the nation, which was eagerly bent upon trying the experiment, ought
not to be balked by delay, lest it should evaporate; and that though the
plan was not unexceptionable, the defects of it might in the sequel
be remedied by the legislature. In a word, the bill was adopted by
the majority, with a small amendment in the title, which produced some
disquiets in the lower house; but this dispute was compromised, and it
was enacted into a law towards the close of the session. Nothing could
be more agreeable to the public than the sanction of the legislature to
this favourite plan, which was ardently promoted, and patronised by men
of the greatest eminence for wealth and popularity. The company chose
for their governor the prince of Wales, who received this proof of
their attachment and respect with particular marks of satisfaction;
the president and vice-president were both aldermen of London; and the
council was composed of thirty gentlemen, the majority of whom were
members of parliament. Great pains were taken, and some artifice was
used, to learn the Dutch method of curing the fish. People crowded with
their subscriptions; a number of hands were employed in building and
equipping the busses or vessels used in the fishery; and the most
favourable consequences were expected from the general vigour and
alacrity which animated these preparations. But the success did not
gratify the sanguine hopes of the projectors and adventurers. The
objections made in the house of lords soon appeared to have been well
founded; these co-operating with mismanagement in the directors,
the spirit of the company began to flag, the natural consequences of
commercial disappointment; and now the British fishery seems to languish
under the neglect of the legislature.

NEW AFRICAN COMPANY.

Touching the trade to the coast of Africa, petitions were renewed by
the company and its creditors, the merchants of Bristol, Liverpool,
and Lancaster; and a remonstrance was presented by the planters and
merchants interested in the British sugar settlements in America; but
the commons adhered to their former resolutions of laying open the
trade, maintaining the forts at the public expense, and regulating the
commerce by a committee of merchants, representing the chief trading
towns in the kingdom, to be superintended by the board of trade and
plantations. The bill was accordingly framed and presented, and having
proceeded through both houses without oppos