BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES PISH COMMISSION'. 333 



During June cod were scarce on the Grand Banks, many vessels 

 changing from there to Banquerean; during July fish were abundanl 

 on both. The catch of cod on Brown's decreased during the month, 

 vessels changing to George's; an -average catch being made on both. 

 The total amount of codfish received at Gloucester during July (8,220,500 

 pounds) was an average amount for that month, although much less 

 than for July, 188-1, when 9,030,000 pounds were landed. 



The mackerel catch, always changeable and uncertain, now receives 

 the most attention. During the past month the catch and prospects have 

 materially changed Tor the better. During June no body of mackerel 

 could be found in any direction ; the amount of cured lish, in sea packed 

 barrels, landed by the entire fleet, amounted to only 15,328 barrels. 

 In hopes of finding them more plentiful 40 sail went to the Gull' of 

 Saint Lawrence, the rest of the fleet of 325 sail remained scattered 

 from Cape Cod to the Bay of Fundy. Vessels that went to North Bay 

 found mackerel, of small size and very inferior quality, abundant about 

 Prince Edward Island up to the latter part of the month, when few 

 fish were seen. These vessels mostly secured fares, some forwarding 

 the same home by rail or steamer, and continuing in the bay in hopes 

 of securing fares of large-sized fish. The last of the month finds most of 

 this small lleet about ready to leave the Gulf of Saint Lawrence for 

 home, if a fare has been secured; if not, to cruise off the New England 

 shores. Early in the month a large body of mackerel was found off 

 Mount Desert and in the Bay of Fundy, 145 sail fishing from Mourn 

 Desert to withiu 15 miles of Brier Island. .Medium sized fish of poor 

 quality were abundant, but foggy weather prevented much fishing. 

 Contrary to the usual custom, during July mackerel appeared to be 

 very numerous over a large extent of territory, not being confined to 

 any particular locality. 



July 2. Mackerel abundant off Nauset light, Cape Cod. Weirs at 

 North Truro, Cape Cod, had a good catch of mackerel. 



July 1 to 5. Mackerel plentiful, and many good fares secured near the 

 South Shoal lightship off Nantucket. 



July 8. Schooner J. M. Plummer arrived at Harwichport with 400 bar- 

 rels of mackerel caught off Xo Man's. Land. 



July 9. Mackerel reported plentiful on German Bank and Jones 

 (hound, Bay of Fundy. Between July 4 and 10th, schooner Lottie 

 Hopkins secured 230 barrels of mackerel onGashe's Banks; during the 

 same time other vessels secured fares off Seguin and Southport. Me. 



July 10. Schooner William II. Foy took 175 ban-els southeast of 

 Monhegan; a few other vessels took fish at same time and place. 



July lii. Four vessels took 100 bands each off Damariscotta, Me.; 

 fish in schools of from 40 to 80 barrels each. 



July 14. Arrivals from Mount Desert report mackerel plentiful. 

 Schooner Alaska arrived at Southport, Me, with 270 barrels of mackerel 

 caught off Thatcher's Island; reports tish abundant. 



