572 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [82] 



hove-to on the starboard tack. The nets were hauled at 5 a. m., but 

 contained no fish. This trial did not fully determine the presence or 

 absence of fish, since it is possible that, under more favorable conditions 

 of weather and a longer trial, different results might have been obtained. 



After getting the nets on board, the vessel was headed to the north- 

 east and the small surface-net was towed between 7 and 8 o'clock a. m.; 

 a limited amount of small Crustacea was collected. At 7 o'clock the 

 wind suddenly changed to the northwest, and a little later to the north- 

 east, accompanied by a dense fog which lasted about two hours. 



At 8 a. in. bottom temperature at a depth of 175 fathoms was taken, 

 and at 10 o'clock the towing-net was put out, which collected a small 

 amount of minute Crustacea. During the forenoon small flocks of sea- 

 geese were seen. In lat. 30° 34' N., long. 74° 34' W., the large and 

 "small towing-nets were used and some copepods and one small butter- 

 fish were collected. During the day the barometer gradually lowered, 

 indicating the approach of stormy weather. The vessel was therefore 

 hove-to during the night, it being deemed unadvisable to attempt to 

 set gill-nets. 



On the morning of the 20th there was an easterly wind, with cloudy 

 sky and rain at intervals. At 5 a. m. threw toll-bait to raise mackerel. 

 Hand-lines baited with salt-pork and menhaden were also put out for 

 bottom fish. This trial, which was continued for forty minutes, resulted 

 in the capture of one dog-fish, our position being lat. 36° 39' N., long. 

 74° 51' 31" W. 



Between G and 7 o'clock a. m. a school of r>orpoises passed us, going 

 in a northwesterly direction, but before we could get a harpoon in readi- 

 ness they were beyond reach. Two large flocks of sea-geese were seen 

 during the morning. 



The small towing-net was put out at 8 o'clock and towed for an hour 

 and a half, but failed to capture anything. After completing this trial 

 we got under way and stood to the northeast for 23 miles, when we 

 tacked to the westward. A few sea-geese and occasionally a gannet 

 were noticed on the last course. A lookout was stationed at the mast- 

 head and, notwithstanding that a vigilant watch was maintained, we 

 failed to detect the presence of any surface fish. We continued on the 

 westward course for 12 miles, when we tacked again, heading to the 

 northeast. In lat. 37° 03' N., long. 74° 49' W., the small towing-net 

 was used and a limited amount of Crustacea was taken in it. On 

 account of the fresh wind and sharp sea it was found impracticable to set 

 the gill-nets, in which I am inclined to think we are more apt to secure 

 evidence of the presence of mackerel or other migratory fish than by 

 using any other form of apparatus. 



The morning of the 21st opened with clear and cool weather, a fresh 

 north-northwest breeze and short rough sea, in consequence of which 

 the vessel was kept hove-to the greater part of the forenoon. The wind 

 decreased about 11 o'clock and we got under way, standing to the west- 



