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fHEfHSpMEN'S

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THE

Fishermen's Own Book,

COMPRISING

THE LIST OF MEN AND VESSELS LOST FROM THE PORT OF
GLOUCESTER, MASS,, FROM 1874 TO APRIL lt 1882,

A Table of Losses from 1830,

TOGETHER WITH

VALUABLE STATISTICS OF THE FISHERIES,

NOTABLE FARES, NARROW ESCAPES, STARTLING ADVENTURES,

FISHERMEN'S OFF-HAND SKETCHES, BALLADS,

DESCRIPTIONS OF FISHING TRIPS

OTHER INTERESTING FACTS AND INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH
THIS BRANCH OF MARITIME INDUSTRY,

GLOUCESTER :
PROCTER BROTHERS, Publishers.

CAPE ANN ADVERTISER OFFICE.

■ . CM

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1882, by

PROCTER BROTHERS,
In, the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PAGE.

Preface,

Early Fisheries of Cape Ann (illus. with models of fishing vessels)

A Remarkable Escape on Board Sch. Codseeker,

Gloucester Harbor in 1806 (illustrated with map), .

A Winter's Trip to Georges (illlustrated), ....

Table, giving Prices of Mackerel for the Past 52 Years, .

Leaves from a Log-Book — Remarkable Adventures, etc. (illustrated)

Notable Fishing Fares (illustrated), .

The Old-Time Fishery at 'Squam, .

Homeward Bound,

Products of the Gloucester Fisheries,
Return of the Dories (illustrated), .
Quick Passages (illustrated), . . ...
Song of the Winter Fisherman,

First Trips,

Large Fish (illustrated),

Gloucester Harbor in 1830 (illustrated), .

U. S. Fish Commission — Summer Headquarters in Gloucester.

Around Cape Ann,

Sch. Sultana Towed by a Whale (illustrated), .

Loss of Sch. Henrietta Greenleaf, . .

Gill-Net Codfishing in Ipswich Bay (illustrated),

A Day at the Beach (illustrated),

In Memoriam. List of Lost Men and Vessels of the Port of Glouc

ester from 1874 to 1881, inclusive,
Table, giving the Losses for 52 Years,
Welcome Home — A Romance in a Fisherman's Life
The Fisher-Boy in the Storm (illustrated),
Halibut Fishing among the Ice Floes,
List of Vessels Belonging to the Port of Gloucester
The Phantom Boat, .....

A Trawling Trip (illustrated), ....
Massachusetts Mackerel Catch for 74 Years, .
The Fortune Bay Riot, . . . .
Importance of Fish Culture (illustrated), .
The Fisheries of the Olden Time, .
Salmon Fishing at the Mouth of the Columbia River.
On the Beach in a Storm (illustrated),
Narrow Escape of Sch. David A. Story (illustrated),
Hammerhead Shark — The Shark's Mouth — Shark Fishing (illus.),
No More Sea, ....

(illustrated),

in 1850 (illus.),

Oregon (illus.)

M1Q2729

CONTENTS

Fishermen's Superstitions, . . .

The Old Fort and Gloucester Harbor in 1837 (illustrated),

Foreign Commerce of Gloucester (illustrated),

Fishermen Coming into Port. From the Home of the Fish to the

Table of the Consumer (illustrated),

The Regatta (illustrated), '

A Night in Boston Bay,

Truthful and Startling Accounts of Tough Times, etc. (illustrated),

The Frenchman's Stew and the Disgusted Irishmen,

Dory Voyages across the Atlantic (illustrated),

On Board a Mackerel Catcher, .....

The Merry, Merry Mackerel Catchers (illustrated), .

Saving the Cable, .

A Summer Trip to Georges (illustrated), .....

Rob's First Cruise (illustrated),

Lost in the Fog (illustrated),

Crippled on the "Home Stretch" (illustrated),

The December Gales of 1876 (illustrated), . ...

Fearful Experience on Board Sch. Howard,

Thacher's Island,

Foundering of Sch. Almon Bird,

The Harbor Bar (illustrated),

Ninety-Three Voyages to Surinam (illustrated),
Recollections of a Veteran Fisherman, ....
Making a Harbor in a Snow Storm, ....

An Old Boat (illustrated), . . . . .

Hand-Line Mackerel Fishing,

"Setting Under Sail,"

[n a Fog on the Banks (illustrated), ....

Lines on the Loss of Sch. Guy Cunningham and in Memory of her

Master, Capt. Daniel O'Brien,

Around the Wharves of Old Gloucester Half a Century Ago,

The Jolly Yachtsman (illustrated), .....

The Haddock Fisheries — Then and Now, ...

A Mackerel Catcher Dressing Her Fare by Moonlight (illustrated),

Frightened by the Moon, . . . .

Gloucester Harbor (illustrated), . .

Adventures of Capt. Richard Murphy, ....

The Open Sea,

Gloucester's Exhibition at the Centennial,

' The Widow's Appeal to the Winds and Sea (illustrated),

Picking the Nets and Trawls (illustrated),

A Fishing Party (illustrated), • .

"Not a Bene,"

'The Mackerel Pocket, or "Spiller," ....

On the Loss of the "Royal George," ....

A Banker Discharging Her Fare (illustrated), .

Loss of Life and Vessel Property from January 1 to April f, 1882,

list of Vessels Comprising the Gloucester Fishing Fleet, and their

Owners or Fitters, . , . . . . . . . 263

cs.o*»otc

FOR THE

FISHERMEN!

Consisting of the largest variety of

Double-Breasted Sack Suits,

Double-Breasted Vests, with

Peg-Top Pants to match,

Large Leg Pants, small bottoms,
Short Reefing Jackets,

Rubber Overcoats, long,

Rubber Suits,

Mittens and Leggings.

