INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALBATROSS. 
465 
bottom is found may be considered a fishing ground. Red rock-cod 
and fat-heads are found from close to the rocks out into depths of 90 
fathoms, but they are most abundant where the water is from 15 to 25 
fathoms deep. Some places are much more favorably regarded than 
others. Anacapa Passage is one of the best grounds, and can gener- 
ally be relied on throughout the entire year. In the vicinity of Richard- 
son Rock is another good ground, and Wilson Rock is considered the 
most prolific spot about the islands during the first three months of the 
year. Between these rocks and the northern end of San Miguel Island 
red rock-cod, fat-heads, and whitefish occur in considerable numbers in 
the summer, but during winter these species are more abundant about 
the rocky patches off the shores of Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and Anacapa- 
The best ground for yellow-tails is in close proximity to Wilson Rock. 
The best season for fishing is during the winter mouths, when the 
winds are variable and gentle. In summer the northwest trades sweep 
down the coast, often with great velocity. At such times the fishermen 
resort to the northern end of the group, thereby receiving the benefit of 
a fair wind to Santa Barbara when a full load has been secured. 
Rainy weather affects the movements of both surface and bottom fish. 
Mr. Larco states that he seldom finds anything in his nets during a 
rainy spell, and long experience has taught him to resort to some other 
method of fishing duning such times. 
The salt-water crayfish ( Panulirus interruptus ) is caught in trammel 
nets and in small net traps. The latter are very much like the traps 
used by the boat fishermen along the shores of Long Island Sound and 
Massachusetts Bay for catching cunners. They are somewhat smaller, 
however, and have two iron hoops instead of one, to which the net is 
fastened. One is at the top and measures about 2 feet in diameter; 
while the second, at the bottom, is only 10 inches across. They are 
placed 2J feet apart, that being the length of the trap. A wire cage 
about the size of a saucer is attached at the bottom and serves to hold 
the bait. The bridle, to which the line for lowering and hauling the trap 
is fastened, consists of four lines tied to the upper hoop. These lines are 
rove through a small piece of wood which acts as a float to prevent their 
settling down over the cage and covering the bait. When resting on the 
bottom the top hoop falls in such a manner as to fully disclose the bait. 
Mr. Larco’s boats are all carvel-built and with keels; they are open 
and have a wash rail, small deck forward, and lateen rig. They are 
about 25 feet long, 7 feet wide, have a straight stem and sharp stem, 
with the rudder hung outside. The accommodations for sleeping and 
cooking, as in all other boats of this class, are very poor. The fish are 
thrown into the bottom of the boat as soon as caught, and covered 
with sea-weed to protect them from the sun. 
H. Mis. 274 30 
