504 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [14] 



On the 9th the weather was fine, with some cloudiness and indica- 

 tions of rain, with a gentle to moderate breeze varying from northwest 

 to south-southwest, and brief periods of calms. Between 5.30 and 

 6.15 a. m. tried for cod with hand-lines baited with fresh capelin; no 

 fish were taken. 



At G.30 a. m. put out ship's dredge in 51 fathoms on the western edge 

 of Natasquau Bank. Little of interest or value was taken in the dredge. 

 The small surface towing net was used several times during the day, 

 but nothing was taken in it. 



During the 10th the wind varied from west by north to northwest by 

 west, blowing a moderate breeze in the early part, baffling and un- 

 steady in force, with calms, for the rest of the day. The weather was 

 pleasant but hazy, with a strong mirage in the afternoon which dis- 

 torted the appearance of the laud very much. 



Phalaropes were abundant and two were shot in the afternoon. The 

 surface net was towed on several occasions, but nothing was taken in it. 



At 3.30 p. m. spoke with a fishing-boat, which was running in for 

 harbor, off Esquimaux Island. We came to anchor shortly before 8 p. 

 m. in 27 fathoms, off the western end of Large Island of the Mingan 

 group, which bore north one-half east, about 4 miles distant. I had 

 wished to reach the Parroquets, of the Mingan group, before anchor- 

 ing, but as the wind died away to nearly a calm and the tide was 

 making to the eastward, it was decided to anchor and wait for an in- 

 crease of wind or a change of tide. After anchoring we put out hand- 

 lines baited with capelin, and caught one small codfish. 



At 4.15 a. m. on the 11th we got under way with a stiff east-southeast 

 breeze, the weather at the time having a threatening appearance. We 

 ran for Mingan Island, which we left on the port, and stood in for a 

 fishing station on the maiuland opposite the island, where we anchored 

 at 5.48 a. m., in twenty fathoms of water, about two- thirds of a mile 

 from shore. The object in anchoring there was to make inquiries con- 

 cerning the occurrence of halibut in the vicinity of Mingan Island, and 

 also to obtain some information about the gray seal (Halichcerus grypus) 

 that frequents this region and which we wished to get specimens of. 



Immediately after we anchored two men came off from the shore in a 

 boat and boarded us. One of these gave us much information concern- 

 ing the seals, halibut, and topography of the region. The latter in- 

 formation was very important, since I had no charts on board of that 

 locality on a scale sufficiently large to be useful. 



It was determined to make an effort to obtain some seals that day, 

 since the weather was not suitable for fishing. Therefore, at 7.15 a. in., 

 we got under way and ran over for Mingan Island, where we anchored 

 half an hour later in 25 fathoms, the center of the island bearing 

 southeast about one-half mile distant. Immediately after anchor- 

 ing, I went on shore, accompanied by Messrs. Lucas and Palmer, with 

 two seamen to look after the boat. Rifles and guns were carried so 