ALSO

Wiilitt ©ooI§?

NAMELY :

Jumpers, Shirts, outside and inside, Socks,
Drawers, Mittens,

SGABFS, GAEBIGAN JACKETS, GAPS,

In fact, everything in the line for Business or Dress up, at the lowest prices
for quality of goods. All are cordially invited.

J. S. TAPPAN £ SON,

T-A^T-AJ^ BLOCK,

1 12, 1 14, 1 16 Main St., GLOUCESTER.

Ye Jolly Fishermen who Sail from
Old Cape Ann,

The fisher's life is the life you love,
And you love the sparkling wave;
And hence you glide o'er the stormy tide
In far pursuit of the finny tribe,
With hearts so light and brave.

On Georges Bank, at Newfoundland,

On the coast of Labrador,
The lines you fling, and you laugh and sing,
And make your merry voices ring

'Round Nova Scotia's shore.

Srjd w^ei) in port you will come to

NEWMAN'S FISHERMEN'S CLOTHING

where there is no need of these constant "mark downs" advertised by other Clothing stores, as I
mark my goods low enough the first going off, as " the Sons of the Cape" know well.

None can undersell me, as I buy for cash, have no big rents or big interest account, and but
very little old stock to carry. Everything on board my craft is snug and trim. Always ready to
show my goods, and always having the new styles.

I don't sell less than cost— neither does any other establishment; and when thev advertise in
this manner, it is all moonshine, and " the Sons of the Cape" know this to be true." These mark-
downs of about fifty cents on a dollar don't pan out well either, as people are not fond of this style
of doing business, and if they are, they couldn't stand it a great while; hence it is inferred that they
don't do it, and the people won't swallow such taffy.

Every customer gets the full value of his money in good honest

IMST-M^I CLOTHING,

Hats, Caps and Gents' Furnishing Goods.

«Sg=- 1 don't sell at cost or less than cost, but a fair living profit, which enables me to "live and
let live," and I cordially invite those who believe in Square Dealing to visit my establishment,

ISO 2v£aJJS. St., 169

OTIS S.FEAR

Standard Black & Yellow Cape Aon Oil Clothing

Lincoln and Cape Ann Sou9 Westers, Fancy and Cape Ann Long
Coats, Fishermen's Outfits, <&c.

OFFICE and. iF^arroiE^,
P. O. Box 448. 68 Rogers St., GLOUCESTER, Mass.

MANUFACTURER OF

LINCOLN SOU' WESTERS,

Black and Yellow Cape Ann Standard

QLX. cx,oxxxxxr&.

Dealer in Rubber Goods, Jackets, Pants, Boots, Mittens, &c., and Fish-
ermen's Outfits.

285 MAIN ST., GLOUCESTER.

HOWARD F. INGERSOLL,

Vegetables, Butter, Cheese, Lard, Ham, Canned Goods, &c.

WASHINGTON ST., COR. WASHINGTON SQ„
Gloucester, - - Has®.

* C. & H*

Receivers and Wholesale Dealers in

■

Itvw A Pfeklad. W

TW

FISH OILS AND VESSELS' OUTFITS,
GLOUCESTER, MASS.

The Direct United States Cable Co.,

(XjI^/GXTEID-)

Notice to Owners and Masters of Fishing Vessels.

TBiaCRAPH O ABU

In order to avoid the danger of losing their tackle, and also of damaging
the Cables of this Compaq, captains are requested to give them a wide berth.

Should any vessel, however, lose her anchor or tackle by reason of com-
ing in contact with the Telegraph Cable, and will use every endeavor to
save the same from damage, the Company will — subject to immediate notice
being given at either of the Company's stations named below, and full par-
ticulars furnished of the circumstances, — reimburse the loss, subject to ad-
justment, upon being satisfied of the bona-fides of the claim.

The directors in adopting this course confidently believe that masters of
vessels will do everything in their power to protect the Cables from injury.

As a means of verification, and to enable the tackle to be cleared from
the Cable by the Company's repairing ship if considered necessary, it is
important (weather permitting) that the slipped anchor should be buoyed
by means of a light hawser and wooden spar.

For the guidance and information of Fishermen, CHARTS showing the
location of the Direct United States Cable Company's Ca-
bles, with the depths of water, have been placed as follows :

BEVERLY, MASS., John Picket's Store.

GLOUCESTER, MASS., Reading Room on Main St., Custom House, and at the Stores
of John Pew & Son, and Clark & Somes.

HALIFAX, N. S., Shipping Officer's Office, Anglo-French Steamship Company's Of-
fice, and J. S. Maclean & Co.'s Office.

NEWBURYPORT, MASS., Custom House.

PLYMOUTH, MASS., Custom House.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H., Custom House.

PROVINCETOWN, CAPE COD, Custom House, Post Office, and at the Office of the
"Advocate."

SHELBOURNE, H". S., Mr. G. Robertson's.

SYDNEY, C. B., Messrs. Archibald & Co.'s.

ST. PIERRE, MIQUELON, The American House (U. S. Consulate.)

NEW YORK (16 Broad St.) 1

BOSTON (122 State St.) (The Stations of the Direct United States Cable

RYE BEACH, N. H. Company.

TORBAY, N. S. J

By Order of the Board of Directors.

Head Office of the Company, 52 OLD BROAD ST., London, England.

February, 1882.

JOHN LLOYD'S
Undertakers Wareroom,

NO. 2 WESTERN AVENUE,
Gloucester, Mass.

Coffins, Caskets, Robes, Habits, Caps, &c, constantly on hand. Children's Robes and Dresses
made to order. Personal attention given to attending Funerals, and also to laying-out and pre-
paring the dead for burial.

