REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [252] 



The officers of the steamer were making every effort to catch the ves- 

 sels, and resorted to many tricks in order to entrap them. Captain 

 Pool states that the steamer had several times come suddenly round 

 Point Miscou (in order to catch the American fishermen unawares). 

 Among other things, the officers of a cutter, when they boarded a ves- 

 sel, even if she were six or seven miles from the shore, would feel of the 

 fishing-lines to see if they were wet. — (Gloucester Telegraph, August 21, 

 1852.) 



1852. — Scarcity of mackerel. 



The Gloucester Telegraph says returns of mackerel at that port for 

 the past year fall short full one-half of what the receipts were last year; 

 cause, trouble with the English. Prospects for remainder of season not 

 favorable, and if vessels now out return with more than half a fare it is 

 more than is anticipated. — (Barnstable Patriot, August 28, 1852.) 



1852. — Arrivals from the bay. — reported interference of 



british cruisers. 



There have been several arrivals from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence since 

 our last, and they confirm our previous statements in regard to not being 

 allowed to fish in the Bay of Chaleur. * * * These vessels were 

 obliged to return home without obtaining a full fare; could they have 

 fished in the Bay of Chaleur they would have filled their vessels with 

 fat mackerel. * * * — (Gloucester Telegraph, August 25, 1852.) 



1852. — A SCHOOL OF MACKEREL OFF CAPE ANN. 



Quite a "school" of mackerel have been around our shore during the 

 week past, and our Rockport friends have reaped a rich harvest. Some 

 of the boats from our harbor have taken large quantities, but we under- 

 stand they had struck off yesterday. — (Gloucester Telegraph, August 

 28, 1852.) 



1852. — Reported scarcity of mackerel in the bay. 



Two or three vessels have arrived since our last, but they bring no 

 news of importance, except a scarcity of mackerel. — (Gloucester Tele- 

 graph, September 18, 1852.) 



1852 — The mackerel season drawing to a close. — small catch 

 of the fleet due to trouble in bay of saint lawrence. 



The fishing season for mackerel is fast drawing to a close, and there 

 are but few weeks left before the vessels will be hauled up. The re- 

 turns of mackerel this year at this port fall short full one-half of what 

 the receipts were at this time last year. This, owing mainly to the 

 trouble at the Bay of Saint Lawrence, the vessels being obliged to keep 

 farther from the shore than they heretofore have done, for fear the offi- 



