144 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



ford Basm, Halifax, in depths of 2G to 40 fathoms; in the Gulf of Saint 

 Lawrence; on the coast of Labrador, &c. 



The distribution of these three species of prawns, as above described, 

 was mainly traced out by the United States Fish Commission, which, 

 iu its explorations with the dredge and trawl along the New England 

 coast, during the past ten years, has constantly come upon immense 

 schools of them, sometimes two or three of the species being associated 

 together, at others occurring separately. It has been no uncommon 

 occurrence for a peck or more to come up in a single haul of the beam- 

 trawl, and several such hauls have been made in a single day. These 

 prawns apparently swim in schools from place to place ; they are active 

 in their movements, and can, therefore, be seldom taken in the dredge. 

 There are many witnesses among the members of the Fish Commission 

 who can testify to the superior quality of the deep-water prawns as an 

 article of food. 



The lobster fishermen of Biddeford Pool, Maine, who set their pots 

 in the winter from 4 to miles from land, occasionally capture a few 

 specimens, and the same is true of other localities. It is very diffi- 

 cult to suggest a proper style of apparatus for taking these prawns in 

 quantity for food. The beam-trawl employed by the United States 

 Fish Commission, which is' a modification of the beam-trawl used by 

 English fishermen, would probably answer as well as anything. The 

 net used by the Chinese, on the California coast, for catching Pandalus 

 Dance would, perhaps, answer the same purpose for the same genus, in 

 moderate depths on om eastern coast; but the writer lias no practical 

 knowledge of its workings. It is possible, though not probable, that 

 these prawns would seek bait in traps, constructed somewhat like the 

 Lobster pots, but with a finer mesh. The beam-trawl or some adaptation 

 of it would, however, seem to approach nearest to the requirements of 

 the case. 



We do not wish it to be understood that we suggest the lilting out of 

 boats and nets by the wholesale, lor this proposed new fishery. Should 

 any one become interested in it, he had best begin in a small way, and 

 in the course of a season or two he could determine its practicability, 

 and the additional outfit he mighl require. 



Tin; River Shbimps. Palcemon Ohionis, Smith, and Palcemonetcs exi- 



lipes, Stimpson. 



These are the only species of fresh-water shrimps so far described 

 from the Mississippi River, its tributaries, and the rivers to the east- 

 ward of it, although others may sooner or later be brought to light. 

 They do not appear to be used much as food, but the former species is oc- 

 casionally taken for that purpose at some of the inland towns. At NVw 

 Orleans the Palcemon is sold in tlie markets, and is probably canned in 

 connection with the Gulf species. Both species have ;i considerable 

 range, and have been recorded from over a wide area. Pakemon Ohionis 



