Because New France remained sparsely populated, it had to rely on external demographic contributions. In addition to the indentured workers, soldiers, officers, nuns, filles du roi and families that accounted for the majority of immigrants, the sons of noble and upper-class families and libertines were exiled there at their families' request. Added to these were convicted petty criminals, poachers and salt smugglers, who might become useful colonists. Several hundred salt smugglers settled in Canada between 1730 and 1749.