In a memorial addressed by the partners Chalons and Riverin to the minister Seignelay, they say: “Baston (Boston) et toute sa colonie nous donne un exemple qui fait honte à nostre nation, puisqu’elle s’augmente tous les jours par cette pesche (de la morue) qu’elle fait la plus grande partie sur nos costes pendant que les François ne s’occupent à rien.” Meules urges that the king should undertake the fishing business himself since his subjects cannot or will not. ** Ministre a Duchesneau, 15 Mai, 1678 *** Le Roy a Duchesneau, 11 Juin, 1680. “Send us money to build storehouses, to which the _habitants_ can bring their produce and receive goods from the government in exchange.” “Send us a teacher to make sailors of our young men: it is a pity the colony should remain in such a state for want of instruction for youth.” * “We want a surgeon: there is none in Canada who can set a bone.” ** “Send us some tilers, brick-makers, and potters.” *** “Send us iron-workers to work our mines.” **** “It is to be wished that his Majesty would send us all sorts of artisans, especially potters and glass-workers.” (v) “Our Canadians need aid and instruction in their fisheries; they need pilots.” (v*) In 1688, the intendant reported that Canada was entirely without either pilots or sailors; and, as late as 1712, the engineer Catalogne informed the government that, though the St. Lawrence was dangerous, a pilot was rarely to be had. “There ought to be trade with the West Indies and other places,” urges another writer. “Everybody says it is best, but nobody will undertake it. Our merchants are too poor, or else are engrossed by the fur trade.” (v**) The languor of commerce made agriculture languish. “It is of no use now,” writes Meules, * Mémoire a Monseigneur le Marquis de Seignday, présenté par les Sieurs Chalons et Riverin, 1686. ** Champigny au Ministre, 1688. *** Ibid. **** Denonville au Ministre, 1686. (v) Mémoire de Catalogue, 1712. (v*) Denonville au Ministre, 1686. (v**) Mémoire de Chalons et Riverin présenté au Marquis de Seignelay.