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NEW YORK,

NOVEMBER, 1868.

"IF I might give a short hint to an impartial writer, It would be to tell him his fate. If he resolved to venture upon the dangerous precipice of telling unbiased truth, let him proclaim war with mankindneither to give uor to take quarter. If he tells the crimes of great men, they fall upon him with the iron hands of the law; if he tells them of virtues, when they have any, then the mob attacks him with slander. But if he regards truth, let him expect martyrdom on both sides, and then he may go on fearless, and this is the course I take myself."-De Foe,

THE PHRENOLOGICAL JOURNAL AND LIFE ILLUSTRATED is published monthly at $3 a year in advance; single numbers, 30 cents. Please address,

SAMUEL R. WELLS, 389 Broadway, New York.

"A GOOD JUDGE OF CHARACTER."

In all successful generals, from Napoleon and Wellington to Grant and Sherman, it is claimed by historians and biographers that they were remarkable for their abilities to judge men correctly. It is said that Napoleon excelled in this; indeed, it is claimed that it was by his judicious selections of officers that he was so successful in his military campaigns. The same is said to be true of Gen. U. S. Grant. He "put the right man in the right place."

Now, we believe this to be equally true of all men who are successful in their various spheres of life. Take the merchant who manages a large establishment and employs many men. He must needs choose his trusty book-keepers, cashiers, and confidential clerks, as well as his salesmen, agents, porters, and others; and his success must largely depend on his ability to judge the characters of those he trusts. The same is true of a banking-house, with its numerous officers and clerks. So in a metropolitan newspaper establishment, where several editors are required for the different departments-literary, scientific, political, musical, artistic, and the rest. Let each be a first-class man, do his work in the best manner, and the result will be a newspaper of unsurpassed excellence;-but let there be bungling and stupidity in any department, and it will tell against the whole concern. So in manufacturing establishments, where mechanical skill with aptitude for different processes is required, and where order, method, promptitude are necessary, good judg ment of character on the part of the director is equally essential.

We do not claim that one must necessarily understand the scientific rules of Phrenology and Physiognomy, in order

to arrive at tolerably correct conclusions in regard to character and capacity.

It is sufficient for our purpose to state here, that he who is the best judge of character will be the most successful, let his pursuit or position be what it may, whether that of school-teacher, physician, clergyman, or business man; while he who fails in this,-in "putting the right man in the right place,"-will just as surely fail in his undertakings. It is therefore evident that as a means to success, even in conducting ordinary enterprises, one should make sure of his ability to judge character correctly. Men ity to judge character correctly. Men often greatly mistake,-to their life-long regret,—in the choice of a wife; and the wife, in accepting what she supposed to be a suitable man for a husband. Had they been good judges of character, neither would have been disappointed.

Had he been able to read men, the merchant would not have placed a thief at the till, when an honest man or youth could just as well have been secured.

Poor generalship-incompetent leaders-has lost thousands of men and millions of money. Poor business management, with stupid or crabbed clerks, drive

A

away custom. A surly sexton sometimes spoils all the effects of a good sermon. A cross captain or conductor makes passengers shun his route. turbulent pedagogue keeps the whole school in an uproar; and a leather-headed doctor falls into quackery and kills many poor patients who, if let alone, nature would have cured.

We may end the discourse with the story of an old philosopher who wrote some time before the discovery of Phrenology and Physiognomy. He said: "God has made in this world two kinds of holes,-round holes and three-cornered holes, and two kinds of people,-round people and three-cornered people; but from ignorance as to their right relations and true position, the round people had got into the three-cornered holes, and the three-cornered people into the round holes. Hence the jarring and discord we see in society.

MORAL: Read the PHRENOLOGICAL JOURNAL, and learn to judge character correctly. Just in proportion to your ability to judge correctly will be the measure of your success in other directions.

steal.

