98 Fisheries of the Gulf of St. Lawi'ence. 



The writer was informed, that in this way 3,600 Trout had bee?? 

 taken out of one pool, at a single sweep of the net. In August 

 1848, 13,000 large Trout were thus taken out of one pool on the' 

 Scadouc River, while the writer was at Shediac. This practice 

 is greatly to be deprecated, as by destroying fish of all sizes it 

 completely breaks up the Trout fishery on those Rivers where it 

 takes place. 



The Smelt (Osmervs eperlanus of Cuvier, and Osmerus viri- 

 descens of Agassiz,) is found in excessive abundance in all the 

 Rivers and Streams flowing into the Gulf. In the latter part of 

 winter, when in the best condition, they are taken through holes in 

 the ice, and at that season are a very great delicacy ; they are then 

 frequently called "frost-fish." Immediately after the ice dis- 

 appears, they rush in almost solid columns up the brooks and 

 rivulets to s-pawn, and are then taken by cart-loads. This Fishery,, 

 under proper management, might be made one of considerable 

 profit, as the Smelt is really delicious, and always highly esteemed. 

 It is believed that there are two distinct species of this fish, and 

 that the smaller of the two, is more highly scented, as well as more 

 highly flavoured, than the other. 



Eels of large size and of fine quality, are taken every where 

 within the Gulf : besides those consumed fresh, they are pickled in 

 considerable quantities, as well for home consumption, as for ex- 

 portation. Mr. Yarrell, in describing the Eel, says : — "They are 

 in reality a valuable description of Fish ; they are very numerous, 

 very prolific, and are found in almost every part of the world. 

 They are in great esteem for the table, and the consumption in our 

 large Cities is very considerable." 



In the calm and dark nights during August and September, the 

 largest Eels are taken in great numbers, by the Micmacs and 

 Acadian French, in the estuaries and lagoons, by torch light, with 

 the Indian Spear. This mode of taking Eel requires great quick- 

 ness and dexterity, and a sharp eye. It is pursued with much 

 spirit, as besides the value of the Eel, the mode of fishing is very 

 exciting. In winter Eels bury themselves in the muddy parts of 

 Rivers, and their haunts r which are generally well known, are 

 called " Eel Grounds." The mud is thoroughly probed with a five 

 pronged iron spear, affixed to a long handle, and used through a 

 hole in the ice. When the Eels are all taken out of that part 

 within reach of the spear, a fresh hole is cut r and the fishing goes 

 on again upon new ground. 



