[21] THE FINMARK CAPELAN-FISHERIES. 187 
water in the Varanger-fiord was consequently very low, and remained in 
the neighborhood of +2° C. till the end of the fisheries. During the 
nights the temperature was often several degrees lower, and the surface 
water at times consequently still colder. I have not the slightest doubt 
that thereby the schools of capelan were to a great extent prevented 
from entering the Varanger-fiord. I also think that this unusually low 
temperature of the upper portion of the water is the reason why the 
capelan-cod went into such deep waters, and did not visit the banks 
as is their wont, and also why there was such a scarcity of small crusta- 
ceans. Even if one should not be inclined to aseribe so decided an in- 
fluence on the course of the capelan to the meteorological conditions as 
I do, I pevertheless believe that every one will agree with me that it 
will not do to be led by an old prejudice, and make the whale-tisheries 
solely responsible for the poor fisheries in the Varanger-fiord, without 
taking into consideration meteorological and other conditions, which very 
probably have had a good deal to do with it. 
I have in the above given a plain review of the opinions to which the 
investigations made by me during the present year have led me. If 
these opinions differ somewhat from those generally entertained in these 
regions, I can honestly confess that this is not caused by any pre-con- 
ceived prejudice on my part. On the contrary, it has been my desire as 
much as possible to meet the views of the inhabitants of these parts 
half-way; and I have therefore investigated all the complaints made 
against the whale-fisheries as conscientiously as possible. As a scien- 
tist I am obliged to confine myself strictly to the facts in the case, and 
I have found that these facts do not favor the popular opinion. If, in 
spite of this, I have declared my willingness to favor a reasonable limita- 
tion of the whale-fisheries, this has principally been done from reasons 
entirely different from those which have generally been advanced; my 
idea as to this proposed limitation, and the manner in which it.had best 
be carried out, also differs greatly trom that proposed in former years. 
