230 THE LABRADOR PENINSULA. chap. xxxv. 



the most prolific and valuable fisliery of the Gulf if proper 

 precautions were adopted in curing. It is not an unfre- 

 quent occurrence for the ' catch ' to be salted in ' bidk ; ' 

 that is to say, they are put into the hold of the vessel 

 without washing, bleeding, or cleansing. Wlien the 

 vessel arrives at the port whence she sailed, they are taken 

 out and packed in barrels. Li consequence of this care- 

 less practice, whole cargoes often prove worthless as food, 

 and are used as manure. ' Of all the fisheries m the Gulf 

 of St. Lawrence, none could be increased to a greater 

 extent, or would furnish a more valuable export, than the 

 herring fisliery, if placed under judicious regulations, 

 properly enforced, and conducted with greater skill and 

 care.'* 



The importations of herrings into Massachusetts from 

 the British Provinces were as follows during 1859tol8Gl 

 inclusive : — 



The falhno: off in 18G1 is attributed to the civil war in 

 the United States, the Southern market having been closed 

 to the fish of the Gulf in consequence. 



The disappearance of the herring from certain parts of 

 tlie coast of the Gulf has led to the supposition that their 

 numbers were diminishing. It is, however, probable that 

 local and temporary atmospheric causes have diverted the 

 shoals from their accustomed migrations. We have high 

 authority for the opinion that the subject is still involved 



' IJcport on tlie .Sea and Kiver Fisheries oi' New Brunswicli, by H. M. 

 i'erly, Escj. 



