The Bounty of the Chesapeake: Fishing in Colonial Virginia

The Bounty of the Chesapeake: Fishing in Colonial Virginia, written by James Wharton in the mid-20th century, examines the fishing industry in Colonial Virginia, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay. It draws on colonial writings and firsthand accounts to illustrate the challenges and successes faced by early settlers in utilizing the region's natural resources. The book highlights the variety of fish and shellfish available, early fishing practices, and the settlers' efforts to establish an organized industry, revealing the delicate balance between opportunity and reality in the early days of colonization.