VIII REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



until the present time. The labor of compilation devolved upon Dr. 

 Hugh M. Smith and Mr. MerwinMarie Snell, and the introduction and 

 description of fishing vessels and boats were prepared by Capt. J. W. 

 Collins, assistant in charge of the division of fisheries. 



The review includes descriptions of the fishing grounds, sketches of 

 the various methods of fishing, of the fishermen, the species of fish cap- 

 tured, the limits of the fishing season, the disposition of the catch, the 

 statistics of the fisheries with reference to the influence of artificial 

 propagation of several important species. Illustrations are given of 

 the principal food fishes, fishing vessels and apparatus, the methods 

 and processes pursued in various important fisheries, and there are 

 maps of the fishing regions, together with charts showing the location 

 of fixed apparatus. The work comprises 328 pages and 44 plates, be- 

 sides numerous maps, charts, etc., and is the most important con- 

 tribution to our knowledge of the Great Lake fisheries which has yet 

 appeared. 



The report on the work of the steamer Albatross, by Lieuteuant Com- 

 mander Tanner, consists chiefly of a narrative of the cruise of the Alba- 

 tross from Norfolk to San Francisco, for the purpose of investigating 

 the fishery resources of the Pacific Coast. 



The steamer made upward of forty anchorages during the trip in vari- 

 ous harbors of the West Indies, South America, Galapagos Archipel- 

 ago, Mexico, and California. Shore collections were made at various 

 points, and the dredge and trawl were used when opportunity offered. 

 The scientific staff consisted of Prof. Leslie A. Lee, with Messrs. Thomas 

 Lee and Charles H. Townsend as civilian assistants. The narrative 

 gives a brief sketch of the regions visited, the inhabitants seen, and the 

 collections obtained. Important hydrographic soundings were made 

 during the voyage, and a valuable record of temperatures and specific 

 gravities for the eighteen months ending June 30, 1888. The report is 

 accompanied by four plates. 



The report on the construction of the schooner Grampus, by Capt. J. 

 W. Collins, the designer of the vessel, gives a complete history of the 

 preparation of this schooner for the investigation of the fishing grounds 

 and fisheries.^ It furnishes also complete details of the outfit carried 

 by the vessel and the methods employed in conducting investigations. 



The report is accompanied by 18 plates, showing interior and ex- 

 terior views of the Grampus and of certain appliances and apparatus 

 used in connection with her work. 



The report upon the operations of the U. S. Pish Commission schooner 

 Grampus from March 15, 1887, to June 30, 1888, by Capt, J. W. Collins 

 and Capt. D. E. Collins, relates to investigations during the spring of 

 1887 of the mackerel, halibut, and cod fisheries and of the former habi- 

 tat of the Great Auk. It contains also notes upon various species of fish 

 and other aquatic animals observed during the cruise of this vessel. It 

 gives important notes concerning the Newfoundland cod fishery, relative 



