ALBATROSS EXPLORATIONS; ALASKA, WASHINGTON, AND OREGON. 67 
or black cod, and four dogfish were taken. In most of the soundings made in this 
region the character of the bottom was found to be unsuitable for cod or halibut, or 
such, at least, as they usually inhabit. 
Supposed fishing grounds ofiF the Columbia River. — At Astoria there is a general 
belief in the existence of fishing banks 50 to 60 miles off the mouth of the Columbia 
River, but its origin could not be traced. Heceta Bank lies off the coast in latitude 
44° N., longitude 124° 50' W., and may possibly have had something to do with it. 
The explorations of the steamer Albatross developed over 600 fathoms in the locality 
where the banks were supposed to lie ; but they may be found farther south, as the 
region between the Columbia River and Heceta Bank is still unexplored. 
Tillamooh Rock. — A cod and a halibut trawl were set off the northern side of the 
island, the former being placed near the can buoy off its northern end. The inner 
trawl buoy was dropped in about 18 fathoms, the outer in about 25 fathoms, the bottom 
being rocky. There was a southerly current running at the time, but it was not strong. 
After the trawls had been set, the men remaining by them, the ship proceeded off the 
southwestern side of the rock, where three casts were made with the dredge, at stations 
2883, 2884, and 2885, depths 29 to 30 fathoms, bottom gray sand. Subsequently the 
trawl lines were hauled, with the result of obtaining seven dogfish and about a dozen 
star fish. 
In the locality where this set was made it has been stated that the Indians obtain 
large quantities of halibut. At Astoria, however, it was said that the fish taken off 
Tillamook Rock were not the halibut, but the so called turbot {Atherestes stomias). 
Judge Swan is of the opinion that a few halibut may have been taken there, but that 
the common flatfish of the region is the species of Atherestes above mentioned. It is 
customary for the fishermen of the Pacific coast to speak of all large edible species of 
flounders as halibut. Captain Richardson, of the light house steamer Manzanita, 
reports having taken red rock cod (called red groupers in Astoria) in great numbers, 
and an occasional halibut, in this region. The indications are ‘that good fishing may 
be found in this neighborhood at the proper season. 
ASTORIA, OREGON. 
Fresh markets. — The fish exposed for sale in the markets of Astoria during the brief 
visit made to that place, October 14 to 18, were chiefly salmon, flounders, and tomcod. 
The last-named species was very abundant about the wharves, where they were being 
taken in large quantities by many men and boys fishing with hook and line. 
Bait. — Much difficulty was found in procuring bait at this place for the remainder 
of the cruise. Two days were spent in a search for clams and salmon, which were 
considered to form the best bait for cod and halibut. Clams are sometimes brought 
to Astoria from Shoalwater Bay by the Indians, but with no regularity, and none 
were obtained by the Albatross. A small lot of salt salmon was all that could be pur- 
chased. Tomcod were not regarded as of sufficient value for this purpose to lay in a 
supply. 
Attempted sea fisheries. — Sea fisheries off the Columbia River were commenced a few 
years ago with a small schooner, which operated a 40-foot beam trawl, over the ground 
between Cape Disappointment and Shoalwater Bay. This vessel being found unsuited 
for the purpose, the steamer Dolphin was built, and made forty trips between April 
