of salmon fry, and it only requires that due care should be taken to prevent
the destructive and illegal practice of torchlight fishing, and this river will soon
be restored to its original excellence.

On my arrival at Quebec I made application for certain copies of the Fishery
Act, which having been sent me, 1 immediately circulated the same widely in
every parish bordering on the St. Lawrence, together with printed placards con-
taining clauses relative to the salmon.

While at Qurbec, I visited the various rivers in the locality. Complaints were
laid before me by Joseph Boswell, Esq., charging certain persons with having
contravened the statute by spearing salmon in the River Jacques Cartier by torch-
light. Mr. Solicitor General Ross undertook the prosecution, and ha^ mg caused
one of the parlies to be summoned (Elere Dubuc) at the Court IIousj at Quebec,
at the appointed time he appeared, pleaded guiity to the offence, and as he promised
not to offisnd again by any breach of the law, he was finci in the lesser penalty —
two pounds and cost:? — which fine (by the advice of Mr. Solicitor General Ross) I
take the liberty to recommend to he remitted, the complainant having also consented
to remit his portion of the fine, one half, which the law entitles him to receive.

The Jacques Cartier has this year been tolerably well supplied with salmon,
though of very small size (grilse), about six hundred were taken up to the 1st of
August, on which day I caused the net which has been set in the river to be
removed. This net is a perfect barrier to the passage of the salmon, for thojigh not
occupying one-third of the river, it stretches across the only place where it is pos-
sible for the fish to pass.

I regret to say that since my return from the loiver rivers J have been told that
certain parties have continurd their nightly depredations — arthe same time there
are parties who visit the river and fish it constantly, — and who know the names of
the persons who spear, yet they will not lay the information before " any Magis-
trate" as the law directs.

The only means of preventing these nightly depredations I shall have the honor
to suggest at the close of this report.

At St. Catherines there are mills owned by Mr. Duchesnay. The small river
on which they are built flows into the Jacques Cartier from Lake St. Joseph,
am of opinion that salmon will be enabled to ascend the Jacques Cartier, and from
thence into Lake St. Joseph. I cannot speak positively, as 1 have to follow up the
river from the outlet to the lake. The mills at St. Catherines only require a small
slide, or chute ; and I hope to be able to prove that my conjecture is correct.

Having obtained your sanction to my engaging a schooner for my mission to
the north shore of the St. Lawrence, I hired the schooner " Providence," (Des-
jardins, master,) with the understanding that she was to leave within two days, and
that, on her arrival at the Tadousac, she waa to be under pay. On the following
day I left Quebec in the steamer, being desirous of visiting the tributaries of the
Saguenay ere the arrival of the schooner in the Tadousac.

RIVER SAGUENAY.

The principal tributaries of this noble river are on the west shore : the Little
Saguenay, the St. John, the Ha Ha, and the a Mars. On the two former rivers
Mr. Price had caused the artificial ways to be placed. The heavy freshets had

prevented tlicni from being placed on the other rivers. At Grand Bay I saw Mr.
Blair (Mr. Price's agt-nt) ; he told ine he would not fail to have the salmon-pusses
up directly the w.iter subsided. On the east shore, the principrd fishery is the
Tadousjic and the river Mariruerite ; on either side of the Sa^^ucnay there are other
salmon (islieries in the various inlets and bays. More salmon have been taken in
the SMijfuenay this year than for many years past.

Tlio Tiidousac (Hudson Bay Coiripany's post) has this season yielded about
1,500 fish. In the St. Margaret lars,'j quantities have been taken: I regret to say
that Indians and others have constantly been spearing in this river and the St. John
(on the o[)p()site side).

Mr. Iladford (Mr. Price's agent) informed me that four Indians brought down
from the river Marguerite 2.50 speared fish, and that others were every night killing
them by the same me.ms — torchlight fishing. He is of opinion that there is no
Other way of saving the salmon but by leasing the rivers.

Saturday, August 15th.

The schooner having arrived at the Tadousac, I thought it best not to detain
her, and at noon we got under weigh, and with a fair wind proceeded down the
St. Lawrence towards the River Escoumains, where we arrived about 6, P. M. ;
distance, 27 milL-s from the Tadousac.

Between these two points lie the Grand and Petit Bergeronne, Bon Desir, and
Ance a la Cave, the two former famed for the abundance of sea-trout, and wlierc
salmon are also taken, as also at the latter places. Immediately on my arrival at
the Escoumains, I went on shore to examine the mill-dam of the Messrs. Tetu. I
had previously sent the proprietors a copy of the Fishery Act, together with a
sketch of the necessary passes. I found that the heavy freshets had prevented their
being placed on the dam. The water was then in good condition, and they pro-
mised to begin them on the Monday following. I am happv to state that having
put in at the Escoumains on my return upwards,! found that the salmon-passes had
been built with the ijtmost care, and in a most substantial manner; and I was
much gratified to hear that salmon had been seen ascending the passage : so we may
well hope that the far-famed Escoumains will once more take its place as one of
the best rivers for salmon on the north shore of the St. Lawrence.

I cannot help mentioning the high state of perfection to which Mr. Felix Tetu
has brought the farm that he is cultivating on the Escoumains. The crops consist
of wheat, barley, oats, peas, and potatoes, which t:re as fine as any I have ever
seen in any part of Upper Canada, or the old country. We remained at Escou-
mains on Sunday, and on the Monday proceeded on our downward, course towards
Portneuf, distant 26 miles, where we arrived at 6, P. M.

Between Escoumains and Portneuf are the following places where salmon are
taken: Little Escoumains, Petit Romain, Sault au Mouton, Mille Vaches, and
Point au Boisvert.

PORTNEUF RIVER.

At about three miles from the mouth of this river are the saw-mills belonging
to James Gibb, Esq. I regret to say that he dam is without the necessary salmon-
passes, the agent (Mr. Peverly) not being aware that the law required their being
put up (though 1 had sent a copy of the Act, but which had not been received)
before the approach of another season. He has promised that they shall be built
in a solid and perfect manner. There had been a breach in the dam during
this present summer, and I am in hopes that salmon have made their way over,
and ascended the river, as large quantities of sea-trout have been killed this year

\

61

above the falls. From tlic dnm upwards there is n fine slicut of water, five miles
in length, at the head of which is a splendid bay of about three miles in cireuinfer-
encc, with a fine gravelly boitoni, admirably adapted for spawning ground.

The river enters the bay from a narrow gorge »>r ravine about a mile in length,
and in some places not twenty feet wide. We have now arrived at the Grand
Falls, — a sublime sight, — and over which I tliink no salmon could pass. The Port-
neuf was formerly a most excellent salmon river, and when the migrali'iu passes
arc (greeted, will again Ijceomt? of great value. Contrary winds detained us at Port-
neuf three days, when we again got under weigh, and proceeded dou nwards
towards the

ere is no

RIVER BETSIAMITE (or, BERSIMIS).

Bctvi'cen these two rivers we find the following excellent salmon fishery sta-
tions: Sault au Coclion, Bale Laval (large quantities of fish are taken here), River
Blanche, River and Point Columbar, and Isle Jeremie.

At fSaulr au Cochon there is a mill-dam, but no boxes have been placed there.
It will be only necessary lor me to write to Mr. Price, and I am sure from the great
interest he has taken in the salmon fishery (juestion he will cause them to be placed
there, as he has on the other dams of which he is the proprietor.

The River Betsiamite (or, Bersimis) is one of the largest tributaries of the St.
Lawrence, and on account of the strength of the current nonets have at any time
been placed thereon. This river, with systematic fishing, would be of great value.
The salmon from this river are the largest in the St. Lawrence, seldom under
twenty pounds, and ranging from thirty-five to forty pounds, and even higher.
Within the last two years the destructive practice of spearing has been carried on
by the Indians — principally by the tril)eof the JMicmac, who, having destroyed the
salmon fisheries on the Ristigouche and other rivers on the south shore, are now
making their advances for the same purpose on the north shore. My arrival at the
Bersimis was most opportune, as above one hundred Indians (besides women and
children) were assembled here at " mission," consequently I had a good opportunity
of explaining to them the provisions of the Act relative to spearing.

With the tribe of Mountaineers I had but little difficulty, but the Micmaes were
very violently disposed. Previously to my arrival they had been spearing every
night, and had killed between lour and five hundred salmon. They were prepar-
ing to goofl^on another excursion, when I called them together, and told them that
on no consideration would I allow them to go up the river spearing. Some of them
were quite savage, and I found out that they were intoxicated, having obtained the
liquor from a schooner that had arrived from the south shore. (To the credit of
the Hudson's Bay Company I would mention, that in all their posts no spirituous
liquor is permitted to be sold to the Indians ; and owing to the indefatigable exer-
tions of the Indian missionary, the good Pere Arnaud, not one of the Mountaineer
tribe will touch any kind of spirituous liquor; the other tribes obtain the spirit from
the viscious trader, who would first intoxicate and then cheat the poor Indian, —
thus the trader not only evades the license law, but doesincalcuable injury to the
poor native savage.) The day after they became more pacified, and came to ask
my permission to let their party (Micmaes) go and spear fish for their own use.
I told them that even if I could permit them I would not, and pointing to the
schooner I said, they had obtained spirit from the vessel, and that 1 knew that it
was not to eat that they wanted to get salmon, but that they might sell what they
could kill to the men on board the schooner. They went away saying " that they
" would get their people to write petition to let Indian spear fi>-h."

The next day the Micmaes left for Isle Verte.

C2

I

1'

If:! I:

« I. '

lift

The only mode to prevent spearing is to punish with heavy fine, or imprison-
ment, (and with the forfeiture of the vessel that may contain the fish,) any person
in whose possession any spen.rd salmon may be found. Pere Arnaud, the Indian
missionary, who has journeyed from the Labrador upwards, and who has seen the
destruction that is being brought upon the sahnon fisheries, states, that vessels of
all descriptions, and from various places, are fishing in every bay and river along
the shore, and that they are both netting and spearing : that there were not less
than two hundred nets set in the River Moisie, and that unless some stringent
measures are taken directly to prevent such wholesale destruction, there will be
few salmon in the River Ht. Lawrence in a few years ; that they lish in opposition
to the Hudson's Bay Company. I'erc Arnuud coincides with me in opinion, tliat
the only way to preserve the salmon fisheries is to lease the whole shore, both
rivers and hays. Mr. Smith, the Hudson's Bay Conipany's oflTicer at this post, says,
that there have been few fish (comparatively speaking) speared in the Bersimis
this year, compared with the havoc perpetrated in the river lust year.

The Mountaineers were much pleased at my arrival, as it hastened the
departure of the Micmacs, who are no favorites with the tribes of Indians on the
north siiore.

1 think it a matter of congratulation that this fine river has been partially
saved from that destructive weapon, the negog, that not only kills but wounds
innumerable quantities of fish. It would be well were power given to destroy them
wheresoever found, and indeed all parties who may have them in their possession
should be fined.

Mr. Smith and Pere Arnaud are of opinion that large quantities of fish will
spawn in the Bersimis this season.

There is another cause of complaint that I have been requested to bring
under the notice of the Government: the utter loss and destruction of the wild
fowl. The missionary tells me that there were not less than thirty vessels at the
different islands loading with wild fowl eggs ; that they break and destroy the eggs
that are being hatched, so that the birds may lay more, and that every good egg
that they can find is taken away, and that thousands are destroyed.

I think it would be well to prevent such destruction by making the taking of
wild fowl eggs from any place within the Province of Canada illegal, and punish-
able with fine or imprisonment, for such practice is nothing but wanton destruc-
tion of the wild fowl.

PAPINACHOIS.

I visited this river on whxh a mill-dam is built. The mill was not being
worked. The fishways had not been placed on the mill-dam. I wrote to the
proprietor on the subject ; and the boxes will be placed on the dam early in the
spring, or should the mill not be worked again, the dam will be destroyed. This
was a very excellent salmon river previous to the dam being built, since which
time the fish have been unable to ascend the river, and they are only now taken
below, and not in any very great numbers.

Proceeding downwards we arrived at the Goodbout River, (Hudson's Bay sta-
tion.) This river is famed for its salmon fisheries, though this year only 1,100 fish
have been taken by the Hudson's Bay Company's fisherman in charge of the post,
and contrary to law he has barred the whole river with his nets. Being desirous of
seeing the upper pools of this river, I proceeded by canoe and portage a consider-
able distance up. On my arrival at the spawning-beds I was mortified to find a
seine spread on the rocks and on the bushes to dry ; so not content with barring
the river below, they had even taken the few that had escaped to the breeding
pools.

((

imprison-
ny person
Lhc Indian
) seen the
vessels of
iver along
Q not less
stringent
re will be
opposition
linion, that
hore, both
post, says,
) Uersiniis

stened the
,iis Oil the

n partially

ut wounds

stroy them

possession

f fish will

1 to bring
f the wild
Isels at the
y the eggs
good egg

taking of
id punish-
deslruc-

not being
jte to the
rly in the
ed. This
ice which
ow taken

3 Bay sta-
1,100 fish
"■the post,
lesirous of
I consider-
to find a
barring
breeding

Surely it cannot be with (ho knowhMige of tiie authorities of the IIudRon^s
Bay Company that such vile practices arc being carried on.

