Fisherman removing hook from the snout of a cod. The rod driven through the gills of the other cod makes the removal of the tongue easier.

(Duhamel du Monceau, Robert Laffont, publisher.)

There are those, in France, who steadfastly believe that the population of the colony is reduced to eating wild berries and roots year round. Here's some mouthwatering news for them: on this very day of June 11, 1646, salmon has started getting friendlier to local fishermen...

True, salted lard was our main dish the first few winters, but soon enough, this Lent regimen was replaced with the marvels that bountiful nature generously provides us with. Fish comes in such variety and abundance that between them, our jesuit fathers speak of our colony as «  the kingdom of waters and fish  ». Needless to say we have delicious meals, even when we must abstain, which happens 160 days of the year.