MDPOD - Masson du Parc Online Database

10-All whales have baleen which is used for women's bodies and for parasols and umbrellas which are in large numbers in these countries. A large quantity also goes to Europe. 11-We do not find these kinds of whales and are not yet known to fishermen. 12-The species of whales are explained in article 8 and nothing is done to conserve them. 13-At All Saints Bay, there are black people who eat the remains of the said whale, but in Rio de Janeiro no one wants it. 14-The fat melts in large tanks that we have in factories made explicitly for this. 15- The fishermen are mistices (mixed race), that is to say, people born of Portuguese and Indian women. There are also natural soldiers of the country who are great swimmers. 16-It is answered. 17-It is believed that the whales come from the South coast to seek the warmest climate but there are other people who assure that when they pass, they go to the South coast with their young which they take and according to that, these fish are in Europe in the North seeking the pole they will do the same thing to America seeking to approach the other. 18-This type of fishery was practiced a long time ago under the authority of the king who chartered it and apparently the Indians did not practice it due to lack of having the means to do it etc.

10-All whales have baleen which is used for women's bodies and for parasols and umbrellas which are in large numbers in these countries. A large quantity also goes to Europe. 11-We do not find these kinds of whales and are not yet known to fishermen. 12-The species of whales are explained in article 8 and nothing is done to conserve them. 13-At All Saints Bay, there are black people who eat the remains of the said whale, but in Rio de Janeiro no one wants it. 14-The fat melts in large tanks that we have in factories made explicitly for this. 15- The fishermen are mistices (mixed race), that is to say, people born of Portuguese and Indian women. There are also natural soldiers of the country who are great swimmers. 16-It is answered. 17-It is believed that the whales come from the South coast to seek the warmest climate but there are other people who assure that when they pass, they go to the South coast with their young which they take and according to that, these fish are in Europe in the North seeking the pole they will do the same thing to America seeking to approach the other. 18-This type of fishery was practiced a long time ago under the authority of the king who chartered it and apparently the Indians did not practice it due to lack of having the means to do it etc.

10-All whales have baleen which is used for women's bodies and for parasols and umbrellas which are in large numbers in these countries. A large quantity also goes to Europe. 11-We do not find these kinds of whales and are not yet known to fishermen. 12-The species of whales are explained in article 8 and nothing is done to conserve them. 13-At All Saints Bay, there are black people who eat the remains of the said whale, but in Rio de Janeiro no one wants it. 14-The fat melts in large tanks that we have in factories made explicitly for this. 15- The fishermen are mistices (mixed race), that is to say, people born of Portuguese and Indian women. There are also natural soldiers of the country who are great swimmers. 16-It is answered. 17-It is believed that the whales come from the South coast to seek the warmest climate but there are other people who assure that when they pass, they go to the South coast with their young which they take and according to that, these fish are in Europe in the North seeking the pole they will do the same thing to America seeking to approach the other. 18-This type of fishery was practiced a long time ago under the authority of the king who chartered it and apparently the Indians did not practice it due to lack of having the means to do it etc.

10-All whales have baleen which is used for women's bodies and for parasols and umbrellas which are in large numbers in these countries. A large quantity also goes to Europe. 11-We do not find these kinds of whales and are not yet known to fishermen. 12-The species of whales are explained in article 8 and nothing is done to conserve them. 13-At All Saints Bay, there are black people who eat the remains of the said whale, but in Rio de Janeiro no one wants it. 14-The fat melts in large tanks that we have in factories made explicitly for this. 15- The fishermen are mistices (mixed race), that is to say, people born of Portuguese and Indian women. There are also natural soldiers of the country who are great swimmers. 16-It is answered. 17-It is believed that the whales come from the South coast to seek the warmest climate but there are other people who assure that when they pass, they go to the South coast with their young which they take and according to that, these fish are in Europe in the North seeking the pole they will do the same thing to America seeking to approach the other. 18-This type of fishery was practiced a long time ago under the authority of the king who chartered it and apparently the Indians did not practice it due to lack of having the means to do it etc.

