A HALF-CENTURY OF GROWTH 161 



had been exported to Bilboa. The settlement of the shores 

 of the Great Lakes led to the development of an inland 

 fishery that was worth a quarter of a million dollars per 

 annum within a decade of its establishment. 



Within the sphere of his own industry the fisherman 

 never was more active than during this period. The 

 ancient calling of codfishing was pursued with greater zeal 

 and wider area. The mackerel fishery rose within a few 

 years from an insignificant calling to become a formidable 

 rival of the codfishery. The oyster industry increased with 

 each year until it became an active occupation for thou- 

 sands of people along the gulfs and bays of the Atlantic. 

 Menhaden and shad were taken by the million from the 

 Carolinas to Eastport, while the new employment of taking 

 and curing the herring of the Magdalen Islands and of the 

 Passamaquodd}' region laid the foundation for scores of 

 fortunes. 



On the other hand, there were years of losses as well as 

 years of prosperity in the fisheries, that is one of the 

 characteristics of the fishery industry, especially of the 

 cod and mackerel fisheries which necessitate a considerable 

 outlay of capital for establishing and maintaining them. 

 An unfavorable season for catching fish might be partially 

 offset another season by securing large gains, either from a 

 large catch or from higher prices. But the loss of men 

 and vessels at sea never could be remedied. International 

 trouble also continued. New complications arose with the 

 enforcement of the provisions of the Convention of 1818. 

 The maritime provinces of Great Britain were insistent in 

 interpreting the new provisions always from their point of 

 view. The result was repeated quarrels, frequent seizures 

 of American fishing vessels, and curtailment of privileges, 

 if not of rights. After a trial of thirty-six years, stormy 

 and unsatisfactory to both sides, the terms of the Conven- 

 tion of 1818 gave place to the Reciprocity Treaty of 1854, 



