302 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION, 
ble gray sandy mud, fine sand, broken coral, etc. The weather was stormy and the 
water rough most of the time, which greatly interfered with the operations of dredging 
and fishing. The bottom appeared to be rich in the lower forms of life at only two I 
dredging stations. No red snappers or groupers were taken, although the bottom ap- 
peared to be favorable to them. This may have been due in part, however, to the rapidity 
with which the vessel drifted before the wind, not allowing the bait to remain long in 
one place. 
Line D . — The bottom resembled that of the previous line, but had a larger propor- 
tion of broken shells and less mud. Fishing was carried on continuously, but only one , 
red snapper was caught, in a depth of 25 fathoms. Two black groupers were hauled 
up to the surface from 39 fathoms, but escaped from the hooks. 
Line E . — Broken shells composed the bottom in greater part, but hard sandy bot- 
toms and muddy bottoms were found occasionally. Fish were taken only at the inner 
station, in 15 fathoms, where thirty-two red snappers and two red groupers were secured. 
While making this line, the sea was so rough that no fishing could be done except at 
the dredging stations. Even a moderate wind in this region produces a heavy chop ' 
sea, which interferes with the handling of the lines while the vessel is drifting. 
Line F .- — The bottom consisted chiefly of broken shells, with patches of gravel, « 
sand, and sandy mud. Very few animals were taken in the dredge. During most of 
the time while fishing was being carried on the wind was light and favorable. Fish •!' 
were obtained at five different places, in depths of 19 to 48 fathoms, namely, ten red 
snappers, one rod grouper, aud three black groupers. In 40 fathoms the fish seemed 
to be abundant, but did not bite well. They could be felt striking the lead or tugging 
feebly at the bait. ^ j 
Line O . — Broken shells predominated along most of this line, mixed with gravel, ! 
sand, and mud. A stiff breeze prevailed during the entire time, interfering more or 
less with the fishing trials. The only fish obtained were three groupers, one at each 
of three stations, in depths of 18, 21^, and 26 fathoms. 
Line H . — The bottom was composed of broken shells, sand, and mud. The wind 
was unfavorable for fishing on the outer or deep-water end of the line, but nearly died 
away while the vessel was on the iuuer end, where all of the fish taken were secured. 
The total catch consisted of two red snappers, six red groupers, and three black 
groupers from depths of 16^ to 25 fathoms. The largest catch was of three red and 
three black groupers in a depth of 25 fathoms. 
Line 1 . — The bottom consisted of broken shells and hard and soft sand, and the 
weather was favorable for fishing. Fish were only taken, however, in depths of 22 aud 
24 fathoms, as follows, namely, two red snappers, four red groupers, and eleven black 
groupers. 
Line J . — The bottom was composed of sand, broken shells, and mud. The weather 
was boisterous and no fish were caught. 
General distribution of the fish . — On the more southern lines the red snappers and 
groupers were found as far out as depths of 35 to 40 fathoms, becoming less abundant 
but averaging larger in size as the water deepened. As the work progressed north- 
ward, the fish were chiefly obtained on the inner parts of the lines, the red grouper 
also taking the place of the red snapper, which was rarely seen. In the deeper water 
the black groupers predominated over the red groupers, the latter becoming relatively 
more common as the water shoaled toward the coast. 
