289 



It was well known that within a few years this species had 

 made its appearance in Massachusetts Bay, and all along 

 the shores of the State it had seriously interfered with the 

 fishing interest, by driving off valuable species which have 

 heretofore been taken in great numbers ; while the Blue 

 Fish itself is comparatively worthless. The early catch 

 of mackerel at Provincetown, which formerly furnished 

 active employment to many fishermen, was now almost 

 entirely stopped by the presence of these voracious ma- 

 rauders. It was even said, that the cod and haddock had 

 become much less abundant since their arrival. Mr. Storer 

 suggested that it might be expedient to memorialize the 

 Legislature on the subject, so that, by the oflfer of a bounty, 

 fishermen might be induced to make active exertions to 

 exterminate such an injurious race. 



Mr. W. O. Ayres remarked that this species was well 

 known to be a periodical visitant. Many years since it 

 visited our shores and then disappeared, so that there was 

 reason to hope it would do so again. South of Cape Cod, 

 it is regarded as a fish of considerable value. Those 

 caught there usually weigh from one to two pounds, while 

 those taken in Massachusetts Bay usually weigh from three 

 to five pounds, or more. In New York Harbor it had 

 driven out the Squeteague or Weak fish, which would pro- 

 bably return, as on former occasions, after its disappearance. 



Mr. Storer said there were fish in the waters of Massa- 

 chusetts of great value, which were not appreciated as they 

 deserved to be. In Europe such species would be sought 

 for with eagerness ; even such despised species as the 

 Skate would not be overlooked. Mr. Ayres coincided in 

 opinion with Mr. Storer. He thought the State of Massa- 

 chusetts was annually the loser by thousands of dollars, 

 through an unfounded prejudice against certain fish. The 

 Blue fish, which are not eaten here, sell readily in New 

 York. The Pollock, which is almost always thrown 



PROCEEDINGS B. S. N. H. 19 M^Y, 185.'!. 