A week previous to my arrival an American schooner arrived at Goodbout
for the purpose* of seining mackerel. The first haul ihcy took 1.50 barn Is ; the
second, 200 barrels; and the third they enclosed nnd secured no less than 000
barrels. A large quaniity was destroM'd, as they had not sufficient salt to cure
them. Some Canadian fishermen who assisted them secured a lew barrels ; but
quantities were strtiwed along the bottom of the Bay, having been drowned by
the seine.

f would beg to slate that, unless immediate steps are taken to di fine the boun-
dnries of the river the whole shore will swarm with American vessels in the en-
suing year.

1 endeavoured to impress upon our people the urgent necessity of theii being
"up and doing,'' pointing to the fact that the Ainericans had gone oil' v. ith about
a thousand barrels of fish worth at least £2000, while year after year they had seen
the fish swarming on the shore, and had not energy enough to capture them.
Indeed, I heard an old resident say, that they used to "pell them with stones."

I believe it will be a lesson to them, and that before long they will show some
energy in their calling. They pleaded that they were too poor to |)urchase such
vessels and a|)paratus as the Americans possessed, and that the latter had large
bounties given them, which I could not gainsrty.

The Americans fish in companies ; each man has a personal interest in the
pursuit ; the profits are divided, consequently their whole energy is brought into
play.

The same system should be adopted by our own people ; fishing societies
should be formed, each man should have a personal interest in the matter; and
I venture to affirm that were a hundred schooners to leave the port of Quebec the
ensuing spring, they would find a rich harvest in the Gulf and Uiver of St.
Lawrence.

I am very sanguine that by leasing the whole of the salmon fisheries, the Go-
vernment will be enabled to aid all such fishing v-ocietiea as may be formed, and
that such societies may adopt such a systemauc mode of fishing that will be
creditable to the Canadian character, and at the same time abolish the present de-
structive stake-net fisheries that every year destroy millions of the spawn of the
young fish.

The cod fishery commences at Bay St. Nicholas (sometimes they are taken
as high up as Escoumains, and formerly at the Saguenay), and continues down-
wards. It is a mine of wealth ; as fast as the line is down the fish are taken.
There were ten or twelve schooners at Goodbout, cod fishing. They were from
the Saguenay, Mai Bale, Rimouski, &c.

As an evidence of the quantity of cod that may be taken, the following will
suffice : —

We determined to try the seine fiar cod-fish in Goodbout Bay ; at half-past six
we threw the net, and at half-past seven we drew to shore and found we had
secured 4G barrels of cod, besides some few herrings, and a large quantity of
flounders.

The fishery stations for salmon between the Br.rsimis and Goodbout are :
Papinachois Point and River Outarde, Manicouagau, English Bay River, Mistas-
sinie. River au Bic Scie, and Bay St. Nicholas.

BAY OF SEVEN ISLANDS.

We visited this place to see what fisheries were being carried on. On the mair -
land we found the establishment of Mr. Clarence Hamilton (from Gaspe) ; he

employed about 40 men, and had taken at this date (27lh August), about 2000
quintals of cod fish, and 100 barrels of mackerel.

The firm of Messrs. Robin had also an esiablishment here. They had taken
nearly as many fish. A fine brig beh)ngiiig to the Messrs. Robin was loading cod-
fish in the bay. 'J'he Americans had also entered the bay, and had seined 200
barrels of mackerel, thereby contravening the Reciprocity Treaty, inasmuch as
the fishery was in jxissession of British subjects. Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Comeau
complained to me of the trespass. I told them I would lay the maMer before the
Government, and that I hoped before another season some action would be taken
in relation to it.

Mr. Hamilton informed me that four of his men had deserted ; each was in
debt to him £20. The law relati\e lo such offences does not appear to deter
them ; they get hdvances from their employers, and the first opportunity that of-
fers for higher wages, they desert when their services are valuable, and when and
where their employers can get no hands, especially do I hear that the Americans
induce the men to desert by the olfer of higher wages.

By the Act the men are well guarded because they have the first lien on the
cargo. Several of the men in th( nploy of the Hudson's Bay Company de-
manded their discharge from Mr. Comeau (the officer in charge of the post). They
were very violent, and with threats said they would leave him directly. Their
plea was that they were engaged lor the salmon fisheries only, which they con-
tended were finished for the season. Mr. Comeau told them that he wanted them
for the cod, mackerel and herring fishery, and that he could not discharge them.
He called on me and told them he should leave the matter in my hands. I asked if
there was any written agreement with the parties; he put in my hands a Notarial
agreement with the men's signatures affixed. I asked them if they had signed
the paper — they acknowledged the signatures. 1 read the agreement to them and
found that they had been engaged for the salmon and " other fisherits.^^

I explained to the men their position, and told thc:n the penaliies they would
incur for a breach of contract. They were nnich displeased — said they were en-
gaged for the salmon fisheries only. After a short time I was glad to perceive they
went quietly to their work.

From Seven Islands we ])rocecded to the River Moisie — a very valuable sal-
mon river. Just as we arrived a schooner got under weigh and proceeded down-
wards. Mr. Comeau (who was with me), was of opinion that she was there for the
piirpose of spearing. The man at the staticm said she had been on the opposite side
of the river eight days, so I fear she was there for no good purpose. The nimiber
of fish taken at the Moisie this season was about 1,100. An American firm, Messvs.
Winslow & Jokes, purchase the most of the fish taken by the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany at the Moisie. They have an establishment where they prepare the fish in
hermetically sealed tins, and some they pack in ice for the American market. It is
not very creditable to Canadian enterprise that they should show us the wealth of
our Gulf and Rivers.

Strong easterly winds prevailing, I [sent the schooner back and returned the
next day to Seven Islands, distant from the Moisie about 16 miles. We walked
through leagues of cranberries, enough to supply the whole of Canada. It would
yield a handsome return to any person who would engage in the business,

September 1st.

We returned to the Seven Islands and found the schooner " Syren" had just
returned from Mingan. This vessel was in the employ of the Huds'on's Bay Com-
pany. Slie had bc^n at the lower posts collecting the salmon that had been caught

Mr.

65

about 2000

f had taken
oading cotl-
scined 200
nasinuch ay
Jr. Comoau
■r before the
Id be taken

sach was in
nir to deter
inity that of-
d when and
J Americans

lien on the
)rnpany de-
ost). They
:-lly. Their
3h they con-
,^antod them
iari>e them.
I asked if
s a Notarial
' had signed
to liiem and

they would

icy were cn-

rccive they

trainable sal-
cded down-
here for the
ppositc side
The number
rni, Messvs.
s Bay Com-
the fish iti
■irket. It is
le wealth of

e turned the

We walked

I. It would

ss.

jer 1st.
" had just

1

Bay Corn-
been caught

in the lower rivers. I have been permitted lu make an extract from a letter sent to
Mr. Coineau, from the officer in charge of the Mingan station. It speaks volumes :

" The salmon fisheries this season have completely gone to the d 1. All

the rivers have been entered and held by force by arms. Some of the people at
Chicaska threatened to shoot Mr. Dore for endeavouring to prevent tliem from set-
ting their nets across those of the Company. The proceeds of the lower posts are
17 tierces."

Such is the state of the salmon fisheries at the present time, it is impossible to
ascertain the quantity of fish taken on the north shore this year. From the many
hundreds of nets ihat have been placed in the rivers and bays which, together with
the vile practice of spearing, has almost totally destroyed them.

By c()mi)aris()n we may perceive the evils that a few years have brought upon
these fisheries.

The Natashquan formerly yielded from 250 to 300 tierces, sometimes as high as
400 tierces. This year it has only yielded about ten tierces.

The 8t. John gave 160 to 200 tierces. This year about 7 to 10 iiave been
taken ; and about the same number have been speared on the spawning beds.
Other rivers have decreased in the same ratio

The following circumstance will sliow the abundance of salmon formerly taken,
and at the same time show the destruction even by the Company themselves : —

In the s[)awninjj pools of the River Moisie were taken, in 1853, 55 tierces of
salmon. In the following year they were reduced to 25 tierces. Last year to 18
tierces. This year the ('ompany have not fished the spawning beds ; another per-
sori has, and he took ten tierces of fish,

The reason why the poi»ls were not fished this year by the Company arose from
the fact that complaints had been made, that the fish were unsaleable owing to the
peculiar mode by which the poor fish were taught to swim after death. They were
caught on their spawning beds (between the river and these ponds there was a long
portage), and the habit was to string the fish together, and by the aid of a float
send them down the river over rapids and falls to the lower waters, consequently
they became bruised, broken, and unsaleable. Is any pu'dshment too severe for
parties who so wantonly destroy the gifts of a good providence ? The authorities of
the Hudson's Bay Company could scarcely be aware that such a system of fishing
was practised.

The easterly winds still continuing, and having obtained the information I sought
for, I conceived it my duty to return, and at the earliest moment put yon in pos-
session of the informatioti oontained in this report.

On my return I touciiod at some of the places I had called at before ; thence
crossed to the south shore, visited various mill dams in my upward route by land,
and arrived at Quebec on the 17th instant. The schooner arrived on the following
da v.

1 have now the honor to suggest what 1 conceive to be the only effective remedy
to prevent the utter destruction of the salmon fisheries of the St. Lawrence ; and
would beg to recommend : —

1st. That the boundary of the River St. Lawrence should be defined accord-
ing to Article 1 of the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854, and which will prevent all dis-
putes ir future ; for I am persuaded that serious collisions will take place unless the
limits are defined by proper constituted authority.

2nd. That the salmon fisheries of the St. Lawrence and its tributaries (with
the bays included), be leased by public competition and tender.

3rd. That the fisheries be leased for a term of not less than five years, and
that one half of the whole rent be paid in advance.

E

m

Jij' '.

B!'

1:1
li:

lit.

' I

* !

4th. That the Ste. Margeurite (in the Saguenay), and the Re. John, above
Mingan, should be reserved as nurseries for the salmon, and that no nets should be
placed in any part of those rivers, nor any fishing whatever permitted without the
sanction of the proper authorities.

6th. The revenue that would be derived from the leasing of the salmon
fisheries would be more than sufficient to cover the outlay for the most effective
protection ; and as it is impossible to do so by means of a sailing vessel, I would
venture to suggest the adoption of the means pointed out by Dr. Adamson, in his
lecture read before the members of the Canadian Institute last year, viz., the em-
ploying of one or two steamers of light draft of water, built very strong and of
good power, — such vessels would not be affected by change of wind, and could
make for any point where most required.

The good effects of such vessels v^ ould be seen, first, in affording a guaranty to
the well disposed fishermen, and by being a terror to the lawless. Second, "by
their service in visiting the lighthouses, and other public works, conveying the
managers, workmen, and fishermen to their several stations ; and in protecting the
lessees of the province."

On the extension of the railroad along our coast, the markets could be sup-
plied daily, and in a short time the vast resources by the river and gulf would be
brought into play ; and before the expiration of the first salmon fishery leases, the
St. Lawrence would have become the mart for the American continent.

The lease of the rivers held by the Hudson's Bay Company (I believe), is not
yet expired ; but I understand they are willing to give them up directly, if they
are requested to do so. In such a case the leasing of the whole of the north shore
would be perfect, otherwise it would be necessary to reserve their rivers until the
lease expired, when they could be re-leased by competition.

Accompanying this report is a chart that I have prepared of the rivers, &c., &c.,
on the north shore of the St. Lawrence from the Saguenay (inclusive), to Blanc
Sablon, the Province boundary.

The principal salmon rivers are marked with a double line red and black.

Tiiere are two rivers that are not included in the map — the Jacques Cartier and
Escouniins, the last of which I would much wish to see leased, as in proper hands
it would be a feeder to the upper rivers.

There are two plans relative to the leasing of the rivers that I would submit for
your consideration. Either to lease the rivers separately, giving half-a-mile front-
age, with the right of cutting firewood necessary for the fishing establishment, and
the bays and points also separately, subject to the same provision ; or to lease fish-
ery stations from point to point, as marked off in the chart, and noted " Fishery
tations."

The latter plan I am most decidedly in favor of, as it would place the fisheries
in the hands of persons of responsibility who would feel it their interest to fish
systematically, and who would possibly creel weirs, and who, in the comprehensive
words of Dr. Adamson, '' would permit the fittest for the purpose to pass on to pro-
pagate th(>ir kind ; allow the young to enjoy life till they become mature ; and suf-
fer the sick and unhealthy to return to their invigorating pastures in the depths of
the ocean."

I have the honor to remain, Sir,

Your obedient humble servant,

(Signed), RiCIIARD NETTLE.

Superintendent of Fisheries for Lower Canada.
Honorable Colonel Tache,

Cummissioner of down Lands, Toronto.

I

(Cop

67

Fohn, above

ts should be

without the

the salmon
ost effective
sel, I would
mson, in his
^riz., the em-
rong and of
, and could

I guaranty to
lecond, " by
onveying the
rotecting the

3uld be sup-
ilf would be
ry leases, the
t.

lieve), is not
?ctly, if they
? north shore
/ers until the

ers, &c., &c.,
re), to Blanc

1 black.

