506 REPORT OP COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [16] 



the eastward in the early part of the clay, changed to north and north- 

 west later. The La Canadienne got under way at 4.30 a. m., and steamed 

 out of the harbor to continue her cruise. Although the weather was 

 clear and fine, and the wind reasonably moderate throughout the day, 

 there was a heavy surf rolling iu on the shores. It was the opinion of 

 all familiar with the habits of seals that none would haul out until the 

 sea got smooth, and for that reason it was not advisable for us to leave 

 the harbor to seek them. 



Mr. Lucas went up the river after trout, but, although fish were abun- 

 dant, none could be taken because the recent rains had caused a con- 

 siderable rise in the river and the water was too muddy for the fish to 

 see the bait or a fly. Messrs. Palmer and Baxter and one seaman went 

 across to the Inner Birch Island on a collecting trip. They returned 

 about 8 p. in., having met with only indifferent success. I made a col- 

 lecting trip to Harbor Island, but got only two pigeon hawks. 



We lay iu the harbor all day on the 14th, and nothing of especial mo- 

 ment occurred outside of an unsuccessful attempt to capture a pike whale 

 {Balwnoptera) that came near the vessel. 



On the 15th the conditions were favorable for seal hunting. As soon 

 as practicable the Indians who were to accompany us were brought on 

 board. They took with them their bark canoe, guns, and seal-skin 

 jackets for disguise. At 8.25 a. m. we got under way with a north- 

 westerly wind and beat down for the Parroquet Islands. When a little 

 to the westward of Mingan Island we hove- to for a short time, the wind 

 being fresh with a choppy sea getting up. It was finally decided to 

 anchor to the leeward of Mingan Island, which we did at 11.45 a. m., in 

 30 fathoms of water. About a half-mile to the southward of us a herd 

 of seals was seen hauled out on a long, rocky point. An unsuccessful 

 attempt was made to shoot some of the seals during the afternoon. 



While the party was on shore hunting seals, toll-bait was thrown for 

 mackerel, but without successful result. An attempt was made to 

 catch squid during the night watches, as on previous nights, but none 

 were taken. 



We lay at Mingan Island during the night, and before daylight on the 

 morning of the 16th a party went on shore hunting seals, but failed to 

 accomplish anything. Another attempt was made to "raise" mackerel 

 in the early morning with the same result as on the previous day. 



At 8.40 a. m. we got under way and beat over to the Parroquets. 

 When to the westward of Mingan Island Messrs. Palmer and Baxter, 

 with one seaman, left the vessel in a dory and landed on the island to 

 hunt for birds. Later we anchored in 34 fathoms northwest from East- 

 ern Dry Reef, about one-fourth of a mile distant. Seals were seen in 

 abundance swimming around the reef, but owing to the tide being flood, 

 and therefore deemed unfavorable by the Indians, an attempt to shoot 

 seals was deferred until the middle of the afternoon. The animals, 

 howeyer, were so excessively shy that all efforts to secure one failed. 





