FISHERIES. 243

and are, given; which, if the fish be exported to meet us in foreign markets, is about equal to the expense of catching and curing, and which, ifimport- ed into France, is sufficient to protect against loss. No encouragement, however, is given, but with the proviso of creating seamen. .

In consequence of these fisheries bang now so firmly established, the bounties, I am informed, are somewhat reduced, and are at present understood to be—for shipping so employed, 24: francs, or 203. per ton; for every green man, that is, a man who never was before at sea, seventy—five francs; on fish carried direct to other parts of Europe, or carried first to France, and thence to other parts of Europe, six francs per quintal; and if carried to the West Indies on board of French ships employed in the fisheries, twelve francs per quintal. It is also worth observing, that strict naval discipline is not lost sight of on board of the fishing vessels.

The French have other advantages besides boun- ties, which the British fishermen do not possess. They obtain all their articles of outfit cheaper; the wages of labour are, with them, lower; and they have also, as well as having the markets of the world open to them, a great home market.

St Pierre Island, where the governor resides, is also made a depot for French manufactures, which are smuggled into our colonies. The ships of war that are sent from France to protect their fisheries, and all the other vessels engaged in the trade, make the harbour of this island their rendezvous. The