Newfoundland

Newfoundland, an island at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, belonging to Great Britain, is 370 miles long and 290 broad, having a total area of 40,200 square miles. Originally discovered by the Norwegians, it was again sighted by Cabot in 1497. After Sir Humphrey Gilbert's expedition had been quickly followed by his death, it was claimed for Queen Elizabeth by Drake in 1585. In the following century British colonies were founded on the island, but it was not till the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) that it actually became a British possession. Soon after this, fishery disputes commenced between English and French, and have never really ceased. In 1762 France actually held for some months some places in the island. The chief characteristic of the physical geography of Newfoundland is the abundance of fresh-water in the shape of lakes and ponds. The coast-line is much broken, and has several excellent harbours. Excellent timber is obtained, and the island is rich in copper, lead, gypsum, and slate. The fisheries, however, employ the greater part of the population; of these, the cod-fishery is the most important. It is carried on along the shore of Newfoundland, on the "Grand Bank," and off the coast of Labrador, in or about whose harbours the fishermen live during the season. Large numbers of seals are also annually killed and exported to England, and lobster-canning is also an important trade. In 1832 Newfoundland received a constitution, and in 1855 responsible government was established in the colony. The Administration consists of a Governor appointed by the Crown, an executive Council of seven, a legislative Council of fifteen, and a representative Assembly of thirty members. Newfoundland is the only part of British North America which does not form part of the Dominion of Canada. In 1839 it became an episcopal see. St John's is the chief town and seat of government. It is to be noted that the small islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, lying to the south of the colony, are still French possessions and are the centre of a rival fishery trade.