FISHERIES OF THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC 71 



I claim that when the French are well led they are as cap- 

 able, both of one and the other, as the Scotch, Swedes, Rus- 

 sians, or any other northern people. 



"The French are capable of overcoming all difficulties 

 when led by chiefs enterprising and steady. The work which 

 they have done, are doing, and will do in Canada, is proof 

 incontestable of this truth, that cold countries are more favor- 

 able to them than hot, and that in cold countries they are 

 more robust, stronger, more enterprising, and more courag- 

 eous than they are in hot climates, or even in France itself. 

 For this reason it will be better to have Canadians, accus- 

 tomed to cold and fatigue, to conduct these establishments on 

 Labrador. 



"It may be said, that to start these colonies on the Lab- 

 rador will be too expensive for the King, who has other more 

 pressing claims upon his purse. 



"I reply, that it is possible to make these establishments 

 without costing the King anything. What M. Courtemanche 

 has done at Phelypeaux Bay has cost the King nothing. The 

 others will not cost the King more. It is only necessary to 

 engage two Canadians, wise and enterprising, to undertake 

 the settlements at Petit Nord and Kessessaki, as M. Courte- 

 manche has done at Phelypeaux Bay. In order that these 

 men should not ruin themselves, but should even grow rich 

 in sacrificing themselves for the State, it is necessary to 

 grant to them all that is possible, to heap upon them honors. 



"In order that these posts may be peopled and become 

 important, it is necessary by bounties and privileges to induce 

 the Bayonnais and other French, and especially Canadians, 

 to establish themselves there and develop the commerce of 

 the country, particularly the fishery, the profits of which 

 are immediate, certain, and inexhaustible, and do not require 

 a great outlay. It is necessary also to give to those who shall 

 undertake the settlements of Petit Nord and Kessessaki 

 (which should be named Labradorville), the titles of Com- 

 mandant or Captain, if they have it not already, as in the 