AN EQUIVALENT. SELFISH-not to say dishonest-persons seek to obtain from others something for nothing. There are many and various ways of accomplishing this. One convenient way is to borrow, and not return; another is to beg; another to cheat, defraud, swindle, or, in plainer terms, to Of the first class there are many. One borrows your money, another your books, another your umbrella, jewelry, tools, pen, pencil, pocket-knife, dog, gun, fishing-tackle, razor, razor-strop, latherbox, or tooth-brush; not to speak of weightier matter, such as horses, vehicles, sail-boat, or anything else usable. These habitual borrowers own nothing more than the law allows, and can not be held for damages in case of losses. Many of this class manage to do a flourishing business on borrowed capital, but never get ahead.

The beggars-chiefly imported from monarchical countries, where natural-born paupers form a large part of the popula tion

are as numerous in our cities as the means employed to import and produce them. In England they claim 600,000 drunkards; in America, we lament the existence of 400,000. Nine in ten of these may be counted as present or prospective beggars. But there are many beggars who are not paupers. They are persons without much selfrespect, dignity, or true manliness. The very act of begging is an evidence of inferiority. Rogues frequently resort to it as an easier or safer means to get a dishonest living. Such persons do not even think of returning an equivalent for what they get. The swindlers-a very numerous class-are both native and foreign. They resort to every conceiv able scheme to get "something for nothing." All the lottery dealers, all the prize ticket and gift concert concerns, and other gambling tricks, are practiced on the easily deluded. The patentmedicine swindlers are to be met with in most of the newspapers. Quacks fatten on the gains filched from poor diseased victims. Instead of returning an equivalent for money received, they poison their patrons.

Thieves also are everywhere, and of them there are many sorts, such as sneak thieves, pocket-book thieves, wharf

thieves, till thieves, fruit thieves, hen-
roost thieves, horse thieves, house thieves
or burglars, bank and post-office robbers,
and highwaymen. Our State prisons
contain thousands of these; and, if
report be true, they are likely to soon
contain many more. It is said that
hundreds of European criminals are
landed on
our shores every month!
They are harbored in Canada, or in other
British provinces bordering on our lines,
and make frequent excursions into our
States. When those provinces shall be
annexed, the thieves and robbers will
have less security in their hiding-places.
Our police are shot down by such
desperadoes, and neither life nor property
is safe.

One of the worst features connected with the administration of justice in such cases is the fact that wicked lawyers and venal judges combine-for a consideration-to let criminals go unwhipped of justice after detection and arrest, and before trial and conviction. The principle of EQUITY is sadly wanting here.

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Then there is the game of husbandhunting and wife-catching. An artificial, weak, silly, simpering "fraud” tries to palm herself off as a well-organized woman! She is puffed, padded, painted, hooped, stayed, and rigged out in the most ridiculous style--see the Grecian Bend-intended to "attract." She makes a conquest. Let us see if she gets an 'equivalent" for the valuable investment of herself. An inventory of her charms consists of what we have already enumerated, and the following: a weak back, a weak stomach, a small waist, decayed teeth, bad breath, contracted lungs, dyspeptic, nervous headaches, habitual cold hands and feet, a sore throat, and other slight infirmities, requiring the regular attendance of the family physician. Her movable chattels consist of a few sets of jewelry, sixty different dresses, and twenty-six Saratoga traveling trunks. She can dance, talk French a little, play the piano and the lady, but not the woman, as she never learned to work. She seeks a husband equal in social position, health, and other respects. She "an equivalent" to make an eligible match. Here is what she may be fortunate enough to receive in exchange:

wants

An average young man of to-day, who

rance.

