EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. *17 



tlie luost important, aud I therefore have given several articles on this 

 siil^ject. The first of these is a translation, illustrating the general 

 cluiracter of these islands, their physical features, and their natural his- 

 tory. This is folio wect by the report of Professor Sars of his obervations 

 during the years 1864 to 1877, inclusive, upon the fisheries of the Loflbden 

 Islands, this containing by far the greatest body of information ever pub- 

 lished in regard to the habits aud natural history of the cod, and its rela- 

 tions to the fishermen and fisheries. It is a storehouse of information of 

 the most important character, and upon its revelations have been based 

 nuauy of the plans of the United States Fish Commission in regard to 

 the artificial propagation of that species. 



An article on the general sea-fisheries of Norway, their methods, re- 

 sults, &c., as practiced in 1877, also forms a portion of the Appendix. 

 The original of this pamphlet was distributed at the Paris Exposition as 

 a companion to the fisheries display made hj Norway on that occasion. 



An article on the geographical distribution of the Gadklcc or codfish 

 family, from the German of Dambeck, is also given in the Appendix. 

 This, being mainly a compilation from published records, has many 

 errors, some of which have been corrected ; others of less moment have 

 been allowed to pass unchallenged. It gives, however, a very readable' 

 and interesting history of the distribution of the cod and its various, 

 allied species throughout the various portions of the globe. 



The article upon the history of the first five years of the Emden Jcsint 

 Stock Herring Fishery Association, by Dantzing, contains many impor- 

 tant suggestions, which may profitably be borne in mind by American 

 companies organized for a similar purpose. Numerous mistakes niiule 

 by this association in its early operations, and acknowledged as such in 

 the article, may readily be avoided after being pointed out. 



A paper on the sea-fisheries of a portion of Sweden, by von Yhleu, is^ 

 also histructive. These fisheries are less important than those of Nor- 

 way, and, while possessing similar characteristics, also have diversities- 

 wliich may be noted by American fishermen to advantage. 



In the Appendix also will be found details of a series of experiments 

 made by Coramander Beardslee upon the time of exposure needed for 

 correct observations by the CaseUa-Miller thermometer. I have already 

 explained in previous reports the importance of indications of the temper- 

 {'.ture of the water at various depths from the surface and the bottom, as 

 illustrating the variations in the appearance of different food-fishes along^ 

 the coast. It is well established that the movements of the herring, cod, 

 mackerel, and other fishes have a direct relationsliip to the question of 

 the temi)erature, and that the occurrence of these fish may, in many 

 cases, be readily anticipated and proper arrangements made for them 

 by studying indications of the thermometer for a considerable time pre- 

 vious. It is therefore of importance to know the method of treatmout of 

 the thermometer used in this work ; and the experiments of Commander 

 Beardslee have given us the means of making a proper and very neces- 

 sary allowance for instrumental errors. 



