REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 13 



The menhaden fishery has been remarkable the past season, the catch 

 far surpassing anything before known. Their presence in large num- 

 bers has been general along the coast, and some of the steamers took 

 four times what the best catches were a few years ago upon the coast 

 of Maine, where they were thought to be very plenty, in spite of the 

 continuous high winds that prevailed last season. It will be noted in 

 the preceding tables that in the last two years there was a reduction in 

 the number of gangs equal to one-third less men and also one less 

 steamer. 



It is the purpose of the Commissioners to present, as far as practi- 

 cable, a correct statement of all the facts relating to our fisheries that 

 may be of interest to our people, but not in the interest of one side or 

 the other of any controversy or theory. We would be glad to corres- 

 pond with any one having information that is of public interest upon 

 this subject. We shall strive to avoid any statement not generally ad- 

 mitted unless sustained by the facts. We are aware of the difficulty 

 of obtaining exact data, and we shall avoid dogmatic conclusions upon 

 questionable points from imperfect or contradictory testimony, that 

 may be upset by facts before they get into print. It is hoped to make 

 their report a reliable compendium of the fisheries of this State. 

 Should any error occur we would be glad to have it pointed out and 

 corrected. 



Experience has taught us that statements of fishermen vary much 

 according to locality or individual experience in the same locality ; 

 what may be strictly true of one locality may seem very wrong if ap- 

 plied to another locality, even if not far removed. 



We invite the cooperation of fishermen and others to aid us in the 

 work. Especially would we ask them for statistics of their catches 

 and an account of any unusual occurrence or phenomena they may 

 observe. 



The Hon. John H. Barden, who, since the formation of the Commis- 

 sion of Inland Fisheries, has practically been at the head of it, and to 

 whose previous efforts we are largely indebted for the Commission, 

 declining to be reappointed, has been succeeded by Mr. J. M. K. 



