REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS. 11 



fisL, Avhoiii tliey resemble iii tlieir habits, bofcli being- very de- 

 structive of other fish. 



Why the bhie-fish remain in the waters about Block Island, and 

 very plenty farther west, and cease to come here in numbers, is a 

 problem we at present cannot solve. 



We are indebted to the representatives of the transportation 

 companies for the following valuable statistical data, which is the 

 only essentially coirect data that can be got, and if continued it 

 will give a very correct idea of the relative catch of fish from year 

 to year. While this does not give a sure guide to the gross 

 product, it is certainly correct and reliable as far as it goes ; and 

 we prefer to give it, rather than depend on the usually question- 

 able way of making up statistics from rough estimates or guesses. 



Of course there is a large amount shipj)ed by sailing crafts of 

 every description, besides the home consumption of which we 

 have no means of getting accurate account. 



We are enabled this year to i^resent the following table made up 

 from data kindly furnished by the various transportation com- 

 panies, and shows the entire shipment by all regular lines from 

 Newport, during the year : 



* From June 1 to December 14. 



