The story of the North American fisheries

Abstract

Without doubt, and beyond comparison, the fisheries of British North America are the most extensive and the most profitable in the world. The mighty lakes and noble rivers abound with almost every description of freshwater fish; and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence those fishes which are of the greatest importance and commercial value to man, literally swarm, not only affording nutritious and wholesome food, but leading to profitable employment. Those fisheries may be prosecuted in the open waters of the Gulf, as within every bay, harbour, creek, cove, and inlet in connection with it. Whether on the bleak or sterile coast of Labrador, or on the western shores of Newfoundland and Cape Breton, or along the eastern coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, or within the Bay of Chaleur, or around Prince Edward's Island, Anticostia, or the Magdalen Islands, the fisherman may pursue his labours with nearly equal chances of success, and the full prospect of securing an ample reward for his toil.