MDPOD - Masson du Parc Online Database

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

This memoir was sent to Mr LuNoir, commander in the Indies. 1725. Memoir for Madagascar and Bourbon Island. Fishing in general. What species can be fished around Bourbon Island off the coast and along the coast of Mozambique, if they are fished during specific seasons of the year? What types of boats are used, their rigging and the number of crew members? Whether fishing takes place on the open sea or far from the coast. Whether herring, sardines, anchovies and bonito are seen at sea. Whether small-scale fishing takes place along the coast and at river mouths. [?] Which fish species are the most abundant and which are only passing through. Which are the best quality. Do the islanders and Africans consider fish to be good food and is it sought after? Are fish caught for salting and if so, whether this salting done in the same way as Europeans salt cod and herring? Whether trout, salmon, sturgeon, shad, lamprey and other similar fish are found in the rivers of both the islands and the mainland, entering the rivers from the sea or leaving the fresh water to go into the salt water. A list of fish common along these coasts, noting as far as possible their French names and those given to them by the natives of the bay, and the season in which they appear in these seas and in this bay. Fortuitous and accidental catches. Whether whales are often seen in the seas off the coast of Languebar and the Dauphines des Bourbons Islands. If they are caught, what do the fishermen do with the remaines of these fish? If large numbers of porpoises are seen there and if they are fished in any way. The use made of their flesh and fat. If there are large, rare or unknown cetacean fish in these seas. If sea monsters are seen there. That we [?] make drawings of them as accurate as possible. Ambergris. If ambergris is found in these seas in certain seasons, only accidentally.

If, after storms, large pieces of amber are found as in other seas? If fishermen go to the sea or coastal residents along the coast to look for amber, as the Indians do, or if they find it by chance. If there is any way to make this known.To fishermen and sailors, make an in detail figure of floating amber to inform them. Note the feelings of Africans and [Colous?] about the formation of amber, where they believe it comes from, and how it is formed. We need details about this production to report to the various people who wear it. From the produce of foreign fisheries. Whether European and other traders bring to Dauphin Island and along the coast of Zanzibar goods from their fisheries and from which nations these traders are. Whether these goods are sardines or fish from fisheries operated by Europeans or others, what species they are, and whether the trade is sought after and profitable for those who engage in it. Whether amber, coral and other goods are traded there, and where these goods go once they arrive. What kinds of goods are loaded and unloaded in the islands and along the coast of Africa by those who trade there. Details of anything that may be relevant to passive trade that may take place along the coast in relation to goods for foreign fishing. Shells and seashells. Whether the coasts of Zanzibar and those of the islands of the same walls are laden with many or few shells. Whether the coastal inhabitants collect them for their own consumption. If they are of good quality and which areas are the most abundant. If certain species are usually fished in particular seasons. If mussels and oysters are found and if they are used. If mother-of-pearl or pearl oysters are found and if they produce beautiful pearls. A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coast. Whether any species similar to scoters are caught, which are eaten as duck breast on days of abstinence. Whether seaweed, kelp or seaweed are of any use there. The person who will take the rest at the bottom of the Surat Memorandum.

If, after storms, large pieces of amber are found as in other seas? If fishermen go to the sea or coastal residents along the coast to look for amber, as the Indians do, or if they find it by chance. If there is any way to make this known.To fishermen and sailors, make an in detail figure of floating amber to inform them. Note the feelings of Africans and [Colous?] about the formation of amber, where they believe it comes from, and how it is formed. We need details about this production to report to the various people who wear it. From the produce of foreign fisheries. Whether European and other traders bring to Dauphin Island and along the coast of Zanzibar goods from their fisheries and from which nations these traders are. Whether these goods are sardines or fish from fisheries operated by Europeans or others, what species they are, and whether the trade is sought after and profitable for those who engage in it. Whether amber, coral and other goods are traded there, and where these goods go once they arrive. What kinds of goods are loaded and unloaded in the islands and along the coast of Africa by those who trade there. Details of anything that may be relevant to passive trade that may take place along the coast in relation to goods for foreign fishing. Shells and seashells. Whether the coasts of Zanzibar and those of the islands of the same walls are laden with many or few shells. Whether the coastal inhabitants collect them for their own consumption. If they are of good quality and which areas are the most abundant. If certain species are usually fished in particular seasons. If mussels and oysters are found and if they are used. If mother-of-pearl or pearl oysters are found and if they produce beautiful pearls. A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coast. Whether any species similar to scoters are caught, which are eaten as duck breast on days of abstinence. Whether seaweed, kelp or seaweed are of any use there. The person who will take the rest at the bottom of the Surat Memorandum.

