196 HISTOEY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



7. FINANCIAL PEOFITS. 



The George's cod fishery generally yields good returns to the fishermen and vessel owners, 

 though terrible disasters sometimes result from the winter storms and eat up most of the profits. 

 The most notable George's fare was 123,115 pounds round cod and 802 pounds halibut, by 

 schooner S. E. Lane, Capt. Solomon Jacobs, in 1875. The vessel stocked on this trip $2,554, 

 and the crew shared $90.81. Another large fare was brought home by the schooner Triton, aggre- 

 gating 54,000 pounds split and 30;000 pounds round cod. On five George's trips in a recent year 

 the crew of the schooner Procter Brothers took 21,544 codfish in number. Of her crew of eleven 

 men Mr. George Williamson was "high line," taking 2,417 fish, while the " low line" caught 1,431. 

 The schooner Montana a number of years ago landed 100,162 pounds cod from a fourteen days' 

 trip, and in two trips secured 183,362 pounds, making a gross stock of $3,417.32. One of the most 

 valuable single fares was by the schooner Madame Eoland, in 1865, when $2,833.29 was stocked. 

 Eight vessels owned by Mr. George Steele, between January 12 and March 24, 1863, stocked 

 $17,237.17. 



8. THE FITTING OUT OF THE GEOEGE'S FLEET AT THE CLOSE OF THE VVINTEE. 



The Cape Ann Weekly Advertiser, of January 29, 1875, gives this graphic sketch of the 

 peculiar characteristics of the George's fishery on the occasion of the fitting out of the fleet at the 

 beginning of the year : 



"The season is again at hand when the fish are about schooling on George's Banks, and the 

 fishermen are anxious to drop them a line and thereby obtain some returns which will relieve the 

 pressing necessities of themselves and families. 



"To this end some fifty sail are now fitting away, and in another fortnight another fifty, and 

 perhaps more will follow. The crafts are being put in the best possible condition to stand the 

 rough weather which is almost certain to be met with at this season on these perilous fishiug 

 grounds. Down on the wharves you will witness busy scenes. On board the stanch crafts the 

 carpenters have put in the ice-houses and arranged the pens for the fish. The best suit of sails 

 have been bent; the rigging, cables, and anchors thoroughly overhauled and made as strong as 

 wood, iron, and rope can make them. The topmasts have been sent down, the vessels put in 

 thorough order below and aloft for the important part they are to take in the work of prosecuting 

 mid-winter fishing. 



"The steward, who occupies a most responsible position, is getting his stores on board, not 

 forgetting a goodly quantity of fuel, and he will see to it that the fishermen, after their daily toil 

 in palling cod and halibut from so many fathoms down, have plenty of well-cooked victuals to eat 

 and a cup of hot coffee whenever they want it. They carry excellent provisions and live well on 

 board the George's-men, and a first-class steward prides himself on having a good quantity of 

 'grub' on hand. 



"Now, all is ready. The good-byes have been said at home, the wife and little ones kissed, 

 the 'God bless and return you safe,' whispered into ears which will remember it through the 

 howling gale when danger is nigh, and the trim schooners, strong and saucy-looking, feel the 

 northwest wind oil their sails, and dashing boldly out by Eastern Point, the skippers shape their 

 course ESE., and with a whole sail breeze they arrive on the Banks after a run of some twenty 

 hours. Then they take their bearings, and choose what they think will be a good berth ; down 

 goes the anchor, everything is made snug, and as soon as possible they give the fish a try. The 

 pien ing cold and flying spray does not deter the fishermen ; it is a matter of business with them. 



