AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 1169 



City of Gloster, Stephen Mitchell, master, of Cape Ann; the Pettingale, 

 Hector McKenzie or McKeen, master, of Gloucester, Cape Ann. The 

 vessels I saw in this neighborhood came to purchase bait, which they 

 procured. 



I have sold bait to United States fishing-vessels; I have baited six 

 of such vessels, supplying each vessel with fifty barrels herrings, for 

 which I was paid from twenty to twenty-five dollars each vessel. 



Newfoundland fishermen fish within three miles of the shore. The 

 Newfoundland fishery is an inshore fishery. 



The caplin, herring, and squid fishery is inshore. Squid, at certain 

 times, are taken a mile from the land, but generally are taken in the 

 coves of the different bays. 



1 never heard tell of a Newfoundland vessel fishing on the United 

 States coast. About thirty American vessels frequent Fortune Bay for 

 the purchase of frozen herring in winter, which they purchase because 

 they can purchase cheaper than they can catch. American fishermen, 

 do refit their vessels as required on their visits to these parts. 



I do think that the supply of fresh bait to the Americans, who fish in 

 large numbers on the Banks off our coast, helps greatly to shorten the 

 catch of our local fishermen, and that the short catch on our south- 

 western shores this summer has been caused by the extra number of 

 Americans thus engaged. My opinion is that the Americans do more 

 harm to us in this way than the French. We can see the difference 

 marked by the facts of this year and last. 



I estimate that there are about 200,000 barrels of herrings annually 

 supplied the French at St. Pierre from this bay; the value of this 

 bait would be 1,600,000 francs. In addition to this they take capliu and 

 squids, the value of which I am unacquainted with. 



There are several ice-houses in this neighborhood. American fishing- 

 vessels, I know, avail of these for the preservation of bait, but I cannot 

 say to what extent. I am informed that a larger number of American 

 vessels will next year visit these parts for bait and ice, for which, I 

 understand, arrangements have been made between American captains 

 and residents on these shores. 



GEORGE ROSE. 



Sworn to before me, at Jersey Harbor, Fortune Bay, this 4th Novem- 

 ber, 1876. - 



J. O. FEASER, 

 Commissioner of Affidavits. 



No. 55. 



JOHN EVANS, aged 43 years, fisherman, residing at English Harbor, 

 Fortune Bay, N. F., maketh oath and saith that - 



I know the fisheries of Newfoundland by following the same for thirty 

 years. I have seen United States fishing- vessels in this neigh borhood. 

 A large fleet of such vessels frequent these parts for bait. I should say 

 not less than one hundred sail. These vessels run from about 60 to 100 

 tons ; they came here to purchase bait and did purchase bait. I have 

 sold bait to United States fishing vessels, and have baited altogether 

 some seven or eight vessels, the price being about twenty-five dollars 

 per vessel for each vessel for from 30 to 70 barrels of herriug. New- 

 foundland fishermen catch fish within three miles of the shore. The 

 Newfoundland fishery is an inshore fishery. The caplin. herring, and 

 squid fisheries are inshore fisheries, being taken in the coves and harbors 

 of the coasts. I do not know of a Newfoundland fishing- vessel having 

 74 F 