SWBTT & CO.,

, BARRELS, HOOPS, HAY, STRAW, BRICKS, LIME

POTATOES, BEANS, &C.

Wharf on Commercial St.; Gloucester, Mass

A.W.DODD&CO.,

IMPORTERS AND DEALERS IN

Fish Oils,

Pure Cod Liver Oil,

For Medicinal Purposes.

L. D. LOTHROP,

Manufacturer and Dealer in

FISHING TACKLE

or all szxasrcss,
HOOKS, LINES, SINKERS, BRASS
AND HORN SWIVELS, HAW-
SES, SPREADERS, &c.

33 DUNCAN ST., GLOUCESTER.

P. BENJAMIN,
B. W. WEST.

ZEST^.IBXjISIXEID lB4t3.

J.T. DONNELL&CO.,

Manufacture! i of CQEBMI

Oi^ EVERY DESCRIPTION,

The undersigned, our Agents at GLOUCESTER, Mass., keep
constantly in store a large assortment of Cables and Manila Cor-
dage, and will take orders for Gangs of Russia or American

Hemp Rope, which will be of best quality, and sold at lowest market
rates.

Orders solicited, and filled with promptness.

PETTINGELL & CUNNINGHAM.

©WIS D. 1A1A

»*

Wholesale ©ealef ii)

Hardware, Manila and Hemp Cordage,

Gangs of Rigging and a Full Line of Fishing Supplies.

mm to 3m Wmmwl 8f ., * • • B@<

SAVE YOUR MONEY

BY HAVING YOUR

Olotlxing* ID^ed.,

Cleansed,
2=3epa,Irec3.-

and put in the best of order at a trifling ex-
pense. Second-hand Clothing made
to look as good as new, by

M* A* KOBIH8OJK9

Basement Belmont House, Main St., Gloucester.

DAVID G.ALLEN,

DEALER IN ALE KINDS OF

Xj-cizEiber,

Hard-ware,

IBrlcl^s, Xjim.e7

Cement, Hair, Doors, Blinds,

Windows, Window Frames,

Nails, Lead, Zinc,

Sinks, &c.

35 Rogers St., Gloucester, Mass.

SLADE GORTON & CO.,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.,

Wholesale Fish Dealers,

DEALERS IN

ALL KINDS OF SALT WATER FISH,

FORT WH^RF

Slade Gorton.

Charles C. Cressy.

TAB! & WOHSOFS

ATEUT

COPPER PAINT,

For Vessels' Bottoms.

A test of 18 years proves this Paint to be the best
in the market.

MANUFACTURED at GLOUCESTER, MASS.

ii

L

*^j

■149 Main Street, GLOUCESTER, Mass.

This House has been newly fitted, and has all the modern improvements for the accommodation
of permanent and transient Boarders. It is heated by steam in Winter, and well ventilated for
Summer. Rates per day to suit every customer.

This House is within two minutes' walk of the Post Office, with a full view of the Harbor.

If you want a Summer or Winter home, go to the BELMONT HOUSE, 149 Main Street, Glouc-

A First- Class Restaurant connected )
with the House. J

S. A. LATTER, Prop'r.

ALEX. McCURDY,

Carriage Manufacturer
and Shipsmith,

SHOP NEAR CLAY COVE, EAST GLOUCESTER.

Vessel work, Carriage Repairing, and Horse
Shoeing. Edge Tools and Fishermen's Knives
a specialty.

East Gloucester Steam Ferry

Leaves E. Gloucester at 6.30 A . M. and thrice
hourly at ten minutes past, half-past and ten
minutes of the hour until 9.10 P. M. Saturdays
until 9.50.

Leave Duncan Street, on the hour and twen-
ty minutes past and twenty minutes of.

The Sail Ferry Boat will run Sundays from
9 A. M. till 7 P. M.

Sail and Row Boats

to let by the day, week or hour, during the
boating season.

DOUGLASS BKOTHEKS.

JAMES CLARK,

Dealer in all kinds of

HARD AND SOFT

WOOD

Rear 7 and 9 Middle St.,
GLOUCESTEK, Mass.

Wood delivered inteny part of the city free of
expense.

I, D. GARDNER k

Carriage Repair Shop,

PARSONS STREET,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

4®=* Horse Shoeing promptly attended to.

HACK, BOARDING, LIVERY AND SALE STABLE,

MIDDLE ST., junction WESTERN AYE.

£.LSO

Boarding and Livery Stable

AW MAQNQMA*

Hacks furnished for Weddings, Parties, Balls, Funerals,
<fec. Wagons furnished for Picnic and Pleasure Parties.
Coaches Connect with Railroad and Steamboat.

Order Boxes at Burnham's Block, 179 Main Street, and
J. C. Overbeck's, 58 Main Street, Gloucester.

H. C. L. HASKELL,

Insurance Agency,

97 Main Street,

Only First-class Stock and Insurance Compa-
nies represented.

LOSSES PROMPTLY ADJUSTED.

JOSEPH PARSONS,

JDKAJLEJR IN

OIL CLOTHING,

Gent's Furnishing Goods, &c.

Post Office Building,
EAST GLOUCESTER, Mass.

On C3-eorgres Ira. a, Storm.

THIS BEAUTIFUL PAINTING has been photographed, and copies
may now be obtained at the store of PROCTER BROS. It is a
tine picture, showing two schooners riding at anchor, and another jog-
ging under a double-reefed foresail. Just such a picture as every fishing
owner and fisherman wants.

Selling for $2.00 and upwards, according to style of frame. Without
frame, 75 cents. Call and see this picture. Sent by mail on reception of
75 cents.

Send 75 cents to Procter Bros., Gloucester, Mass., and receive by
return mail one of the above pictures.

