XX REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
that are nearly as good, and it is possible that on the sandy and muddy 
bottoms frequented by these off our coast the beam trawl may be very 
effectively used. 
It is also of the highest importance that the movements of the migra- 
tory fishes should be followed in the spring and autumn, when they are . 
approaching and leaving the feeding grounds which they frequent in 
summer. 
Hitherto less has been done in this direction than is desirable, and a 
sailing vessel which is able to remain at sea in all weathers is especially 
well adapted to carrying on such investigation, since she is not depend- 
ent upon a supply of coal, and may, if necessary, cruise for weeks or 
months in succession. The Grampus being especially fitted for carrying 
on fishing operations can use all the appliances and methods for the eap- 
ture of fish much better than they can be used on larger and more ex- 
pensive steam vessels. In connection with these researches to ascertain 
the movements and habits of the migratory species, various forms of 
apparatus will be used to ascertain their presence, as well as the oceur- 
rence of erustacea or other forms of minute life that may constitute the 
food of fishes. Observations of the temperature, density of water, and 
the influence of winds and currents upon the movements of fish can also 
be studied. 
She is especially adapted to making researches at sea for the discov- 
ery and investigation of fishing grounds, as well as for collecting the 
fauna of the localities visited, and thus determining the value of certain 
regions for the purposes of commercial fishing. 
The Grampus is a two-masted, schooner-rigged vessel, 90 feet longs 
over all; 81 feet 6 inches on load-water line; 22 feet 2 inches beam, and 
10 feet depth of hold; lier registered tonnage is 83.30 tons. In model 
and rig she is a radical departure from the vessels commonly in use in 
the New England fisheries; and an additional important object sought 
in building her was to produce a type of fishing vessel which will be 
safer an@ better adapted in various ways to the exigencies required of 
a schooner employed in the ocean fisheries. 
In the cruises made the present year she has shown remarkable sea- 
going qualities, and has demonstrated the fact that in safety, speed, and 
‘“‘ handiness” she is far superior to the clipper fishing schooners of New 
England. Her influence is already being felt, and the principal features 
in her model and rig, which have been alluded to in a previous report, 
are being copied by the New England builders. 
It is reasonable, therefore, to suppose that marked innovations may 
be caused by her advent, and that a few years will witness a change for 
the better in the form and rig of our fishing vessels. Such a change 
will result in the obtainment of greater safety and other scarcely less 
desirable qualities that must prove very beneficial to the fishing inter-’ 
ests, and especially in preventing the sacrifice of life and property which 
has heretofore seriously handicapped these industries. 
