162 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

intrusion by a numerous foreign fleet of fishing vessels, the skippers of which not being over particular as to violation of treaty limits. In this service she remains until the close of the season; when, as drifting ice in the Strait of Northumberland impede the passage-way, she is again found forcing her way through the frozen waters with mails and passengers.

This Island is, without doubt, the best fishing station in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but the habits and feelings of the inhabi— tants are so decidedly agricultural, that the fisheries have not received from them the attention which they deserve. They consist chiefly of mackerel, lobsters, herring, cod, bake and oysters, while salmon, bass, shad, halibut and trout are caught in limited quantities. One of the most important sources of profit has been the establishment of lobster factories in many sea-shore districts, and the fish being abundant and of superior quality, the business has become large and lucrative Many persons are employed in this valuable line of industry— fishermen, packers, tinsmiths, laborers, —and a host of young girls, who assist in canning the delicate article and preparing it for exportation. It then finds its way to the best markets,— England, France, and the United States, where remunerative prices are readily obtained.

In the meantime, the requirements of the country were receiving all due attention. A very fine building of brick and free-stone, as an Asylum for the Insane, had been recently erected by the government, and occupied by the unfortunate inmates of the old fabric near Brighton Shore, by whom the change was so very desirable.

The new Asylum is situated on the north bank of the Hills- borough River, three miles distant from the city. The admin- istrative section of the building measure in length 212 feet by 51 feet in width. Its height from the foundation to the roof is 60 feet, whilst its tower rises a distance of 104 feet, and com- mands an extensive view of the rivers, fields, woods and farm- steads. A wing at the same time rose into existence with the principal, which in length is 220 feet, having a width of 57 feet [0 inches. It contains three flats—each traversed by corridors extending the whole length of the wing; each fiat contains two wards, and each ward at number of single rooms, —a general room, dining room, pantry, closets, etc., are like- wise provided in this apartment. The administrative building