21 



which they have great interest in earnestly consider- 

 ing. At present about 3000 tons of this dried fish finds 

 its way to England, while 75,000 tons are sent to Brazil, 

 Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the West Indies. In the four 

 first-named places it is subject to a duty of from 25 to 

 40 per cent., and yet it has become a necessary food, prized 

 by rich as well as poor. In this country, of course, it is 

 free from taxation. I may observe that, in point of nutri- 

 tion, dried cod-fish is as nine to ten in comparison with 

 beef. 



Another article which is of great hygienic importance 

 figures in our category, and has obtained the highest 

 approval of the jury. I refer to cod-liver oil, on which the 

 award is unqualified, placing our whole collective exhibit 

 in the front rank. This forms a subject of serious con- 

 sideration for the public, who have a vital interest in 

 avoiding remedial agents of a doubtful character ; and the 

 lesson contained in the decision of the jurors is one they 

 cannot disregard. This award is not the expression of 

 interested men whose motives might be questioned ; and 

 when the jury give to the cod-liver oil of Newfoundland 

 the distinguished place established by their report, their 

 decision must carry with it all that authority attaching to 

 a body of high character and special competency intrusted 

 with duties in which the interests involved demanded the 

 most careful and conscientious examination. 



On our oils generally the jury have made the following 

 statement : " The above, forming an extensive assortment 

 of the various descriptions of fish oils, are superior to any 

 other exhibit of the kind in the Exhibition." This gives 

 them a declared value over any similar productions in the 

 world, which the laws of trade will not fail to regulate 



I have now to avail myself of the opportunity afforded 



