Early European explorers through the so-called "Age of Discovery" were being on the lookout for an ocean passage to Asia or for deposits of gold or silver that might be conveniently exploited, but identified neither. They did, having said that, find means that will draw numerous settlers in the approaching centuries: fish, furs, forests, and land f

Early European explorers over the so-termed "Age of Discovery" have been searching for an ocean passage to Asia or for deposits of gold or silver which could be conveniently exploited, but discovered neither. They did, however, come across assets that would draw numerous settlers in the coming centuries: fish, furs, forests, and land for farms. Joh