WILLIAM P. DOLLIVER,

Aw@§i@m®@f mmM Appraiser,

IJVJSUI^NCE JIGEW AND RE^Ii EJSW^TE BICKER,

At DOLLIVER BROS. GROCERY STORE,

NO. 32 MAIN STREET, GLOUCESTER, MASS.

GAIYIN S. GROWEU & GO.,

COMMISSION MERCHANTS

IN

CODFISH, MACKEREL
Salmon, Shad, &c.

124 North Delaware Ave., PHILADELPHIA, Pa.

References :— Messrs. B. S. Snow & Co., Boston, Geo. Perkins & Son, Gloucester, Geo. Tre-
fethern & Co., Portland, Me.

M. P. ALDERMAN,

— DEALER IN —

$EWING+M7K3jnP$

AGENT FOR THE

NewDavis.White, and Domestic.

j8®- Machines of all kinds Repaired.

114 MAIN ST., TAPPAN BLOCK.

1

#*■#■#

GROCER,
Cor. School & Prospect Streets,

GLOUCESTER.

jm- First-class GROCERIES, BREAD, MILK,
CROCKERY, CHINA and WOODEN WARE,

and articles usually found in a Family Furnish-
ing Store, cheap for cash.

ll

n»

3L,^_2T:E dc HEATH,

MANUFACTURERS OF

mm m nniA& i&fin

Bottlers of Ale, Lager Beer, Porter and Cider. Also, Agents for Milwaukee Lager.

65 Duncan Street, Gloucester, Mass,

]f

WARRANTED THE BEST!

CAPE ANN COPPER PAINT

For Vessels' Bottoms.

T-^IMIES ZE3C- T^JttEZ, OrloTU-cester, IMZass.

E3P For sale in all of the principal ports on the Atlan-
tic and Pacific coast.

RUBBERS.

A Full Line of Seasonable Goods
A/ways in Stock.

mhhs* ittii

Made to Measure, and

Warranted to Fit.

C. 0. HOWARD,

64 Main Street,
GLOUCESTER, - Mass.

WHITE'S

GROCERY,

•TIBBETS' NEW BLOCK,
No. 98 Main St.,

Is the Largest, Most Spacious and Finest

Arranged in the City. First- Class Goods, ac-
commodating Clerks, and goods delivered to any
part of the Cape. All are cordially invited to
visit this establishment.

D. Augustus White,

PROPRIETOR.

F- S. TSOMPBC

(Successor to J. J. BURNS,)

Has the Largest and Best Selected Stock of

Silver and Silver Plated Ware, Fancy Goods, Etc,

TO IBIE ZFOTXHSTID I2ST ESSES! COTX2nTT^'"

Particular Attention Given to Mepairing. Also, Plain and Ornamental Engraving.
All goods bought of me will be Engraved Free of Charge.

164 Main street, Gloucester, Mass.

Established 1849.

John Pew & Son,

Producers of and Wholesale Dealers in

And Importers of

331 Main Street, : : : Gloucester, Mass,

JOHN PEW. CHARLES H. PEW. JOHN J. PEW. JOHN K. DUSTIN, JR.

SIWALL I DAY

triage ©ompaiif

MANUFACTURERS OF

CORDAGE and OAKUM,

SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO

FIMMMMWEWM @WTF'IT%

NET ROPES, TRAWL LINES, &c, &c.
Gangs of Rigging made to order at short notice.

83 & 85 COMMERCIAL ST., BOSTON,

Importer, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in

SHIP STORES, CHANDLERY AND PRODUCE.
Opposite the Custom, House, Gloucester, Mass.

GEORGES a.

AND MINERAL WATER.
Alse Sotties? ©1 aPQRVXR, A&B & OSB8SI.

PARTIES FURNISHED AT SHORT NOTICE.

SAWYER BLOCK, (Basement,) 95 MAIN ST.,

Grl©-u.cester, Mass.

b^.s:ee op

Vienna Bread, Cake and Pastry.

WEDDING CAKE A SPECIALTY.

I am prepared to furnish any description of Cake and Pastry, and of a
quality that has no equal in the city. When in want of goods in this line
please give me a call.

BAMEMY ANjB BWQRB %& DUNOAN BW,

W.F.HILTON,

Foot of Mansfield St.,

Horses Shod in a Superior Manner.

CROWELL & PATTANGALL,

COMMISSION MERCHANTS

, lUiitiiimuu)

OILS, Szo.
No. 46 Water St,, New York.

A. L. CROWELL. L. O. PATTANGALL

Particular attention paid to Eastern Produce.

Fire, Life, Accident,

— AND —

PWPvWHOTCE

In Sound Companies,

— BY —

H. L. FOLLANSBEE,

Ins. Agent and Broker.

T. H. FULLER & CO.,

DEALERS IN-

Dry and Pickled Fish

PREPARED £ND BONELESS COD,
SMOKED HALIBUT, &C.

GLOUCESTER,

MA88.

Boneleas Fish a specialty. The Trade sup-
plied at the lowest market rates.

Proprietors of the "Boss" and "Neptune"
Brands of Boneless Fish.

FitzJ. Babsonjr.

LUMBER

Of Every Description,
OlSbpTooaxcLs,
Sliingries,

Cedar ^osts,
Lattice,

D60^S, WINDOW E^PE3,

Black Walnut, Whitewood,

Pickets, Lime, Cement,

Brick, Hair, Hard-

ivare, &c.

Wfl^K W$ STORE,

275 IMIsiIn Street,

(SslotteMteff, Mas®»

'§<

G^ PATENT ^D

MANUFACTURED BY

NATHAN RICHARDSON

104 Washington St.,

GLOUCESTER, Mass.

