474 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



41. There are no particulariiumber employed in catching the fatback, 

 as that is not made a specialty. The fishermen in this vicinity have nets 

 to suit, and look after all kinds of fish. About 200 boats are employed 

 in the two townships adjacent to this station, with an aggregate num- 

 ber of men amounting to about 500. 



42. Some of the fish caught during winter are used on the spot, and 

 some are carried to the country towns, villages, and farming districts 

 and sold, while those caught in summer are used for manure. 



43. There are no oil-factories here. 



47. Seven dollars per barrel was paid for menhaden in lb73. I have 

 no account of previous years. 

 58. The catch does not appear to diminish them. 



69. Statement of Wallace B. Jennett, Ca/pe Hatteras, N., G. February 26, 



1874. 



1. Menhaden and Fatback. 



2. They are more abundant and less cared for than any of the finny 

 tribe. 



3. They are not so abundant as ten years previous. 



6. They arrive in October and November principally, and may be 

 found to be larger at the time of their departure. 



7. The fish generally are seen upon the surface of the water so as to 

 attract birds. 



8. They come from the north, caused by the prevailing winds at that 

 season of the year. 



9. Yes. 



10. They seem nowise sly, and are very regularly driven from the 

 regular course. 



11. On the ebb and flood alike; they are seen to float without any 

 material difference, having no particular favorite locality. 



13. They prefer deep water, and are, so far as we can see, not affected 

 by the temperature. 



15. The fish on their arrival seem to be of the same age and size, no 

 young fish are seen at all. 



17. They leave in the early spring and go south. 



20. Sediment and mud from the water and fine grasses. ' 



22. The fish seem to mix indiscriminately ; the sex is hardly to be 

 observed at any time ; it is not likely that they spawn on this coast at any 

 time. 



23. The water very rarely changes its color among the fish, con- 

 sequently no milt is discharged. 



28. There are no young fish found in this locality. 



29. The spawn is never seen to run from the fish as from the shad, 

 rock, perch, and others. 



