70 FISHERIES OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC 



it will be easy to convert them to Christianity. Their gentle 

 spirit, their aversion to war, and their chastity make them 

 easily disposed to conversion. 



"It should also be held in view that in making these 

 establishments on the Labrador, not only spiritual but aiso 

 temporal blessings will be poured upon those who shall pro- 

 cure this glory to God and Religion. 



' ' The Esquimaux civilized, will render important services 

 to the French by the fishery and the chase, being very adroit 

 both in the one and the other. They will bring skins and 

 furs, walrus tusks, fish oils, eider-down and feathers for 

 beds, having on their coasts an infinity of birds with fine 

 plumage. 



' ' Thus the Esquimaux will contribute to render commerce 

 on the Labrador both large and lucrative. I forgot to say that 

 it is necessary to use every means to induce the Esquimaux 

 to take up their abode near the French, the advantages of 

 which it is unnecessary to detail. Their proximity need not 

 be feared, as they are not warlike but lazy and timid. 



"Those who always make difficulties and have not the 

 courage to undertake large enterprises say: 



"1. That the Labrador is a place cold and sterile, where 

 nothing that is necessary for life can be found, and con- 

 sequently is uninhabitable, and no one should dream of 

 endeavoring to colonize there. 



"Sweden, Norway, Russia, Scotland, etc., are all more 

 northern countries than Labrador, and are consequently 

 colder. These places are also filled with lakes and moun- 

 tains to a greater extent than in Labrador. The land is as 

 sterile as Labrador, and it is only by cultivation that 

 they have become fertile and capable of supporting their 

 large population. 



"Scotland, Sweden, Norway and Russia are powerful 

 countries, and filled with great and rich towns, all north of 

 Kessessaki. Who shall say that one shall not make of Labra- 

 dor as fine a country as these, and build in it cities as great 

 and populous? All that is wanted is work and patience. 