has a twenty-two-inch head; is ambitious,
wide-awake, thin, nervous, sharp. He
can read, write, and cipher; has some
knowledge of science, mechanism, general
literature, with a bias for business. He
seeks an opening as a clerk in an estab-
lished house, and will work his way up.
His capital consists in energy, willing-
ness to work, good habits, and perseve-
His
at first are moderate,
wages
but prospectively his chances are promis-
ing. He looks forward with the hope of
promotion, and to succeed his seniors in
interest. He is always prompt—on time
-cautious, frugal, honest, and becomes
thoroughly acquainted with his business.
He is careful in forming associations,
avoiding "fast" men and "fast" customs;
takes part in all good works, such as
temperance, education, and religion;
rendering an equivalent for every favor,
and becomes in time a successful citizen.
Will he find in the lady an equivalent?
Here is a young man of another class
more in correspondence with that of the
aforesaid lady. He is not to be reckoned
among the beggars or paupers, but of
those who start out in life with the idea
that "the world owes them a living."
He has had equal privileges as to educa-
tion, etc., with the average young man.
But he does not like to work. He obtains
a situation, but is always "in the drag,"
except when there is to be a holiday
frolic. Out late at night; up late in the
morning; behind time at the store; his
customers are impatient; mistakes occur
in his accounts; his cash is reported
short; his wages are overdrawn; he
borrows of fellow-clerks; fails to pay;
smokes, moderately at first, then chews;
then drinks; eats cloves and cardamoms
to "purify his breath;" visits the race-
course occasionally, the theaters fre-
quently, and takes now and then a hand
in a game of chance. He finally flirts
with fast women; has occasion for
medical advice; consults the quacks; is
made worse, and his constitution becom-
ing seriously impaired, he can not attend
to business. His relatives are appealed
to for help; a thrifty uncle lends him
means to travel; stops at a fashionable
resort, and there makes the acquaintance
of a Saratoga "Grecian Bend;" tells her
of his rich uncle; is engaged, and finally
married; each gets a fair equivalent, but
both feel "swindled." Their future may

be easily inferred. They soon find each other out, and appeal to the law to correct their blunders by divorcing them. To them, life is indeed a failure.

MORAL.-God is just. He has established a system by which we shall receive an equivalent for our good deeds or for our bad deeds. "The Lord shall judge the people with equity."

"The tissues of the life to be,

We weave with colors all our own,
And in the field of destiny,

We reap as we have sown!"

"BOGUS."

THIS term, "bogus," is not classical. It may not be defined in all the dictionaries; but it is very expressive, and its meaning is understood by everybody old enough to know how to cheat, deceive, or swindle. Illustrations of the term may be found in every community. There are bogus kings and queens and bogus empe

rors.

There was a bogus emperor not long ago who attempted to set up a throne in Mexico. He was simply a cat's-paw for the smart French emperor, and got shot for his meddling. Max was a nice young fellow, and plucky withal, but was misled by the more cautious and crafty Napoleon. There are any number of bogus statesmen, who seek only party or selfish ends; bogus soldiers, bomb proofs; bogus doctors, the quacks; bogus lawyers, the shysters; bogus preachers, hypocrites; bogus phrenologists, the self-styled professors; bo. gus poets and authors, plagiarists; and bogus jewelers. There are counterfeits among all

classes.

A genuine diploma conferring the title of M.D.-Doctor of Medicine-on a person is given by the faculty of a legally constituted institution to those duly qualified under its discipline. A "bogus" diploma is conferred by persons not authorized by the law to give it; or is given to those not qualified by education to receive it. Such bogus diplomas are sometimes bought from unprincipled Or the thing professors for a few dollars. may be managed in this way: Here is a poor jackdaw who desires to shine in borrowed or stolen plumes. He promises the professors of the institution "that if they will make him an M.D., he will, at a future time, attend their college, and will use all his influence to send paying students thither. The “degree" is given, and, " lo and behold," we have a new "six-weeks' doctor of medicine" in the field, to filch money from and poison the bodies of poor diseased humanity. This scamp has no thought of fulfilling his promise by attending lectures, and straightway sets up the dispensing of drugs and destruction on all he meets. There are to-day hundreds of such quacks in

Europe and America, plying their work of poi

soning and robbing on bogus diplomas, outraging common decency.

Again; a shrewd, cunning, ambitious upstart,

with a few elderly and feeble-minded physicians, not able to obtain a living in general practice, start a new college. It may be eclectic, Thomsonian, herbalist, or allopathic. It is open to students, both men and women. Several of the old gentlemen physicians are then dubbed "professors," and at once installed into chairs of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, theory, and practice, etc. But how are the chairs to be filled with lady professors? It is easy enough. Go to the young and ambitious wife of some elderly and amiable persona preacher, a teacher, or a lecturer-who has a"name," and through whose influence "grists may be sent to this new mill," and the thing is done. The ambitious woman is available for the "honors." She is at once given a diploma, and announced in the college circular as Mrs. Doctor Blank, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics, or Lecturer, or something else. The public is not supposed to know or to care how she obtained her degree of M.D. Now this woman is about as ignorant of science as Bridget is of painting or sculpture. She is simply a bogus professor. Still, being the wife of Mr. "Somebody," she is supposed to know the difference between tripe and liver, bowels and brains, and so passes on down to fame and fortune. This is the way some schools have been formed and professors created. But what must be the sort of physicians turned out of such " colleges?"

