[15] PLAN OF INQUIRY FOR FISHERY CENSUS. 17 
MODE OF INVESTIGATION. 
Each of these topics suggests a line of research which would be more 
or less instructive in different communities. 
The manner of working up these points must be left to the discretion 
and ingenuity of the investigator. In many instances it will be quite 
impossible to gain definite information; in others much that is valuable 
may be obtained which is not even hinted at above. The headings 
are simply suggestions. This line of investigation cannot be too fully fol- 
lowed up. 
In working up this division, as well as those which follow (viz: divis- 
ions IV, V, VI, and VII), much may be learned by the methods men- 
tioned below. 
A.—By interviewing as many practical fishermen as possible. 
B.—By interviewing fishery capitalists, owners and fitters of vessels. 
When there is any chance of success, they should be asked to allow an 
inspection of their books, for the purpose of 6btaining accurate statis- 
tics of trade in present and past years. Bookkeepers and clerks may 
be paid for services in searching records. It is not the object of the in- 
vestigation to pry into the secrets of private business, and pledges may 
be given that information obtained from persons engaged in business 
will be kept secret, and used only in preparing the general statistics of 
the industry. 
C.—By interviewing the “oldest inhabitants,” retired fishermen, sea- 
captains, &c., and obtaining from them reminiscences of former meth- 
ods, seasons of abundance, &c. The value of information thus obtained 
cannot be overestimated. Especial attention should be given to it. 
The following subjects are especially to be studied in this manner: 
1. The introduction of new methods of fishing, with dates. 
2. The early history of all branches of the fishery prosecuted in that 
vicinity. 
3. Supposed increase and decrease of abundance of fishes. 
4. Changes in size and model of fishing-vessels. 
D.—By interviewing the local clergymen and physicians with refer- 
ence to vital and social statistics of fishing population. In the case of 
clergymen, those who have been for the longest time permanent resi- 
dents of the community should be visited as well as those who, from 
more recent acquaintance, may have clearer and stronger impressions. 
E.—By obtaining what information may be available from the store- 
keepers patronized by the fishing population. 
F.—By gaining access, as often as possible, to files of local papers 
preserved in the offices or in town libraries. This method cannot be too 
strongly commended. A week or two might be well spent in ransacking 
the back numbers of local papers of any fishing town. 
S. Mis. 29—-2 
