32 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 
vessel might do; but what a revenue cutter could not do in that line at a dis- 
tance of 50 feet it is not likely a naval vessel could do a mile or even a quarter 
of a mile away. 
As to the motor boats, Professor Parker got exactly the same results. He 
used some surface-living fishes, the mackerel among others. This is one of the 
fishes which, it was alleged, were disturbed most by these noises. So he had 
fishermen go around with a motor boat, with the discharge out of the water, 
and also with it turned under the water. In the latter case the sound is “ muf- 
fled” to our own ears, and yet, of course, strong vibrations must pass into the 
water and would presumably affect the fish more under those conditions if 
there was any effect at all. In these experiments, also, there was no response 
whatever. If the motor boats came near enough and the mackerel saw them, 
why, ‘‘down they went,’’ as the gentleman here has described; but if the motor 
boats did not come within sight of the fish, but merely made the sound under 
the water, there was no response whatever. 
Of course, these results are not conclusive. It is desired to try these experi- 
ments with large guns; but so far this has not been practicable. In the mean- 
time, however, I thought that these conclusions might be of some interest. 
The PRESIDENT. What are your wishes in regard to this communication 
from Messrs. Aldrich & Co.? 
Mr. Henry T. Root (Rhode Island). I do not know what has been the 
experience of the members of this congress generally, but in our section we 
are having a considerable number of complaints about the firing of the great 
naval guns, and I am glad the subject has come up. I move that this whole 
matter be referred to a committee to be appointed by the chair. 
The PRESIDENT. You have heard the motion. Is the motion seconded? 
Mr. L. L. Mowsray (Bermuda). In the Bermudas we have made some 
experiments with that, and we think it is really due to explosive shells explod- 
ing very close to the surface of the water. They found many dead fish. It is 
a well-known fact that such explosions greatly disturb fish. 
The PRESIDENT. The motion has been made and seconded that this matter 
be referred toa committee. Those in favor of such reference will please signify 
by saying ‘“‘Aye;” contrary minded, ‘‘No.” The motion is carried. I appoint 
Messrs. Root, Smith, and Sumner. 
I am asked by the secretary to make the announcement that the several 
committees on award, by referring to the secretary at the conclusion of this 
session, will be given certain papers that have been submitted in competition. 
Shall we continue with other papers—it is now 5 o’clock—or shall we 
adjourn for this afternoon? If the chair hears no motion to adjourn, he will 
continue. 
