HALIBUT FISHING GROUNDS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 29 



Mai'mot Island. — During the night the ship covered a distance of 

 41 miles in the direction of Marmot Island. This island lies off the 

 eastern end of Afognak Island, the two being separated by Marmot 

 Strait, which is 3 miles wide and 10 miles long. 



On the morning of July 19 a trial was made in 55 fathoms, Mar- 

 mot Cape bearing west 5 miles distant ; character of the bottom, dead 

 shells. On this ground the catch consisted of 2 cod and 2 skates. 

 The true character of the bottom in most cases was not determined 

 until the trawl had been hauled. A deep-sea lead having an arming 

 of tallow brings up a sample of the bottom, covering a diameter of 

 1| inches. The lead may strike on some particular spot composed of 

 sand or gravel, while the general character may be broken shells and 

 mud, on which little or no marine life could be expected. As a trawl 

 covers a considerable stretch of ground, it more accurately determines 

 the character of the bottom than the ordinary process of sounding. 



At 11.10 a. m. another trial was made near the south side of Izhut 

 Bay, Afognak Island, a distance of 19 miles west of our former po- 

 sition, on rocky bottom in 30 fathoms, the inner end of the trawl 

 being one-half mile from the shore. Pillar Cape, situated on the 

 north side of the bay, directly at its mouth, bearing NE. J E. 5 miles 

 distant. At 3 p. m. a third test of the ground was made off Narrow 

 Strait, 3.8 miles from South Point, Spruce Island, which bore W. ^ S. 

 The combined catch at these stations was 52 cod, 4 halibut, 1 rockfish, 

 and 13 sculpins. The average w^eight of the halibut was 18-| pounds, 

 average length 25^ inches. One weighed 45 pounds and was 43 

 inches in length. The cod were fairly large and of good quality. 



The ground covered on this day does not indicate that a large body 

 of halibut might be expected at this season, although it is reported 

 by local fishermen that at times they are to be found in paying 

 quantities, more especially in the vicinity of Marmot Bay. It is quite 

 evident that cod at most seasons are quite plentiful. 



At 5 a. m., July 20, in latitude 58° 06' 30'' N., longitude 151° 00' 

 00" W., a trial was begim in 65 fathoms of water, on coarse sandy 

 bottom, lasting 45 minutes; 1 halibut and 11 cod taken. The result 

 was not as satisfactory as expected, although the character of the 

 bottom was such as should attract halibut. 



At 11.55 a. m., about 14 miles from the position of the last sta- 

 tion, in latitude 58° 03' 00" N., longitude 150° 32' 00" W., 8 halibut, 

 13 cod, 2 rockfish, and an octopus were caught; depth, 50 fathoms; 

 rocky bottom. The halibut averaged 13^ pounds and 33 inches. 

 There was very little food in their stomachs. The eggs of one had 

 the appearance of being well developed. The ground bore evidence 

 of being rich in marine growth, several clusters of crinoids being 

 taken on the hooks of the trawl. In this locality the indications are 

 9275°— 13 17 



