[49] WORK OF FT>S1T T'OMMI^^SIOX STFA^rKR ALHATROSS. 105 



on board the ship at iTewport, JR.. I,, as soon after the arrival of the train 

 as was practicable. 



The instructions referred to above stated that — 



" The principal object of this cruise will be to learn what may be as- 

 certained in regard to the rate of travel, places of occurrence, extent of 

 distribution, and all other phenomena connected with the southward 

 movement of the menhaden, mackerel, bluefish, &c.; and particularly 

 to ascertain the precise region where they seem to pass away from view, 

 which is supposed to be the deep waters off Cape Hatteras. 



" The occurrence of fishing vessels and their proportional abundance 

 in different localities should also be noted. 



" If the opportunity permits to test the hand or the trawl line in de- 

 termining the presence of particular kinds of fish at certain depths, I 

 should be pleased to have this done." 



In order to carry out these instructions, it was necessary that a sup- 

 ply of suitable bait should be obtained for the cruise; not only because 

 it would be indispensable in case hand or trawl lines were to be used, but 

 also because it might be found eminently serviceable for tolling up mack- 

 erel or bluefish to the surface of the water should the weather prove 

 favorable and the fish could not be otherwise seen. 



Newport being a favorable locality to secure menhaden, which were 

 thought to be more desirable for bait than any other species of fish, it 

 was decided to remain there until Monday, October 15, by which time 

 it was hoped the weather would prove favorable, not only for the local 

 fishermen to pursue their operations, but also for us to proceed to sea 

 and make the observations alluded to above. 



It should be stated here that the weather during the previous two or 

 three days had not been good for fishing, and therefore few if any men- 

 haden had been taken in the vicinity of I^Tewport ; but even if there 

 had been fair catches (it being Saturday evening when I joined the 

 ship), it would have been impracticable to get bait so late in the week, 

 since the catch would have all been disposed of. There was, therefore, 

 nothing to do but to wait. 



The evening of the 13th was dull with a drizzly rain and wind light 

 from the southward. 



Sunday, October 14. — The wind was moderate, veering from SW. in the 

 morning to the westward and northward, until in the evening it was 

 WNW. Fog and rain prevailed during the morning, followed in the 

 evening by clearing weather. 



Monday, October 15.— The wind blew from NNE. and NE. a brisk 

 breeze most of the day, with decidedly cool weather. 



I went ashore in the morning and interviewed the fishermen and fish- 

 dealers to learn what were the prospects of obtaining bait. They all 

 agreed in stating that there was little chance with the prevailing wind 

 and weather of any menhaden being caught either in traps or by sein- 

 ing gangs. Having been referred to Mr. Noah Thompson as the person 



