428 BUTJL,ETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



two seiiie-boats. Together with many others of the mackerel fleet that 

 sailed about the same time, he went directly to the Gulf of Saint Law- 

 rence, which he cruised over in all directions looking for mackerel wher- 

 ever he thought they were liable to be found. 



He estimates that a fleet of 200 New England mackerel vessels — the 

 finest we have and commanded by the most expert and experienced 

 fishermen — were in the Gulf seeking fish in every nook and corner, 

 whenever the weather permitted. Notwithstanding the utmost exer- 

 tions that might be expected from ambitious and capable men were put 

 forth, June and nearly all of July passed away without any mackerel 

 being taken worthy of mention. Indeed, before the end of July ma^iy 

 of the fleet had become discouraged and left the Gnl/, in some cases, I 

 think, without a single barrel of fish. However, many vessels remained, 

 and as late as July 20, while riding out a "breeze" under the lee of the 

 West Cape of Prince Edward Island, my brother counted 110 other 

 mackerel schooners at anchor in the same place. It may be stated here 

 that the weather during July was exceptionally rough, so much so that 

 the vessels were compelled to seek shelter under headlands, capes, and 

 in harbor, a considerable portion of the time. Some half-dozen strong- 

 gales occurred during the month. As a matter of course, this kind of 

 weather hindered seining operations, and what is worthy of remark, is 

 the fact that the vessels on our own coast at the same time were hindered 

 little^f any by unfiivorahle weather. 



In the latter part of July the Gulf fleet saw some mackerel about 

 Tignish, Prince Edward Island, and on the New Brunswick coast op- 

 posite, in the vicinity of Aliramichi Bay and Escuminac Point. A few 

 good catches were obtained by the lucky ones, but these were excep- 

 tional, the majority getting small catches or nothing. The Susie Hooper 

 took 37 barrels. As soon as this. "spurt" was over she went to Bradelle 

 and Bank Orphan, where from Tuesday, August 4, to Saturday, August 

 8, she took 150 barrels of mackerel. These were the last she caught, 

 though she remained in the Gulf three weeks longer. These fish were 

 taken about 35 to 40 miles from the land, Perce Hills being just dis- 

 tinguishable above the water. 



Leaving the locality where the fish had been taken, as no more could 

 be seen, the Susie Hooper stood to the westward, entered Chaleur Bay, 

 and August 10 was at Paspebiac. On the following day she sailed out 

 of Chaleur Bay, stretched across to North Cape of Prince Edward 

 Island, and then worked down the north side of that island until she 

 reached East Point a few days later. It goes without saying that a 

 sharp lookout was kept for schools of mackerel, but none were seen 

 until she was near East Point. During the remainder of her stay in 

 the Gulf the Hooper cruised about the south side of Priace Edward 

 Island, from Eastern Point to Georgetown, and in Saint Georges' Bay, 

 ;iorth of the entrance to the Strait of Canso. As previously stated, noth- 

 ing was added to the fare. 



