FISHERIES . 245 sions have gone so far, as to drive by force our j vessels and boats from their stations, and tear down the British flag in the harbours, hoisting in its >. place that of the United States. They are easily enabled, from their vastly superior numbers, to take all manner of advantage of our people. They fre¬ quently fish by means of seines, which they spread across the best places along the shores; and thus prevent the industry and success of the British fish¬ ermen. The crew of an American vessel, last year, which arrived on the coast of Labrador , anchored opposite a British settlement, cut the salmon net of the inhabitants, set their own in its stead, and threatened to shoot any one who approached it. In order to take every advantage of the latitude granted them, the American vessels, during the day, when they apprehend the appearance of any of his Majesty 's cruisers, anchor three miles from the shore; but as soon as night conceals their movements, they run under the lee of the land, and set their nets for herring and mackerel. Another consequence, as our fishermen contend, of the Americans being per¬ mitted to fish so near the shore, is, that the offal which they throw overboard, has the effect of driving the fish from the nearest banks, which renders the catch more difficult and distant. The net fishing, which, by the limits of three miles, was intended to be secured to our people, the Americans are daring enough to persevere in prose¬ cuting, while their ingenuity ensures them success,