294 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



web is completed and ready to color. We are aware that coloring is 

 not the proper thing for a menhaden seine, and would not have pro- 

 posed it except in case of emergency. We have prepared netting in 

 the way yon propose, and think it lessens the risk very much. We 

 think the fishermen's experience is worth considering, and in giving 

 your assent, as we understand you do, we have concluded to tar and 

 tan in the manner suggested. In this process we shall endeavor to be 

 particular and leave nothing undone towards preserving the seine, so 

 that it will be a week or ten days before it is ready for shipment. We 

 will notify you at Gloucester, unless otherwise ordered, when ready, or 

 shortly before." 



On the 4th of October I wrote to Messrs. Cameron & Co., New York, 

 acquainting them with the progress that was being made in the prepa- 

 ration of the seine and trawl, and also informing them of the method 

 of preparing the seine which I had decided to adopt. In reply, they 

 wrote, under date of October 5, 1881, as follows: 



" We duly received your favor of yesterday's date, the contents of 

 which we have perused with much interest, and would again express 

 our warm appreciation of the interest you are taking in the apparatus 

 for the New South Wales Government. 



"We regret to hear that your health is so poor, and sincerely trust 

 it may improve, and so enable you to prepare the drawing you refer to, 

 which the honorable the agent-general would certainly appreciate, and 

 which would also greatly assist the folks in New South Wales." 



The seine was completed and shipped to New York October 18. The 

 acknowledgment of its receipt there is contained in the following 

 words, transmitted under date of October 22, 1881 : 



"We have pleasure in advising you of the arrival here of two bales, 

 containing the nets for New South Wales Government, and of their 

 shipment on board the bark Ingleside, for Sydney. 



"We hope your health has improved, and would bo pleased to re- 

 ceive bill for cost of the apparatus, and also any suggestions you may 

 think necessary as to its use." 



Although the state of my health was such that I was confined in- 

 doors, I was nevertheless able to write quite a long letter to the Messrs. 

 Cameron & Co.; a copy of which I neglected to keep. Replying to me 

 and acknowledging the receipt of the articles from Gloucester, they 

 wrote October 28, 1881, as follows: 



u We duly received your esteemed favor of the 24th instant, copy of 

 which wo forward to-day to the agent- general for New South Wales, in 



