[15] THE LOFFODEN FISHEEY IN 1880. 547 



Private vessels betweeu— 



Tromso and Bergen 11 



Vardo and Bergen 3 



Vesterualen and Bergen 10 



Loffoden and Bergen 2 



Vardo and Kristiania 1 



Vardo and Loffoden 3 



Total 30 



Of the 27 north-bound packets 14 were delayed from one-half day to 

 three days, as follows: 5 times, one-half day; 4 times, one day; 1 time, 

 one and one-half days; 3 times, two and one-half days; and 1 time, three 

 days. 



In January occurred 4 detentions; in February, (5, and in the first half 

 of March, 4. 



Of the 19 packets, which in this space of time called at Loffoden, going 

 north, 14 also were detained, or, if we overlook delays of a half day, 9 

 (one-half). The cause of these detentions was stated to be storms and 

 fog. But since, at the season mentioned, one can never calculate on 

 continuous good and clear weather, or on moonlight, the real reason 

 must be sought for in the routes, which are established for speed; 

 besides, I think that to make the service adequate it will be necessary 

 to put one more vessel in commission. This will cause the steamship 

 company concerned, or the state, an increased outlay. The results 

 of the delays of the packets are felt at present not only in the prin- 

 cipal route, but also in its numerous branches in the fjords and out to 

 the sea-islands; and if we take into consideration the inconveniences 

 which are associated with a sojourn at the calling-stations, where there 

 may often be a want of accommodation, and where one must often keep 

 a constant lookout because he cannot tell when the delayed steamer 

 may arrive, as also the waste of time each delay causes, the saving or 

 the occasional speed one may reach by a forced route will hardly coun- 

 terbalance the indirect tax which this, through the above-named con- 

 ditions, puts upon the population of Nordland and Tromso. I must 

 therefore this year also emphasize the universal, and, according to my 

 judgment, rightful desire for a more regular steamer service. 



The matter of the pay of country postmasters, according to informa- 

 tion obtained, will be adjusted by the marine and mail department of 

 the Eoyal Norwegian Government at the beginning of the fiscal year. 



In 1879, 4 beacons were erected and 20 moorings for vessels were 

 placed within the inspection district. 



Up to and including 1875 were found in the inspection district 8 light- 

 houses, 7 beacons, and 407 moorings ; in 1876 were established ~> beacons ; 

 in 1877, C beacons, 22 moorings; in 1878, 11 beacons, 12 moorings; in 

 1879, 4 beacons, 20 moorings. Total at end of 1879, 8 light-houses, 33 

 beacons, and 461 moorings on a coast stretch of 14 (Norwegian) miles. 



