464 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



51. Probably 3 gallons. The greatest quantity of oil is obtained in 

 and after the mouth of September. 



52. Yes. 



- 54. New York. 



55. Virginia and North Carolina. 



56. For tanning leather, painting, machines, &c. 

 58. Yes. 



64. Statement of Henry Richardson^ Gape Henry ^ February 9, 1874. 



1. The " alevvife," termed by some "bony fish." 



2. These fish are more numerous than any other fish that inhabit these 

 waters. 



3. During the last four years (the length of time I have been in charge 

 of this station) there seems to be no diminution in the numbers of these 

 fish. 



6. These fish are caught as early as March, but the main body arrives 

 about June and July. During these two months these fish are con- 

 stantly passing the Virginia capes, entering the Chesapeake Bay. I 

 have seen schools of these fish on calm days in the summer season, I 

 should judge, about two miles long and perhaps one-fourth of a mile wide. 



7. These fish swim high, or near the surface of the water, and their 

 approach can easily be seen by the commotion they make. They ripple 

 the water and also attract the attention of birds. 



8. They work in the S])ring of the year from south to north. I do not 

 know their subsequent movements after their entrance into the Chesa- 

 })eake Bay. 



9. I have never known these fish to fail to enter these capes during 

 any season. 



11. During the summer season they work in and out of the capes, 

 working out with the ebb tide and working in again on the flood. 



13. They swim in shoal as well as in deep water, and create a con- 

 stant flipping on the surface. 



14. In unusually cold weather they get benumbed, and sometimes 

 wash on shore in great quantities. 



16. The young fish commence coming about June, and average, I 

 should think, about five inches long. 



18. They follow the Atlantic coast and work south. 



19. I have been informed that they winter around the Bahama Banks 

 and the West India Islands. 



20. Their flesh is very sweet early in spring and late in the fall of the 

 year, but they are objectionable as food on account of the cj[uantity of 

 bones they j)ossess. 



31. In the summer season they become wormy. These worms have 

 the appearance of a fine piece of red string about one inch long. I have 

 pulled them out of the side of the fish, and the root or end of the worm 

 in the flesh has the appearance of an eagle's claw. 



