FISHERY INVESTIGATIONS OF THE STEAMER ALBATROSS. 
153 
that the larger cod are least quickly attracted by the bait, but as time was too valua- 
ble to permit of long stops at any single position, the records showing the size of fish 
taken by the Albatross are less gratifying than might otherwise have been expected. 
A length of 28 inches is taken as the standard size for large fish on the Atlantic 
coast, and all under this size bring a lower price in the markets. Out of 20 captures 
of cod recorded by the Albatross , the average size of the fish attained this standard 
in only six instances; it was rarely below 24 inches, and generally above 25 inches. 
The trials were usually made during the progress of or subsequent to a sounding or 
dredging haul, the steamer often drifting with the tide and changing the ground 
before the lines had touched bottom. By anchoring, and especially by remaining some 
time in each position, much better results would undoubtedly have been obtained. 
Halibut were secured at nearly every station. 
In four trials made off Unalaslta Island, aggregating eighty-five minutes, 22 cod 
were taken, averaging for the several trials from 21 to 28| inches in length ; in one 
instance, on Davidson Bank, 25 cod averaged 28 inches, and in another, 21 cod, 24£ 
inches; 18 cod captured on Sannak Bank averaged 23 £ to 25 inches in length. The 
cod taken off Unga, one of the Shumagin Islands, had an average length of 30 inches; 
on Shumagin Bank of 26£ inches, and near the Chirikof Island of 23f inches. Sev- 
eral trials were made on Albatross Bank, two of which were unusually successful. 
One was off Tugidak, the westernmost of the Trinity Islands, in 37 fathoms, where 47 
cod were captured in 38 minutes, and the other off Dangerous Cape, Kadiak, in 39 
fathoms, where the capture amounted to 69 cod in 50 minutes. At the former locality 
the fish averaged 28£ inches in length and at the latter 30f inches, in both instances 
being above the eastern standard. Pair after pair of cod were hauled up in quick 
succession at each of these localities, and they were seizing the bait as actively at 
the close of the trials as at the beginning. Only one large catch of cod was made 
on Portlock Bank, in a depth of 36 fathoms, where 30 individuals, averaging 27 inches 
in length, were taken in the course of 18 minutes. 
Bait . — Bait is as readily obtained in this region as in Bering Sea, and the same 
custom prevails of fitting out with only a small quantity of salted fish or clams, for 
which fresh material is substituted as soon as the fishing work actively begins. 
Miscellaneous observations . — Besides the fishery investigations summarized above, 
many other important observations were also made bearing more or less directly on 
the same subject. These have been discussed in full in the reports previously referred 
to. They relate to the hydrography and meteorology of the region, the availability of 
harbors, etc. Corrected positions were obtained for some of the rocks and islands of 
the Sandman Beefs, which had been inaccurately located on the published charts. 
An unsuccessful search was made for two reported dangers south of the Sannak 
Islands, namely, Lenard and Anderson rocks, without, however, disproving their 
existence. Much valuable information was secured regarding the different islands 
visited and the mainland at Mitrofania Bay. A partial list of the harbors and anchor- 
ages situated between TTnalaska and Kadiak was compiled, and sailing directions were 
also prepared for entering some of the more important ports. 
While approaching the Alaskan coast in May, 1890, a second attempt was made 
to locate the position of Anderson Bock, respecting which Capt. Tanner has reported 
as follows : 
The high land of Sannak Island was sighted on the morning of May 21, and a line of soundings 
and dredgings, commenced in 483 fathoms, was carried over the position assigned to Anderson Rock, 
