5G4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [74] 



(4) Keep careful notes of the number of fish of different species taken 

 in the nets, and also in what part of the net they are caught, whether 

 near the top or at the bottom. 



(5) Keep records of temperature, height of barometer, condition of 

 the weather, state of the sea, direction of the wind, etc., as you have 

 usually done when engaged in cruising. 



(G) If practicable, it will be well to take bottom temperatures, say 

 two or three times a day, and in every case note the location of the ves- 

 sel, depth of water, etc. 



(7) If any fish are seen schooling, whether at night or day, make a 

 note of it and their abundance. It is especially desirable that the 

 appearance and abundance of mackerel, menhaden, and bluefish should 

 be noted, and type specimens of any of the fish captured should be 

 saved in alcohol. 



(8) Note the appearance and approximate numbers of sea birds, such 

 as gulls, gannets, hagdons, jaegers, etc., which generally accompany 

 migratory fish. , 



(9) You will make trials with hand-lines from comparatively shallow 

 water down to 150 fathoms or more, keeping a record of the investiga- 

 tions made in this manner, together with the position of the vessel, depth 

 of water, number of lines used, kind of bait, and time spent in fishing. 



(10) If you have a good opportunity to collect porpoises or other ceta- 

 ceans, it will be well to get specimens. If you can not preserve the 

 bodies, cut off the heads so that the skulls can be saved. 



(11) All material collected should be carefully preserved in bottles, 

 jars, or tanks, in alcohol or otherwise, as circumstances may demand. 



(12) If you have an opportunity, it will be well to try the ship's dredge 

 occasionally in moderate depths, and in towing this be very careful to 

 note if there are any adhesive fish eggs among the material which is 

 taken from the bottom. Should there be such, have them placed imme- 

 diately in your apparatus for developing eggs, and, if possible, carry on 

 the development to the point of hatching out the young fish, in order 

 that we may determine the species. 



(13) The Commissioner is very desirous that collections of floating 

 fish eggs may be taken whenever opportunity offers, and in case small 

 quantities are taken they can be placed in the hatching apparatus and 

 developed, if practicable, until the young fish hatch out; and, if possi- 

 ble, should be kept alive at least some days, so that we can determine 

 the species. 



(14) In the event that you secure suitable quantities of floating fish 

 eggs, which I assume is altogether possible, judging from the results 

 obtained last spring, it is especially desirable that the collections thus 

 made should be taken to Wood's Holl with as much dispatch as possi- 

 ble, in order that the eggs may be put into the hatching boxes at that 

 station. You will, of course, in case you secure such collections, take 

 all possible precautions to keep the eggs alive in pans, tubs, or other 



