INTEODUCTION. XI 



and outlines assigned to the grounds are, in the main, correct. In resorting to offshore grounds, 

 the fishermen make use of a patent log for determining distances, and also ascertain their positions 

 by observations for latitude and longitude, and their statements respecting localities at a distance 

 from shore are as reliable as could be obtained from any source. 



The limited time available for the preparation of the account of the fishing grounds of Eastern 

 North America prevented the incorporation of materials bearing upon their temperature, currents, 

 and general natural history characteristics — subjects that cannot be ignored in the study of the 

 fishery resources of any region. Many data of this character have been obtained by the United 

 States Pish Commission, and, although some of them have lieen already published in brief reports, 

 the greater portion are still in process of elaboration, and will be issued at a future date in such 

 form as to conveniently supplement this report. 



The text composing this section was finished and sent to the printer in 1882. Delays in print- 

 ing and in the preparation and engraving of the charts have enabled the writers, in connection with 

 the latter, to add much information obtained since 1880, especially respecting the cod and halibut 

 fisheries of the large offshore banks. This new material is contributed by Captain Collins, and is 

 the result of studies continued through many years, and based mainly upon his own observations 

 and those of the Gloucester fishermen directly concerned in the facts recorded. It brings the his- 

 tory of the more important cod and halibut fisheries down to the spring of 1885, and notes the 

 principal changes that have taken place in recent years in the character and richness of the dif- 

 ferent parts of the offshore banks. 



The charts have been drawn by Mr. C. E. Gorham, assistant on the United States Pish Com- 

 mission, and engraved by the Photo-Engraving Company of New York. All distances recorded 

 with respect to the eastern coast of North America are in nautical miles. 



Washington, December 30, 1885. 



» [Note. — Since this introduction was put in type it has been found possible to add to this 

 report a brief discussion of the surface ocean temperatures along the Atlantic coast, with a series 

 of thirty-two graphic charts, which are given at the end of this section.] 



