resources: for it is necessary to
contemplate the condition in which the Country might be placed, by
alterations in such of her transactions as may be deemed
precarious, to feel, with due effect, the necessity, which I
earnestly represent, of attending zealously to those internal
resources which are not of that uncertain description. The trade of
the Province is, at present, very active; but much of that activity
depends obviously, upon external circumstances, on the permanency
of which, it were imprudent to continue to stake so exclusively,
the well being of the Country. It will be prudent, therefore, to
endeavour to open channels by which we may make our Commerce more
general, consequently less precarious, and particularly to
establish and improve commercial intercourse with our sister
Colonies. Taking from _them_, what we require, we may make returns
by some important operations of our industry, and particularly by
the proceeds of an advantageous trade which this transaction would
greatly extend; contributing thus to each others wants, in a way
mutually beneficial: and, in an union of interests, promoting and
consolidating strong and lasting ties.

Other channels for commercial operations of very advantageous
natures invite us to cultivate with increased activity, that rich
source of wealth (one of our natural advantages) which our
Fisheries present! These, if rendered more productive, will afford
us great additional facilities in trade with the new States of
South America: and there are favourable openings in the liberal
policy of the present times, which should encourage us to
cultivate, by every means, commercial intercourse with those
States. By your wisdom and bounty the Fisheries have been improved
on remote parts of the coasts of British America; but I recommend
you to consider whether the Home or Coast Fisheries might not be
brought more under the fostering and stimulating influence of your
bounty by some extension of its provisions. The main branch of our
manufacturing industry (Ship-Building) has increased prodigiously,
and is now carried on to an extent beyond that of any former
period: but it is submitted to your consideration whether it is not
accompanied by some disadvantageous circumstances which detract
vastly from the great value it might be made to produce,