If, after storms, large pieces of amber are found as in other seas? If fishermen go to the sea or coastal residents along the coast to look for amber, as the Indians do, or if they find it by chance. If there is any way to make this known.To fishermen and sailors, make an in detail figure of floating amber to inform them. Note the feelings of Africans and [Colous?] about the formation of amber, where they believe it comes from, and how it is formed. We need details about this production to report to the various people who wear it. From the produce of foreign fisheries. Whether European and other traders bring to Dauphin Island and along the coast of Zanzibar goods from their fisheries and from which nations these traders are. Whether these goods are sardines or fish from fisheries operated by Europeans or others, what species they are, and whether the trade is sought after and profitable for those who engage in it. Whether amber, coral and other goods are traded there, and where these goods go once they arrive. What kinds of goods are loaded and unloaded in the islands and along the coast of Africa by those who trade there. Details of anything that may be relevant to passive trade that may take place along the coast in relation to goods for foreign fishing. Shells and seashells. Whether the coasts of Zanzibar and those of the islands of the same walls are laden with many or few shells. Whether the coastal inhabitants collect them for their own consumption. If they are of good quality and which areas are the most abundant. If certain species are usually fished in particular seasons. If mussels and oysters are found and if they are used. If mother-of-pearl or pearl oysters are found and if they produce beautiful pearls. A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coast. Whether any species similar to scoters are caught, which are eaten as duck breast on days of abstinence. Whether seaweed, kelp or seaweed are of any use there. The person who will take the rest at the bottom of the Surat Memorandum.

What species of fish do the Negroes and other inhabitants catch during the year on this coast of Africa? Is all the fish they catch consumed solely by the fishermen, or do they trade some of it? What species of fish are caught in the rivers of Senegal and Gambia and other estuaries? Is there a fixed season for fishing the fish caught there, or are they fished throughout the year? Is the coastline rich in fish, and if so, what species? Are there many mackerel and sardines, and if so, what species, and are they commonly fished off the coast of Guinea as they are further north towards Cap Blanc? Whether whales are often seen off the coast of Guinea and whether they sometimes wash ashore. Whether there are large numbers of porpoises. Whether extraordinary sea monsters are seen or have been seen on occasion. Whether any have been seen or caught that resemble what might be called tritons and mermaids. Note their shape and appearance and the time when this happened. If fish women are caught in the seas of Guinea or in the lakes and rivers, note anything curious, true and unusual about this catch. If ambergris is sometimes found near the coasts and in the seas of Guinea, where is it thought to come from? If sea turtles are seen off the coast of Guinea and if they are caught, in what manner, in what season, and what species they are. From the produce of foreign fisheries If some merchants from the ports of Europe bring to Guinea and the neighbouring coasts of Africa some species of goods from foreign fisheries, what trade is done in the country. Where do these kinds of goods come from and what nationality are the sailors and merchants who trade in them? What kinds of goods do those who bring such goods to Guinea load there, and could the trade be profitable? If coral is brought there, where does it come from? Any details that may be relevant to this matter. Rocks and shells. Are the coasts of Guinea covered with many shells? Which species are most prized and which are found in greatest abundance, and do the coastal inhabitants use them for food?

What species of fish do the Negroes and other inhabitants catch during the year on this coast of Africa? Is all the fish they catch consumed solely by the fishermen, or do they trade some of it? What species of fish are caught in the rivers of Senegal and Gambia and other estuaries? Is there a fixed season for fishing the fish caught there, or are they fished throughout the year? Is the coastline rich in fish, and if so, what species? Are there many mackerel and sardines, and if so, what species, and are they commonly fished off the coast of Guinea as they are further north towards Cap Blanc? Whether whales are often seen off the coast of Guinea and whether they sometimes wash ashore. Whether there are large numbers of porpoises. Whether extraordinary sea monsters are seen or have been seen on occasion. Whether any have been seen or caught that resemble what might be called tritons and mermaids. Note their shape and appearance and the time when this happened. If fish women are caught in the seas of Guinea or in the lakes and rivers, note anything curious, true and unusual about this catch. If ambergris is sometimes found near the coasts and in the seas of Guinea, where is it thought to come from? If sea turtles are seen off the coast of Guinea and if they are caught, in what manner, in what season, and what species they are. From the produce of foreign fisheries If some merchants from the ports of Europe bring to Guinea and the neighbouring coasts of Africa some species of goods from foreign fisheries, what trade is done in the country. Where do these kinds of goods come from and what nationality are the sailors and merchants who trade in them? What kinds of goods do those who bring such goods to Guinea load there, and could the trade be profitable? If coral is brought there, where does it come from? Any details that may be relevant to this matter. Rocks and shells. Are the coasts of Guinea covered with many shells? Which species are most prized and which are found in greatest abundance, and do the coastal inhabitants use them for food?

