ttle evidence of
an organized industry in any phase. Everywhere were unlimited
opportunities for exploitation. The abundance of oysters still
impressed travelers. In the extract to follow, Francis Louis Michel of
Switzerland speaks of the method of tonging oysters in 1701, but note
that he says, "They usually pull from six to ten times." This could be
taken to mean that each individual procured his own oysters from the
lavish supply virtually at his doorstep, and stopped as soon as he had
a "mess" to enjoy over the week-end:

The water is no less prolific, because an indescribably large
number of big and little fish are found in the many creeks, as well
as in the large rivers. The abundance is so great and they are so
easily caught that I was much surprised. Many fish are dried,
especially those that are fat. Those who have a line can catch as
many as they please. Most of them are caught with the hook or the
spear, as I know from personal experience, for when I went out
several times with the line, I was surprised that I could pull out
one fish after another, and, through the clear water I could see a
large number of all kinds, whose names are unknown to me. They
cannot be compared with our fish, except the herring, which is
caught and dried in large numbers. Thus the so-called catfish is
not unlike the large turbot. A very good fish and one easily caught
is the eel, also like those here [in Switzerland]. There is also a
kind like a pike. They have a long and pointed mouth, with which
they like to bite into the hook. They are not wild, but it happens
rarely that one can keep them on the line, for they cut it in two
with their sharp teeth. We always had our harpoons and guns with us
when we went out fishing, and when the fish came near we shot at
them or harpooned them. A good fish, which is common and found in
large numbers is the porpoise. They are so large that by their
unusual leaps, especially when the weather changes, they make a
great noise and often cause anxiety for the small boats or canoes.
Especially do they endanger those that bathe. Once I cooled and
amused myself in the water with swimming, not knowing that there
was any danger, but my host informed me that there was.... The
waters and especially the tributaries are filled with turtles. They
show themselves in large numbers when it is warm. Then