454 



GEOGRAPHICAL EEVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



Below is a statistical summary of these fisheries in part based upon estimates, but the exact 

 data are given wherever they were accessible: 



The seines average a crew of ten men, and one captain or foreman. The pounds are fished by 

 one man and a boy. The menhaden and other offal fish, which are taken in large quantities both 

 by seines and pounds, are not included in the above estimates. They are either sold on the beach 

 for 15 cents a bushel or carted to the compost heap. The quantity of these may be safely 

 estimated at COD bushels for each seine and pound, or 7,800 bushels for the whole; and at 15 cents 

 per bushel, $1,170, which is to be added to the above total. 



The principal fish caught are the spot (Liostomus xanthurus) and the gray and salmon trout, all 

 of which find a market in Norfolk. Menhaden, which are caught in considerable quantities in both 

 seines and pounds, are carried out on the land and composted for fertilizers. 



The number of men employed in the fisheries is one hundred and thirty-two; total capital 

 invested, $13,198. The product of the fisheries is 644,340 pounds of fish, having a value of $17,735. 



The waters of Lynn Haven Bay abound in hogfish, croakers, trout, and sheepshead, the pur- 

 suit of which gives occupation to a number of hook-and-line fishermen from Norfolk and Elizabeth 

 City Counties. The bay is also a favorite resort for pleasure seekers passing the summer in the 

 vicinity of Hampton Roads. Oyster planting is the most important fishing interest of the county. 

 It is pursued in Lynn Haven River and its coves to the fullest extent possible. 



NORFOLK COUNTY. Norfolk County was formed in 1691 from Lower Norfolk. It lies on Hamp- 

 ton Roads between Nansemond and Princess Anne Counties and extends to the north line. It is 

 24 miles long, with a mean width of 19 miles. The surface is nearly level; soil sandy, with clay sub- 

 soil. Early vegetables for the Northern markets are raised in enormous quantities and bring a large 

 amount of money into the county. In the southwestern part lies the Dismal Swamp, which, with 

 Elizabeth River and its branches, furnishes ample drainage. On the bay shore, from Willoughby 

 Point to Norfolk, a number of pounds and haul-seines are fished. The oysters of Elizabeth River 

 and its branches, and those of Craney Island Flats, furnish occupation to a considerable number of 



