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fishery are not made to operate as a burden upon this useful branch of commerce, I do not see, at present, any objection to the regulations prescribed by your ordinance, but as this is a matter upon which the heads of trade must be consulted, I have received the King's commands to transmit the ordinance to them for their consideration."
I have no copy of the Ordinance itself.
These efforts proved unavailing. The fishermen and others quickly exterminated the herds, so thoroughly that not one has been seen or heard of in these waters within the memory of the "oldest inhabitant." It is an illustration of the old story of "killing the goose," just as fishermen and some traders whose real interest it is now-a-days to preserve the lobster and oyster fisheries, seem to be the ones most determined, despite all law and common sense, to destroy them.
Though the sea-cow is no longer found on our shores, it has left its name on the nomenclature of the country. In the western part of this province we have "Sea-Cow Pond." On the right hand, as we make Summerside Harbor, "Sea-Cow Head" tells of the animals that once haunted the waters there or made their clumsy way on to and over the dry land.
The sea-cow was of much value to the old settlers. Its oil would not only be of use to them, but would also be an article for barter or trade. Whether or not use was made of the flesh, I cannot say, but the hide was of great consequence. At a time when ordinary articles required about the new settlement were most difficult to procure, when goods could only be obtained with much trouble, and most frequently not at all, the sea-cow's hide afforded an exceedingly strong and excellent material for traces and other parts of harness used in the new lands, and to a great extent would take the place of leather for other purposes.