MDPOD - Masson du Parc Online Database

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.

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 [...]

In Alexandria, 10 March 1723. From the Council of the Navy. The Council will find enclosed here with what I was able to gather concerning fishing along the coast of Egypt, and will see that there are no general or common fishing grounds, except in the lakes near Rossette and Damietta, about which I say nothing because they are amply and accurately described in the Cairo Memoir. There is nothing curious in this country, either in terms of birds or shells, except perhaps that [Continued in Levant (15)]

Memoir for Mr. Thierry of Alexandria. Of all the species of shells that he can obtain from the Red Sea. Of those that can be found on the coast of Alexandria, you will give him of all species, some with their dates or painted, as can be done with pieces of blue coral. [Heliopora coerulea]. Mother-of-pearl on the foot in pearl shells or pearls, a few eggs [?] if possible. The two pieces still together. Various curious marbled stones and jasper from the plantations [...]. To send it, clean it properly and deliver it to M'q. Le Courte de Mauripres. Everything must be addressed to M. de Vaudresson, Intendant in Marseille, to Mr. Soui?, Commr. de Marine, to be sent to Mgr, and so that nothing breaks, each piece must be wrapped in a piece of paper and put in a box. The paper on the points and fill the box with wood chips or sawdust so that nothing can come out during transport. It must be covered with paper on top because the preservation of everything that is sent depends on this precaution. Mr. Deschamps, Mr. de la Messayadrie des Recolus, to Sr. Gemeinde, or to the address of Mr. Trar, petits jusquets de Rouen, held in Versailles, as I am told they must be delivered the next day. I also pray that this be sent to Rome at St Gervais, as it is needed from your place here, my address is this Le masson du Parc. [...] I would be very obliged if you could send these three parcels as soon as you receive them. [...] Low Resolution, some information missing.

Memoir for Mr. Thierry of Alexandria. Of all the species of shells that he can obtain from the Red Sea. Of those that can be found on the coast of Alexandria, you will give him of all species, some with their dates or painted, as can be done with pieces of blue coral. [Heliopora coerulea]. Mother-of-pearl on the foot in pearl shells or pearls, a few eggs [?] if possible. The two pieces still together. Various curious marbled stones and jasper from the plantations [...]. To send it, clean it properly and deliver it to M'q. Le Courte de Mauripres. Everything must be addressed to M. de Vaudresson, Intendant in Marseille, to Mr. Soui?, Commr. de Marine, to be sent to Mgr, and so that nothing breaks, each piece must be wrapped in a piece of paper and put in a box. The paper on the points and fill the box with wood chips or sawdust so that nothing can come out during transport. It must be covered with paper on top because the preservation of everything that is sent depends on this precaution. Mr. Deschamps, Mr. de la Messayadrie des Recolus, to Sr. Gemeinde, or to the address of Mr. Trar, petits jusquets de Rouen, held in Versailles, as I am told they must be delivered the next day. I also pray that this be sent to Rome at St Gervais, as it is needed from your place here, my address is this Le masson du Parc. [...] I would be very obliged if you could send these three parcels as soon as you receive them. [...] Low Resolution, some information missing.

Memoir for Mr. Thierry of Alexandria. Of all the species of shells that he can obtain from the Red Sea. Of those that can be found on the coast of Alexandria, you will give him of all species, some with their dates or painted, as can be done with pieces of blue coral. [Heliopora coerulea]. Mother-of-pearl on the foot in pearl shells or pearls, a few eggs [?] if possible. The two pieces still together. Various curious marbled stones and jasper from the plantations [...]. To send it, clean it properly and deliver it to M'q. Le Courte de Mauripres. Everything must be addressed to M. de Vaudresson, Intendant in Marseille, to Mr. Soui?, Commr. de Marine, to be sent to Mgr, and so that nothing breaks, each piece must be wrapped in a piece of paper and put in a box. The paper on the points and fill the box with wood chips or sawdust so that nothing can come out during transport. It must be covered with paper on top because the preservation of everything that is sent depends on this precaution. Mr. Deschamps, Mr. de la Messayadrie des Recolus, to Sr. Gemeinde, or to the address of Mr. Trar, petits jusquets de Rouen, held in Versailles, as I am told they must be delivered the next day. I also pray that this be sent to Rome at St Gervais, as it is needed from your place here, my address is this Le masson du Parc. [...] I would be very obliged if you could send these three parcels as soon as you receive them. [...] Low Resolution, some information missing.

Memoir for Mr. Thierry of Alexandria. Of all the species of shells that he can obtain from the Red Sea. Of those that can be found on the coast of Alexandria, you will give him of all species, some with their dates or painted, as can be done with pieces of blue coral. [Heliopora coerulea]. Mother-of-pearl on the foot in pearl shells or pearls, a few eggs [?] if possible. The two pieces still together. Various curious marbled stones and jasper from the plantations [...]. To send it, clean it properly and deliver it to M'q. Le Courte de Mauripres. Everything must be addressed to M. de Vaudresson, Intendant in Marseille, to Mr. Soui?, Commr. de Marine, to be sent to Mgr, and so that nothing breaks, each piece must be wrapped in a piece of paper and put in a box. The paper on the points and fill the box with wood chips or sawdust so that nothing can come out during transport. It must be covered with paper on top because the preservation of everything that is sent depends on this precaution. Mr. Deschamps, Mr. de la Messayadrie des Recolus, to Sr. Gemeinde, or to the address of Mr. Trar, petits jusquets de Rouen, held in Versailles, as I am told they must be delivered the next day. I also pray that this be sent to Rome at St Gervais, as it is needed from your place here, my address is this Le masson du Parc. [...] I would be very obliged if you could send these three parcels as soon as you receive them. [...] Low Resolution, some information missing.

Memoir for Mr. Thierry of Alexandria. Of all the species of shells that he can obtain from the Red Sea. Of those that can be found on the coast of Alexandria, you will give him of all species, some with their dates or painted, as can be done with pieces of blue coral. [Heliopora coerulea]. Mother-of-pearl on the foot in pearl shells or pearls, a few eggs [?] if possible. The two pieces still together. Various curious marbled stones and jasper from the plantations [...]. To send it, clean it properly and deliver it to M'q. Le Courte de Mauripres. Everything must be addressed to M. de Vaudresson, Intendant in Marseille, to Mr. Soui?, Commr. de Marine, to be sent to Mgr, and so that nothing breaks, each piece must be wrapped in a piece of paper and put in a box. The paper on the points and fill the box with wood chips or sawdust so that nothing can come out during transport. It must be covered with paper on top because the preservation of everything that is sent depends on this precaution. Mr. Deschamps, Mr. de la Messayadrie des Recolus, to Sr. Gemeinde, or to the address of Mr. Trar, petits jusquets de Rouen, held in Versailles, as I am told they must be delivered the next day. I also pray that this be sent to Rome at St Gervais, as it is needed from your place here, my address is this Le masson du Parc. [...] I would be very obliged if you could send these three parcels as soon as you receive them. [...] Low Resolution, some information missing.