2.— STATISTICAL REVIEW OF THE COAST FISHERIES OF THE 
• UNITED STATES. 
[Prepared under the direction of J. W. Collins, Assistant in charge of 
Division of Fisheries. ] 
I.— EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
Limitation of space . — It seems proper to explain at the outset that 
the space available for the publication of this review limits the descrip- 
tive notes to the smallest proportions, and has also made it necessary 
to abridge the statistical statements more than was at first contem- 
plated. The material available is sufficient to show in much greater 
detail the principal features of the fisheries, particularly so far as minor 
civil divisions are concerned. 
Scope and objects of the review . — This report is limited chiefly to the 
coast fisheries of the United States. As a rule, inquiries have been 
prosecuted on the coast rivers only to the head of tidewater, though in 
some cases (especially on the Pacific slope) the canvass was carried suffi- 
ciently high to embrace all commercial fishing. In general, the statistics 
may be said to cover ouly the coast and sea fisheries, but their scope 
will appear more clearly in subsequent explanations under each State. 
In most cases the period covered by the tables embraces the calendar 
years of 1887 and .1888. Exceptions to this are the Pacific States aud 
some of the Gulf States, for which figures for 1888 alone are presented. 
The review has been compiled with the object of showing the status 
of the fisheries from various points of view, some of which are novel, so 
far at least as their application to the whole coast is concerned. The 
general plan of the arrangement of the tables is as follows : 
l. A series of general tables exhibits by States aud geographical sec- 
tions the most prominent features of the fisheries, such as the persons 
employed in various capacities; the character, quantity, and value of 
apparatus; the products aud values by fisheries. In these tables are 
also introduced certain comparative statements which are thought to 
be interesting and valuable as well as novel. 
271 