As to the way of manufacturing bogus D.D.'s, it is very simple, very foolish, and very vain. Two sisters marry two clergymen. One of the clergymen gets an appointment as professor in a college. His wife “feels" the weighty honor, and desires to share it with her sister, whose husband is only the plain Rev. Mr. Middleman. He manages to get through the services without putting all his congregation to sleep, but attracts no attention, and it is as much as he can possibly do "to make both ends meet." But the sisters put their busy heads together, and through the influence of the professor it is decided to make Mr. Middleman a D.D. Prof. No. 1 whispers it to Prof. No. 2, remarking that the charming wife of Prof. So-and-so very much desires the thing should be done. At this juncture, sister No. 2 puts in an appearance, covered with such winning smiles, that the whole board of professors are completely fascinated. Mr. Middleman remains in the back ground, and, "unseen," is made a D.D. by the University of Humbug. The women pulled the wires, and without merit to recommend their small pattern of a man, he was exalted in name, but remains today only as a bogus D.D. The lion's skin he wears will not conceal his real character. It

is often far more honorable to decline than to accept those plumes which would better grace another.

Bogus authors and editors are they who prostitute their talents to base purposes; who write sensation stories to excite morbid imaginations.

Bogus reformers are loud-mouthed in crying down the faults of others, but do nothing to

correct their own. We have heard of so-called temperance men haranguing the crowd on the evils of whisky drinking, with their own dirty mouths stuffed with tobacco! So, too, we hear frequently of thieves, pickpockets, burglars, and highway robbers, rioters, and incendiaries, declaiming against injustice! These rascals would

"Steal the livery of heaven,

To serve the devil in."

We have bogus watches, bogus jewelry, bogus eyes, bogus calves, bogus cheeks, and bogus bosoms. There is no end to the everlasting bogus cheats. We may as well stop enumerating them. Let those who prefer the genuine article to the bogus, take good care to get it.

PRACTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC BOOKS.

WE would beg leave to call the attention of our readers to the very large and valuable CATALOGUE OF PRACTICAL AND SCIENTIFIC BOOKS which we give in the present number.

This catalogue, comprising the largest and most varied list of this character of books issued by any one house in either the United States or Great Britain, will be found to present some book or books of real interest to every man in the country engaged in any productive industrial pursuit; nay, more, there is not a man or a woman among our readers who could not derive advantage in the ordinary vocations of life in this practical age of ours from the perusal of one or many of these publications.

Observant travelers-men who go about the world with their eyes open, and learn something in every country they visit-have remarked upon the wonderful ingenuity of the French, and upon the marvelous beauty of the fabrics which they produce. Further than this, in tracing back effects to their causes, they have been led to attribute these results in a great measure to the industrial schools and colleges established by the French Government-those in which are taught engineering, chemistry, arts, manufacturing, and mining. One of the direct and most potent results of the institution of these schools is to be found in the fact, that France has to-day the most extensive and the grandest industrial literature in the world.

In England, the question of education is attracting attention, and the entire subject is certain to undergo a thorough revision at a day not now far distant; and science and its application to the arts must take a position which they have not hitherto held in the great schools and colleges of that country.

Shall we in this land of universal education, amid widespread intelligence, be behind in the race which is to take place? We trust not! We have our schools of arts and mines, and our polytechnic colleges, and the genius of our people has essentially a practical turn.

It is hardly worth our while to attempt to enumerate the many subjects treated of in these books. We refer our readers to the catalogue

itself. Suffice it to say that there are few practical questions connected with mechanics, architecture, surveying, engineering, manufac tures, drawing, dyeing, chemistry, painting, mining, mathematics, or metallurgy, which are not treated of. Read the list.

