218 NEWFOUNDLAND.

during the process of curing fish, make themselves ' useful in planting gardens, and gathering the pro- ductions of the soil. In all domestic duties they are correct and attentive; and they manufacture the small quantity of wool they have among them, into strong worsted stockings, mittens, and socks.

Capital offences are exceedingly rare, and petty thefts are scarcely known, While property is seldom secured by locked doors, as in the Unit-2d Kingdom.

— In the winter season, much of the time of the in- habitants is occupied in bringing home fuel. Boats for the fishery are also constructed at this time ; and poles, &c. for fish flakes, are, or should be, provided.

Marriages and christenings are celebrated in the fall, when the labours of the fisheries are ended, or sometimes in the spring, previous to the fishery com- mencing. These are always times of festivity, when the neighbours are invited to partake of the best, and enjoy themselves with singing and dancing. The young men distinguish the occasion by the firing of guns.

Funeral ceremonies are also conducted with some kind of parade. It is considered decent that both the Protestant and Catholic clergymen meet together at the house of the deceased; and it is accounted indecorous in any of the neighbours not attending the funeral, although invitations are not sent. Cakes, cheese, Wine, and spirits, are laid out for those who choose to partake of them. The funeral procession then, with decorous solemnity, moves on to the grave- yard, and after the service, they return to the house