Where the foodstuffs that come from them are consumed. If sardines, herring, mackerel and other kinds of fish are found in the seas of Syria, at what time of year do they appear, are they caught in large quantities and are they of good quality? If tuna are also fished there when they pass through and when they return, if they are fished in which season and how long the fishing season lasts. An accurate description of anything that may concern these common and general fisheries. The produce of foreign fisheries. What are the different types of goods from foreign fisheries that are brought to Alexandretta and other ports in Syria, such as green and dried cod, salmon, herring, sardines, smoked and salted anchovies, tuna and marinated sturgeon. Where do these large quantities of goods from foreign fishing grounds come from? Which nations are the merchants and sailors who engage in this trade in Syria? What kinds of local goods are exchanged for these foreign fish products ? If caviar and bottarga are brought to Alexandretta, where do they come from, and how do Syrians prepare them for use? If coral and amber are brought to Alexandretta from where they originate, who are the people who trade in them and where are they transported once they arrive in Syria? Details of anything that may be relevant to the respective or related trade that may take place in Syria with regard to goods originating from foreign fisheries. Small fresh fish. What species of small fresh fish are caught in the vicinity of Alexandretta and the neighbouring coasts for the nourishment and use of the local inhabitants.

Where the foodstuffs that come from them are consumed. If sardines, herring, mackerel and other kinds of fish are found in the seas of Syria, at what time of year do they appear, are they caught in large quantities and are they of good quality? If tuna are also fished there when they pass through and when they return, if they are fished in which season and how long the fishing season lasts. An accurate description of anything that may concern these common and general fisheries. The produce of foreign fisheries. What are the different types of goods from foreign fisheries that are brought to Alexandretta and other ports in Syria, such as green and dried cod, salmon, herring, sardines, smoked and salted anchovies, tuna and marinated sturgeon. Where do these large quantities of goods from foreign fishing grounds come from? Which nations are the merchants and sailors who engage in this trade in Syria? What kinds of local goods are exchanged for these foreign fish products ? If caviar and bottarga are brought to Alexandretta, where do they come from, and how do Syrians prepare them for use? If coral and amber are brought to Alexandretta from where they originate, who are the people who trade in them and where are they transported once they arrive in Syria? Details of anything that may be relevant to the respective or related trade that may take place in Syria with regard to goods originating from foreign fisheries. Small fresh fish. What species of small fresh fish are caught in the vicinity of Alexandretta and the neighbouring coasts for the nourishment and use of the local inhabitants.

Syrian fishermen, if they fish from boats, should record the type and number of their crews and the types of nets they use. If all the fresh fish caught around Alexandretta is consumed locally. Whether all the fresh fish caught around Alexandretta is consumed locally and whether the heat of the climate allows it to be transported inland, as is done with seafood in France, and a list of the names of the fish caught in these small fisheries, indicating those that are found in greater abundance and those that are considered to be of better quality. If sponge fishing is carried out in the seas of Syria, indicate the locations where the finest sponges are found. If sponge fishing is carried out in the seas of Syria, in which places are the finest specimens caught, how, when and in what season is this fishing carried out, and an exact description of everything that may concern it. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Are sturgeon, salmon, trout, and other similar species of fish fished around Alexandretta and in the seas of Syria, if they appear there and are only caught by chance? Are whales sometimes seen in the seas of Syria, are they caught, and do they sometimes wash up on the coast? If large numbers of porpoises are seen in groups, are they fished, and if so, how is this done, or are they only caught by chance? If they are fished, how is this done, or if they are only caught by chance, what is the custom in this case? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there in groups. If they are fished in any way or if they are only caught by chance, the use made in this case of the skin and meat of these fish. If one has seen or sometimes sees around Alexandretta and in the seas of Syria extraordinary sea monsters, if one has seen or caught some of the kind that can be called Tritons or Mermaids, describe them as best one can and also note the time when this happened. If ambergris is sometimes found on the coasts of Syria and in the neighbouring seas, and in this case where it is thought to come from. If cod are known to exist on the coasts of Alexandretta, if they are sometimes seen there, or if this fish, which is well known in the western seas, is unknown there.