Cartier and
)roper hands

d submit for

-mile front-

ishmcnt, and

to lease fish-

d " Fishery

the fisheries
cM'est to fish
mpreheusivc
ss on to pro-
re ; and suf-
lie depths of

'&

ITTLE.
r Canada.

APPENDIX U. (2).

REPORT OF THK SUPERINTENDENT OF FISHERIES FOR LOWER CANADA, ENDING

3l8T DECEMBER, 1857.
(Copy.)

Sir, — My report for the quarter ending September 30th had special reference
to the fisheries of the Gulf, and the Rivers of the Lower St. Lawrence, at the
conclusion of which I had the honor to sugfi'est the adoption of such measures as
were necessary for the proper protection ai^d development of the Salmon and the
deep sea fisheries, and as before closing this report I shall have occasion to touch
upon the same subject, I shall now do myself the honor to report my proceedings
for the quarter ending 31st December, 1857.

Having obtained the sanction of the Government to construct the apparatus
for the artificial propagation of salmon, &c., which 1 was well enabled to do by
means of the aqueduct from the River St. Charles, giving a continuous supply of
pure water. I engaged competent mechanics (carpenters and plumbers), and
under my direction we have completed an " Ovarium," which has been viewed
with very much gratification by the principal residents of Quebec, and elsewhere.
(A plan of the apparatus will accompany this report.)

The spawning boxes would contain about 8,000 ova (portable boxes may be
made to contain about ♦^OOO more within the tank or pond), and the large pond
will contain about 10,000 young fish. I had hoped that the Ovarium could have
been constructed solely of wood, but when I let on the water, I found that with all
our care the boxes still leaked, consequently I was obliged to have them lined
witli lead and zinc, which has entailed an additional expense, and also lengthened
the time taken in their construction. I also deemed it prudent to deviate a little
from my original plan, as I had obtained a very large apartment, and was there-
fore enabled to build the apparatus one-third larger than I had at first intended,
by which it has become vastly more useful. The whole arrangement has been
acknowledged by all i)arties to be creditable alike to the Province and to the Super-
intendent of Fisheries.

I had intended to have obtained my spawn from the River Marguerite, in the
Saguenay, but fearing I should have failed in consequence of the lateness of the
season, 1 procured my ova from the Jacques Cartier, and a large quantity from
Lake BeaupDrt. The ova are looldng very healthy, and with the temperature I
am enabled to keep up in the room — 65 , in the spawning boxes 43° to 44°, and
in the pond, 46° — I may hope to have the youug fish about the middle of February.
I had the pleasure of showing the apparatus to a gentleman (Mr. Haladay,) who
has been largely eng.iged in the breeding of salmon at Outcrarde, Ireland, and
who visited Quebec on matters relative to the fisheries. He expressed much
pleasure in the construction ot the boxes, and the arrangements get erally, and on
my telling him I had space for more spawn, he immediately wrote to his brother-
in-law, in Ireland, to send me out a quantity of salmon ova. I am anxiously
looking for it, not only as an experiment, but also because I have space for more,
and would like to have my boxes filled. I have also placed myself in com-
munication with the Board of Works, Dublin, and have solicited them to favour
me wiih every information relative to the artificial propagation, also for such
models or drawings as they may have of migration passes ; I have also asked them
for a quantity of spawn, of which 1 have been given to understand they have a
constant supply.

The well known desire of the Board to disseminate all information rel itive to
the artificial propagation, &c., leads me to hope that I may be favoured with some
valuable matter useful to the Province.

68

If';

¥'

III

pi

^'' i

Jt is very sntisi;ict)ry to stiite that several pi^rsons wtio have seen rhe Ova-
rium, and to vviioiii I explai ed the piocess of i)ro(;urin<i: the spawn, have dclrr-
mined to conuMctice operations themselves the next season, oti the sniali rivers and
streams runninu throuj^di their lands, and I have no doubt hui thit in a. shoit time
the |)r()cess will become very i^eneral. It would be desirable to obtain a large
amount of the spawn oi the salmon trout of Upper Canada, tu stock our lakes in
the Disiriets of Quebec, Montre.ij, Sherbrooke, and the adjoinini? places. Many
of my corr s|)()ndeats Ijave written to rne on the subject, !o whom I have replied, —
" Form atnonif yourselves fisiiing soci^/ies, see tljat the Fishi.'ry Act is enloreed on
all w!!o render themselves amenable to the law, and you will li^id that there is
every desire to assist you in your laudable enterprise."

Major Johnston, oi Sherbrooke, in his correspondence with me says : — " That
the Americans irom the south shore of Lake Memphremagog cross over, spear, and
otherwise take the tish Imm liie Canadian side ot the lake, and thaik they are
' mighty smart to destioy the fisli of the Britishers.' "

The Major, though an active magistrate, was not aware of tt'O pas<ing of the
Fishery Act of last session, not having received a copy of the Statutes. (I had
understood tiiat ail persons in the Commission of the i'eace received a copy, con-
sequently I had not sent the whole ot the magistrates a copy of the Fishery Act.)

I ijna)ediately sent him several copies ot the Act together with the necessary
printed jorms for summons ; and I feel assured that the Major will sutler no
infringement of th • law within his district.

Ample protection must be aftorded to all persons who may be eugag<d in the
artificial pr >pa<:.ition offish, so that they may not be interfered with by any person
in the ri;:hts tiiey may have actjuired. The law on such matters is very rigid in
rhe mother country, and heavy penalties are enforced agai st all infringements of
it.

J. C. Comstock, Es(j., the Fishery Commissioner f-ir the State of Connecticut,
wrote me several letters during the last summer on the subject of the protection
of the fisheries, more particularly as related to the artificial propagation (which has
become necessary in the States) and the migration passes, on which subject I
afforded him all the information in my power.

He stated that certain parties had purchased the right of fishery in Lake
Saltonstal, as a breeding ground, and that the penalty for infringing on their
rights was by enactment two hundred dollars. They lave sincie made extensive
arrangements at that place, and have during the, last fall obtained from Lakes
Michigan and Ontario, above five millions of the ova i.f the white fish and the
salmon trout, and have deposited the spawn in Lake Saltonstal during the last
month.

I menticn this circumstance, because 1 am aware that there are several
parties liere and elsewhere who are anxiously awaiting the action of the Govern-
ment as regards the leasing the several salmon rivers within the Lower Province,
and who would, where it was necessary, immediately commence the breeding of
salmon on a very large scale.

The gentleman referred to in this report (Mr. Haladay), who has been so
extensively engaged in the breeding of salmon in Ireland, is very desirous of
leasing one or more of the rivers ; indeed, numerous other parties have spoken to
me on the same subject, and the general desire is that they should be leased to
the highest bidder by public comp'^tition for a term of years, as may be agreed on.

The lessees of such rivers, lor their own sakes, would fish in a systematic
manner, and the result would be the preservation of our salmon fisheries and a
large revenue to the Province.

Mr. Hal? day told me his brother-in-law paid £2000 per annum for his fish-

I

69

in rhe Ova-
have dctfi'-
1 riviTs and
I, slioit lime
tain :i large
)ur lakes in
■es. Many
i replied, —
enlorced on
hal iheie is

s :— " That
, spt'ar, and
nk they are

>><ing ol' the
tes. (I had
copy, con-
lery Act.)
le necessary
ill suffer no

jagcd in the

any person

ery riyid in

n^enients of

Connecticut,

6 protection

(which has

eh subject 1

ry in Lake

ig on their

ie extensive

from Lakes

sh and the

ing the last

are several

the Govern-

I- Province,

breeding of

has been so
desirous of
e spoken to
je leased to
3 agreed on.
systematic
leries and a

for his fish-

eries, that others paid a much larger amount. Surely with such magnificent
fisheries as this Province can boast, it is not too much to say that they ouglit, and
I am sure would, yield a very large revenue, and which every year would increase
in value sufli ient, indeed, to pay for the most elHcient protection; and also ailord
the government an opportunity of assisting our own poor deep-sea fishermen, and
thereby enable them to compete with the Americans, who are ii stored and assisted
in every way by their bounties, and otherwise, and who are thus enabled almost
to dri\e our own fishermen from their own waters.

I am sure that it must he the desire of the governiiient, that the fisheries
should be developed, and that our own people should bem^fit l)y them, rather than
our very acquisitive neighbours. I do not ask that the system of bounties be
adopted, but I do think that depots of salt, at various points, would be a ftreat
benefit to our fishermen, and would be received by them as a most valuable boon.

I may be pardt)ned if I again respectfully urge the adoption of the suggestions
contained in my report for the hst quarter, more p;u'ticularly to those clauses that
relate to the boundaries of the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, and the leasing of
all the salmon r'vers.

If determined on, it would be necessary that at least three months notice
should be given in the leading papers on both sides of the Atlantic.

So far as the livers at present in tin- possession of the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany are concerned (the lea-e of whicdi expires in a few years) ] have been
informed that iliey would l.e given up to the government if applied for, and which,
I think, would be very desirabh- as they are unable to hold ihem from lawless
aggressors (see extract oi letter in last report., — we would ihen have the whole of
the salmon rivers on the north shore to thmw into the markcM. which would com-
mand t, e alte.i ion of capitalists, hot'; of the o'd coinilry and among our own
people, for wilhoui some such action 1 d,ie affirm our salmon fisheries will ere
long be i'cvi'ably des'ivyt-d.

I was extremely de-irous lo ascertain if it were p issible that the sahnon of
the river Jae(iues CaMier could ascend as far up as la've St. Josrph ; I therefore
traced the course of that river from tjie St Lawrence lo the lake. There is one
very formidable ibslacle be'ween the Poiil Dery and ll;.> Tied Bridge, which lew
salmon ea : surmount unless during very high freshets In ihe event ot ihi;- river
being leased (^and there are several persons desirous of taking a h^ase of it), and
it is veiy desirable thai it s'lOidd be, tln' i ropriciors for their own sak's would
build a migration pass, wliieh would then e-ahle the fish to ascend to the lake,
or to spawn in the vq)per waters. If no' !easi>d, it would Ic for the government
to decide whether they would tro t the expense of ( (>nstruciing a salmon pass.
Again, there is a point abo.e Dery's Bridge wluM'e ihe main channel concentrates,
and the only point where rhe fish can aseen i. This place lu .> teen constantly
netted (though last year not after the firtof August, in eonf>r,i iiy v, ith the Act).
Now, though apparently violating the firs; eluse of 'he eighteenth section of die
Fishery Act by n-lting the main channel, ye keeping uhlliin the letier ot the lat-
ter ])art of the same sectitai Dy not even oecup\ ing one iliixl of the breadth oi'tlie
river.

The only way to overcome the dilficnlty is ro enact that in no case sliJI any
river be netled at a greater distance than three miles iVom it month, a ti which
W'uld b(; a very valuable clanse, inasmueii as the salmon are ot onlv speared
but netled in their breeding ponds, an a- the one p'aeliee is dechired illegal so
ought the otlifM-to be de lanul contrary 1<i law. I lonnd nets that had been nsed
near the breeding ponds of the Goodbout river, ;it I'le least li e miles from its
mouth.

I have visited very many of the lakes and rivers, and have impresed upon
the people in the various districts the benefit th^y "ill derive from a due obsi r-
vancc of the law.

70

M ■

tin I

.1!.

I

\K I

m:V:

Tlu'lu are three or four persons who have rendered ihcmselves amenable, and
who will l)e |)unished for a breat^h of the Act,

I have beiMi solitMted to visit the localities of Sherbrookc, Me,<,'antic, and else-
where, and have promised to lio so at the earliest opportunity, as iu these districts
there is a wide field for usefulness.

The river St. Francis formerly abounded with salmon ; but in (uinsequenec
of the mill-dams (which I fear have not yet the migration passes) it has been de-
stroyed as a salmon river. I hope to throw a lew thousand young fry in this river
(so soon as the passes are put up), and also in the various rivers both on the
north and south sh(.,vs above Quebec.

In my various visit.-, to the lakes and rivers, I availed myself of the services
of Mr. Paul Charlton on several occasions, to :iid me in my manipulations, while
obtaining spawn, as it could not be done; without some (v.ireful tissistance.

Aly correspondfMits from the Montreal and the Ottawa districts state that the
lake fisheries are being destroyed from the vile system of netting;, whereby cart-
loads of trout are often taken ; antl that unless some remedy be found the whole
of the troul fisheries in those distriels will soon come tt) an end. Mr. Nairn, of
Malbaie, has written to me on the same subject ; he says that the lakes in his
district are destroyed by the system t)f netting and Jiggimi, and Ik; begs me to
recommend that a clause against such practices be added to the Act

There are very many clauses in the Fishery Act that rctiuire amending, and
as the 38th section vests in His Excellency the Governor in Council llie authority
to amend, alter, &c., &c.

I have now the honor to recommend the ado|>tion of the following amend-
ments which I have found necessary, and which will tend to the better working
of the Fishery Act :

ADDENDA TO THE FISHERY ACT.
Section 27.
It shall not be lawful to catch salmon with a rod and line between the 1st
day of September and the 1st day of March, in any year, in Lower Canada.

