CHAP. XXXV. 



FLUCTUATIONS IN THE COD FISHERY, 



2S5 



to prevent encroachments on the fishing-ground ; and 

 Admkal Seymour, hi a letter to the Governor of New- 

 foundland, states that he was authorised to hire and 

 employ some shore schooners, for which he was to 

 provide officers and men, to protect the fisheries on the 

 coast of Labrador. 



The magnitude and importance of the cod fishery has 

 already been sufficiently indicated in a previous chapter. 

 Like all other industries belonging to the same class, cod- 

 fishing is hable to periodical fluctuations. The year 1861 

 proved very disastrous to the Newfoundland fishermen. 

 The deficiency in the exports of that year amounted to 

 no less than 172,375 quintals. It is alleged, however, 

 that this arose rather from the scanty advances made to 

 fishermen by the traders, than from any diminution in the 

 iTin of fish. The following table shows the vast import- 

 ance of the cod fishery to Newfoundland : — 



The Newfoundland cod fishery is carried on in the 

 harbours of that island and on the coast of Labrador. 

 The bank fishery, both British and colonial, ceased to be 

 remunerative in 1845, in consequence of the bounties 

 suppUed to Frencli and American fishermen by their 

 governments. 