Syrian fishermen, if they fish from boats, should record the type and number of their crews and the types of nets they use. If all the fresh fish caught around Alexandretta is consumed locally. Whether all the fresh fish caught around Alexandretta is consumed locally and whether the heat of the climate allows it to be transported inland, as is done with seafood in France, and a list of the names of the fish caught in these small fisheries, indicating those that are found in greater abundance and those that are considered to be of better quality. If sponge fishing is carried out in the seas of Syria, indicate the locations where the finest sponges are found. If sponge fishing is carried out in the seas of Syria, in which places are the finest specimens caught, how, when and in what season is this fishing carried out, and an exact description of everything that may concern it. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Are sturgeon, salmon, trout, and other similar species of fish fished around Alexandretta and in the seas of Syria, if they appear there and are only caught by chance? Are whales sometimes seen in the seas of Syria, are they caught, and do they sometimes wash up on the coast? If large numbers of porpoises are seen in groups, are they fished, and if so, how is this done, or are they only caught by chance? If they are fished, how is this done, or if they are only caught by chance, what is the custom in this case? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there in groups. If they are fished in any way or if they are only caught by chance, the use made in this case of the skin and meat of these fish. If one has seen or sometimes sees around Alexandretta and in the seas of Syria extraordinary sea monsters, if one has seen or caught some of the kind that can be called Tritons or Mermaids, describe them as best one can and also note the time when this happened. If ambergris is sometimes found on the coasts of Syria and in the neighbouring seas, and in this case where it is thought to come from. If cod are known to exist on the coasts of Alexandretta, if they are sometimes seen there, or if this fish, which is well known in the western seas, is unknown there.

Rocky Shores and Shellfish. If the coasts of Syria and those around Alexandretta are rich in various species of shellfish. Which are the most prized species and which are collected in greatest abundance for the nourishment of the Syrians living by the sea, and whether these rocks are used for fishing. Whether large Meo pines [?], mother-of-pearl, or large mussels are fished there, as many are caught around Minorca and the neighbouring islands. If coral is fished off the coast of Syria, its quality should be noted, and if it is fished, a description should be made, noting everything that may be relevant. If common oysters and mussels are found there and if their quality is good. A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coasts and in the seas of Syria, particularly on the coasts of Alexandretta.If these birds are fished specifically, as is done with eider ducks in several bays of the Ponant Seas. If the seaweeds known as kelp [Algae] and Goesmon [Algae] are of any use on the coasts of Syria, indicate how they may be used by the coastal inhabitants. A description of the clothing and equipment of Syrian fishermen, to be added to that of fishermen from other nations. The person responsible for responding to this memorandum is requested to supplement it with anything that may have been omitted from the questions and requests that have just been made on this subject, to do so with knowledge and without complacency, and as accurately as possible, to communicate also what he can ascertain by himself or through a faithful report from curious and interested parties on this subject, so as to use only certain, consistent and proven facts in a general history of fishing, on which we have been working for several years.

Rocky Shores and Shellfish. If the coasts of Syria and those around Alexandretta are rich in various species of shellfish. Which are the most prized species and which are collected in greatest abundance for the nourishment of the Syrians living by the sea, and whether these rocks are used for fishing. Whether large Meo pines [?], mother-of-pearl, or large mussels are fished there, as many are caught around Minorca and the neighbouring islands. If coral is fished off the coast of Syria, its quality should be noted, and if it is fished, a description should be made, noting everything that may be relevant. If common oysters and mussels are found there and if their quality is good. A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coasts and in the seas of Syria, particularly on the coasts of Alexandretta.If these birds are fished specifically, as is done with eider ducks in several bays of the Ponant Seas. If the seaweeds known as kelp [Algae] and Goesmon [Algae] are of any use on the coasts of Syria, indicate how they may be used by the coastal inhabitants. A description of the clothing and equipment of Syrian fishermen, to be added to that of fishermen from other nations. The person responsible for responding to this memorandum is requested to supplement it with anything that may have been omitted from the questions and requests that have just been made on this subject, to do so with knowledge and without complacency, and as accurately as possible, to communicate also what he can ascertain by himself or through a faithful report from curious and interested parties on this subject, so as to use only certain, consistent and proven facts in a general history of fishing, on which we have been working for several years.

