438 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [2] 



One of the most important works contemplated by the Commission 

 is a comprehensive study of the movements of migratory fishes in the 

 spring and autumn when they are approaching and leaving the feeding 

 grounds frequented by them in summer. Hitherto less has been done 

 in that special line of research than is desirable, owing chiefly to the 

 fact that the Commission has not had at its disposal the requisite means 

 for conducting so complete an investigation as seems to be necessary. 

 In order to continuously follow the movements of the migratory species 

 it is necessary to have a sailing vessel which is able to keep the sea in 

 all weathers. Besides, having sails alone as a motive power, it is not 

 dependent upon a supply of coal, and may, if necessary, remain at sea 

 for weeks or months in succession. 



An additional requisite for this work is to have a vessel which is 

 adapted to and fit for carrying on fishing operations, and upon which 

 various appliances and methods for the capture of fish can be used, in 

 order that the presence of fish in any locality may be determined even 

 when they do not come to the surface. 



The Grampus is also fitted with appliances with which the various 

 forms of minute life that constitute the food of most species of the migra- 

 tory fishes can be obtained. 



She is specially adapted to making researches at sea for the discovery 

 and practical investigation of fishing grounds, as well as for collecting 

 the fauna of the localities visited, and thus determining the value of 

 certain regions for commercial fishing. 



Perhaps the most important thing, however, in connection with the 

 building of the Grampus was the opportunity afforded to attempt the 

 introduction of new ideas in the construction of fishing vessels, both as 

 relates to form and rig. 



For many years previous to 1885, the tendency had been to build 

 vessels employed in the ocean fisheries from New England wide, shal- 

 low and sharp, the object being to obtain speed and also considerable 

 sail-carrying power, since it was believed the latter was necessary to 

 produce a swift sailing schooner. This form not only failed to produce 

 the best results in the matter of speed, but it was highly dangerous, for 

 when exposed to a gale a vessel constructed on such principles is liable 

 to be capsized by heavy seas, and since her center of gravity is not 

 sufficiently low to enable her to right again, the consequence has been 

 that in such cases schooners have generally filled and sunk with all on 

 board. 



On many occasions the loss of life and property from this cause bas 

 been enormous, and the average for a period of years has been great. 

 In the ten years from 1874 to 1883, inclusive, Gloucester alone lost 

 eighty-two schooners that foundered at sea, of which seven were aban- 

 doned in a sinking condition. But on those never heard from eight 

 hundred and ninety-live men were lost. 



While an increase in the depth of these vessels was the most impor- 