PRICES:— 4, 4 1-2 and 5 in., 30 in. Hand
Wheel, $30.00; 6, 6 1-2, 7 and 7 1-2 in. 36 in.
Hand Wheel, $40.00; 8, 8 1-2 an-l 9 in., 42 in.
Hand Wheel, $50.00; 10 in. Hand Wheel, $60.

Address all orders to NATHAN RICHARD-
SON, Gloucester, Mass.

P. O. Box 338.

H

SBURY 8c CHfiS

•MiTHE**

fail SSliiill <& «ittll®«s

5

OF GLOUCESTER.

(c^EPY-M^DE CMWJKP^

AND

FURNISHING GOODS

lie yjjLtni JSM? m.wston^ fflorli

IN US SEX COUNTY.

No. 136 Main Street, Corner of Hancock.

PREFACE

Nine years ago we published "The Fisher-
men's Memorial and Record Book." It
at once met with popular favor, and the two
editions of 3500 copies have nearly all been
sold. Orders have been received from Nova
Scotia to California from those who once
pulled a line on board a Cape Ann fisherman,
— and from this class, especially, the work has
received a most flattering reception.
For the past two years we have been importuned by the fishermen to pub-
lish another similar work, which would prove a companion volume, carrying
the record of lost vessels and men to the date of publication, thus finishing
the list to date, and adding such matter in relation to the fisheries as we had
gathered in the interim.

This volume is in answer to oft-repeated requests. We have endeavored
to make it reliable and of special interest to that class of men whom we have
known from childhood — the hardy fishermen, who man the fleet and earn
their livelihood amidst constant peril ; the men who have done so much
toward building up Gloucester ; the producers from old ocean's harvest fields,
who draw deposits from Banks which have never yet refused to honor their
drafts, who go forth at all seasons and brave the dangers of the sea in order
to obtain an honest livelihood for themselves and those dependent upon
them.

Through the labors of the fishermen mainly, Gloucester has grown from
a population of 6350 and a valuation of one million dollars in 1840, to a
present population of 19,288 and a valuation exceeding nine millions, show-
ing an increase in the brief period of 41 years of upwards of 200 per cent,
in population and over 800 per cent, in valuation. Through his skilled
operations and the advantages taken of his labors, the fishing business of
Gloucester has grown from an enterprise of secondary importance to rank
among the valuable producing interests of the country. In 1847, thirty -five
years ago, the total valuation of the fishing product from this port was
$589,354, and now, in round numbers, it exceeds $4,000,000 yearly.

To this class Gloucester owes much, and they are entitled to the kindly
consideration of every good citizen. Around them should be thrown every

IV

PREFACE.

safeguard, morally and physically, and they should receive every encourage-
ment possible.

u Long may their white sails dot the sea,
In sunshine or in rain ;
And welcome home their comings be

From off the changing main.
Long may the clippers make their way

With gallant hearts to man
As those who tread the decks to-day—

The fishers of Cape Ann.

•

u Their sharp prows cut the billows blue,

On Georges Bank away —
Their white sails fav'ring breezes woo

In fair St. Lawrence Bay,
Or glide along New England's shore,

Or where cool breezes fan
The icy line of Labrador —

The fishers of Cape Ann."

We therefore send forth this our second volume with the hope that its
contents may be instructive and pleasing to the class for whom it is intended,
and bespeak from the fishermen everywhere a widely extended patronage.

PROCTER BROTHERS.

[MODEL OF A GKAND BANKER, 1741.]

The Early Fisheries of Gape Ann

Antedate the permanent settlement of her territory. In 1623 a fishing
vessel from England, having completed her cargo in " Mattahusetts Bay,"
sailed for Spain, leaving fourteen men " in the country at Cape Anne," to
await her return. Early in the next year the same ship, with a consort,
came to Cape Ann, and after an unsuccessful fishing season set sail for
England, leaving thirty-two men here. The following year three vessels
came from England, and an effort was made to establish a colony here under
the governorship of Roger Conant, but the attempt was abandoned in the
course of the year, Mr. Conant and some of his companions removing to
Salem, and founding the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. Fishing was also
carried on at Cape Ann in 1624 and 1625 by the Plymouth people, who had
two vessels fishing on our coast in the latter year. The permanent settle-
ment of the territory was commenced prior to 1633, and something was
again done in the way of fishing as early as 1639, although it does not
appear that the early settlers of the Cape were fishermen.

The fisheries of Cape Ann, as a considerable and permanent industry,
seem to have become firmly established about 1722, when the business was
conducted on a somewhat extensive scale at Annisquam, and also, in a lesser
degree, in the harbor parish. Heretofore the business had been carried on
in small sloops, built in the town, but in 1720 a few schooners were added,
and this class of vessels soon became popular. Many of these schooners
were of a burthen of fifty tons or more, and were therefore suitable for the
prosecution of the fisheries on the Grand Bank and other distant fishing
grounds. They were of a nearly uniform model, with square bows and high

6 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

stern, and presented the strongest possible contrast to the swift clipper fleet
of our own day. The model on the preceding page of a Grand Banker of
1 741 will give a good idea of the appearance of these old-time craft.

There was one of these craft in existence in 1878, the Manchester,
which was then owned in York, Me., and was nearly one hundred years old.
She was formerly of this port, being owned by Mr. Daniel Gaffney and
others. She was 63.95 tons> built in Duxbury, Mass., in 1784. We do not
know whether she is in existence now or not.

