[29] PLAN OF INQUIRY FOR FISHERY CENSUS. 31 
(28. ) 
QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE COD AND THE COD 
FISHERIES.* 
OFFICE OF U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES, 
Washington, D. C. 
The most important of the marine food-fishes of Eastern North Amer- 
ica is the Cod (Gadus morrhua). The fresh fish are extensively sold in 
Northern markets, while salted .and dried they form a staple of great 
commercial importance. 
It is considered very desirable to obtain a full account of the habits, 
migrations, &c., of this fish, as well as complete statistics of its capture 
and eicrcial relations. The statistics of the fisheries of Labrador 
and the Grand Banks of Newfoundland are particularly desired. I beg 
leave to call attention to the inclosed table of questions, and to request 
answers to as many as practicable, to be addressed to the U. 8S. Commis- 
sion of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C. This circular may also 
apply to the codfish of the Pacific coast of North America. Replies 
should be made on foolscap paper, if equally convenient, and written on 
one side only of the page. 
The information thus obtained will be embodied in a report to Con- 
gress, in which full credit will be given to all contributors. 
Many very full and satisfactory communications have already been 
received in response to a former circular containing questions about the 
cod fisheries. Thanking those who have already responded for their 
efficient aid, I beg to call their attention to this revised series of ques- 
tions, and to ask that they will read them attentively and add any new 
suggestions which may occur to them. Attention is especially requested 
to the questions relating to migrations and schooling (18-32, inclusive), 
and very especially to No. 29, which is introduced to elicit information 
regarding the large schools which have appeared on our coast during the 
autumn and winter of 1877. 
I would also request new answers to questions 62-90, inclusive. The 
former circular failed to draw out all the information desired upon the 
statistics of the fisheries. 
SPENCER F. BAIRD, 
Commissioner. 
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, Washington, D. C. 
A.—WName. 
1. Is the cod ever known by any other name ? 
2. Are there names for special varieties of the cod? 
*These questions may also apply to the other fishes of the cod family, the haddock, 
pollock, hake, and cusk, and to the halibut and flounder, also scup, sea-bass, and 
tautog. 