Reason : — Very many salmon have been taken during this last year so late as
the middle of October, and the law evaded by their fishing with a rod and line and
a large hook, and the fish have been gaffed, or what is termed gigged, on their
spawning beds.

Section 28.

Any salmon taken in contravention of the 28th clause of the Fishery Act
subjects all parties concerned in the breach of the said clause, whether the actual
aggressor or accessories, to a penalty of not less than £12 10s., nor more than £25,
or a committal to gaol of not more than six months, nor less than three months.

Reason : — The Act says it shall not be lawful to kill, &c. Consequently the
penalty can only reach the party who actually commits the act, while his acces-
sories or accomplices go unpunished, for it must be very apparent that there must
be more than one person concerned in torchlight fishing, thouuh only one who ac-
tually kills. T have punished a parly for killing, but I should fail (according to
the reading of the clause) were I to prosecute the accomplice, at least so my legal
adviser informs me.

As regards the increase of the penalty, it is well known that often from 50 to
100, and even as high as 200 salmon, have bei n speared by parties in a very short
time.

Sl.CTION f.S.
Any person who may buy or receive from any Indian or other person, or who
may possess any salmon taken in contravention of the 28th section of the Fishery

71

icnable, and

ic, and clse-
ics(' dislr'uMs

[!onso(infncc

las l)('C'n de-

in lliis river

i l)olh on tli«

tin- sorvi(H's
iliony, while
mco.

ifalo that the
hcnvhy carl-
id the whole
k'Ir. Nairn, of
hikes in his
begs me to

ieiidin<r, and
lie authority

ving amend-
Iter working

veen the 1st
an ad a.
ar so late as
uul line and
3d, on their

Fishery Act
,'r the actual
e than £25,
e months.
3quently the
his acces-
t there must
)ne who ac-
.ecording to
so my legal

1 from 50 to
a very short

Ison, or who
the Fishery

I

«

lunge

Act, shall Ibrleil to the Crown a penally of not less than £25, nor more than .£50,
together with llu; canoe, boat, or otlu^r vessid wher(!in the fish may have been
placed ; or shall be committed to gaol for a |)(jriod of not less than tlires months
nor more than six months.

A*ea.9on :— The river and gulf an; thronged with traders who urge; on the poor
Indian to bring them saiincm, no matter when and how killed, and give them a
penny per lb. One of the chief causes of the destruction of our salmon fisheries
has arisen Crom the fact that traders from all parts have been in the habit of urging
on the Indians to procure them salmon whether speared or not ; and each trader
sells spirits without a license.

The Superintendent of Fisheri(!s may search (or grant a warrant 1o have
searched) any vessel or other place where he may have cause to believe that any
fish taken in contravention of the 28th clause of lh' Fisli(;ry Act may have been
concealed.

Skction 31.

The word, "speckled " in the clause to be omitted, and after the word "trout'*
the words or lunge to be inserted ; and the word Jirst to be placed in the stead of
the word fourteenlh in the same clause.

Reason: — The word "speckled" is an absurd term, and would j)o.ssibIy lead
to what Major Johnston calls "lawyers' (juibbles ;" and the lunge is neither more
nor less than the lake front.

Section 32.

The word "speckled" omitted, and after the word "trout" insert the word
in the same section.

Reason : — Ohw'ious i'rom the alterations in the 3 1st section.

Skction 35.

To be annulled so far as the salmon fisheries are concerned.

Reason : — As many persons as there are weeks in the year w^ould claini pos-
session of every river in Lower Canada,

Trout-fishing. — It shall not be lawful to catch trout in any lake by means of
seine, or net of any description, in Lower ('anada, and the same penalty as in the
33rd section of the Fishery Act shall attach to this.

Artificial Propagation. — To facilitate the artificial propagation of fish in
Lower Canada, the superintendent of fisheries may grant written permission to
any person who may be desirous of obtaining spawn, to fish for that purpose
during the close season.

It will be necessary hereafter to make special enactments for the protection
of all persons who may engage in the breeding of fish.

These alterations and amendments arc but a few of the many that will be
required, from time to time, as the fisheries progress in importance.

I have made but little reference in this report to the deep-sea fisheries ; those
of our own people who are engaged in these fisheries, and who have been so for a
long time, have lately had a great deal to conteiid with, from the fact that the north
shore of the St. Lawrence has been visited with fleets of American fishermen who,
in contravention of the Reciprocity Treaty, have insisted on fishing on the ground
occupied by Canadian fishermen, and complaints have been made to me of very
serious losses that have been sustained by our fishermeu, and unless means are
taken to prevent the recurrence of such illegal practices, I am fearful that our fisher-
men will be driven from their occupations.

Randall Jones, and others, of Bradorc Bay, have suffered great losses in their
seal fisheries, in consequence of a determination on the part of the Americans and
others to fish in the waters that have been occupied by them for many years ; and
which right of fishery, it appears, was acquired by Sheriff's sale. He has requested

72

I''

me to brinjj; his case iukIit your iiotico, and lie prays for protfction, for which he
would gladly pay a per ceiitagi- to the GoverniiuMit ; and indeed every deep-sea
fisherniai) on the north shore would <i,hully do the same.

By reterencc to my report for the last (piarter, it will he seen that the
Americans, not content with fishinji in those places permitted them under the Reci-

{)rocity Treaty, cruise where they lilie, and fish where they like, siinplv because the
imitsof the River and the Gulf have not been defined.

I would therefore ajjain most urgently pray for the adoption of those recom-
mendations which I had the honor to suggest in my report for the last (piarter.

The late Commissioner of ('rown Lands assured me that he was prepared to
recommend to be granted whatever would he necessary for the eiFicient pro-
tection of the fisheries. The former Commissioner of the Board of Works, who
duriny: the hist summer visited the various Government works in the river and
gulf, and who had a irood opportunity ot seeing the large number of vessels
employed in the fisheries, stated to me thai hi- was pre|)ared to recommend that
the Superintendent of Fisheries should have placed under his charge a steam-
vessel with suHieient lorce to compel the lawless aggressors of the Fishery Act
to kee[) within their own limits, and within bounds of the law. No sailing
vessel, hovver fleet, c;in at all compare in utility with a steamboat.

I have imderstood that there are two steam iiun-boats at ' ermuda laid up,
and d(/.iig nothing, imder the control of the Admiral of the West India Station.
Such vessels would be admirably adajjted for the purpose, and 1 cannot d(mbt that
were application made one of them would be placed at the disposal of the
Government.

There are many other matters that 1 wish to bring under your notice, relative
to the Colonizing the North Shore, and the proper means to be adopted for that
purpose ; as also on matters relative to the rivers thai How througli seigniorial
lands, which can be far l)etter done personally than by letter.

I would therefore think it desirable that I slioidd bo at the oilice for a short
period, when and where such mi^asures could be adopted as would tend to the
advancement, rrgulation, and the deveh)|)ement of tiie Fisheries of Lower
Canada.

I have the honor to r, main,
Sir,
YoU'- ol.edienl, huinbl'.- servant,
(Signed,) KiCflAKD XE'i'TLE,

Sunerintendent of Fisheries for L. C.

.

If;)''

APPENDIX V. (1)

FIRST RKPOIIT OF Tltl': SUPI':iMXTENI)KXT OF FiSllKUIF.,-^ FOR Ui'J'I'.R CANADA.

Hamilton, October, 1857.

SlK, — In conformity with instrnetions furnished me by the Honorable the
Commi-sioner of the Crown Lands Department, under dates the 3nl and 25th
Auiiiisl last respcetivcly, T proceeded to the 8ault Sle. Marie, wirji the int^ention of
visitiuLT iMiehipieolen Lland, on Lake Superior, a fishing station reported to be of
importaiice. I found however iij-oii eniinirv at that time that there were n<i iidiabi-
tants resident upon it to supply inc with tiie information nccessarilv souuJit regarding
its capability as a fishing stiition : that the distance to it was about one innulred and
forty miles in the open lake, and there being n .• direct comnuinication without
inciuTing large expenditure of money and time in hiring a boat and crew, which
might likely be delayed by adverse weather to a period often to fifteen days, along

5

73

iir wliicli lie
ry (Iccp-sea

'n that the
er the Rcvi-
bccaiise the

lose recom-
([uartcr.
prepared to
■IFiciont pro-
rVorks, who
le river and
r of vessels
iiniend tliat
■fife a steaiu-
Kishery Act
No sailing

iidn laid up,
dia Station,
t doTibt that
iposal of the

eo, relative
ted for that
I seigniorial

for a short
tend to the
of Lower

TLE,
for L. C.

CANADA.

or, 1857.

norable the
and 25th
in'^enti(m of
tnd to be of
no iiiliabi-
t roffiuxlin";
iindred and
m without
e'v, which
lays, along

I'

a

an iron bound coast, without any protection or harbor of refuge to resort to In case
of need: I deemed it the most prudent course to leave this part of my duty to a
more favorable opportunity, and turn my attention to the investigation of other
important stations on my return, and which are as follows.

Commencing at the Falls of the Sault St. Marie, I found upon incpiiry from
the most intelligent of the inhabitants, among whotn I may mention Joseph Wilson,
Esq., Her Majesty's Collector of Customs, Captain Bannctt, and Mr. David I'im,
that fish were taken in large (piantities nearly at all seasons of the year ; such as
salmon trout, of which there are three or four different species, white fish, and
herrings, of a larger size than ordinary herrings, taking about two hundred to fill a
barrel, and are sold for five to six dollars per barrel in Detroit market, at from
three and a half to lour dollars net profit, and the trout from nine to eleven dollars,
according to size and cpiality, leaving a good margin of profit to the parties engaged
in the trade.

The mode of fishing is by scoop nets, and standing gill nets set with stakes
m the smooth water below the foot of the current, and scooping tor lish at random
in the troubled waters at the foot of the fiills and tlie eddies tlureof. 'J'his system of
fishing is carried on by Canadians or half-caste Indians, and vVmerieans from the
opposite side of the river, indiscriminately, without let or hindrance by either
party, and thus the Americans secure the greater (piantity tiy extending their
operations beyond their own limits. I mean the centre of the waters.

I have, howevr, strongly remonstrated with the authorities on the American
or south side of the Sault against this practice, and distributed among them some copies
of the Act, and they promised in good faith ^o put a stoj) to this practice for the
future ; and from the courteous maimer exhibited towards myself while among them.
I have reason to believe them sincere on this point. I am further led to believe that
the greater ])art of the fish taken here are consumed by the inhabitants on both
sides, and the surplus sent b}-^ steamers and tchooncrs to Detroit and the Michigan
country, chiefly in a fresh s ate. It is, however, my candid opinion that, if the
fishery at this station were in the hands of skillful men, under ])roj)er r^ gnhitions, it
might be made to yield from two to three thousand barrels annually ; but at
present, from the information I received, the (piantity does not ap])ear to exceed
one thousand barrels. There are, also, sfin-geon tJiken here in considerable
numbers, of a very rich quality, too rich iiuleed for footl, I ail which might be
converted into oil at a very fair profit.

The next station I visited is the Island of St. Joseph. Major Haines, resident
there, informs me that the Indians are chiefly the only fi>liernien in this quarter,
with now and then a stray ' Yankee,' whom he always drlvi:s oil', \vhen (li!^c•overcd,
and that probably about seven hnndred to eight hundred barrels are taken annually,
anil what is not uscil by the natives themselves are sold i'vc^h to American vessels
cruising about the island for that ])uriK)se, and consist of salmon trout and white
fish taken in standing gill nets, and hooks l)aited with small herrings ; in this way
the larger description of trout are likewise taken.

The next was the Great Manitoulins. These islands are under the sujiervision
of that excellent and kind man, Captain Ironside ; who furnished me with the
following detailed aeeonnt of the product of the fisheries in and around that
important fishing station, sn})[)lied to him anmially by the Indians, who alone
exercise the privileges of the fisheries llii-reabouts. The {inanlity in the aggregate,
comprising nine stations, amounts to two ihousfnd tlu'ce hundred and eight barrels ;
consisting of the same fjualily and description ol fish as at the Island of St. Joseph,
and are taken and sflld, (jr (lis 'osed of, in the same manner.

The next station that I visited was the Little ('nrrent, and Shebonaning, in
the Narrows, between Georgian Bay and the Maniloulin. This is a very barren

10

74

Ifi'lv

:;u

i

;.t:. ';

.station on tlie main j)a.ssagc to the Sault, is an Indian village thinly inhabited,
with a Post Odice conducted l)y one John.son or Johnston, who deals in mer-
chandi/e and largely in fish amntig the Jmlians. This gentleman has promised
to supply mo with a correct statement ol the fish taken in and about that place,
but has not as yet done so. I have, however, through other channels more worthy
of credence, I'ound they could not fall tar short of one thousand barrels, but how
disposed of I could not correctly ascertain. The fish taken here, however, bear the
same character as those caught at Manitoulin and St. Joseph, and are disposed
of, I suppose, in the same way.

Next to this I proceeded to Georgian Bay, and find as follows :

Club Island Station 300 brls.

