APPEIv^DIX. 339 



transactions has been to bring into practice the means devised for 

 regulating and restoring the fresli water fisheries of each section 

 of the Province, rather than to render them a source of immediate 

 revenue. That an abtmdant yield, and advantages both direct 

 and indirect to provincial interests, will flow fi-om systematic 

 and earnest administration of these fisheries, cannot be doubted, 

 but the initiation of an entirely new system is attended with 

 difficulty : prejudices have to be encountered and dealt with as 

 gently as possible, and the apphcation for the first time to remote 

 and distant places of fixed regulations for the government of a 

 trade which had hitherto been entrusted to tlie imrestrained 

 action of those engaging in it, was sure to encounter some 

 opposition. Happily, owing to tlie good judgment and manage- 

 ment of the officers entrusted with the duty, the law has been 

 fairly brought into operation, and, as it is believed, without 

 injury to any one. 



Those who were among the most violent objectors at first, 

 have come to leam that they are at least equally interested with 

 the general pubUc in the objects and the results which the law 

 is intended to accompUsh. 



Negotiations have been opened with New Brunswick with the 

 view of providing such legislation and action as may insure the 

 protection and due occupation of the fisheries in the waters which 

 divide the two Provinces. 



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