REPORT UPON THE DIVISION OF FISHERIES. 353 



24 Instructions for fishery expert on the Albatross. — In the autumn of 

 1887 the steamer Albatross was ordered to the Pacific Ocean for the 

 purpose of studying the fishing grounds of that region, attempting the 

 discovery of new fishing areas, and carryiug on other investigations 

 for the purpose of developing the fishery resources of the region. 



In organizing the staff of naturalists and experts to accompany the 

 ship, after her arrival at San Francisco, it was thought necessary to in- 

 clude some one familiar with the methods pursued in the Atlantic fish- 

 eries, who could be intrusted with making inquiries relating to com- 

 mercial fishing, and whose experience would be of service in conduct- 

 ing fishing operations, preparing apparatus, etc. Accordingly, Mr. A. 

 B. Alexander, who had previously served on board the schooner Grampus, 

 was assigned to this duty on my recommendation. 



The instructions relating to the work to be performed by Mr. Alex- 

 ander on the Albatross were comprehensive and detailed. It is believed 

 they will prove amply sufficient for the purpose, and that he will be 

 able to make many important observations concerning the methods and 

 relations of the fishing industries on the Pacific coast. 



25. New forms of statistical blanks. — At the time I assumed control of 

 the work of the division the Schedules or blank forms used for collect- 

 ing statistics of the shore and vessel fisheries were the same as those pre- 

 pared for the census work of 1880. These did not include mauy details 

 that are important, and in various other respects they were inadequate 

 and unadapted to the work of fishery investigation as now conducted 

 by the Commission. For the above reasons, one of the first duties to 

 which my attention was directed was the preparation of new forms 

 which seemingly include all that is requisite for securing complete sta- 

 tistics of the extent and value of the fisheries. For convenience two 

 forms were adopted (instead of the single blank as formerly used), one 

 for the shore fisheries and another for the vessel fisheries, each of which 

 has distinctive features that render it inexpedient to have one schedule 

 apply to both. 



Instructions for the guidance of field agents were also prepared, and 

 it is believed that even those who have had comparatively little expe- 

 rience in collecting fishery statistics can, by using these blanks and con- 

 forming to the instructions, meet with success in obtaining the requisite 

 information. 



These schedules, when printed, have been bound in books containing 

 one hundred blanks each. A set of instructions adapted to the blanks 

 is bound in each book. The size of the blanks is such as is well adapted 

 to field work, since they are convenient for carrying in the pocket. 



I.— Notice of special matters affecting^ the fisheries. 



During the year just ended many things have occurred of more than 

 ordinary importance to the fisheries. While some of these matters have 

 been more or less closely associated with the work of the Commission, 

 H. Mis. 133 23 



