{83} MATERIALS FOR A HISTORY OF THE SWORD-FISHES. 371 
38. Are there any special peculiarities in the manner of feeding of 
these fish ?—Answer. By killing; striking with the sword. 
H.—REPRODUCTION. 
46. Where do these fish spawn, and when ?—Answer. Do not spawn 
here. 
M.—-PARASITES. . 
70. Are crabs, worms, lampreys, or other living animals found attached 
to the outside or on the gills of these fish ?—Answer. Lernez on body. 
O.—ECONOMICAL VALUE AND APPLICATION. 
t 
78. What disposition is made of the fish caught; whether used on the 
spot, or sent elsewhere, and if so, where ?—Answer. Sent to Boston. 
84. What were the highest and lowest prices of the fish per pound dur- 
ing the past season, wholesale and retail, and what the average, and 
how do these compare with former prices ?—Answer. From 4 to 8 cents, 
retail; $4 a barrel (salted). Ten years ago, $10 to $12 a barrel, salted. 
EL 
FROM MR. JOHN H. THOMSON, NEW BEDFORD, MASS. 
LN. B.—The numbers correspond to the questions printed under letter No. IL, 
‘preceding. | 
NEw Brprorn, December 5, 1874. 
G. Brown Goong, Esq.: 
Yours 30th November received. Having been for several years en- 
gaged in the fisheries of this vicinity, and also since then being located 
alongside of one of our principal fish-markets, I think [ can answer some 
of your inquiries. I will reply somewhat in the shape of answers to the 
questions named in the circular (the number of question on the margin). 
Nos. 3, 11, 12. They appear on our south coast, south of Block Island, 
about May 25 to June 1; they appear to come from the southwest, or 
just inside the track of the Gulf Stream; they gradually approach Vine- 
yard Sound and vicinity during June to July 10 to 15; they appear to 
leave, working to southeast, and are oft southeast of Crab Ledge about 
the middle of July. This school is of comparative small size, averaging 
about 150 pounds gross, or, say, denuded.of head, tail, &c., about 100 
pounds as delivered in market. These fish are of a. light plumbeous 
hue, darker on back and white on belly, the smallest being, say, 4 feet 
long (including sword), &¢., weighing 30 to 40 pounds; the largest, say, 
84 feet (including sword, &c.), weighing 300 pounds gross. At about 
that time (August 1), another school of late years has appeared south- 
east of Cape Cod and George’s Bank, consisting of altogether different 
