126 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
lantic fishermen, and I therefore proceed to a more detailed consider- 
ation of the standard articles of supply for bait, consisting especially | 
of fishes, crustaceans, and mollusks. 
In the portion of the report devoted to the methods and apparatus 
of fishing practiced in the Eastern United States and the British Prov- 
inces some allusion has been made to the subject of bait for the hand 
and long lines, but it may be well to review the subject in a more sys- 
tematic manner, beginning with the enumeration of the following as 
the more prominent substances used : 
1, Menhaden. 8. Squid. 
2. Alewives. 9. Whelks. 
3. Sea Herring. 10. Clams. 
4. Mackerel. 11. Mussels, oysters, and scallops. 
5. Capelin. 12. Lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and 
6. Sundry species of less note. other crustaceans. 
7. Roes of various fishes, especially 
of cod and mackerel. 
Other varieties of animal substances are used as bait under particu- 
lar circumstances and in particular localities ; but those just mentioned 
are of most economical value, and the possibility of obtaining one or 
other of them in greater or less abundance constitutes a very important 
factor to the fisheries of the mackerel, the cod, the halibut, and other 
species. 
Of the species mentioned, the menhaden is at present peculiar to the 
shores of the United States, while the fifth, or capelin, is found only 
about Newfoundland, on the coast and islands of the Bay of Saint 
Lawrence, and the coast of Labrador. Dr. Gilpin refers to the occurrence — 
of capelin in Halifax Harbor one season; but it is unknown as a regu. 
lar visitant there, nor has it ever been Moeitay ely noticed even as an- 
occasional visitant of the Bay of Fundy. 
The special details in regard to the natural history and character of 
the fishes just enumerated belong in the chapter on the natural history 
and economy of the several American species, and are merely alluded 
to briefly in this special connection as bait. 
In the very great variety of fish bait, and its occurrence at the vari- 
ous seasons of the year at different points, all portions of the United 
States and the Provinces may be considered as equally well provided 
in this respect; and although circumstances may render the procuring 
of this bait in a particular locality a convenience, yet it can be easily 
shown that whatever be the restrictions upon either country as to par- 
ticular localities, there can be no question as to the possibility of se- 
curing an ample supply in some other, although possibly at cone 
greater trouble and expense. 
(1) Menhaden.—Of all the species mentioned as used for bait the 
menhaden is probably that of most importance, whether we consider 
its wide extent of distribution, its overwhelming abundance along the 