NURSING A VIPER.

WHEN we commended the plan of the paper called the Church Union, we did it on the ground that its managers proposed to advocate a union of all the evangelical churches, and to encourage Christian fellowship among men. But we omitted one important condition-namely, the character and capacity of the men engaged in it. In the hands of proper persons such a paper could be made to exert the most beneficent influence-softening sectarian rancor, and begetting a more generous, kindly, and godly spirit among men. But these "Church Union" folks are "bogus." Soon after receiving a kindly introduction to the publicon the strength of their professions — they opened their blanket sheet for the reception of vile quack medicines; they slandered clergymen and other good men; and “played the deuce" generally. The whole tone and spirit of the paper is antichristian. The only worthy feature in it is an occasional sermon by Mr. Beecher. The claim they make of being the exclusive publishers of his sermons is, like other pretensions, only a down-right out-and-out falsehood. If no change for the better be made, the Church Union newspaper will terminate its career on the low level of its kindred, among the quacks and swindlers.

business

We are surprised that so shrewd man as Le Grand Lockwood should allow the low fellows to work on his capital so long, While he furnishes the money, they will puff, blow, and print a low paper. The public who patronize them will only "nurse a viper" that will sting the hand that feeds it.

THE EIGHT-HOUR LAW.-The interpretation given of this foolish act of Congress by General Schofield is, that it means eight hours' work a day, and pay for eight hours' work. The case is very simple, when looked at from a common-sense stand-point. We think the eighthour law should be repealed. Most mechanics and artisans who work for the Government or for themselves would prefer-we are confident -to work ten hours a day, and get full pay for it. Then why not?

ONLY ONE NUMBER MORE THIS YEAR!— The 48th volume of this JOURNAL will be completed with the next (December) number. A new volume,-49,-begins with the new year. We are getting lots of good things ready for our readers-those who care to have the JOURNAL Continued. Our hearts are often made to throb with gladness at the expressions of encouragement which we receive from friends and co-workers.

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NEW ENGLAND FISHERIES.

FROM the time of its first settlement, New England has always been interested in the fisheries. They have been pursued with an ardor and perseverance which have been highly commendable; and each year has given greater importance to this healthy and profitable pursuit. The headquarters of the business at the present day, and the largest fishing port in the world, is the town of Gloucester, situated on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. It is a quaint old town, containing some 14,000 inhabitants, and possesses one of the finest harbors on the continent.

This harbor is divided into an outer and an inner basin,-the former being three miles long by two broad, and offering excellent shelter during the severe autumnal storms to hundreds of coastwise vessels; and not unfrequently square-riggers of the larger class are glad to seek it as a place of safety when the storm-clouds lower. One of the prettiest spectacles to be witnessed during the fall months is the coming in of the shore fishing fleet just prior to a gale. Sometimes there are four or five hundred sail, belonging along the coast, all running for the harbor. The skillful manner in which they are handled; the readiness which they mind their helms; and their dashing, lively, sailing qualities as they tack to and fro across the harbor ere they reach the anchorage ground, affords a charming panoramic view worth going many miles to witness. The town has some natural adjuncts which in their way are unequaled. Pleasant drives and hard sandy beaches abound, while Annisquam River, which connects the harbor with Ipswich Bay, offers a most attractive resort for picnic and fishing parties.

The property valuation of the town, as per the recent returns of the assessors, is $6,698,412, the greater portion of which has been gathered directly from the inexhaustible treasures of the deep. In summer's heat and winter's cold Gloucester's hardy sons follow their vocation, and the results of their industry may be observed in the yearly growth of the place. The vessels engaged in the fishery business are schooner-rigged, built and equipped in the most thorough manner, and are as pretty craft as one would wish to gaze upon. There are 518 owned and fitted from Gloucester, including 46 boats, making an aggregate of 25,472.45 tons. Their valuation in round numbers is $2,250,000, and each year large additions are made to the number. In 1867 there were 47 added, and during the first six months of the present year there have been 35. The valuation of the wharf property is $600,000. This gives some idea of the capital invested, and new wharves and vessels are fast being contracted for.

