248 SCIENCE OF FISHING. 



nection that Prince Edward Island produced a value con- 

 siderably in excess of that of the previous year. 



It is difficult to assign a cause for such falling off in this 

 fishery; but there can be no doubt that the means of capture 

 in common use had a good deal to do with it. Schools of 

 mackerel are erratic in their movements, swarming into the 

 bays and harbours in the course of some seasons, and prac- 

 tically deserting them during others. In the latter event there 

 can be only one result: namely, a diminished catch even 

 though the fish may be plentiful a few miles off shore 

 owing to the fact that the fishing is largely fixed to the 

 shore. 



* A The increase in the value of oysters, which was recorded 

 in last year's report, is more than offset by the decrease 

 shown in the foregoing table. 