Horse Shoe and Isle of Coves 800 "

Owen Sounil and Cape Crocker 450 "

Cape IJich and Mcaford 250 "

Collingwood and Christian Island 2000 "

rcnctai)guishine and North Shore of that Hay 750 "

Cape Smith 300 "

South Bay and vicinity 800 "

Returning to Collingwood and proceeding in the direction of Owen Sound, I
find at the fishing Islands, North Saugcen or Sables River, and the Islands thereabouts
3,463 barrels herrings, and 2000 barrels salmon trout and white fish.

Port Elgin, Herrings 1500 brls.

White Fish and Trout 500 "

Bay de Dart, Herrings 100 "

Invcrhuron 100 '*

Port Head 100 "

Kincardine 250 "

The fish are caught here by means of gill nets and seines, and are disposed of
among the new settlers along that coast, at the rate of five dollars per barrel for
herrings, and from nine to ten dollars per barrel for trout, yielding to the fishermen
about one half net profit for the herrings and from six to six and a half for trout.

Near Goderich, Captain Rowan, of the " Ploughboy'' steamer, who is himself a
fisherman, supplied me with the following information, and states that it is rather under
than over the amount usually caught yearly, and if followed by expert fishermen
with proper fishing tackle that ten times the quantity might be taken. He allowed
for Goderich, Whitefish 2,000 barrels, but could notdelail the quantity of Herrings,
though considerable :

For Bayfield Fisheries, Herrings 150 brls.

Little River au Sables 300 "

Kettle Point, Herrings 100 "

Point Edward, or MiUtary Reserve 2000 "

Do do about one hundred tons

of Pickerel, worth £10 per ton, equal to Herrings 800 "
The Fisheries here are conducted by Samuel Hitchcock, a Canadian, and the
fish are sent to Detroit for sale, and their average value is five dollars per barrel in
that market, which yields here about one-half profit net ; now from Port Sarnia to Baby
Point, or Walpole, about 2000 bi.rrels Herrings, besides Sturgeon and Pickerel, of
which I failed in procuring the quantity or anything approaching thereto from the
fishermen in this quarter ; from the station to the Village of Wallaceburgh or mouth
of the Sydenham River, around the St. Clair Channel and Walpole Island, the people
hereabouts estimate the quantities taken at about 1000 barrels herrings annually,
with few sturgeons, that are chiefly consumed among the inhabitants of the
neighbourhood.

,.

75

Tlicnce I proceeded to Port Windsor and down the Detroit Uivt«r to Sinidwich
and Anilicrstburg. I snhtnit the tollo\vin<; statement as the result of niy enciuirics
cor.ecrnin'!; the various fishing stations alon<j; that route. There are twenty-twostations
whieh dirt'er eonsidcrahly in the ((uantitiis tal-;on al eaeh, Imt ujm)!! a eoinparison I
have l)een enabled to average them at 'i(),000 fish a pieec, whieh .'500 to the barrel
wonUl give a total ot'l,40Gn barrels of herrings. The fish taken at the abo e stations
are chiefly herrings, wheh arc mostly sold tresli in the Detroit market, realizing to
the fishermen 85 per barrel on the fishing groinid. There are also sturgeon taken
here, coneerning whieh I could not obtain any reliable iiifbrniation as to the niunber
or the dls])osal of them, but the subject is one to which 1 shall again direil my
attention at the earliest opportunity.

JMy eiupiiries have not extended beyond the stations already named, and were
continued up to the 28th of last month (September,) when the reeeipt of instructions
of a later date induced mo to abandon my intentions of finishing the investigation
along the shore of Lake Erie, until I should first examine the places directed by
my instructions of the IGth Sc{)teiid)er.

Before concluding this report, I beg to say, that the diflieulties incident to the
full and satisfactory investigation of this im[)ortant subject, have beiMi considerably
increased by the fear on the part of many of the fishermen, that the corimiunicatlon
of correct information relative to their busiiuss might be afterwards turned to their
injury. This prejudice I have endeavored to remove as much as possible, and I
doubt not but that the feeling will grailually give jilace to a proper appreciation of
their own interests and the advantages whi<rb would accrue to themselves and the
public, by having the whole fishery interests of the country placed under proper
management.

When I shall have further prosecuted my enquiries, I will be better able to
point out those measures of practical utility which may be advantageously applied
to the improvement of this branch of Canadian industry and enterprise. The
results of my enquiries so far are thus recapitulated :

Recapitulation of the Fishing Stations detailed in the foregoing report, viz. :

Sank St. Mary and vicinity — undefined .... (barrels) 1000

Island of St. Joseph, " 750

Great Manitoulins " 2308

Club Island, in Georgian Bay, " 300

Little Current and Shebounaning " 1000

Horseshoe and Isle of Coves, " 300

Owen Sound and Cape Crocker, " 450

•ape Rich and Meaford, " 250

Collingwood Harbour and Christian Islands, . . " 1000

Penetanguishine and North Shore, " 750

Cape Smith, " 300

South Bay and vicinity, " 800

Fishing Islands, North of Saugeen, " 3463

Same localitv, Trout and White Fish, " 2000

Port Elgin, Herrings, " 1500

White Fish and Trout, same staticm " 500

Bay dc Dart, Herrings " 100

Inveriuron " 100

Port Head " 100

Kincardine " 250

Goderich, White Fish " 2000

70

!;;■

Biivficld, Ilcrrinirs 150

liiulf llivcr ail Sable .'JOO

Koiile I'oint 100

roint Edward Military Kosirvf 2000

Same Station, Pickerel, o(|ual in lu'rrin<jcs to HOO

l»()rt Saruia to Hal.y or Walpolc I'oint 2000

VVaI|)olt> Island and St. Clair, &c., &c 1000

Port Windsor along tlio Detroit Kiver to Ainherstburg.. 14GG;4

Total Barrels 270:37!*

All which is res[tec'lfnlly submitted.

1 have the honor to be, Sir,

Yonr obedient humble servant,
(Signed,) JOHN McCUAIG,

Superintendent of Fisheries, U. C,

bel

fi«h

aiK

adv

vah

to f

I

•I*

ii^;.;'

APPENDIX V. (2.)

Picton, IGth October, 1857.

Siu, — In acconlance with your Irttcr under dure the KUh September, calling
my attention to a paraL'raph Jipp arinj;" in an American paper, in which it is stated,
" The writer has been inlbrined by a <j:ent|pman engiged in the fisheries on Wel-
lington Heach, in the County o( Prince Edward, that he secured by an Act of the
Provincial Parliament, at a cost ol ."5(1, 000, an all'itnieiit I'er (ishiiig p\irposes, 222
rods long by 20 fee t (l«>e|i, and covering an art'ii ot lour acres, and liatl caught there
on the iGtli .Tuly last, in one naul, 47,700 white fish, and in nine other hauls in as
many consecutive days, and at no single liaul less th;m 18,00i> ;" and ilireotinu; me
to proceed to Weill no'ton and ascertain <.n w hit grounds any exclusive riy^lit of
fishing on any part ot the beach is asserted.

1 have the honor to report for yo r information that 1 lell the city of Toronto
on the afternoon of the 6th instaal, and reached Wedington on the 9! h instant.
That alter the most searching iixjuiry at, and in that nei;;hbor!io()(l, an Friday and
Saturday, and again on Monday and Tuesday last, with the exc,>ption of a claim
advanced by Mr. Thomas Worthington some three «>r four years aijo, durinij: his
residence at Wellington, and prior lo his api'iinim nt to the Custom^ Department,
by assignment from the Colle<re ..d" Toronto, and whi(di i am informed lie has since
abandoned, 1 am unable (o discovc r the name of any party claiming the cxciusive
right to any portion oCthose fisheries by the autii(»r;tv oi'an Act ■-:> ParliMvient.

Frt)m tlie iulornKition I received, it aj^pears the fis'>eries on the West Lake
Beach from Wes; point to Wellington, a,re(livided iiito fourteen parts or sections,
(see sketch marked A.) and occupied by parti'^s who-je nam.'s will aitpeav in certi-
ficate ht'rewitii, marked 13, their title to ilie pi'ivilege (if any) boinn;otieof sulferunce
under tlie 'Government.

In further corroboration of this, it may be observed by reference to tiie c >rtificate
herewith, also marked t ', that the produce of those fisheries is stated to have been,
during the season of 185(5, as follows : packed, 719 barrels ; local consumption, 719 ;
total of 1438 barrels <mly. The certificates of William Harris, Inspector, and Mr.
John Dorland, shews ot the quantity packed in 1850, 709 barrels were
inspectiMl ; and as they give it ; s their opinion those 799 barrels inspected ciinsti-
tute one-lburth part only of tlie catch in 185K, it would r.roduee a r.otai in that year
of 0,190 barrels instead of l,i:i8, ".s appears l)y the certificate marked D. f have
no hesitation therefore in saying, that these estimates are in my opinioi; much

77

ic's, U. C.

, 1857.
r, calliriff
is stated,
< on Wel-
c't of the
osos, 222
li^iit there
tuls in as
ctinij: me
rijjfht of

f Toronto
I iiisttint.
iilay and

a claim
iiriiiix Ills
tartment,
las since

xciusive

KMll.

St Lake
sections,
ill corti-
iliii-ance

rrificate
ivo heen,
on, 71 9;
and Mr.
Is were
(1 C!)n.sti-
h;it year
f have
much

below the actual <|uatitity cani^ht. An opinion vory ;^rt'n»rally entertained by the
fishermen, that it is the intention o| the Ciovernmcnt to lease iliesj! (Ishini; yrmmls,
and impose a toll on each lot, aceordinj; to its relative vjilne, renders it to their
advantHj?e (jih they no doubt all contemplate securing? Icasrs) lo nndrrr;iti' their
value, and thereby secure correspond in jj; advantages in the rental or toll to he paid
to tiie (ioverninent.

This sup|)os('d direct pecmnary interest they have in n-prt'sentiny: the numbers
caught lar bidow the actual (piantiiy, renders it n(!C( ssary m irosecuiin;,' my empii-
ries lor obtaining correct statistical information, to receive their representations
with much caution. Connecting however, with inlormation I ree ivcd Irom other
sourc(;s, and from parties havinii no present or |)rospective pirsoual interest in mis-
represontinj^ the (jUimtity cau^'ht, (lie follo.vmij [ notv; as ttu! rosult of my en(juirie^ :
1850, Produce of Wellinirton He:ich to Westpoint, exported by way

of Picton, 9'>9 barrels.

i; Local consumption, being the hands' share, or half tf each haul of

net, 750 "

Exported to New York miirket by Hamon Case, 913 "

And to Hamilton and Toronto, Iw7 "

Total, 2,70!) "

Value on the beach at 30s. per barrel, £4,0G3 10 0

Cost of barrel, 3s. 9d ; salt, Is ; packing. &c., Is. Od 840 i 1 3

Net balance of the fishery, £3,210 18

The quantity caught this year, 1857, in the month of .luly, is without pre
cedent. In one haul in the middle ot' July last 47,700 fisii were taken, and 12,000
to 18,000 were taken in several consecutive hauls following ; m) great did this
catch, at this period, exceed any previous year, that parties engaged in fishing were
found (luile unprepared with salt to cure or barrels into which to |)ack them ; in
consequence, large quantities (estimated by competent judges at 1,500 barrels) I
regret to say, were lost and left to decay. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood
complain, and certainly with good reason, that the odour from these decayed
fish was so offensive, that at one time they contemplated the removal of
their I'amilies from the vicinity ; and many of the most respectable of tliem urge it
as neces'^ary, in order to preserve the fishing grounds, that fishermen should be con-
fined in their operations to the months of ISeptember and October, and perhaps the
first week in November in each year, to avoid a repetition of so great losses of fish.
I shall, with your permission, continue my ins|)ection of the whole line of fishing
grounds, now that I am in the vicinity, throughout, this district, from the extreme end
of Point Traverse and the False Ducks to the Presqu' Isle, i-nd so on homewards,
along Lake Ontario shore to Toronto, for the purpose ol obtaining the fullest infor-
mation for my general report, to be completed at the end of the year, agreeably to
the instructions bearing dale the 3rd day of August last past.
I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,

(Signed,) JOHN McCUATG,

Superintendent of Fisheries for Upper Canada.
To the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Toronto.

(C.)

Wellington, 10th October, 1857.
We certify that seven hundred and ninety-nine barrels of White Fish were in-
spected, during the season of 1856, and farther say, in our opinion, that this

78

h'.i'

quantity coiislitiKcd about one quavter of the entire catch of that year, say 1866.

(Signed,) WILLIAM HARRIS,

Inspector.
(Signed,) JOHN T. BORLAND.
Fish Inspection Office,

Wellington, 10th October, 1857.

(B.)