COD AND HALIBUT FISHING. The first vessels of the season to start upon their trips are those which follow the cod and halibut fishery. Some of them pursue the business on the Western and Grand Banks; others go to Cape North; but the larger portion go to George's Bank, which is 160 miles dis

tant. Trips to the first-mentioned grounds occupy from four to six weeks,-and to the latter, two or three. If a vessel is absent on George's Bank more than four weeks, there is great alarm for her safety, and it is rare that she ever returns after being gone from port that length of time. There are about 250 sail engaged in this branch, some of which pursue it the entire ten months of the fishing season. The vessels having been hauled up in November after mackereling is over, are stripped of their sails and lie alongside the wharves for some two months. During this interval the fishermen get uneasy-they want to be earning something-they wish to be afloat on the bosom of old ocean; but they must wait until February comes, as then the cod and halibut visit the Banks in order to deposit their spawn. The good weather which sometimes prevails for a week or two at this season is very tempting, and some of the most venturesome make active efforts to get their vessels under weigh at once. Skippers and owners of a more cautious disposition wait until the first trips are made, hardly daring to risk the sudden storms which break with such fearful fury on the Banks in winter. These first trips, unless the weather is unusually severe, are generally very successful, the vessels returning with full fares, which command high prices. The cash is most heartily welcomed at this early season by owners whose vessels have been lying so long idle; by the fishermen, whose household necessities are pressing; and by the traders in town, whose business is greatly increased by the proceeds resulting from the sale of the halibut and cod, caught at a season when danger is imminent and the cold severe.

THE DANGERS OF WINTER FISHING.

A trip to George's Bank in midwinter is a hazardous one, and yet it has attractions which even the veteran fishermen find it hard to withstand. Many a gallant schooner from this port has sailed out of the harbor, and in a short time, with all on board, has sunk beneath the billows. Generally, two vessels are lost together, and sometimes more. This is accounted for by the fact that the fleet, in their eagerness to obtain a full fare in the shortest possible time, anchor in close proximity to each other in good weather. So intent do the fishermen become in their employment, that sometimes they do not notice the heavy storm-clouds which suddenly rise, and not until the tempest is ready to break upon them do they fully realize the danger. In these storms a hundred, or a hundred and fifty sail, may be tossing and heaving at their anchors. If the cables and anchors hold, all is well, for these vessels are strongly built, and will "ride the water like a thing of life;" but there is constant anxiety, for a collision at such a time is sure destruction to both vessels. When the cry is heard, "A vessel is adrift!-stand by to cut the cable!" the captain, or some resolute man of the crew, is stationed forward on board of each of the crafts with hatchet in hand. The drifting vessel draws near. She comes down through

the fleet with fearful velocity,-sometimes just grazing the sides of some of her companions as she dashes by. The danger of collision to a particular vessel may be averted by the cable being cut; but the peril of the fleet is made greater, as there are then two vessels adrift for them to guard against. In the case of two vessels adrift coming in contact with another, destruction follows swift and sure. There is not the least chance for escape, and both of their crews are swallowed up by the foaming waves, never more to be heard from, this side of eternity. Oftentimes these storms arise in the night, and then of course the danger is very great. There is nothing then to warn the watching seamen save the lights which each vessel has set in her rigging. Sad indeed has been the record of these lost Georgesmen in the past; but the last two years have been highly fortunate in this respect, owing to greater caution of the fishermen and the comparative mildness of the storms which have occurred.

This department of the fisheries was first established in 1830, and since that time there have been lost upward of 600 lives and 72 vessels while engaged in it. The 21st day of February, 1862, will long be remembered with peculiar sadness by the fishermen of Gloucester. On that day 15 vessels of the George's fleet, with their entire crews, consisting of 148 men, all went down beneath the foam. One half of the men were married; thus in a few moments 74 women were made widows and 150 children were left fatherless. These, however, were kindly cared for until they could help themselves.

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE BUSINESS.

