1900 ] FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. 47 



On Saturday, the 17th, I visited Little Current. The wind was from the 

 south and blowing a gale, with snow. 



I was obliged to remain at Little Current until Friday 23rd, as it was blowing 

 a gale during the whole week with rain and snow at intervals, and no small craft 

 could live outside. 



I left Little Current at 8 a.m , although the gale had not abated very much, 

 and worked along slowly, reaching Killarney at 3 p.m. The fishermen had all 

 their boats hauled out and laid up for the season. 



On the 28th I went to Parry Sound, arriving at 3 p.m. The Shebeeshekong 

 Channel was frozen solid, and our heavy ice plates proved of great service in 

 preserving the vessel from being injured by the ice. 



On Thursday, 29th, I left Parry Sound at 7 a.m., calling at Sans Soucie at 

 10, which I found deserted. I then visited Copper Head Island, with the same 

 result. 



On Friday I came across two boats fishing for a few herring for home con- 

 sumption, but did not molest them, and in the afternoon I went to Jubilee 

 Island. 



I left Jubilee Island on Saturday morning at 7.30 for Penetang., calling at 

 Maxwell Island. 



On Monday the 3rd December I patrolled all along to Christian Islands, and 

 called at Giant's Tomb, Methodist Point and Thunder Bay, but found that all the 

 boats had been laid up for the winter. 



On Tuesday I left at 6.30 a.m. and arrived at Meaford at noon. Here I was 

 engaged in supplying the fishermen with blank forms to furnish the Department 

 with the returns of fish caught during the season. The tugs were away trying to 

 catch some white6sh with a small quantity of gill nets, as the close season had 

 expired. 



I left Meaford for Owen Sound at 7 a.m. on Thursday, 6th December, in 

 order to place the steamer in winter quarters. I made arrangements with Messrs. 

 Abbey Bros, for the care of the boat on the 7th, and the crew were engaged in 

 working at the machinery and storing everything moveable for the winter until 

 Thursday, 13th December, when I handed the "Gilphie" over to Messrs. A.bbey 

 Bros., and dismissed the crew. 



I have the honor to be, Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



A. Macaulay, Captain. 

 31st December, 1900. 



