2382 AWARD OF THE FISHERY COMMISSION. 



the gulf, but not usually good on both coasts at the same time ? A. I 

 have known it to be good on both coasts, but when we can fiud it good 

 at home we should rather fish there. 

 Q. It has not been very good this year ! A. No, it is not. 



By Mr. Trescot : 



Q. How does the fishing on the coast compare with the fishing in the 

 gulf f A. With the same kind of fishing, do you mean ? 



Q. No; but with the kind of fishing that is practiced, which is seine 

 fishing altogether. How does the seine fishing on the coast compare with 

 hand-line fishing in the gulf? Is it or is it not cheaper ! A. With the 

 same quantity of fish taken, we can do it a good deal cheaper at home. 



By Mr. Weatherbe : 



Q. Generally speaking, it is cheaper fishing ? A. Yes ; it is cheaper 

 at home, because at home we can catch 100 barrels to-day and pack them 

 to-morrow. 



Q. You are only speaking now of the years when it is prosperous on 

 your coast? A. Yes. 



Q. You are not speaking of an average of, say, 10 or 15 years ! Take 

 the most prosperous fishing on your coast and the most prosperous 

 years in the gulf, there is more to be made in the gulf-fishing ? A. No, 

 sir ; not with the same class of fishing. 



Q. I suppose you didn't make up any estimate? A. No; but I have 

 it in my mind and in my books. 



Q. Had you been in the business of mackerel-fishing on your own 

 coast before you came into the gulf? A. Yes. 



Q. Do you carry it on yet ? A. No ; I gave it up altogether. 



By Mr. Davies : 



Q. When you speak of 15 per cent, of the mackerel being caught in- 

 shore, do you embrace in that the mackerel caught by the boats ? A. 

 No; that has nothing to do with the provincial fishermen. I speak of 

 our catch. 



By Mr. Weatherbe : 



Q. You commenced in 1861 down there in Charlottetown ? A. Yes ; 

 the first business I did there was in the fall of 1861. 

 Q. You had an establishment at Cascurupec ? A. No. 



No. 36. 



BENJAMIN ASHBY, of Noank, Connecticut, fisherman, called on be- 

 half of the Government of the United States, sworn and examined. 



By Mr. Dana : 



Question. Noank is situated to the eastward of New London ? An- 

 swer. Yes, about seven miles from New London. 



Q. It is between New London and Stoniugton ! A. Yes, about mid- 

 way. 



Q. Are you now attached to the United States schooner Speedwell ? 

 A. No, I am not, 



Q. How many years had you been fishing ? A. Forty-four this last 

 April. 



Q. How old were you when you began ? A. Nine years old. 



Q. You are Benjamin Ashby, junior. Your father is living, and a fish- 

 erman ? A. He is living, but he is too big to be a fisherman ; he has 

 been. 