What are the species commonly fished during the season on the coasts of Mora, common and practised by other nations? By common fish, we mean those similar to tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel. What do the people do when they catch these types of fish, and how long do the fishing seasons last. What types of boats are used, and how many men are usually in the crew? If they work for a month or a year. What kinds of instruments do they use to catch these fish? Are there any similarities with many of the general fishing methods used in Europe? If they are fished, these fish are said to be of good quality. If there are also tuna when they pass by and if a special fishery is made of them, what season and how long it lasts. From the Product of Foreign Fisheries: if they bring into the ports of the moie deffes interes pieces of merchandise from foreign fisheries such as moray eels, herring, and salted sprats [?], anchovies, tuna, marinated sardines [?]. Who are the sailors who do this, where they take their cargo, and if this type of merchandise is sold at a good price, and for the consumption, find out from the inhabitants what kinds of merchandise from the country they will exchange for this. If caviar and bottarga are brought there and from whom [...] If coral and amber are traded there and who are those who bring them to the ports. Fresh fish: What are the small fresh fish that are caught on the coast? The coastal residents are the ones who promise that it will be consumed. It is transported in large quantities to the inhabitants of the inland [...]

What are the species commonly fished during the season on the coasts of Mora, common and practised by other nations? By common fish, we mean those similar to tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel. What do the people do when they catch these types of fish, and how long do the fishing seasons last. What types of boats are used, and how many men are usually in the crew? If they work for a month or a year. What kinds of instruments do they use to catch these fish? Are there any similarities with many of the general fishing methods used in Europe? If they are fished, these fish are said to be of good quality. If there are also tuna when they pass by and if a special fishery is made of them, what season and how long it lasts. From the Product of Foreign Fisheries: if they bring into the ports of the moie deffes interes pieces of merchandise from foreign fisheries such as moray eels, herring, and salted sprats [?], anchovies, tuna, marinated sardines [?]. Who are the sailors who do this, where they take their cargo, and if this type of merchandise is sold at a good price, and for the consumption, find out from the inhabitants what kinds of merchandise from the country they will exchange for this. If caviar and bottarga are brought there and from whom [...] If coral and amber are traded there and who are those who bring them to the ports. Fresh fish: What are the small fresh fish that are caught on the coast? The coastal residents are the ones who promise that it will be consumed. It is transported in large quantities to the inhabitants of the inland [...]

What are the species commonly fished during the season on the coasts of Mora, common and practised by other nations? By common fish, we mean those similar to tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel. What do the people do when they catch these types of fish, and how long do the fishing seasons last. What types of boats are used, and how many men are usually in the crew? If they work for a month or a year. What kinds of instruments do they use to catch these fish? Are there any similarities with many of the general fishing methods used in Europe? If they are fished, these fish are said to be of good quality. If there are also tuna when they pass by and if a special fishery is made of them, what season and how long it lasts. From the Product of Foreign Fisheries: if they bring into the ports of the moie deffes interes pieces of merchandise from foreign fisheries such as moray eels, herring, and salted sprats [?], anchovies, tuna, marinated sardines [?]. Who are the sailors who do this, where they take their cargo, and if this type of merchandise is sold at a good price, and for the consumption, find out from the inhabitants what kinds of merchandise from the country they will exchange for this. If caviar and bottarga are brought there and from whom [...] If coral and amber are traded there and who are those who bring them to the ports. Fresh fish: What are the small fresh fish that are caught on the coast? The coastal residents are the ones who promise that it will be consumed. It is transported in large quantities to the inhabitants of the inland [...]