At a further meeting held at Peter Head's, in Wellington, on the 12th October,
1857, to ascertain if possible whether any person or persons dispute the right or
rights of the parties named in the document taken on the 9th of October last or not.
No. 1. No person disputes the right of Paul Lambert.
No. 2. No person present knows exactly whether any one in particular disputes

McDonell and Hayatt's right ; one persoii states that he heard there were some

disputes on this ground.
No. 3. John Harris and others occupy this ground peaceably at present, and for

the past six years.
No. 4. William Jackson and Heskill McFaul have peaceable possession of this ground.
No. 5. Charles L. Wood and others. No person disputes this right.
No. 6. Anthony Benway and others are the rightful owners of this ground for the

last eight years.
No. 7, Rufus Wilder and A. Beuning own this ground. No objection whatever.
No. 8. John Branschum holds this ground from one Lawrence Murphy, under an

agreement between themselves.
No. 9. Patrick Carroll, C. W. McFaul, Joseph Cummings, and others, arc the right-
ful owners of this ground, as stated on the 9th October, 1857.
No. 10. Charles McB'aul, Joseph Cummings, W. H. McFaul and John Joseph have

had peaceable possession of this ground for eight years, previous to the month

of August, 1856, when Lawrence Murphy and his sons came on to the ground,

and have, against the will of the former parties, fished on the ground since.
No. 11. Richard Murphy, Henry Tinkelpaugh, John R. Trumpour, David Murphy

and Anthony Benway own this ground. No dispute.
No. 12. David Donavan, Peter Head, Patrick Mackenzie, Samuel Blakely, Dennis

Donavan, Edward B. Augusta, John Young, Chester Wilder, Dennis Murphy,

James McKenzie, and William Tivey. Four seines on this iivound.

A broken lot between Nos. 5 and 6 called the Tub ground, occupied by W. K.
Forsyth and John Wood.

A broken lot between 8 and 9 called the Pigeon ground, occupied by Charles
McFaul and W. K. Forsyth and others. Two seines on this ground.

The annexed was taken publicly at a large meeting, 12th October, 1857.

(Signed,)
u

i(

<(

4{
((
(C

tt
It
<c

IC

«

jfifj.'

ARCHIBALD McFAUL, J.P.
WILLIAM K. FORSYTH,
CHARLES McFAUL,
JOSEPH GUMMING,
SAMUEL BLAKELY,
ANTHONY A. BENWAY,
E S. ROBLINS,
FULTON PALMER,

SAMUEL Mc

PATRICK CAKROLL,

JOHN RILLIS,

WILLIAM HARRIS, Lispector.

\

X

Id

N<
(see cei
themse
fish in 1

ay 1856.

(A.)

ispector.
LAND.

>v^i<ife*v

h October,
le right or
last or not.

r disputes
were some

It, and for

lis ground.

nd for the

aatever.
, under an

the right-

scph have
the month
e ground,
since.
\ Murphy

y, Dennis
I Murphy,

by W. K.

•y Charles
57.

vmd sinvj oiAJ j=3

SAND BEACH. \
oooooocooo

0)

a

"a S -

> 1^ c I

os_L •

S 3 =t

IK'-: <**"

?IS^^

tp

Note.— Lawrence Murphy, represented as having usurped a right on No 12
(see certificate B. to 10) informs me that the present occupants have agreed among
themse ves in a bond of £100 penalty, to resist all other fishermen attempting to
hsh m that hmit, notwithstanding which, he, Lawrence, continues to fish

(Signed)

J. McC.

)r.

80

m

m

(D.)

iMcniorandiUTi (by iiiulcrsigncd) of Fishermen on the West Lake beach, Wel-
lington, and by whom at present occupied as nearly as we can understand.

Wellington, 9th October,' 1857.

1. GJround near West Point, occupied by Paul Lambert ; not mpuyfish were taken

on this ground last year ; up to this time in the present year about 30 barrels
were packed from the seine share, which is about one half of the fish caught
on that grovnid.

2. Ground occupied by Robert McDonald, James Elyatt and others ; this ground

would be about ecjual in value to the first, say 30 barrels.
3 Ground occupied by John Harris and others ; this ground of equal s'alue to the
first and second.

4. William Jackson and Haskell McFaul had 20 barrels to seine share last year,

but not (piite so much to present time this year.

5. Charles L. Wood hat not done much, this year nor last, but it may have been his

own fault ; this ground is not considered of as much value as the others.

6. Ground, Anthony Benway and others ; this ground gave about 40. burrels to the

seine share last year, this year about 40 barrels to this time.

7. Rufus Wilder and Benway, this year to present time about 40 barrels to the seine

share ; last year this ground produced to John Triple and others about 80 barrels.

8. John Branscham ; this ground last year gave to the seine about 14 barrels, and

this year to the present time about 25 barrels.

9. Patrick Carroll, Charles McFaul, W. H. McFaul, Joseph Cummings, J. Wilder,

and John Kellis ; this ground last year gave the seine 25 barrels, this year
about 80 barrels.
10 C. McFaul, Joseph Cummings, W. H. McFaul, and John Trup ; this ground
gave 100 Ijarrels last year to the net, this year to present time about 125 barrels.

11. Richard Murphy, Henry Tinklepaugh and others ; this gave the net last year

above 125 barrels, and this year to present time 200.

12. David Donavan, Peter Head and others ; this ground gave the net last year
about 100 barrels, and this year to present time about 175 barrels.

We whose names ai'e hereunto subscribed do hereby certify, that having been
cdled on by John McCuaig, Escjuire, Superintendent of Fisheries, for information
regarding the fishing ground on the West Lake Beach, from W^est Point to Welling-
ton, do hereby certify that the annexed statements are as nearly correct as we can
state. Dated at Wellington, this 9th day of October, 1857.

Mr. McCuaig having presented to the meeting a communication from the
Utica Herald, of the State of New York, dated 7th September, 1857, regarding
the said fisheries, we have no hesitation in saying that the said communication is
an exaggeration of the facts,

(Signed,)

(C

u

«
((

<c
<(

ARCHIBALD McFAUL, J.P.
JOSEPH CUMMINGS,
WILLIAM HARRIS, Lispector,
CHARLES McFAlJL,
HIRAM WILDER,
HENRY TINKLEPAUGH,
E. S. ROBLINS,
WILLIAM HENRY McFAUL,
GILBERT P. DORLAND
SAMUEL W. FLAGLER.

81

ach, Wei"

•,n857.

ere taken
30 barrels
sh causbt

lis jiround

line to the

last year,

6 been his

lers.

rels to the

:> the seine
80 barrels,
larrels, and

J. Wilder,
. this year

his ground
25 barrels.
!t last year

3t last year

iving been
[formation

|o Welling-
as we can

from the
regarding
lication is

|.P.

lector,

I

I

lUL,

APPENDIX V. (3.)

REPORT Xo. 3.

Proceeding from West Point to Sahnon Point, I found as follows — say 7
fishing stations, as under named, viz. :

Barrels.

No. 1. — David McDonald, with 2 seines caught 300

2.— A & E. Weeks, " 2 " 300

3.— Masting & Hicks, " 2 " 3uO

4. — Richard Jackson & Case, 4 " G31

6.~Minard McDonald, 1 " 150

6.— James Henelly, 2 " 300

7._r\>ter Hull; and 6 sons, 4 " 500

Total 2481

This statement em'races the whole catch of the seines, the hands' half being
included in the gross number of barrels, the fisheiy being conducted by the
owners of the seines, wUh their families, who thus secure the whole catch to
themselves, and is supposed to consist of thr^'c-founhs white fish and one-fourth
salmon, worth G to 10 dollars per barrel, respectively.

Proceeding from this station along the lake shore to Long Point, or Point
Traverse, visiting Soup Harbor, Point Peter light house, Gulf Pond, and so on to
the end of the Point alli.ded to above.

The (ishcries are carried on here by means of gill nets, and are set far out
into the lake, the shore being so rocky that seines cannot be worked ; and the
quantity of fieh caught in the year 185G is estimated, as near as may be, at 2000
barrels white fish, and 500 barrels salmon, which are barreled and sent to
Oswego by means of schooners, and sold from 6 to 7 dollars per barrel for the
while fish, and from 10 to 11 dollars for the .'-.almon. Each fisherman having
about 200 rods of gill nets, and a small boat costing, perhaps, !ffil50 fur the whole
equipment, which is manag<^d by three to four men. This information I obtain
from the people on sliore, and not from the fishermen, always reluctant in
afiording information, though it is said they realize considerable protits from
their operations. I next visited the Ducks, or I^ight House Island. This was
many years ago the |)riiicipal fishery tor salmon, and great quaatiiies were
formerly caught during the months oi" October and November, but of latr: years
have greatly fallen ofi", there being oidy 18 barrels taken here in 185G. Such is
the statement of Mr. Joseph ^weetman, the light-house keeper, who has charge
of it, and enjoys the fishin<f privilege under an order in council, 31st May, 1853.

1 next visited limber Island adjacent, and the harbor of Long Point, where
44 barrels of salmon have also be -n taken in 185G ; from this i)roeeeding along
shore to Bull's (Jove, a small fishery 3 miles from the point and found 30 barrels
salmon had been caught in I85G. All tin; above are seine-fishing on a small
scale. From this and proceeding up Prince Edward's Bay, and around its head
to Mainaker's Landing, and the residenet; of the Colli-ctor of (,'ustoins, 1 found
that 34G barrels offish, valued at £630, had been taken and shipped lo Oswego
in the season of 1856.

Continuing my course in this direction to the mouth of Black Creek, and
Woorpose, and the Orphan Isl nd, and so to the Upper Gap, and head of
Amherst Island and the Pigeon, there appears to have been taken at the various
stations alluded to, about 400 barrels of very superior salmon and 100 barrels
of white fish, and fished by seines, and chielly consumed by the inhabitants

F

82

I I'

themselves my chief information having been obtained from a Mr. Wright, one
of the magisitrates on shore and a fisherman likewise, on whose statement I place
every reliMnco. The fish, if barreled, would bring 6 to 10 dollars per barrel
respectively ; and are chiefly sold in a fresh state at so much a-piece, according to
size and (juality.

I now return to Picton, in order to prosecute my researches from Wellington
Village along lake Ontario shore to Presqu'isle.

Proceeding from Picton to Wellington on the 2Gth Ocfober, 1857, I thus
recommenced examining the coast, thence to Hugh's Point and Nicholson's
Island, on the lake shore, which being very rocky and bold, the fisheries are
carried on by means of gill nets, and the catch for 1856 is represented to be as
follows, viz :

150 Barrels Salmon, at $10 £375

160 Do. White fish, 6 225

From this station to Pleasant Bay and Bonnet light-house, adjacent to
Nicholson's Island, the quantities are as follows :

James Pearson and George Cameron, with 2 seines :

44 Barrels White fish, $6 £66

28 Barrels Salmon, 10 70

John Gerrow gill nets ) Q ^25

on the Bonnet, Salmon ) '

Continuing my examination from this plu^e to Weller's Beach, along the
lake shore to Ball Head, 27 seines, as follows :

Hiram Squires and Woods > 2 seines.

James Young and Brothers 2 "

John Hicks & Stapleton 2 "

Buchanan & Hikes 2 ''

Wm. & Chas. Huyck 2 "

Bradshaw, Young & Co 4 "

Levitt, Clendinning & Co 2 "

E. &S. Wilkins 2 "

James Peck 1 "

William Levett 2 "

Charles Whitney 2 "

E.&S. Wilkins 1 "

Levett & Brother 1 "

Bryant & Sweet 1 "

James Young 1 "

The foregoing 27 seines are stated to have caught upon an average 70 barrels
of fish each, said to be white fish chiefly, but from other slatemetits obtained from
people, I am convinced that a fair portion of them are salmon, so I feel justified in
estimatin.' them at !$7 per barrel, in which case 27 seines at 70 l)arrels each, 1890
barrels at $7. The total value being about £3,307.

This beach or neck of land is owned by Government, lying between Lake
Ontario and Weller's Lake, and the above estimate offish is onsidered to fall short
by many of the real quantity. The seines used on these grounds are of the largest size,
measuring from 8 to 100 rods in length, and about 9 yards deep, and are said to cost
about £90 eich, which, with the boat and equipments will last 5 years, the baj; to
be renewed every 3 years.

said t
fi'om

Shew:
estim:

83

From Ball Head to Pr^squHde.

Patrick Bryant 1 seine each.

Henry Bryant \ u

William Church , '. . . ^ u

James Wanemaker \ a

Henry BIy \ u

James BIy \ u

John BIy j u

Henry Brooks \ u

David Brooks \ a

Wm. Br(wks , j u

Thomas Jackcs j «

Samuel Cole 1 ct

Charles Weller , . j n

Henry HufF j a

Chas. Chisholm \ n

Heiiry V^/oUcr , . i «

Benjamin Young j u

Wm. H Gcrow j u

Silas Reynolds j <<

Wm. H. German ^ j a

20 seines.
The average of each seine is 100 barrels fish, equal to 2000 barrels, at $7
said to consist of whitefish, but doubtless a portion are salnjon. There were shipped
trom this fishing station by the Collector of Customs to the United States, in 1856,

Fish to the value of £2475 15 0

Coast ways 1076 10 0

£3552 5 0
Shewing that the hands' share of the fish caught, being one-half of the catch, is not
estimated at all in this calculation, which is doubtless the case in all other fisheries.

84

From Brighton, Colborne, and Grafton, as follows :

u

Sponcer Cole, suiiies

Hi mm Cole, f;ill

Spencer and Cole, seines . .

