290 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
was to pay particular attention to the abundance, distribution, and habits of those 
species which might be of economic importance as food, bait, or otherwise. He was 
also to observe the methods and collect the statistics of the fisheries between Biscayne' 
Bay and Charlotte Harbor. 
The Grampus reached Key West on January 27, and a short delay ensued in mak-'j: 
ing the necessary preparations for the work. Dr. Henshall arrived February 5, and*' 
on the 9th the Grampus proceeded to convey him as near as possible to Biscayne Bay,;! 
where he was to begin his collecting trip along the coast. February 11 Dr. Henshall 
left the Grampus off Indian Key, to make his way eastward along the Florida reefs 
and by the first safe passage into Biscayne Bay. He was provided with the large 
seine boat belonging to the schooner, a dory, and the necessary fishing appliances, 
camping utensils, and provisions ; his party consisted, besides himself, of a competent 
pilot, and of a seaman and the cabin boy from the Grampus. It was arranged that he 
should meet the Grampus about March 4, at Charlotte Harbor. 
The Grampus returned to Key West from Indian Key on the 12th, and was there 
joined by Mr. Kendall on the same day. She began her investigations February 14, 
and continued them until March 27 ; but the season proved too short to carry them 
farther northward than about 100 miles, especially as much stormy weather was en- 
countered. The average width of the region gone over was about 70 miles, making 
the total area examined about 7,000 square miles. 
On the following pages the work is described under the several east and west lines 
of observing stations, which are ten in number and are designated by the letters A to 
J, inclusive. These lines and the dredging stations are represented on the accom- 
panying chart (PI. CXI). The seventy-five dredging stations made are numbered from 
5050 to 5124, inclusive. Of the animals obtained, only the fishes, brachyuran crusta- i 
ceans, and mollusks have so far been identified and can be referred to specifically. ! 
Tables are given of the dredging stations, of the snappers and groupers caught, and of ■ 
the meteorological observations. The report upon the shore fishes is being prepared 
by Dr. Henshall and Dr. D. S. Jordan, and will be published separately. 
During the night of February 19, after completing line B, and while at anchor, a 
strong breeze sprang ui), parting the anchor cable and obliging the schooner to return 
to Key West for a new shackle. A week was lost by this accident, as the schooner 
did not get back to her grounds until February 26, being detained by stormy weather. 
The schooner generally anchored on the ground during the night, so that she could 
take up her work again the next morning without loss of time. 
On March 3, after completing line D, the schooner proceeded to Charlotte Harbor, 
in accordance with the agreement made with Dr. Henshall, meeting him there on the 
4th. Supplies were obtained and plans laid to again meet Dr. Henshall at Port 
Tampa, and after a short delay, occasioned by sickness on board and calm weather, 
the Grampus reached line E about noon of the 10th. Work was carried on continu- 
ously from that time until March 27, and the Grampus made Port Tampa on March 29, 
Dr. Henshall also arriving on the same day. Mail was received at that place instruct- 
ing the Grampus to proceed to Kew York, and further operations in this region were 
therefore suspended for the season. 
The Grampus left Port Tampa April 4. Head winds detained her two days at the 
Tortugas, where shore collections of fishes were made. Departure was taken from 
Key West April 15, and Kew York was reached on the 25th of that month. 
