418 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
Areport of Indian origin placed a bank 30 miles west (magnetic) from 
Shoal water Bay. Tlie change in the character of bottom led us to believe 
that the report might be correct, and a careful examination of the 
region resulted in the development of a bank about 20 miles in length, 
SW. and NE. (magnetic), and 12 miles in extreme width. Its eastern 
extremity, on which is 42 fathoms, rocky bottom, lies 15 miles SW. (mag- 
netic) from Point Ohehalis, the southern extremity of Gray’s Harbor. The 
soundings are quite regular, but the character of the bottom alternates 
between rock, gray sand, and mud. A trawl line was set at 5:52 a. in., 
September 23, in 58 fathoms, rocky bottom, No. 2870, on the southern 
edge of the bank, 2 black cod (Anoplopoma fimbria), 4 sharks, and 10 
red rockfish ( Sebastichthys ruber and Sebastichtkys pinniger) being taken. 
A haul of the beam trawl was made also, which developed more life on 
the bottom than had been found south of Cape Flattery, and indicated 
good feeding ground for fish. There is little doubt that at the proper 
season good fishing may be found on this bank. Several red rock-cod 
were taken with hand lines from the ship’s side. 
As soon as the haul was completed we ran 28 miles N.. 72° W., and at 
1:17 p. m. cast the trawl in 559 fathoms, brown ooze, No. 2871. The 
haul was successful, although made at great risk, owing to the heavy 
westerly swell which still rolled in. The surface net was towed as 
usual, but very little life was found. 
We steamed ahead under low speed for Cape Flattery, and at 7:26 
a. m., September 24, cast the trawl in 38 fathoms, gray sand, No. 2872, S. 
40° W., 8 miles from the light house, taking but few specimens. The 
trawl line was set, and 2 sharks and a starfish were the only catch, 
the baits being left undisturbed. Two red rockfish were taken with 
hand lines. 
The haul finished, we steamed across the Straits of Fuca, and at 12:15 
set the trawl line in 40 fathoms, No. 2873, N. 53° W ., 10J miles from 
Cape Flattery light-house. The trawl was lowered, but caught at once 
on the rough, rocky bottom, and the frame was lost, the wreck of the 
net coming up with the bridle. The tangles were then lowered in 27 
fathoms, rock and shells, No. 2874, N. 55° W., 11.3 miles from the light- 
house, the results showing a rich bottom fauna, or “live bottom,” as 
fishermen call it, which is usually found on halibut grounds. Another 
haul of the tangles, No. 2875, was made over the same ground with # 
similar results. The trawl line was allowed to remain on the bottom 3 
hours, and when hauled 4 halibut, 2 sharks, 4 red rockfish, and 3 star- 
fish were found on the hooks. The operations above described were on 
the well-known bank where in spring and early summer halibut are 
found in great numbers, and where the Indians from Cape Flattery have 
for many years procured their winter’s supply. 
A heavy westerly swell still rolled in, making it rather uncomforta- 
ble on board, except when head or stern to it, the result of remote 
gales which did not blow home. Wishing to make a harbor for the night. 