Edward Itiiuocli, gill

A. Scott "

Johu IJowdeu "

Will. Ilyne3 "

Robert Bell "

Curualmn & Clark "

John Blakely "

Morris Moore "

John Brown "

Dunouii Ki'iaff "

Jas. it John Doyle "

Ja8. A. Smith "

Jacob Smith "

Thos. Brokoushire "

Jap. Maitland "

Wellington & .Maxwell, gill
Cochran <t Gilberts "

David Kedick "

Geo. Tavidell "

M. Suit Grave
Hayward Wade "

James Peek, nciucs

H. AN. Huff " ... .
John Cox, gill

Total Number Fish.

800

1500

1000

1500

8(10

.500

1.5(10

1000

1000

1500

600

1600

10(10

1000

900

900

1500

lOOC

i4(J0

1000

900

1000

15

1600

a

<o

13

-*.3

c

01

ID

<v

u

11

ti

J

,D

^

(»

■4^

6

(5

5«

1

20

■ *

48

25100

150
150

468

Recapitulation.

"U 'O o

lis

ya_g =
o - ;^
2 J^ «
'■>r __r ^

.- ^^~

*« ri 3
•4-i :s "^

o u^

>,*" a"

^ B =-

c „ =

So I

o o

O i«

rH r-4
O lO

c o

-3 •
0) •
3 •

-2 >*

^ H

ira o

\o O
CO •-
— J3
^ ■«
.3«

3>

o

■^5

o

"ft:

'1 'V

Colour g Fisheries.

As undcr^ namely, showing the average catch of e- vh Fisherman lor the

Sahnon. Whitrfish.

Timothy Wiseman 10 50

Jeremiah Loosee 10 50

George Hunt 10 . 50

Frederick Karr 10 ^ 50

Waher McDonald 10 ^ 50

John Brown 10 ^^ 50

Richard Geddy 10 b 50

Dennis McDonald 10 = 50

Nath. Bradshaw 10 50

John Fitzu:erald 10 50

Frederick Jackes 10 50

Total 110 550

110 Barrels Salmon at $10 per barrel £276 0

550 Barrels Whitedsh at $G per barrel 825 0

year 1856

o

0;

-a

ao

ai

tH

<»/

•4->

r^

u

*->

CS

C^

•

c

O

1—1

o

o

J-i

r;

CO

p

• CH

<M

o

X

^

o

-3

-1

GJ

o

H

&.

^

3

1 (^

X

ea

X

ys

>

0

0

85

lation.

Thoiriiis Bossett
llcnry IJossctt .
James Ijcssctt. .
David Besst'tt. .

Port Hope Fisheries,

Salmon.

10

10

10

10

VVhitcfisli.
50
60
50
50

o o

c o

-o •

0) •
3 •

CO •-

s

Oh

■^5
-11 "^

O

ear 1856

♦^ -S CO
I r- U3 C8

'J'otal barrels 40 200

200 barrels Wliitcfish at %G per barrel i:800 0 0

40 I'.arrcls 8almon at $10 per barrel 100 0 0

The sliiptueiit from Cobourg clearly demoiistrates the iiiectrreetnoss of the
fishermen's statement.

Port Nfwcastle.

The fisheries at this station are conducted by means of gill and trap nct;^, and
the quantities are as tbllows— under the nianaiicf.r'nt of one man, who employs
eight men and boys :

Salmon, 8000 barrels at 200 to the barrel 15 $10

Salmon Trout, 1500 " 200 " " 7', 10

Whito Fish, 5000 " 200 " " 25" 0

Pickerel, 3500 " 200 '' " 17.V G

Total Banels 65

Port Union Fisheries.

£118 15s.

The fishing at this station is carried ois by gill nets, chielly by ])cople from
Toronto, with about OOOOyardsof net work, it is said, at 2s. 6d. per yard, and three
boats, estimated at £7 10s. each. They continue their operations from July to the
close of the season, and their ealch is aixnit 300 Salmon Troul, valued ni Toronto
market, whither '.hey are conveyed for sale daily, at 2s 6d. each, and 100 White
fish jier w(>ek, also sold at 7^ eaci;.

Estimating the fishing iheretore at 10 wetiks, would give a total sum of about
£406 5s. '

This information was received from Mr. William Ilothcring, a resident at that
fishing station.

Toronto Island Fisheries, conducted by one David Ward and others, wjio gave
me the following information ; it is said that after having held a consultation with
the fishermen of this import. mt stalii n, he lielieves the quantity taken in the season
of 1856 to I)e as f()llows:

33.34 Troni, sold in Toronto at 2s. 6d £416 15 0

16G7 White iMsh, at 7',d 52 110

Tola! £468 16 10

There are herrings taken hero also, but I failed in procurinn- any account of
the probable (pianlity, though 1 fed well assured it must be considerable.

Purl Credit Fi;>heries,

There being no data for the season of IH.')*!. I cannot do better than adopt the
statement of my informant, Mr, Stih^s Stevens, with liie assistaiice of the station
master (J, Alanson, Esq.) at that very noted fishin<r ground, tioth having tak<^'n great
interest in the protection of the iisherii's ; they stat.', by starting at .Marigold's

86

m

I'

J?!'"'

h .'.

IVi'

mu
S'l

tit: ■ 3

point, four miles west, and takiiiji; the conrsc from thcnco to Etohicokc river, bcinti;
four miles east, there are l"')tirteen fishermen, witli the same inunl)er of boats,
inehulini^ the Credit Fisiiery, with from 2000 to 2500 yards of gill nets to each boat,
and the eateh of eaeh they estimate n])on alow estimation at 38,000 fish each;
this qnantity nniltipHeil by 14 gives 470,400, two-thirds salmon, equal to

313,000 at 2s. Gd £39200 0 0

One-third White Fish, 150,800, at 7Jd 4900 0 0

Ni.

£44100 0 0

Oakville and Bronte Fisheries.

Carried on by the foUowini^ ])crsons, viz.
Jose))h Ward

John Young,
Thomas 'J'liomas,

I Mersey,

Seth Conrail, and
1'honias Slei<>;h.

Gill nels only, 1000 yards each.
Oakville, Trout, 50 barrels at !^10.
Broniu, Trout, 50

100 at $10 £250

Burlington Beach, extending to Wellington Square, atid down the ^South Coast of
Lake Ontario to Grimsby ; these Fisherio are carried on by the following
pcrscais ; —

Names.

Charles Curry . . .
Fredi'iick Curry. .

Will. SlKlnk.s

John r.ivini;st,.ilK'.
Will. XIcKiiiley. . .
Daniel McGuire. .

John Taiif

Wm. Palekiiis ...
Thos. Armstrong.
Win. Bro^vn .....

Big J-'imts

N. Corry

John DyiK'-i

Geoigo Snooks. . .
Bt'iijiunin shirben

John Balili y

E. Corry ,

Janc^ Wa.ldlc,
Benjaihin .foice . .

z ui J' .a

™ CD

"few S

lOOoOO
100(1(1(1
100(100
KiOoOO

looooo

1000(10
1(10000
100000
100000

1 'joooo

100000
10(1000
looooo
loOOOO
loouoo
lOoOOo
MOdOO

looooo

100000
190o(KI0

40O0
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
•1000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000

7o000

800
800
800
800
SOO
600
SOO
80o
800
800

Remarks.

80U
800
800

CO o

■;j

■T

O

:o

rH

QO'"^

o

CO

c»

lO

^"^

I-H

" rc

o

o

C4

lO

J:-

r-t

-V

11^

co

Tl

£-

•M

--=

if^

^

tc • o

•

\ "

•

Cj

1 ! "*

b

O -o "^'

rs-P^

3

♦J 0)

i— «

o

.— " S *'

V —

r— 4

H

1 -5

u^ •=:

^ -■

■^

l! ~

o

a J--

.— t

w

1040O

All the above descriptions of \ ish arc brought d^
as tollovvs, VIZ. : —

Herrings by the dozen, at 7^d. per dozen.
Small sized Wfule ri.«!'i at f)H. each.
Large White Fish at Is. 3d. each.

! )

rianiiUon market fresh,

!

R.

bx

87

'cr, bcini;
of boats,
?ach boat,
ish each ;

h Coast of
following

L'niarks.

CO

7^

a

id fresh,

f'

Niagara Ixivf.k to Port Damiousik Fisukries, as slat ■<! by Patrick MrNamara,
a rcsidcnl Fisherman at the inoulli of llio Niagara River, and tigreed upon
at a mcetin<^ of the parties engagcMl in tliat oenipation, as folh)ws, viz. :

Names'.

O)

o

I'atiick McNaiiiara

Wulter Elliot

Thomas Klliot. . .

Jaiiu's Arthur

N..l)k> lleaih. ...

Jerry Daly

Eilwanl Holtoii. . . .

Mrs Potrii'

Edward Uiiiliain . .

John Scott

Peter \Vatt8

Ephniim Kiuives . .

16

3

75
75
7.5
75
76
75
75
75
7.i
75
75
75

■V ~

'lioniark?.

a

a

■II

150
75

160
75
76
76
75

226
76
75
76
76

I

e
.1
.33

9>

a jd ...^

=H

^

To show tnorc clcHrly the state (jf the case, I say —

16 seines at £75 profit eaeli £l'jO()

Achl the half of the eateh, being e(pial to 1200

Production of the Gill Nets, etpial to half the seine

catch, is 1200

£3C00

The above fish sell readily at $9 per barrel. — See niari^in.

Bay of Quinte Fisheries.

From Picton along the north-west high shore of that arm of the bay called
Long Reach, to the Indiati church, in the Township of T\endinaga, I discovered
no fishery of any note. In former years a few white fish were taken at
Roblln's mills, on this route, bur the (piantity being so small is scarcely worth
noticing ; proceeding, however, along the north-west shore from this Indian
church to Northport, there are nine fishing stations for herring ; and agahi, from
the mouth of the Salmon River to Belleville, I found on the Clergy and Indian reser-
vations, another small fishery of herring also; and from the most reliable int'crmation
1 could obtain, there appears to be taken a..nualiy on this route to the llivcr Trent
about 1,500 barrels, — one-third of that (piantitv may be computed white fish. In
former vears salmon used to abound in the fall of the year in the rivers Moira,
Salmon River, and Trent, but have long since wholly disajipeared, and are replaced
bj ; lan ;es of pickerel, which frequent these localities in April for the purpose of
spa\vi.t^f»it. and are freely taken at ifiat season of the year, which should be pro-
hibited ; say. theref()rc :

m.

ri i

88

1,000 Imrrcis herring's— 85 £1,250 0 0

750 0 0

500 hiirrels whitf (isli— :jf,(!,

Toti.I, £2,000 0 0

Lake Erie Fisheries.

Aniht>rstl)iir<i; and islanils tluTcahouts. There are extensive fisheries around
this loeality, carried on hy the inhnl)itants, by means of stake and ii;ill nets. A Mr.
Thomas I'axton, one of the prinei])al fisiiermen, aeknowlediied to liave taken 2,500
barrels while fisli, worlh in 1); troit market ffjlO per barrel £(),2r)() 0 0

And .lames Cousins, 120 barrels at 810.
And of herrings, If) barrels, at ?)!5,

10!) 0 0
18 15 0

£0,508 15 0

Point Pelee and the islands in tliat nciuhborhood by citizens from ihe vicinity,
and Americans from the other side of the river, in common, with sein's, trap and
gill nets, are reported to have been caught as follows :

150 barrels sold in Detroit at .$10 £.'J75 0 0

75 do herring and pickerel at 85 • 1)3 15 0

40 do white fish on the little island below, at 810 100 0 0

£7,137 10 0

Ret

89

250 0 0
750 0 0

000 0 0

ics aroiiiul
ts. A Mr.
aken 2,500
250 0 0

;5oo 0 0

18 15 0

508 15 0

1o vicinity,
s, trap and

375 0 0

93 15 0

100 0 0

137 10 0

I

Where Caiiglit.

w?

D

m

i:

c

o

1 a

all

^

c

o

l*-.

1-

o

^

IH

Lake Huron, Duck Islands

Other places on Lake Huron, Northwest of tl
Island of Manitouiin

Sault Sto. Marie Rapids

Lake Superior, Namainse

Micliipicoten Island

Michipicoten Port

Pic Port

Fort William

le

a

2048

200

865 OO

520 10

250

6

210

10

80 7 1

40

6

mii

56

Ueinark.>

Value of 4776 barrels of Fish, at Sa.ilt Ste. Marie
Value of 385 e-a nn« ,^f n;i ^uarie.

385 gallons of Oil
Total value

75c. 288 75

.$26944 75

J. McC.

..■^.■..

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

11.25

Hi HI 12.5

|50 ■^~ H^H

*^ Uii |2.2

I

2.0

1.8

1.4 IIIIII.6

fe

y]

7

y

Photographic

Sciences
Corporation

23 WES1 MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

\

iV

6^

00

I have tin.' honor to sii1)mil tlui rollowinj]f Report and Recapitulation of the results
of my first visit, to the Fisheries of Lukes Huron, Erie, and Ontario, with
sueh remarks as have sugi^esled themselves to my mind in refcretice to dif-
ferent descri|)tions offish, as sup|)lied tome in gross numbers by the fishermen,
^vith()ut distinguishing llieir kind or (|uaiity, as undermentioned, viz :

v» i

M if

Unit ■;!•

Namc'!< of Fi.sliiuj' Statious.