About seventy of these vessels were owned in Gloucester in 1741, nearly
all of which were probably employed in the Grand Bank fishery for codfish.
Each of the crew kept an account of the number of fish he caught, and the
proceeds of the voyage were distributed accordingly. That their earnings
were far from uniform is shown by an account of three trips of sch. Abigail,
Capt. Paul Hughes, to Grand Bank in 1757 ; the three trips occupied about
six months, in which were included sixty-seven days fishing, the skipper
being "high line " with a catch of 6643 fish, the "low line" taking 3435, the
average catch of the crew of six men being 4506. From 1770 to 1775
between seventy and eighty Gloucester vessels resorted yearly to the Grand
Bank, and about seventy boats fished for cod, hake and pollock on the
ledges near our own coast. These latter boats were mostly built at Essex,
then the Chebacco parish of Ipswich, and from that fact received the name
of "Chebacco boats," their model being shown in the following engraving.
There was a large fleet of them owned here and in Rockport at the com-
mencement of the present century, but they have all disappeared.

The tonnage employed in the Cape Ann Fisheries at the outbreak of the
Revolution could not have been far from forty-eight hundred tons, repre-
sented by one hundred and fifty schooners and boats, and employing about
six hundred men. The yearly product may be estimated at forty-eight
thousand quintals, of a value of one hundred thousand dollars.

The Revolution, of course, put an embargo on Bank fishing, as well as
an end to the exportation of fish, and the business soon dwindled to insig-
nificant figures. After peace had been declared the business was resumed,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 7

and some sixty vessels were sent to the Grand Bank, but in consequence
of unsatisfactory returns the business soon languished. In 1804 the whole
number of vessels over thirty tons burthen engaged in the Cape Ann fisheries
was only eight, and for nearly half a century fishing was almost totally
abandoned.

With the decline of the Bank fishery, the Shore fishery commenced to
attract increased attention. At the commencement of the present century
some two hundred Chebacco boats, averaging about fifteen tons each, and
manned by some six hundred men, were engaged in this fishery. The
increasing importance of this industry created a demand for an increase in
the capacity o£ the craft engaged in it," and about 18 10 the Chebacco boats
began to give place to the "jigger" or "pinkey," of which class but a single
specimen is now included in the Gloucester enrolment, — the sch.. Senator,
built in Essex in 1831, and now owned by Capt. John Parker. The follow-
ing is a specimen of a pinkey of the model of 18 10.

The Shore fishery reached its maximum in 1832, when it employed a ton-
nage of 6463 tons, furnishing employment to 799 men, and resulting in
a catch of 63,112 qtls. fish, of a value of $157,780, receiving also a bounty
of $25,172 from the government. From this time, the business, except as
a winter industry, began to decline, giving place to the mackerel fishery and
other modern branches of the industry.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

A Eemarkable Escape.

Two Fishermen Imprisoned in a Forecastle Eighty-Nine Hours without Light
or Water and on Short Allowance of Food — 2'imely Rescue.

The Nova Scotian schooner Codseeker was capsized of! Cape Sable, May
9th, 1877, with the supposed loss of all the crew except the captain and two
others, who saved themselves in a dory. The schooner was struck under
the weather-quarter by a sea at about 11 o'clock, P. M., and gradually
careened over on her beam ends, in which position she remained. It was
found impossible to clear the boat, and the three men in the dory, while
engaged in bailing to keep her afloat, drifted rapidly to leeward, leaving
a part of the crew clinging to the weather-side of the vessel, which they
were unable to find again when their frail craft became manageable. After
great difficulty and danger they effected a landing in the surf on the south
side of Cape Sable Island soon after daylight on the morning of the 10th.
A schooner was at once fitted away, in the face of a heavy gale, and at 1 1
o'clock, A. M., twelve hours after the accident, the Codseeker was sighted on
her beam ends, with five of the crew lashed to her side ; one of these was
washed off and drowned before he could be reached, and the other four
were rescued with great difficulty. The rest of the crew were supposed to
have been drowned in the cabin or washed overboard, and the wreck was
abandoned to her fate. On Sunday afternoon the wrecked schooner was
fallen in with off Seal Island by the schooner Ohio, of Bucksport, Me., and
was boarded by the captain and two of the crew, who fancied that they heard
sounds proceeding from the forecastle, the gangway leading to which was
entirely under water. On pounding on the side of the vessel they were
answered by faint tappings from within, and came to the conclusion that some
of the crew had been caught in the forecastle and imprisoned when the ves-
sel capsized. They at once proceeded to cut a hole in the side of the
schooner, by the fore-chains, and effected the rescue of two men who had
been confined there without light, water or food, with the exception of a few
small cakes, from 11 o'clock on Wednesday night until 4 o'clock on Sun-
day afternoon. They were landed at their homes on Monday morning, to
the great joy of their friends, who had given them up as lost. The feelings
of these men in their long and apparently hopeless confinement, their sensa"
tions when their comrades were taken from the wreck on Thursday, leaving
them without means of making their presence known, the long, weary hours
that followed, and the intense anxiety with which they became aware that
the vessel was boarded again on Sunday afternoon, and their great joy when
they knew their signals were heard and deliverance was at hand, can neither
be imagined nor described.

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FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,

Gloucester Harbor in 1606.

On the opposite page is presented a map of Gloucester Harbor, as it
appeared to some French navigators who sought its shelter in 1606, repro-
duced from a map first published in France in 1613. The accompanying
account of this first visit to our harbor was translated from the " Voyages
of Champlain," for the columns of the Cape Ann Advertiser, and so far as
our knowledge extends has not elsewhere appeared in print in the English
language.