The shady side of the picture has been given. If the risks in this branch of human industry are great, the profits are good. If mild weather prevails, and the vessels take due precaution in regard to anchorage, a full fare, especially in the early part of the season, is quickly obtained, and then the vessel puts back to port. Handsome returns for the trip are realized. During the past season the first trips were remarkably fortunate, only one string of cable being lost throughout the entire fleet. The average amount which the crew will share for a trip lasting from two to three weeks, including their board, is $60, although there are instances of frequent occurrence where the men share a hundred dollars and upward as the proceeds of a two weeks' trip. In order to keep a correct account of the fish caught by each man, the tongues are all saved when the fish are dressed; to these are oftentimes added the sounds, which are salted or sold fresh, and bring good prices. They are highly esteemed as food, and command a ready market. When a halibut is caught, the private mark of the catcher is put upon him, and in this way there can be no mistake.

The Western Bank, Grand Bank, and Cape North fisheries are also quite remunerative, although similarly attended with danger. The time occupied is from three to four weeks, and very large fares are landed. The largest of

last season amounted to 41,000 lbs. of halibut and 2,000 lbs. of codfish, the net stock realizing | $4,126 72. The crew shared $171 51 each, and were absent twenty days. The crew of a fisherman ship "at the halves,"—that is, after deducting the bills for ice and bait and salt, -receive one half the fish they catch. The owners of the vessel find the provision, barrels, etc. Each man throws by himself, although sometimes two "chums" will catch together and share equally. The halibut and cod find ready sales in Gloucester as soon as landed. The former are taken directly from the vessel, packed in boxes, and sprinkled plentifully with crushed ice. In this condition they are immediately sent to wholesale dealers in the New York and Boston markets, and thence distributed all over the country. Many entire trips are bought by dealers in Gloucester, who cut them up and manufacture smoked halibut, which also finds a ready sale at remunerative prices. The fins are salted in barrels, and esteemed a great delicacy. The codfish are mostly bought in town by vessel owners, who pickle and dry them. A ready sale is obtained at the West, through New York and Boston merchants, as well as by some houses in town directly connected with Western establishments. The heads of the cod and backbones of the halibut, when they are cut for smoking, are given away to all who may come for them. The greater portion are used as manure by the farmers about Gloucester; but many a poor family make a good dinner from a chowder made of "coddled heads," or a delicious meal from the baked backbone of a halibut to which cling goodly streaks of meat, and which has cost them nothing. Is not, then, the perseverance of the winter fishermen worthy of record? All honor to them, say we. Let us now turn our attention to the

MACKEREL FISHERY.

The winter is over. Spring has come with its gentle breezes and bright sunshine. Most of the winter fleet are taking out their ballast, repainting, and scrubbing up for mackereling. About the middle of May some fifty sail go to the southward, cruising for the first schools of these fish. The business in former times was not very profitable; but it served to keep the men and vessels employed. The past two years, however, it has paid well, and it is safe to presuine that it will continue remunerative. June is a busy month. All the vessels, save some few which follow cod and halibut fishing the entire season, are getting in readiness for shore mackereling or for a trip to the Bay of St. Lawrence. As they lay off in the stream, all ready to take their departure, they look gay, for the fishermen take pride in their craft; and oftentimes one of the crew, with considerable talent in the decorative line, will put such finishing touches on as will merit decided approbation. The crews of mackerelmen fish at the halves, receiving half the mackerel they catch, and paying half the bills for bait and salt. Very many young and middle-aged men, from every nook and corner of

this sea life has its peculiar pleasures, which, once participated in, awaken a desire for their repetition; hence it is that so many amateurs go again to join one of the craft and cast their lot with the jolly fellows who depend for their livelihood upon the hook and line. It is a very sensible method of passing the "heated term;" and the practical information acquired is not the least among the benefits derived.

