4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



hook and line at Stone Bridge tins fall notwithstanding there were 

 nineteen anchored traps set at Seaconnet during the spring fishing, 

 and thirty- three stake traps, within 8 miles of the Stone Bridge 

 during the summer and fall. 



Mr. Isaac Cook alone caught 1500 pounds. 



We have the statement of Capt. Hunt, that there were 35,000 

 pounds in cars and smacks in Newport Harbor at one time. The 

 spring fishing in the upper waters of the Bay for tautog and othei' 

 bottom fish was poor. 



BLUE FISH 



have been ver}^ abundant on the coast, but we think no unusual 

 numbers in the Bay. 



SCUP 



as will be seen by the tables of shipments have been very abun- 

 dant, the catch in the traps far ahead of any former year. 



BUTTER FISH 



are becoming very plenty in our waters and we hear of very large 

 schools of them outside the Bay. 



MACKEREL 



have been about in considerable quantities, mostty of the small 

 size, but not a large number taken. 



They are said to destroy very much of the spaAvn of lobsters. 



STRIPED BASS 



have been scarce this season. It is to be hoped that this much 

 valued fish will again become more plenty. 



We are indebted to Capt. N. B. Church for the following statement 

 regarding our fisheries. What gives much value to Capt. Church's 

 statements is the fact that he is a close observer, a practical fisher- 

 man, and a candid writer. He says: 



