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the other places of worship, are plain buildings, but answer sufficiently well for the population, and the condition of a society not very permanent. On the south side of the harbour there are but few houses, the nature of the ground forming objections to building.

In time of war St John’s was a place of great im- portance. Vessels met there to join convoy; and many rich captures were brought in, with a number of prisoners of respectability, both ladies and gentle- men, from the French West Indies. There are a greater number of shops, and a still greater number of public houses, in proportion to its size, in St John’s, than in most towns. Commodities were formerly very dear; at present shop goods are as low as in any town in America; and fresh meat, poultry, and vegetables, although not so low as on the continent, are not unreasonably dear.

The population of St John’s fluctuates so frequently that it is very difficult to state its numbers, even at any one period.* Sometimes, during the fishing season, the town appears full of inhabitants; at others, it seems half deserted.

At one time they depart for the seal fishery; at another, to different fishing stations. In the fall of the year the fishermen arrive from all quarters, to settle their accounts with the merchants, and pro- cure supplies for the winter. At this period St John’s is crowded with people; swarms of whom

* Fluctuating from 10 to 15,000.