There is an excitement in catching mackerel which has a charm about it not soon forgotten Let us, reader, imagine ourselves on board a mackerelman at the Bay in the month of August. We have had a pleasant run from Glot

the country, come to Gloucester at this season looking for a chance. As they walk through the streets or stroll down the wharves, they can be easily detected by the inhabitants. Very amusing are the tricks sometimes put upon them; but all is taken in good part, and if it results in their getting a chance to ship, all is well. Many persons try these fishing voyages for the improvement of their health. Dyspepsia, nervousness, lung difficulties, debility, and general depression are well represented among them. They go on board pale and weak, looking as if the breath of life could hardly be kept in their frail bodies. If such are careful, and pay due attention to the plain laws of health, theycester, been a little seasick, perhaps, but have have taken a wise course in coming to Gloucester to try a mackereling trip. It may be a little rough for them at the commencement. Perhaps they will not at the first going off meet with such companions as they wish; but their shipmates, rough as they may appear on first acquaintance, have kind hearts in their bosoms -hearts that will freely help another; but they are very much disinclined to countenance any one who "puts on airs," or tries to pass himself off for some one better than they are. Therefore, reader, if you ever have an idea of coming to try your luck mackereling, come with the idea of treating every one well, and with the desire to make yourself agreeable, and be ready to conform to the circumstances of the situation you may be placed in.

The Baymen commence sailing about the last of June, and the last of the fleet generally leave port the middle of July. Many of them fit to stay the entire season, until November, sending home their mackerel by steamer, which affords them a longer time to fish. If they get short of provision, they can easily obtain what they wish at most any port in the Provinces. Others come home, and make two or three trips during the season. This is governed by circumstances, as sometimes there is better fishing on this shore than at the Bay. Some 450 vessels are engaged in the mackerel fishery from this port, requiring the services of 5,000

or more men.

A trip to the Bay is one of the best means for recreation that we know of; and if one is willing to be smart, and attend to fishing, there is a chance of obtaining a snug little sum as the result of the voyage. The vessels are fitted with the best quality of provisions, and the stewards take great pride in serving up the victuals in good style. Cruising along the shores or among the islands in the Bay of St. Lawrence gives a great variety of scenery; and the pleasures of going on shore, associating with the inhabitants, and participating in some of the merry-makings which are so frequently held, is fine sport, and serves to break up the monotony which would otherwise prove tedious to the "green hand." Inhaling the pure air from off the water gives even one who feels "broken down" a new lease of life, brings on a sharp and earnest appetite, strengthens the system, and improves the tone of the nervous forces. Besides the roughing of it on board,

got bravely over that. The blue sky above and the clear water beneath have a pleasant look now that our stomach has settled. The sun is just making himself visible on the eastern horizon, tinging the sky and casting a faint light over the ocean. All hands are called by the steward, who has been up long enough to get breakfast. The watch on deck has been changed several times during the night, and the vessel has been jogging under a foresail, running off and on, so as to be kept in the vi cinity where it is hoped that the mackerel will show themselves. The first duty is to hoist the mainsail; this being done, breakfast is partaken of; and reader, you and I will set down and take a mug of coffee, some of that bread, hot from the oven, a piece of corned beef, and the steward may give us some of his doughnuts to "top off" with. The men live well, oftentimes having better “grub” than they get at home, and the steward is a man of mark aboard, and well he knows it. If you keep the right side of him, he will give you gingerbread and duff-which is a kind of pudding with raisins in it-doughnuts, and other luxuries, which are so toothsome to those living in the free air and taking plenty of exercise. The pay of a steward is a full share with the men, and half the fish he can catch besides. This makes him active and willing to keep the lar der well supplied, so that when the fishing is good he can engage in it. But we have digressed somewhat. Breakfast has been stowed away beneath the waistcoats of the fishermen. The vessel is sailing along, all eyes watching the water to descry the peculiar ripple which a school of mackerel make when swimming near the surface. This is an anxious time. Hooks are all baited, lines ready, and the men waiting. Soon the ripple is visible. The ves sel is hove to; bait thrown overboard, to feed and entice the fish to keep alongside. Then the fun commences in good earnest. Over go the lines; quickly one is hauled in with a mackerel attached; a peculiar twist of the wrist, and he is "slat" into a barrel, and back goes the line; and this operation is repeated as long as the fish will take the hook. The bait is most skillfully put on, so that it can not be easily taken off by the fish, and oftentimes the same bait will last for hours. The mackerel when hungry do not pay very strict attention to the bait; they bite at anything white they

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