MANNERS or THE INHABITANTS. 217

by their own society in England. The Catholic’and Presbyterian clergymen are provided for by the voluntary contributions of their own flocks.

Religious belief at Newfoundland is equally free to all ; no one interferes with his neighbour’s creed; no ill-will prevails; and the estimation in which a man’s religious opinions are held, depends on the cor- rectness of his moral character, and not on the parti- cular form of his belief. There is a titular Catholic bishop of Newfoundland at St John’s, and a vicar- general at Harbour Grace. Candour requires me to say, that the Catholic clergy of Newfoundland guard with incessant Vigilance, the morals of those who profess their religion, while, at the same time, they maintain a spirit of friendly feeling towards the clergymen of other Christian denominations?16

Colonists, it may always be observed, retain many of the customs and habits of their ancestors; and some customs still prevail in Newfoundland that are obsolete in Europe, among which, saluting the bride mayvbe noticed. This custom was once fashionable , in Europe, and is said to be derived from the Roman ; method of detecting women secretly addicted tof drunkenness.

The inhabitants are employed,the majority Wholly, and the rest occasionally, in the fisheries. Feeding cattle and a few sheep, and cultivating small spots of land, are also partial sources of occupation. The wOmen, besides affording great assistance to the men

a: Note B.