The alphabetical references on the map are as follows (the figures denot-
ing the depth of water, probably in French metres, a metre being about
three and one-fourth feet) :

A, The place where our bark was anchored. B, Meadows. C, Little Isl-
and. (Ten Pound Island.) D, Rocky Point. (Eastern Point.) E, The
place where we caulked our boat. (Rocky Neck.) /, Little Rocky Island.
(Salt Island.) G, Wigwams of the savages, where they cultivate the earth.
H, Little river, where there are meadows. (Brook and marsh at Fresh
Water Cove.) I, Brook. (Brook which enters the sea at Pavilion Beach.)
L, Tongue of plain ground, where there are saffrons, nut-trees and vines.
(On Eastern Point.) M, The salt water from a place where the Cape of
Islands turns. (The creek in the marsh at little good harbor.) N, Little
river. (Brook near Clay Cove.) O, Little Brook coming from meadows.
(This brook cannot now be exactly located.) P, A little brook where they
washed their linen. (At Oakes' Cove, Rocky Neck.) Q, Troop of savages
coming to surprise them. (At Rocky Neck.) R, Sand beach. (Niles'
Beach, at Eastern Point.) S, The sea-coast. (Back side of Eastern Point.)
T, The Sieur de Poutrincourt in ambuscade with seven or eight arquebusiers.
V, The Sieur de Champlain perceiving the savages.

In 1603 Samuel de Champlain sailed on a voyage to Canada and ascended
the St. Lawrence as far as Cartier went in 1535. In 1604 he made a second
voyage, as pilot for De Monts, lieutenant-general of L'Acadie. They sailed
from Havre April 7, saw Sable Island May 1, and fixed the place for their
winter residence on St. Croix Island in the St. Croix river. Sept. 2, Cham-
plain left St. Croix for a cruise, sailed up the Penobscot as far as Bangor,
and then returned to his winter quarters. June 18, 1605, De Monts and
Champlain, with a small company, left St. Croix and cruised along the coast
to the southward until July 16, when they reached "a cape, where there were
three islands* near the main land, full of trees of different kinds. We named
this place," says Champlain, "Cap aux Isles,t near which we perceived a
canoe containing five or six savages, who came near our bark and then went

♦The "Three Turks' Heads" of Capt. John Smith; now Straitsmouth Island, Thacher's
Island, and Milk Island. tNow Cape Ann.

io FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

away to dance upon the shore. I went ashore to see them, and gave to each
a knife and some biscuit, which caused them to dance again better than
before. I next made them understand, as well as I could, that they should
show me the coast. After having drawn with a piece of charcoal the bay
and the cape of islands where we were, they made a figure with the same
charcoal of another bay,t which they represented very large, on which they
put six pebbles at equal distances, giving me to understand by so doing that
each of these stones denoted the habitation of a chief and his tribe. Then
they drew at the said Longue Baie a river§ that we had passed, which ex-
tends very far and has sand flats. These savages told us that those who
dwelt in this country cultivate the earth as the others whom we had seen
before. This place is in the latitude of 43 degrees and some minutes."

On this voyage Champlain did not enter Gloucester harbor, but proceeded
to Nauset, Cape Cod, from which place he returned to St. Croix. In 1606,
however, he made another voyage, accompanied by the Sieur de Poutrin-
court, sailing from Port Royal, whither the settlers had removed from St.
Croix, Aug. 28th. They arrived at Saco Sept. 21, and continuing on their
course, on arriving at the " Cap aux Isles," came to anchor at the entrance
of the harbor. The next day they came up the harbor, and landed. "We
saw," says the voyager, "some good ripe grapes, Brazil nuts, gourds, and
some roots which the savages cultivate. They gave us some of these in
exchange for little trifles we had given to them. They had already gathered
their harvest. We saw two hundred savages in the place, the chief of which,
Quiouhamenec, came to us with a cousin named Cohonepec, for whom we
made good cheer. Onemechin, a Saco chief, also came to see us, to whom
we gave a coat, which he soon gave away to another because it did not fit
him. We also saw a savage who had been wounded in the heel, while run-
ning towards the bark, and had lost so much blood that he fainted. Many
others came around him, singing some time before they would touch him ;
then, making certain gestures with their hands and feet, they moved his
head, and, upon their blowing upon him, he came to himself. Our surgeon
dressed his wound and he went gaily away ; ' but, two hours after, he came
again,' adds L. Escarbot, 'the most jocund in the world, having put about
his head the binding cloth wherewith his heel was wrapped, for to seem the
more gallant.'

"The next day, as some of our men were caulking our shallop, the Sieur
de Poutrincourt saw in the woods a number of savages who came with the
intention of making us some trouble. They were going to a little brook
which is upon the narrow part of a bank which leads to the mainland, where
our people wash their linen. As I was walking along this bank, they per-
ceived me, and to put a good face on the matter, because they saw that I

^Massachusetts Bay. §The Merrimac.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. n

had discovered them, they began to shout and to prepare for dancing. Then
they came towards me with their bows, arrows, quivers and other arms, and,
as there was a meadow between them and me, I made signs to them that
they should dance again, whereupon they formed a circle and put all their
arms in the centre of it. They had hardly commenced to dance, when they
saw the Sieur de Poutrincourt within the wood, with eight arquebusiers,
which astonished them. They stopped dancing, and retired from one side
and the other, with apprehension that we should do them some harm. We
said no more to them, however, and only made some demonstrations of
rejoicing. Then we returned to our boat in order to put to sea and get away
from them. They wanted us to stay one day, saying that more than 2000
men would come to see us, but not willing to lose time we would not longer
delay. I believe that they wanted to surprise us.

"They have some cultivated land and are clearing it up all the time. See
how they do it ! They cut the trees at the height of three feet from the
ground ; then they burn the branches upon the trunk and sow their corn
between the cut wood ; and in the course of time they take away the roots.
There are also meadows there sufficient for nourishing a number of cattle.

"This port is a very good one, having .sufficient water for vessels, and
affording shelter behind some islands. It is in the latitude of 43 degrees,
and we have named it Le Beau Port."

