EPISODES 419 



The coast of Labrador is visited by European as well as 

 American fishermen, all of whom are, I believe, entitled 

 to claim portions of fishing-ground assigned to each na- 

 tion by mutual understanding. For the present, however, 

 I shall confine my observations to those of our own coun- 

 try, who, after all, are probably the most numerous. The 

 citizens of Boston, and many others of our eastern sea- 

 ports, are those who chiefly engage in this department of 

 our commerce. Eastport in Maine sends out every year 

 a goodly fleet of schooners and " pickaxes " to Labrador, 

 to procure Cod, Mackerel, Hahbut, and sometimes Her- 

 ring, the latter being caught in the intermediate space. 

 The vessels from that port, and others in Maine and 

 Massachusetts, sail as soon as the warmth of spring has 

 freed the gulf of ice, that is, from the beginning of May 

 to that of June. 



A vessel of one hundred tons or so is provided with a 

 crew of twelve men, who are equally expert as sailors and 

 fishers, and for every couple of these hardy tars, a Hamp- 

 ton boat is provided, which is lashed on the deck, or hung 

 in stays. Their provision is simple, but of good quality, 

 and it is very seldom that any spirits are allowed, beef, 

 pork and biscuit with water being all they take with them. 

 The men are supplied with warm clothing, waterproof 

 oiled jackets and trousers, large boots, broad-brimmed 

 hats with a round crown, and stout mittens, with a few 

 shirts. The owner or captain furnishes them with lines, 

 hooks, and nets, and also provides the bait best adapted 

 to insure success. The hold of the vessel is filled with 

 casks, of various dimensions, some containing salt, and 

 others for the oil that may be procured. 



The bait generally used at the beginning of the season 

 consists of mussels salted for the purpose; but as soon 

 as the capelings reach the coast they are substituted to 

 save expense, and in many instances the flesh of Gannets 

 and other sea-fowl is employed. The wages of fishermen 



