570 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [80] 



men. He says that at the present time shad, bass, and alewives (or river 

 herring), are being taken. He estimates the average cost of the traps at 

 this point to be $200 and each will stock $G00. The fishery at this poiut 

 has not been so successful as elsewhere during the present season, and 

 it is said that the more important species of fish were quite scarce far- 

 ther up the river. 



Very respectfully, 



D. E. Collins, 



Commanding pro tern. 

 Capt. J. W. Collins, 



Assistant, U. S. Fish Commission, Washington, D. C. 



C— NARRATIVE OF CRUISE FROM APRIL 17 TO APRIL 26. 



Immediately after we arrived at Hampton Roads, a boat was sent on 

 shore. She soon returned with Capt. J. W. Collins, who brought the 

 vessel's mail. Among the latter was the following telegraphic order, 

 which, owing to circumstances already, recited, I failed to get at the 

 proper time: 



[Telegram.] 



April 10, 1888. 

 ("apt. D. E. Collins, 



Schooner Grampus, Hampton Roads, Va. 



You will wait at Fortress Monroe. The Commissioner and I expect 

 to leave here to-morrow evening and will be on board the Grampus 

 Thursday morning. Acknowledge receipt of dispatch. 



J. W. Collins. 



Expecting that the above order would be received, the Commissioner 

 visited Old Point Comfort, but, of course, did not find us there. Un- 

 fortunately, it was necessary for him to return to Washington without 

 delay, and, therefore, he had left on the steamer before we arrived on 

 Friday. 



I learned that Dr. Bean would not be able to join the vessel at this 

 time; but it was believed his health would be sufficiently restored in 

 few days for him to come on board. Captain Collins directed me t< 

 proceed with the investigation and to report at Hampton Roads in aboul 

 ten days, at which time it was expected that Dr. Bean would be suffi- 

 ciently recovered to accompany the vessel. Captain Collins left on 

 Saturday, the 14th of April, and as soon thereafter as practicable, w< 

 got under way and proceeded to sea. 



Before we reached Cape nenry the wind suddenly hauled to th< 

 northeast, increasing*to a fresh breeze, but gradually diminished to 

 moderate breeze from east-northeast after we passed the Cape. Out- 

 side of Cape Henry an east-southeast course was steered, the vessel 

 being close hauled on the port tack. At 11 a. m. the small surface net 

 was put out and towed for forty-five minutes without collecting any- 

 thing. 



