Fisheries of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 49 



being very dry, can better withstand the effects of a hot climate 

 and long voyage, than a more moist Fish. The peculiarity of their 

 being smaller than Cod caught elsewhere, is also of great import- 

 ance as regards the South American market, for which they are 

 packed in tubs of a peculiar shape, called "drums," and into which 

 they are closely pressed by means of a powerful screw. 



The usual baits for Cod on the New Brunswick Coast, and in 

 the Bay of Chaleur, are — Capelin, in the early part of the seasou 

 — and afterwards, Herring and Mackerel — when no other baits 

 can be had, Clams are used. 



The capelin [Salmo groenlandicus)* is a beautiful little fish, from 

 four to seven inches in length, the under jaw longer than the upper, 

 the colour of the back greenish, the under surface of the body sil- 

 very. They usually appear about Miscou, and in the Bay of 

 Chaleur, early in May ; but sometimes not until near the end of 

 that month. The Cod Fishery does not fairly commence until 

 the arrival of the Capelin, which continue near the shores until 

 the end of July. 



There has been great complaint of late years, in the upper part 

 of the Bay of Chaleur, of the falling off in the Cod Fishery, which 

 is said to be every year decreasing. At Carleton, Maria, New 

 Richmond, and other places on the Gaspe shore, the fishin r 

 establishments are deserted, and going to ruin. At these places 

 there was formerly an abundant supply of fish ; but the inhabitants 

 now barely catch enough for their own winter store. 



This decrease is also felt on the New Brunswick shore. The 

 settlement of Petit Rocher sends out about 50 boats only, which 

 average a catch of 50 quintals each, during the season. The" 

 Pockshaw coast sends out a few boats, but they only fish occa- 

 sionally. The Caraquet and Shippagan boats, further clown the 

 Bay, take more than 100 quintals each during the season, which 

 are of better quality than those taken off Petit Rocher. The 

 decline of the Cod Fishery in the upper part of the Bay is attribut- 

 ed to the wanton destruction of the proper and natural food of the 

 Cod — Herring and Capelin — which are taken in immense quan- 

 tities ; not for immediate eating, or for curing, or for bait — but fc r 

 manuring the land ! 



In a representation made to the Canadian Legislature by a fish- 

 erman of Gaspe, it is stated, that this fisherman has seen five 



* This is the Mallotus villosus which occurs so well preserved in the 

 fossil state near Ottawa. 



4 



