170 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
fastened by means of an iron link in such a manner as to be movable. 
The rocks, with the stakes attached, are then lowered into position, and 
the tops of the stakes are connected by means of the horizontal stringers 
and strengthening stays, after which frames containing the wickerwork 
are inserted, and the weir is ready for fishing. When the season is I 
over, the brush frames and the stringers and stays are removed, thus 
relieving the strain from the poles, which are pushed aside by any ob- 
struction that may come against them. 
Use of Large Weir Herring for Smoking and Bait. — The 
weirs are usually put in order for fishing early in March, at which time 
herring too large for sardine purposes are abundant, and, while some 
of the fishermen do not care for them, others save all that are caught, 
and smoke them or carry them fresh to the smoke-houses at Eastport 
aud Campobello. Considerable quantities are sold to fishing vessels 
from Gloucester and other fishing towns of Massachusetts and Maine, 
quite a large fleet of these vessels coming to Eastport and vicinity to 
purchase their supply of bait at this season. 
Fishing Season for Sardine-Herring. — About the middle of 
April the large herring have disappeared, and smaller ones, suitablefor 
sardine purposes, arrive. By the 1st of May the fishing is at its height, 
and the fish continue to be abundant about Deer Island (New Bruns- 
wick), until June, when the weir fishing in this vicinity becomes less ex- 
tensive, as the fish distribute themselves in the small coves and bays 
along the main shore, where they remain during the summer months and 
are taken in limited quantities by the weirs there. The weir fishing of 
Passamaquoddy Bay begins to improve early in September. By Novem- 
ber the catch is again large, and the fishing continues to be profitable 
until the middle of December, when the factories are closed. Fish of 
suitable size may be taken in winter, but they are in poor condition, and 
the collecting boats are liable to be detained so long by storms, that the 
fish become stale and worthless before reaching the factories. The 
packers of Maine were agreed upon the desirability of suspending opera- 
tions in winter, and through their -efforts a law was placed upon the 
State statute-books requiring the canneries to be closed from December 
15 to April 15 of each season. According to Mr. Sellmann, the weir 
season for herring in Penobscott Bay is from the first of June to the 
middle of October, while the weirs about Jonesport and Millbridge 
usually begin catching fish early in May, and the run is practically over 
by the middle of September. 
Interference of Squid and Mackerel with Weir Fishing. — 
The movements of herring are much interfered with by the presence of 
squid and mackerel, the former of which is a deadly enemy of the tiny 
fish, which from experience has learned to keep as far away from it as 
possible. For the past three years large schools of squid have entered 
the Bay of Fundy early in July and have remained until the 1st of 
October. They seem to follow and feed upon the small herring, and 
effectually break up and scatter the schools. Their presence is a great 