Fishing in general

If around the islands of Japan and throughout the empire, along the coasts and river mouths, several species are fished, such as herring, cod and anchovies in England and Holland.

If we extract from these types of fishing some products that the Japanese trade at home or abroad. [?]

If certain species of fish are dried, as cod is in Canada and Northern Europe, and if they are salted, how this is done and in what ways, and what species of fish are prepared in this manner, how these preparations are made in Japan, if they exist there, and what species of fish are prepared in this way.
If these species of fish have regular seasons, when do they begin and when do they end?

How are the fishing boats used there constructed, what is their shape and equipment, and how many men are in the crew?
And if the crew fishes, in certain lands far out to sea, in what seasons and in what places of the Empire is this practised?
And the fishermen travel far from the coast to fish at sea.
What instruments do they use for these types of fishing? [?]

Fortuitous and accidental fishing.

Are whales often seen on the coast of Japan, are they fished, and what uses are made of the remains of this fish?
If it is true that some have been caught, as with European species. [?] Where do the Japanese believe these fish come from? Is there a specific method of fishing for them, or are they caught by chance? How large are the biggest whales that the Japanese sometimes catch? How do they fish for them and what instruments do they use? Are there large numbers of porpoises around the islands and are they fished? Are there sometimes sea monsters and extraordinary and rare fish in these other seas that are unknown in European waters?

If any have been seen or caught, similar in shape to those known as tritons or mermaids, describe them as accurately as possible and note, if possible, when this occurred.
Whether ambergris is sometimes found in the seas near the coasts of Japan, and where the Japanese believe it comes from.

If herring, sardines, tuna, mackerel, cod, trout, salmon and sturgeon are sometimes seen in these seas, and if they are caught, in which seasons they are fished and whether the quality of their flesh is good.

Whether beavers are known to exist on the coast of Japan, and if so, whether they are hunted and what use is made of them.

What small-scale fishing is practiced by the Japanese living on the coast for their food.

Whether it is customary to transport sea fish brought ashore, as is done in France.

Are there established fisheries on the quays by the sea, and what kinds of fish are caught there? Do the Japanese consider fish to be good food?
A list of fish that come from the coast and small fishermen, marking those that are found there in great abundance and those that are said to be of better quality.

Whether Japanese fishermen fish for birds at river mouths as is sometimes done in Europe, as is done with cormorants. What kinds of birds are these, when and how is this type of fishing done?
If they hunt sea turtles off the coast of Japan, how and in what seasons do they do so, and what species do they hunt?

Do Europeans or other navigators bring to Japan any goods from their fishing or from elsewhere? What are these goods, where do they come from, and are they traded in Japan?
Are these goods in high demand in the empire?

Whether large quantities of coral, amber and grey amber are brought in, whether these goods are valued there, whether trade is lucrative and advantageous, how these materials are used by the Japanese, and whether coral is sometimes valued there.
What kinds of goods from Japan do sailors and merchants exchange for the products of the fisheries that they can bring back? Details of anything that may be relevant to this trade, which can be done in Japan with these foreign fishery products.

Of the rocks and shells

Whether the coasts of Japan are laden with many shellfish. Which neighbouring islands have the most valuable and rare varieties?

Do the Japanese gather oysters and mussels for their own use, as many people in Europe do? Are these species found in Japan? [?]
If they fish for pearl shells there, as they do in the islands of Bahrain and Mannar (?), How this fishing is done and whether the oysters bear large, beautiful pearls.

A list of the names of sea birds and seabirds. The best known on the coast of Japan and whether these types of birds are fished as they are in Europe, such as scoters.

Whether sea grass, seaweed, dried kelp or seaweed have any uses and note which ones are used by coastal dwellers. A look at the equipment and gear used by Japanese fishermen. Compare with that of fishermen from other nations.

The person who will be responsible for responding. Taken from the rest at the bottom of the Surat memorandum.