HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MENHADEN. 445 



50. Statement of Benjamin H. Sissoii, Greenj)ort, E. I., January 29, 1874. 



1. Moss-bunkers. 



2. They are most numerous. 



3. No apparent difitereuce. 



4. In 1873, 50,000,000; 10,000,000 additional for shore fisheries. 



5. No. 



6. In March and April. On tlie 1st of May. The first are the larg- 

 est. There are different runs coming in, and at intervals of six weeks. 



7. The first run are known by their capture ; all others by sight and 

 by birds. 



8. From the south. 



9. The fish never fail, but some years they are scarce. 



10. Yes. 



11. In certain localities a flood tide is considered the most favorable 

 for a catch. 



12. Shoal-water. 



13. From 10 to 12 feet. 



14. Yes. 



15. Yes. Sometimes they are mixed. 



IG. Yes. From July to November. From 1 to 6 inches long. 



17. From September to January. By degrees. 



18. Ocean routes. 



19. I hear nothing from them south of Cape Hatteras. 



20. Marine animalculai, with small strong fiber. 



21. There seems to be much difference of opinion about this among 

 the fishermen; my own impression is that of the first that come in the 

 spring, the old fish go stealthily into all the shoal and water bays, de- 

 posit their spawn and milt, then go out again and join the general mi- 

 gration east. These spawn hatch by the last of June or first of July, 

 as the small fish are first seen in these localities about this time. No 

 doubt tliere is another spawning time in the fall, outside, in deep water. 



22. They are mixed indiscriminately. 



23. Yes, in deep water. 



24. Cool water. 



25. Near the surface. 



26. I think they float. 



27. In June and July. From one month to six weeks. 



28. Everywhere in abundance. 



29. Not unless handled roughly. 



30. Eels and bluefish. No . 



31. Worms, crabs, and lampreys are found on the outside, but not 

 within. 



32. Very much. I have seen 100 moss-bunkers taken from one shark. 



33. We have not noticed any in this district. 



34. Purse-nets, gill-nets, seines, and pounds. 



35. Purse-nets are from 900 to 1,000 feet long and 100 feet deep G'U- 



