1184 MISCELLANEOUS. 



coasts of Nova Scotia and at Labradore,* is also so nearly like our own, 

 that a description of it may be omitted to avoid repetition. 



The herring fishery will detain us but a moment. The export of 

 smoked-herring has declined very much. Towards the close of the 

 last century the quantity shipped was from 50,000 to 60,000 boxes 

 annually. In some years, too, previous to 1819, the export was even 

 more, and from 80,000 to 100,000 boxes. At present the average is 

 less than half the quantity of either period. The natural advantages 

 possessed by the colonists of the shores of "Annapolis basin" are 

 unequalled in the whole world. Digby and Clements should be the 

 seat of the most extensive herring fishery in America. This fish, well 

 smoked and of approved color, is a great luxury for the forenoon lunch 

 and for the tea-table; and the time lias been when a herring-box 

 branded "Digby," or with the name of a well-known curer there, 

 passed as current in our markets, without examination, as coin 

 received at the mint. This is high but deserved praise. The whole 

 quantity smoked in 1850 was but 2,000 boxes. The scenery in the 

 vicinity of the "basin" is truly beautiful; and the "basin" itself is one 

 of the safest shelters for boats and vessels required for the fishery that 

 is to be found in America. 



The mackerel fishery is in favor, and, compared with the cod and 

 herring fisheries, receives commendable attention. The present state 

 of this branch of industry is to be attributed to the recent change in 

 our tariff of duties imposed on foreign-caught fish, and to the facilities 

 afforded by our warehouse system. This change, it hardly need be 

 said applies to dried and smoked fish as well as to pickled; and, were 

 the causes just assigned the true ones, it might be concluded by those 

 who are not acquainted with the colonial character, that increased 

 exertions would be witnessed on all the fishing grounds. Explanation 



* A Halifax paper, in the spring of 1852, indulged in the following course of remark: 

 "We learn that no less than twenty-five vessels cleared at this port for the Labrador 

 fishery on Saturday last. We have been much gratified with the improved appearance 

 of the schooners comprising our fishing fleet this season. The class of Nova Scotiamen 

 at present engaged in the fisheries would do credit to any country in the world, our 

 enterprising and energetic neighbors, the Americans, not excepted. Where all are 

 deserving of praise, it would appear almost invidious to particularize; but we must not 

 omit to chronicle a very superior craft which we observe receiving her supply of salt 

 alongside the brig 'Wellington,' at Oxley's wharf, called the 'Ocean Wave.' This 

 fine vessel was recently launched at Lunenburg by a Mr. Young, and was built expressly 

 for the fishing business. She appears to have been most carefully constructed, and her 

 outfit is after the most approved fashion. There is a reasonable probability of this most 

 important branch of provincial industry proving eminently successful during the pres- 

 ent season; and we can only hope that the desideratum may be realized to its fullest 

 extent. Our fishing friends cannot be too careful in curing their catch. The markets 

 for their valuable products are extending on every hand. It is essential that the char- 

 acter of this, our staple article of export, should be established beyond the shadow of 

 a doubt. Due attention to this matter will repay our fishermen a hundred fold for any 

 extra time, labor, or attention bestowed on the making of their fish. Let all interested 

 look to this all-important matter, and a rich harvest may be reaped in the future. It 

 is satisfactory to know that the parties who have this season fitted out for the fisheries 

 are, many of them, both forehanded and intelligent qualifications indispensable in 

 the successful prosecution of this valuable branch of industry." 



In August, 1852, it was again said that, "We are enabled to record the gratifying 

 intelligence, that of twenty-seven vessels fitted out from ports in Lunenburg county 

 for the Labrador, twenty-six have returned well fished one vessel bringing home the 

 handsome fare of 1,100 quintals. This almost unprecedented success is perhaps, in a 

 great measure, attributable to the vigilance of the revenue cutters stationed on the 

 coast by the Canadian government for the protection of the fisheries." 



