1793. on salt duties. 259 
on the water: It is not so easy to lead plouzhmen or 
herdsmen to become seamen or fihermen. 
“ T have a few words more to mention on the subject 
vof salt. At Learne, in Ireland, I have seen large cu- 
bic chrystalized salt, made there by means of Scots capi- 
tal, Scots workmen, with Englifh rock salt, and as much } 
xith sea water as would difsolve that rock salt. Ihis at pre- 
sent would be an illegal transaction in Scotland, yet, if 
made legal, would not only open the cvasting trade and 
fifheries, but bring food cured in the wholesomest and 
best manner to a home market, and be the means of re- 
lieving the effects of season and climate in a northern la- 
titude pretty generally, and, in times like these, the dis- 
trefses of the grazier in the more northern parts, and the 
operative mechanics in the southern; for when there is 
no demand for cattle, and they are fat, they may be salt- 
ed and cured various ways, which with their hides and 
tallow may be sent to market. And. in times of stagna- 
tion and distrefs of manufacture, the operative people, by 
means of salted meat and fifh, with their vegetables, will 
do very well. Ina times of prosperity they will be, ena- 
bled to bring their goods to market on easier terms. 
“ The Canadian is permitted to freeze what he cannot 
support with winter provender, and that way carries it to 
market. Salt of a proper quality is requisite to do the 
same thing in this climate ; and as the law stands at pre- 
sent, any Britith subject may supply the French general 
Santerre, but may not relieve the necelsity of the poorer 
inhabitants of Leith or Edinburgh on the east coast, or 
the operative manufacturers of Glasgow or Paisley on the 
west coast of this kingdom. 
(Signed) A, Fraser, Lovat,” 
