FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 
101 
of New England fishermen employed in the Pacific cod fishery since it 
became a recognized industry. In the early days, when the fishery was 
most lucrative and important, it was not uncommon for whole crews of 
trained fishermen to sail for California on schooners purchased at New 
England ports for the trade. These men were peculiarly fitted to wield 
an important influence on the industry, for they carried to the Pacific a 
skill gained by years of experience in the Atlantic fisheries, and hardi- 
hood and daring unexcelled. But the business has attracted men of va- 
rious nationalities, particularly Europeans, and Americans are now, and 
for several years have been, in a decided minority. Thus, in 1888, out 
of a crew list of 188, only 30 were Americans, 147 were Scandinavians, 
8 were born under the British flag, and 3 were Portuguese. There 
appears to have been even a greater diversity in 1889. Of 35 fishermen 
selected at random, Alexander states 9 were Americans, 12 Scandina- 
vians, 6 Portuguese, 4 liussian-Finns, 2 Germans, and 2 Irish. 
The system of remuneration differs considerably from that generally 
adopted on the Atlantic coast, resembling the latter only to the extent 
that, with few exceptions, the amount earned by each fisherman de- 
pends upon the quantity of fish taken by him. Some of the men who 
have special duties receive a monthly stipeud and are sometimes paid, 
in addition, whatever they can earn by fishing. The captain of a cod- 
fishing vessel going to the Okhotsk Sea usually receives a stated sum 
(as agreed upon between him and the owners) per 1,000 fish landed, or 
he may be hired by the month. The mates, of whom there are generally 
three on the larger vessels, fish in dories the same as the regular fisher- 
men, and are paid a certain amount per 1,000 for their individual catch, 
the amount being graded according to their respective official positions, 
and being considerably more than is paid to the crew. Sometimes they 
are paid a certain amount per month and the same rate for the fish 
as the ordinary fishermen get. 
The fishermen proper, those who hold no official position and devote 
themselves exclusively to catching fish while on the banks, receive from 
$20 to $25 per 1,000 cod for all fish which measure 23 inches in length 
from tip of snout to end of tail. Cod 26 inches long and upwards, but 
less than 28 inches, count two for one; those less than 26 inches are 
not counted. Each man’s catch is counted and credited to him as he 
comes on board, and several trips may be made each day, if fish are 
plenty, since those who go in the dories have nothing to do with dress- 
ing or salting. 
On each of the large vessels are eight men, comprising two gangs, 
whose special duty is to dress and salt the catch. These include two 
splitters, two throaters, two headers or gutters, and two salters. These 
men remain on the vessel and receive monthly wages, ranging from 
$15 to $50 or more, the amount paid depending upon the skill and re- 
sponsibility of the individual. They also have the privilege of fishing 
over the vessel’s rail when not engaged in other duties. They are paid 
