46 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
58° 11' N., longitude 148° 36' W., on the eastern edge of the bank in 230 fathoms, 
blue mud and gravel. A large quantity of material was secured at each of these sta- 
tions. At the two former ones the results were similar to those obtained on Albatross 
Bank, but at the latter many new forms were taken which belong to deeper water. 
The principal fishes captured at station 2858 were Glyptocephalus pacificus, Sebast- 
ichthys sp. (red rockfish), and a red species of Sebastes. 
Trials for fish . — Several trials for fish were made on Portlock Bank with hand 
lines, both rich and poor bottom being found in different localities. 
The first trial was at hydrographic station Fo. 1421, latitude 57° 57' N., longitude 
151° 08' W., about 35 miles east of Spruce Island, Kakiak, depth 36 fathoms ; bottom, 
gravel and broken shells. At this place thirty cod and one halibut were taken with 
nine hand lines in eighteen minutes, salmon being used as bait. The cod averaged 8J 
pounds in weight and 27 inches in length ; the halibut weighed 10 pounds. 
The second trial was at dredging station bTo. 2857, latitude 58° 05' N., longitude 
150° 46' W., about 15 miles northeast of the last position, depth 51 fathoms, gray sand 
and broken shells. Although large quantities of specimens of the lower animals 
were obtained at this place in the beam trawl, the fishing was not successful, only two 
cod and four flounders [Atherestes) being captured on the hand lines. It is possible 
that the ship drifted from the rich ground before the lines were put over. A large 
number of whales were seen during the afternoon of this day, August 22. 
A third trial was made at hydrographic station No. 1436, latitude 58° 23' N., longi- 
tude 150° 32' W., on the northern part of the bank, depth 37 fathoms; bottom, broken 
shells. Eight hand lines were kept out eighteen minutes, but here again the results 
were poor, only three cod, averaging about 5^ pounds each in weight, being taken. 
The region in which the second and third trials were made is seldom if ever visited 
by the fishermen, and is therefore practically unknown. 
Remarks . — This bank is destined to be recognized as a valuable fishing region, but 
the vessels that frequent it must go provided with ground tackle, in order to ride out 
such storms as they may meet with, unless fishing on the western end. A large part 
of the bank is too far distant from the shore to warrant their heaving up and seeking 
a harbor at the approach of every gale. 
15. MIDDLETON ISLAND TO PUGET SOUND. 
MIDDLETON ISLAND. 
Approaching the island . — Middleton Island was sighted about 2 p. m., August 25, 
and late in the afternoon of the same day the Albatross anchored about a mile to the 
northward in 12 fathoms, near the point indicated on the Coast Survey chart, the north 
end of the island beariug N. 52° E., and the south end S. 27° W. This anchorage was 
off the outer limit of kelp, which seemed to extend the entire length of the island, from 
one-half to one and one-half miles from the beach. The ship was on the weather shore, 
where a moderate northwest wind and strong tide caused a heavy surf, so that landing 
was deferred until the next morniug. 
The rock mentioned in the Alaska Coast Pilot as lying 3 miles southwest (mag- 
netic) from the north point of the island, and north-northwest (magnetic) from the 
anchorage was not seen, and, if it exists, is below the surface, where rocks may be 
