313 



sand: when cured, the herrings sell for thir- 

 ty, and shads for forty, shillings per barrel. 

 Herrings are the principal food for thou- 

 sands of the inhabitants, with Indian corn 

 differently prepared : their drink being — at 

 dinner as well as all other times — tea, coffee, 

 or water. The Colonel told me that fish- 

 ing, although I thought it so productive, 

 was frequently a losing business ; as the 

 expence of nets, and the number of men 

 employed, if they were not successful, 

 caused great loss. The tide prevents them 

 drawing the nets some part of the day. 



There is a fish called sheep's head, reck- 

 oned very fine. I never saw any of them, 

 and therefore conclude that they are scarce ; 

 as I was in the habits of dining at the best 

 public and private tables, and repeatedly en- 

 quired for it in the market. 



There ic the terrapin (or land-tortoise), 

 weighing about one pound and a half, which 

 is eaten generally at suppers, in taverns, &c. 

 When dressed, the charge is two shillings. 

 I was tempted to taste of it twice: 1 thought 



