272 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
2. A series of tables for each State presents in considerable detail the 
following points : 
a. Persons employed in different capacities. 
b. The vessels, boats, and apparatus employed, and the capital 
invested. 
c. The products and values by species. 
d. The products and values by vessel and shore fisheries. 
e. The products and values b 3 apparatus and species. 
In the New England States, where the vessel fisheries are so exten- 
sive and diversified, additional tables are given to show the relative 
importance of the fishing grounds and the fisheries prosecuted thereon 
by New England vessels. Under the head of each prominent fishing 
ground the following data are shown : 
/. Number and nationality of fishermen. 
g. Number, tonnage, and value of vessels. 
h. The quantities and values of each species taken. 
i. In the mackerel fishery, the relative catch by different forms 
of apparatus — seines, lines, and gill nets. 
In all States having important vessel fisheries, detailed tables are 
presented showing their extent by customs districts. 
No attempt has heretofore been made to show ail of these different 
phases of the fisheries upon a comprehensive scale. Thus, not only is 
it possible to understand the relative importance of the principal fishing 
grounds, but these tables exhibit many features of interest in connection 
with special fisheries for cod, mackerel, etc. A continuation of this 
system will make it possible to note the changes that occur from year to 
year in fisheries and fishing grounds, and will furnish valuable assist- 
ance in solving the many difficult and intricate international problems 
arising in connection with the sea fisheries. 
Sources of information. — -With limited exceptions, the statistics here- 
with presented are based upon data gathered by the special agents of 
the U. IS. Fish Commission. In some sections, however — notably in the 
Middle States — the information obtained on Treasury Circular, “ Statis- 
tics of the Fisheries,” has materially aided the Commission in making 
the compilations complete. 
The length of coast line covered by these tables, including the rivers, 
amounts to an approximate aggregate of 25,215 mil 6 s. 
General basis for tabulation. — In order to clearly show in one total the 
entire summation of different branches of the fisheries (by sections or 
States), it has been found necessary to reduce to the common unit of a 
pound certain products that are not usually handled on such a basis in 
the trade. While this is a departure from the ordinary method, it is 
thought that the end in view justifies it, and it is believed that the ex- 
planations that follow will prevent any misunderstanding. 
