In Nova Scotia shipbuilding boomed in the 1840s,fell off in the 1850s, resurged in the 1860s then, in the late 1870s, begana gradual decline. This decline continued to the end of the century untilthe building of wooden ships all but died out.     As the nineteenth century progressed the large nativestands of timber required for building the larger size vessels, which werein demand for the shipping trade, were becoming scarce. By the 1880s and1890s there was an overall decline in the fish, coal and timber tradesin maritime Canada. With less cargo, there was less need for shipping.There were more ships available than there was a need for. As a result,freight rates fell, leaving very little money to be made in the businessof shipping. No one wanted to buy new ships. Canada became a country in1867 and shortly afterwards Prime Minister John A. MacDonald institutedhis "National Policy" which encouraged Canadian industry. This meant therewould be more trading between different areas of Canada and less importingand exporting. Also, improved roads and the laying of the railroad madeland transportation more efficient than sailing vessels. Ship-buildingfamilies saw there was more money to be made in land-based industries andstopped investing in ships. What shipping business there was, was donemore and more by steam vessels which were stronger, faster and more reliablethan sailing vessels. The age of sail was over.