LaI.e Iftirnn.

Sault Ste. Marie

Isliuid iif St. Jusopli

Maiiitiiiiliii, (firciit.)

Shcliinvfiijilinint^

Clul)lslllll(l ..."

lloi'se-.slii)'' anil Isli.' of Cuvcs

Oweiisipiniil siiul (!a[)(! Cmker

Cape Rioli and Mcaford

Collinj^'woiid and C^liristiaii Islands,
rcnotaiipui-^lieiio ami Nnitli Slicro. .

Cape Sniitli

Soiilli IJiiy and nei^^diboi'lmod

risliinj,' FslaiidrJ, N'oifli .Sauirceii . . .

fSaino localitv, Xmlli Saiii,'(.'cn

Port El-in ." '

Ditio'

,1.

Bavd.' Dart.

Invcrimroti

Ditto

Ditto

Port Headwind Stony Island

Ditto ditt.

Ditto ditti.

Kineurdine

Goderieli ,

Bayl'old

River anx Salilos

Kettle I'oint

Point Edward, Isl roMrvation

Same t^tation ; I'iekorc!, 100 ton?;, at $-10 per

ton, equal to licrrinijs

Port Sarnia and tiahv Point

WallarL'bnrg, Walpoie I-IM;, and Lake St. Clair

Port Windsor, aloiiij the Detroit River

Port R, Cape llurd, and neighborhood .......

Ditto ditto

Amhorstbnvg, and the ishinds at)out the lioad of
tl>e Lake, to Point I'elee Island

James Cousins, by himself

Ditto ditto

Point Pelee Islands, and otiier isl'ds thereaboiita
Ditto ditto ditto

Little Island

/y'?/,''' (hifario.
"Wellington Beach, Prince Edward, East Lake

Fisheries, west ti) S diuon I'oint

From Salmon Point to Point Traverse

Lighthouse Island, or Dueks

Timber Island

Bull's Cove

South i'.ay

From Black Creek to Amherst Island

1

100(1

Vol)
L'MOS
innf)

.S()0

:;(iO
■\',n
'J.->u

loiiO
750
?,00
80(1

?AC,?.

2000

1.500

500

loo

loo

.50

75

P.'o

tlO

10

'J 50

2000
150
300

loo

2000

800

2000

1 000

1107

-128

124

2500

120

15

150

75

40

I* 2181

-=5W

*7
7
7
7
0

r,
6

7
7
7
6
7
5
7
5
7
0
5

10
6
5

10
t)
5
7

lo
10

5
10

5
10

Amount.

r

1750

l:!12

.|n:i'j

1750

450

450

075

437

1750

1312

450

1100

4135

3500

1S75

857

125

125

125

112

150

1 50

OO

312

350O

187

o

10

0

0

0

o

0

lo

0

10
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
o
0

10
5
0
0

10
0

10

0250

300

18

375

93

luo

0

0
15

0
15

0

50O

10 & 0

4250

0

0

18

10

45

0

0

44

10

110

('

0

30

10

75

0

0

3J4

6

519

0

0

500

10 & 6

1150

0

0

General Remarks.

d.

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

o

o

0

0

0

0

0

0

0 I

0 I

0 i

0

Chiefly Trout aud Whitefish.
Ditto ditto

Ditto ditto

Ditto ditto

Whitelish and Herrings.
i)itto <litto

lleriings, Whitefish ifc Trout.

Trout an<l Whitefisli.

Ditto seut fresh to Toronto.

Ditto ditto

Whitefish and Herrings.

Trout, Whitefish A Herrings.

Trout and Herrings.
Ditto ditto

Herrings.

Trout and Whitefish.

Herrings.
Ditto

Trout.

Whitefish.

Herrings.

Trout.

Whitefish.

Herrings.

Whitefish and Trout.

Herrings.

Trout )

Whitefish J"

Sent by rail to

Toronto packed

[in boxes with ice.

3721 10 0

Whitefish.

Ditto
Herrinufs,
Whitefish.

Pleirings & Pickerel mixed.
Whitefi.-h.

) Supposed quarter Salmon,

[ bihmce Whitefish.
Sal., 5ti0 ; Whitefish, 2,000.
Silmon.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto and Whitefish.
400 bis. Sal., loo bis. Wfish.

91

of llie results
Ontario, with
ferenoe to dif-
t lie fishermen,
1, viz :

al Remarks.

uut auil Wliitefish.

ditto

ditto

ditto
and IIorrinij3.

ditto
yiiiiefisli it Trout.
Wliitofish.
fresh to Toronto.

ditto
iiud nprrin;^s.
iti'fish it Herrings.
Hori'iii^s.
ditto

Wbitotish.

FisHERFEs of Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario, &c. — {Continued.)

nd Trout.

Sent by rail to

Toronto |)acked

1 boxes with ico.

Pickerel mixed.

quarter Salmon,
Wbitefi.sh.
.■hitefi.-ii, 2,000.

Vbit.'fisli.
ItiObls.Wfish.

Name of Fishinsr Station.

s^.:3

Lake Oiil<trio. — { Conthi ned.)
WellinLCtun Village to Nickcrson's Island, |

Hu}ck'.s Point, and i'leasaiit Hay \

Pleasant Hay Heaih to the Lighthouise Island

ml jaoent

From Plensnut Hay to Bull Head

From Hull Head to Prt'S((u'lclo

Brighton and Colborne Fi>hery

(Jrafton and Cobourg Fisheries

Ditto ditto

Port IIo|)e Fishery

Ditto ditto "

Port N^owcastle Fishery

Ditto ditto '

Ditto ditto

Port Unicn, :),n(iu Salmon, at li.^. Cd

Ditto 1,000 Whitorish, at 7id

Isl'd oppos. Toronto, 3,:!;M Sal. <t Tr't. at 2s. (Jd.

Ditto ditto 1,C)()0 Whitcfish, at7.id.

P't Credit F'heries, 318,000 .Sal. ifc Tr't, at 2s. ('id.

Ditto ditto ir.C.SuO Wliitefish, utT^d.

Oakville and Bronte

Bnrlingtoii Beach

From Niagara River to Port Dalhousie

Bay Quinto Fisheries

Ditto ditto

300

122

1890

2000

1738

r>50

110

200

60

22i

m

25

100

10 it 6

10 it 6

6

ti

»

6
10

G
10
10

5

(;

Amount.

Ociieral Remarks.

£ 8. d.|
60(1 0 0

214 0

2835 0

3000 0

2607 0

825 0

275 0

300 0

lOo 0

56 5

21 17

37 10

375 0

31 .')

•116 1')

52 1

:l'.(2ti0 0

-1>,)|)0 0

) Half Salmon and halt;'
\ Whitctisii.

0; Ditto ditto

0 Prineipally Whitefish.

0, Ditto ditto

((! Ditto ditto

0^Vhiteti>h.

0 Salmon.

O, Whitefish.

0 Salmon.

()' Ditto

Ci, Pickerel.

o'Wliitefish.

0 Sold fresh in Toronto m'kel.

O; Ditto ditto

Ditto ditto

Ditto ditto

j Despatched to many
/ places, fresh, for sale.
, Salmon.

o

()

o'

1000
.".00

67.*)0 0 0] Whitefish and Herrings.

3600 0 o; Whitefish.

1250 0 O'Herriiig.s,

750 0 nl"Whitefish.

Total value | ! £117431 IS i)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

In making sujxjjccstions in reference to those protoetivi^ nioosures most necessary
to preserve our fisheries from further deterioration, and if ptiss-ible restore them to
their original productiveness, I have been guided by what I !iave observed, and the
information which I have collected while inspccliuf.' tiic various fishing stations.
My attention has been particidarly directed to the several methods of fishing, the
means used in taking fish, the persons engayed, and the seasons of the year in
which the fisheries arc carried on.

The herring fisheries, on accoimt of the small meshes in the nets, are very
destructive upon the young of both the salmon, salmon-trout, and white fish.
]\[yriads of these are taken in the herring seines, of not more than from two and a
half to three inches in length ; and thus in pursuing the least profitable of our
fisheries, the waters are being rafiidly depopulated of the most valuable and tioble
of our fish I have, tlierof )re, from these cotisiderations, to recommend the disuse
of the herring seines. The ioss sustained in the herring fisheries will, it is considered,
be very simdl in comivirison with the gre:U gain derived from allowinij the salmon,
salmon-trout and white fish to attain the weight of at least a few pounds before they
are taken from liien- native element.

The smallest meshes for the seines, which it appears to me the true and general
interests of the fisheries will jnstifv% are those of two inches on tbe side'of the
square. Nor can any great immediate loss fall upon the fishermen themselves from
enforcing such measures, because they have the free use, at all seasons of the year,

92

m

14"

S

r >

of llic hook and line, and the trill nets; the iiltiinatc advantau'os which must accru-
to the Province; from strictly enforcing s^nch r('!i;ulations in reference to our fishcrice
as shall restore them to their original producliveness, nuist far outweigh any terns
norarv inconveniences.

porary inconveniences.

CONCLUSION.

I have found grpal(;r (lifTicully in gellinj^ the information necessary, as to the
basis of any sngi^est ions, us to the lime during which fishing with the scine
should 'le prohibited ; the spawning season of both the salmon trout and while
fish ext(>nds from the middle of October until December. It would be a great
pity, however, to allow the fish to hr taken or killed at least one month previously
to the period above named, and while they are on the way to deposit their ova.
I would therefore^ recommend, that from the fifteenth of September until the first
week in December, the use of the seine should be prohibited.

The means necessary to enforce any law embodying these suggestions, by
being at the outset cfiicienl, will in the end be less expensive. A suitable vessel
to cruise over thefishing ground^, and fish inspectors at all the most important
stations, would appear to be necessary to s(>cure anything like a proper su])er-
vision. The inspectors too are the most necessary, as the fish bring a low price in
tlie market on account of tlie careless and unmerchantable manner in which they are
at present [-ut up. These in- pecr.ors receivinu their pay from the parties employing
them for packing and properly curing the fish, as it is in the case of })ork, Ijeef,
potash, flonr, &c., with an additional small allow^ance from the Government to
watch the fishermen, would thus be able to acount for all canghl liy them respec-
tively, and ac. onnt to tin; ." uperintendent for the (piantity, tor the general ini'or-
mation of the Goverrimc^nt.

The present value of the fisheries on the lakt-s, as elsewhere stated, is given
at about '^r)00,00(). This, I am surisfi.d, i> far loo low an estimate, a portion of
Lake I'hie and nuich of Lake ^'upt•rior, having not lu y. t been fully examined.
Whatever they may now be, a judicious supervision woukl undoubtedly double
their productiveness.

The recommendations, therefore, whici. it appears to me the interests of the
fisheries retjuire, are as follows :

Firsdy, — That, in order ro protect them properly, the Fishery Act ouu;ht to be
amended. The 5tli Suction ouglit to apply to all sulypcts of Her Majesty
residing in the Province, but none other, diiectly or indirectly, may, &c.

^Secondly, — That no nets with meshes less than two inches on ihe square.

Thirdly,- -That the hook and lin;;, and gill nets, may be allowed at all times
except during the spawning season.

Fourthly, — One sailing vessel, to protect the fisheries chiefly on the upper
lakes.

Fifthly, — Inspectors of Fish to be appointed at all the chief fishing stations
and ports.

Sixthly, — Any offender against the provisions of the Act t) incur a penalty
not less than ten pounds, nor more than fifty pounds.

I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,

JOHN McCUAIG,
Superin'endent of Fisheries for U. C,
To the Honorable

Commissioner of Crown Lands,
Toronto.

ch must accru-
o our fishcrice
'f'li^h any terns

sary, as to the
ith tlio Seine
out and while
lid be a great
ith previously
!)sit tlieir ova.
until the first

iggestions, by
uitable vessel
)St important
proper sujjer-
low price in
^hichth(!y are
I's employing
of pork, beef,
oveinment to
thpin respec-
eneral inCor-

led, it< given

a portion of

y examined.

tedly double

terests of the

I outiht to be
ler Majesty
&c.

be square,
at all times

)n the upper

ng stations

ir a penalty

AIG,

for U. C.

'<

I

Ilil' ■ll'l I.V I

ui';i''i;in;K('i:s

Dolfr/I fiffi'\- (fi/iofr }'ixlh'}\ X/ff/ftu/X,

\

i

1

1

\

1 ■ .
1

\ ,

X

\

I

6'lrt'

v

I

I

tfif

x\

^

\ !

%M^\^' ^IM^l

Accompanying the fPoRt of the Superintendent of

II f n

•vkrlear ''^ Co L.tii' Ti;.:'!.':

V.

EN DENT OF

■iiiii:4iiiiiro.i.:£

g^ro THE 24'" SEPT 18 5/.

Crown Land Offiro j

TORONTO 24'" SEPT 1857.

V.

. ^.| . '