XLVI REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
fishing, as well as for physical observations, whether along the sea- 
coasts or in the deepest parts of the ocean. 
The steamer Fish Hawlc , of 205 tons burden, was built when fish- 
cultural work along the coast was still regarded as experimental, 
and before the establishment of permanent hatching stations. She 
was designed, therefore, both as a floating hatchery and as a means 
for investigating fishery problems. To enable her to enter the shallow 
bays and river mouths in connection with the former service, her 
draft was made as light as possible, with a corresponding decrease 
in her seagoing qualities, but she is nevertheless well adapted for ex- 
plorations, and her early trips to the offshore fishing-banks first demon- 
strated the expediency of having a steamer entirely suited to that class 
of work. The equipment of the Fish Hawh is similar in character to 
that provided on the Albatross , and equally efficient for use in shallow 
water. With the increase in number of hatching stations her services 
have been diverted more and more to the requirements of this division, 
and during the past year she has been largely occupied with the oyster 
and other scientific surveys. 
The schooner Grampus is a modern fishing vessel of 83 tons burden, 
combining the best features of the American and English types. While 
serving primarily as a pattern for the improvement of the offshore fishing 
smacks, in which she has been entirely successful, she is also provided 
with the means of sounding and dredging in moderate depths of water, 
and of using all kinds of fishing apparatus. Her investigations have 
had reference chiefly to the migrations of the mackerel and* to the con- 
ditions of the red-snapper banks in the Gulf of Mexico. 
Facilities for special researches respecting the structure, life history, 
and habits of useful fishes and other kindred subjects are afforded by 
the several vessels, but more particularly by the large and well-equipped 
laboratory at the Wood’s Holl Station, one of the most important of 
its character in the world. The aquaria at Washington also furnish 
the means for similar observations on a smaller scale, and temporary 
stations may readily be established anywhere along the seacoast or on 
the interior waters when such a course is necessary. The inland work, 
relating to the lakes and rivers, is at present chiefly carried on by 
temporary parties of volunteers, who make such observations as are 
possible in the field and conclude their examination of the specimens at 
convenient stations. The University of Indiana, at Bloomington, has 
been the headquarters for the surveys conducted under the direction of 
Dr. David S. Jordan, the remainder centering at Washington, where 
opportunities for investigations are provided by both the Fish Commis- 
sion and the National Museum. The Commission is still dependent 
upon volunteers and temporary assistants for much of its scientific 
work, but it is hoped that the means for employing a larger permanent 
staff may soon be furnished. 
