28 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
cod were not caught in that region during the winter months, but now they are abun- 
dant at that season. This increase Mr. Pavlotf attributes to the present abundance of 
sculpius, which first made their appearance in the fall and winter from six to eight 
years ago. Sculpius of various species occur at other seasons, but they now arrive on 
the in shore grounds in large numbers in the early fall and remain until late in the 
spring, being especially plentiful during the winter. Only enough cod are taken at 
Belkovsky for local consumption, there being no regular fishery in that region at present. 
God banks in the vicinity. — To the north of the Saunakh Islands and west of the 
Sandman Eeefs is a large unexplored area on which cod and halibut are reported to 
be abundant by the natives. 
Method of hunting sea otters at Belkovsky. — In this locality the people depend chiefly 
upon the hunting of sea otters for a living. These animals are taken by means of bows 
and arrows, rifles, and gill nets. Gill nets are only employed in the winter, and are 
not used by the Indians, who find them too expensive. These nets are from 14 to 20 
fathoms long, and 12 feet deep, with a 10-inch mesh. Some are made of single and 
others of double twine, the latter being most durable. The former cost from $10 to 
$15 each, the latter about $5 extra. They are knit by the Indian women. When gill 
nets were first introduced into this region by the Americans, the Indians manifested 
no surprise, saying that they had been employed many years before all along the 
Aleutian Islands, but that their use had been prohibited by the Russians a long time 
ago. Subsequent inquiry at Kadiak threw no light on this subject. If gill nets were 
formerly used by the Indians and Russians in pursuit of the sea otter they no doubt 
learned how destructive these appliances were, and took the necessary precautions to 
prevent the extinction of this important fur-bearing animal. 
The Indians only hunt for sea otter in calm weather, as they can not capture them 
when the sea is rough. Several weeks may pass without a favorable opportunity, but 
a constant watch over the favorite hunting grounds is kept up from the hills and 
prominent places in the vicinity. At the first indications of fair weather word is passed 
around and the bidarkas are quickly manned and silently leave the shore in the direc- 
tion of their prey. Gill nets can be hauled and set in weather which would not be 
regarded as^ suitable for hunting with the bow and rifle, and in consequence of the 
adoption of this method of capture, in recent years, it is claimed that the sea otter is 
fast becoming exterminated, and unless some restrictive measures are adoj)ted, will 
soon be a thing of the past. 
I 
Q. SHUMAGIN ISLANDS. 
HYDROGRAPHIC WORK, DREDGINGS, TRIALS FOR FISH, ETC. 
Hydrographic tvork, etc. — But little hydrographic work was done to the north and 
west of Nagai Island; sounding and dredging stations were made in mid-channel of 
Popolf Strait, 69 fathoms, mud and rocks; off the southern entrance to the same strait, 
110 fathoms, mud; and south of the entrance to Falmouth Harbor, Kagai Island, 48 
fathoms, fine gray sand. The lead was also cast in 18 fathoms at the mouth of Eagle 
Harbor, and in 34 fathoms close by Sea Lion Rocks. These rocks are about 100 feet 
high, and can be safely approached to within one-half mile. They are the resort of 
sea lions and birds. 