What species of fish do the Negroes and other inhabitants catch during the year on this coast of Africa? Is all the fish they catch consumed solely by the fishermen, or do they trade some of it? What species of fish are caught in the rivers of Senegal and Gambia and other estuaries? Is there a fixed season for fishing the fish caught there, or are they fished throughout the year? Is the coastline rich in fish, and if so, what species? Are there many mackerel and sardines, and if so, what species, and are they commonly fished off the coast of Guinea as they are further north towards Cap Blanc? Whether whales are often seen off the coast of Guinea and whether they sometimes wash ashore. Whether there are large numbers of porpoises. Whether extraordinary sea monsters are seen or have been seen on occasion. Whether any have been seen or caught that resemble what might be called tritons and mermaids. Note their shape and appearance and the time when this happened. If fish women are caught in the seas of Guinea or in the lakes and rivers, note anything curious, true and unusual about this catch. If ambergris is sometimes found near the coasts and in the seas of Guinea, where is it thought to come from? If sea turtles are seen off the coast of Guinea and if they are caught, in what manner, in what season, and what species they are. From the produce of foreign fisheries If some merchants from the ports of Europe bring to Guinea and the neighbouring coasts of Africa some species of goods from foreign fisheries, what trade is done in the country. Where do these kinds of goods come from and what nationality are the sailors and merchants who trade in them? What kinds of goods do those who bring such goods to Guinea load there, and could the trade be profitable? If coral is brought there, where does it come from? Any details that may be relevant to this matter. Rocks and shells. Are the coasts of Guinea covered with many shells? Which species are most prized and which are found in greatest abundance, and do the coastal inhabitants use them for food?

If certain species of fish are caught using boats. Note the shape and equipment of these types of boats and how many men are in the crew. Whether the fishermen go far from the coast to fish at sea. Whether there are large pearl oysters or large silk mussels on the coast of Guinea, known as sea pinnes, as are fished in large quantities around the islands of Minorca, Majorca, etc. Whether common oysters and mussels are found on the same coast and whether they are of good quality. If seaweed, kelp, sar or seaweed are of any use on the coast of Guinea, note how they are used by the coastal inhabitants. Birds: A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coast of Guinea, noting whether the Negroes or inhabitants fish for these birds in certain seasons, as is done with scoters in several bays of the Ponant seas. What is the bird that the Negroes call Guiambe, which has a horn on its head and which naturalists and curious people call the rhinoceros bird? Its shape, colour, size, inclinations and everything else that can reveal its nature. There are two species, one frequenting marshes, riverbanks and the sea to live on fish and insects, as do cranes, herons, etc., and the other frequenting woods and forests and fishing like storks, etc. Provide an accurate description of this bird, including where it is found, when it lays its eggs, where it nests, and whether it is common and ordinary on the coast of Guinea. The person responsible for responding to this memorandum is requested to supplement any omissions in the questions and requests just made concerning fishing in Guinea and anything that may be related to the trade that may be conducted there by foreign merchants. We have elaborated on this subject in order to gain a thorough understanding of it, we therefore request that it be done with the greatest possible accuracy and that it include everything that can be known either first-hand or through reliable reports from those who are knowledgeable and interested in this subject, so that only certain, consistent and verified facts are used in a general history of fishing, which we have been working on for several years.

If certain species of fish are caught using boats. Note the shape and equipment of these types of boats and how many men are in the crew. Whether the fishermen go far from the coast to fish at sea. Whether there are large pearl oysters or large silk mussels on the coast of Guinea, known as sea pinnes, as are fished in large quantities around the islands of Minorca, Majorca, etc. Whether common oysters and mussels are found on the same coast and whether they are of good quality. If seaweed, kelp, sar or seaweed are of any use on the coast of Guinea, note how they are used by the coastal inhabitants. Birds: A list of the names of the most common seabirds and maritime birds on the coast of Guinea, noting whether the Negroes or inhabitants fish for these birds in certain seasons, as is done with scoters in several bays of the Ponant seas. What is the bird that the Negroes call Guiambe, which has a horn on its head and which naturalists and curious people call the rhinoceros bird? Its shape, colour, size, inclinations and everything else that can reveal its nature. There are two species, one frequenting marshes, riverbanks and the sea to live on fish and insects, as do cranes, herons, etc., and the other frequenting woods and forests and fishing like storks, etc. Provide an accurate description of this bird, including where it is found, when it lays its eggs, where it nests, and whether it is common and ordinary on the coast of Guinea. The person responsible for responding to this memorandum is requested to supplement any omissions in the questions and requests just made concerning fishing in Guinea and anything that may be related to the trade that may be conducted there by foreign merchants. We have elaborated on this subject in order to gain a thorough understanding of it, we therefore request that it be done with the greatest possible accuracy and that it include everything that can be known either first-hand or through reliable reports from those who are knowledgeable and interested in this subject, so that only certain, consistent and verified facts are used in a general history of fishing, which we have been working on for several years.