REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF STATISTICS AXD METHODS 

 OF THE FISHERIES. 



By Hugh M. Smith, Assistant in Charge. 



The report of the division of statistics and methods of the fisheries 

 for the fiscal year 1894 comprises an outline of the general statistical 

 field investigations conducted by the regular corps of agents; an ac- 

 count of inquiries regarding special fisheries or in special regions; a 

 notice of the published reports emanating from the division; sugges- 

 tions for the work of the division, and notes on a number of miscella- 

 neous matters connected with the division work. 



The regular personnel of this division in 1894 consisted of 7 clerical 

 assistants, 4 field agents, and 2 local agents. Two clerks and 1 local 

 agent were at times assigned to duty as field agents. Mr. A. B. Alex- 

 ander, fishery expert on the Fish Commission steamer Albatross, was 

 temporarily detached from the vessel and given shore duty in this divi- 

 sion. In a special inquiry several temporary field assistants were also 

 employed for a short period. The appropriation for the field and other 

 expenses was $5,400, of which $3,296 was expended in field inquiries 

 and .foil for salaries of temporary employees, incidentals, etc., the 

 unexpended balance being $1,563. 



GENERAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS. 

 THE MACKEREL FISHERY. 



In the report of the division for 1893 announcement was made of the 

 inauguration of a study of the New England mackerel fishery in May, 

 1893, in conjunction with a canvass of other fisheries of that region. 

 Mention was also made of inquiries in the Middle Atlantic States 

 regarding the catch of mackerel in pound nets. The work in New Eng- 

 land was brought to a close by October, and resulted in the collection of 

 more detailed statistical information for the mackerel fishery than the 

 Commission had previously obtained. A synopsis of the scope of the 

 statistical inquiries was given in last year's report. 



In addition to the four regular field agents, the division had the 

 services of Mr. E. P. Locke, who was detailed from the division of 



115 



