FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. 
143 
until it is ascertained whether the banks about the entrance are permanent or 
shitting. There is an excellent beach at Mine Harbor for hauling a schooner out, if 
necessary. The rise and fall Exceeds 15 feet, and would give several hours each tide 
to examine or make repairs on a vessel’s bottom. Should the coal mine be developed, 
as seems probable, the place would afford some facilities for repairing and refitting; 
water is easily procured and fuel can be had in any quantity. There is no settlement 
at present on either bay. 
The coal mine above referred to is situated about 1J miles from the waterfront, to 
the eastward of Mine Harbor, transportation to the landing being effected by means 
of a tramway operated by a small steam motor. The mine was opened just previous 
to the visit of the Albatross , which took the first output of coal. The latter was used 
with satisfactory results, but owing to the lack of proper screening facilities much 
fine material and dirt was delivered with it, and it was found necessary to burn from 
20 to 25 per cent more in quantity to obtain the same results as with a fair quality of 
Wellington coal. For a full account of its steaming qualities, see report of Passed 
Assistant Engineer O. R. Roelker, IT. S. Navy (F. 0. 10, pp. 282, 283). Capt. Tanner 
states, however, that, “considering that it was taken from a vein near the surface, the 
extra amount required to furnish the same quantity of steam will not seem excessive. 
It was shown that the coal possesses merit, and it will doubtless improve with the 
development of the deeper veins.” 
Salmon fishery on the Nushagak River . — While the Albatross was anchored in the 
Nushagak River, at the head of Bristol Bay, many important facts respecting the 
salmon fishery and canning industry which has recently sprung up in that locality 
were obtained by Mr. Alexander, whose discussion of the subject is contained in the 
appendix to the report of the Fish Commission for 1889-1891. The following statements 
from this source relate mainly to matters of scientific interest : 
The first salmon cannery on the Nushagak was built in 1884 by the Arctic Canning 
Company. Three similar establishments have been added since that time, all being 
located between the mouth of Wood River and Clark Point. The salmon first make 
their appearance about June 1, and remain from forty-five to sixty days. As the sea- 
son is short, full preparations are made in advance and great activity prevails during 
the continuance of the run. The king salmon appear earliest and are present about a 
fortnight, being first sought for off Coffee Point, a high promontory situated on the 
west side of the river. They are followed by the red salmon, and the latter closely by 
the silver salmon. During the season of 1890 the first salmon were taken on the 
morning of June 3, after which several days elapsed before other fish were seen. 
The presence of ice retards their movements; they will not enter the river until it 
has disappeared and the temperature of the water has moderated to some extent. 
When the salmon are late in arriving, they proceed immediately upstream to Lakes 
Nushagak and Aleknagik, where they spawn; but if the season is an open one, they 
move more leisurely, and furnish better opportunities for fishing. In the spring of 
1890 the river was blockaded with ice until May 20, and the run was late in conse- 
quence. The fishermen believe that the salmon spawn about a month after entering 
the river, and the superintendent of the Bristol Bay Canning Company, who has had 
much experience in this region, states that from the first of August until October the 
young are passing down the river and into the sea in immense numbers. 
It takes on an average six of the red salmon, and the same number of silver 
