162 THE FISIIEKIES. 



Fisheries in the Dominion of Canada, in the United States, in 

 England and Norway. To these conrteousreiilies were received, 

 embodying mnah valualile information. Tlie Commission pre- 

 sented their first report to tlie Legishiture in March, 1888 ; and 

 in June, 1889, an Act was passed constituting a Fisheries. Com^ 

 niis.sion, with the same otticials at its liead, and defining their 

 powers and duties. Tlie Legislature also granted a sum of money, 

 to be expended by the Connaission in carryini;- c>n their o[)era-- 

 tions. 



SUPKRIN'TKXDKNT OF FISHKltlES. 



Tile first step taken by the Commission was the ai)pointment 

 of a properly qualified Superintendent of Fisheries. They were 

 fortunate enough to secure tlie services of Mr. Adolph Nielsen, 

 Assistant Inspector of Norwegian Fisheries, a gentleman of higli 

 character, who possessed a thorough scientific and practical know- 

 ledge of fish and fisheries, and was fiimiliar with the whole i^ro-- 

 cess of the artificial projiagation of fish. Since his arrival in 

 Newfoundland, he has devoted himself to the arduous duties of 

 his office M'ith a zeal, energy and ability wliieh merit the highest 

 commendation, and Avhich have won the entire confidence of the 

 Commission, and of those most deeply interested in the fisheries/ 

 His tact, good sense and kindness have done much to overcome 

 the i^rejudices of the fishermen which they nnt unnaturally en- 

 tertained towards new ideas and methods wliith threatened tc 

 upset their time-honoured traditions. They are now beginning 

 to regard him as their Ijeiiefactor. Mr. Neilsen became, of course, 

 the right arm of the Commission ; and the great value of his 

 services is now universally admitted, ffe devoted himself to a 

 thorough investigation of all departments of our fisheries, with 

 the view of ascertaining the causes of their decline, where such 

 had taken place, and applying the proper correctives. He also- 

 devoted much attention to the im]ierfect niethoils of cure and 

 packing which were too often practised, iiointing out and urging' 

 improvements. He divw up a jtaper on "The Cure of Codfish 

 and Herrings," which the Commission imblished and circulated 

 Avidely among the fishermen. Its value may In- judged of fron> 