These French explorers next sailed to Cape Cod, leaving Quiohamenec
and his tribe in quiet possession of their territory, which is not known to
have been again touched by the feet of civilized men till it was occupied by
a few English fishermen in 1623. We should be glad to know something
of the doings and adventures of the fourteen men who composed this last
company, but no pen has traced the history of the second landing at Le
Beau Port.

- M ----- ■

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

A Winter's Trip to Georges.

BY WALTER HILL.

Outward Bound — On the Banks — Good Fishing — A Sleeping Giant — Change
of Scene — Fishermen's Rations — Eating under Difficulties — The Giant
Arouses — To keep our Courage up — Boarded by a Sea — Narrow Escape —
A Thrilling Sight — At Daybreak — In their Place — After the Storm — Home-
ward Bound.

Let us suppose ourselves on board a trim fishing craft, like the above,
with a good supply of frozen herring on board, running out from Glouces-
ter harbor, bound to Georges Banks. We are heading E. S. E., with a trip
of 140 or 150 miles before us. The wind is N. W., and the sky is cloud-
less, and we arrive on the grounds the day following our departure, pretty
early in the day, and " bring to " in about 30 fathoms of water, furl the can-
vas and bend the riding-sail. The lads are soon at work with their lines.
There are several vessels in our vicinity, and the two that we spoke before
"bringing to'' gave us but little encouragement. But this is not to be de-
pended on, for they would say the same thing, probably, if the fish were
"solid" around them. Some skippers direct the crew to stop fishing when
a vessel comes along making inquiries of this nature, so as to mislead them.
There is some justification for this practice in winter time, since the great-
est peril arises from too much crowding, and there are plenty of men in

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 13

charge of vessels who are reckless enough to anchor "right on top" of
another vessel if they should see the latter haul in half a dozen fish.

However, we don't find much here, and on the following morning make a
"berth" to the eastward and "club her" (7. e. anchor) in about 40 fathoms.
Several vessels in sight here too ; two or three quite close enough. Here
we meet with better fishing, although not anything extra, and by night the
boys average about 35 fish each.

The following morning, the wind being brisk from the westward, we are
called betimes, and the "morning watch" reports as we sit down to break-
fast that he has not had a "bite" yet. This does not disconcert us much,
as the fish often refuse to bite for an hour or so after daylight ; and so it
turns out in this instance, for we soon find ourselves pretty briskly employed,
and are able to keep ourselves warm with constant hauling. It is a busy
scene^but the reader will readily perceive that the intensity of the cold, even
on a moderately fine day in February, precludes much pleasurable emotion
warming one's breast, aside from the cold satisfaction that one feels that
every fish taken is so much added to the common good.

Well, by night we are all fairly tired out, you may be sure, and no one is
sorry to stretch out in his bunk and enjoy a snooze. The "high-line " to-day
caught 85 fish, and the "low-line " 60, a more than average day's fishing.

Two more fine days of glorious fishing weather. The boys have been
making good use of the time, too, and some of the " knowing ones" estimate
about 35,000 weight of fish in the hold.

We have now reached Thursday evening, and will note the appearance
of the weather particularly, as we expect an early change. The "glass " is
six or seven-tenths above thirty, and that indicates the approach of an
"Easterly." The wind has been light from the S. W. all day, falling at
times to a calm ; then light zephyrs spring up and chase each other along
in quick succession. It is one of the few really enjoyable days we get dur-
ing the winter months in this climate, and some of the sanguine ones have
already, in their mind's eye, started for home with a full fare. There is
some "swell" on it is true, but no more than would fairly represent the
respiration of such a peaceful, sleepy giant as the one on whose bosom we
rest. On such occasions this monster becomes to me endowed with speech,
and seems to say with a benevolent smile, "Don't be scared of me; I never
harmed anything in the world of my own accord ; it is only when that aggra-
vating brother of mine, Boreas, provokes me to fury with his spiteful
whistling and howling that I unwillingly work so much destruction — but I
am always sorry for it afterwards." And going on so, the lazy, hulking,
good-natured giant half inclines me to believe that he is sincere. I should
certainly scout, any other idea but for the recollection of certain slaps he

i4 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

has hit me from time to time, which on two or three occasions have well-
nigh sent me into "the sweet bye-and-bye."

Darkness has come upon us while we have been musing, and as we may,
before many hours, perhaps, be in the midst of a storm, we had better take
time by the forelock and secure a nap while we may. The "night-watch"
has already been set, the signal light is burning brightly, and even our
neighbor, the giant, is breathing less perceptibly, as if inviting us, too, to
repose.

Friday morning. Decided change this morning. The wind has sprung
up from the N. E. during the night, and the clouds betoken a heavy snow-
storm at hand. Our sanguine friends of last night look as if brick vails had
sprung up between them and their airy hopes. On the principle of " making
hay while the sun shines," every man is doing his utmost to swell his total
of fish to a respectable figure while there is still a chance to fish. The cod,
too, are biting pretty freely, and the vessel begins to surge and creak to her
cable uneasily, like an impatient horse champing the bit and pawing the
ground.

The skipper, who was up betimes, is uneasy, also, and now goes forward
to inspect the cable, and then below to consult the barometer, which this
morning stood almost on 30.80, but has since commenced to fall, bringing
along occasional spits of snow. He is particularly anxious about the bear-
ings of the three or four vessels in our immediate vicinity, — one right astern
and another on the "starboard quarter" giving him much concern.

The light scattered snowflakes now fall thicker and faster. The neigh-
boring vessels become more and more indistinct, till they fade out of sight
altogether, and leave us alone with the increasing wind, the blinding snow
and the rising sea ! Our giants are evidently about to commence one of
their wildest bouts.

There is the skipper's voice. What does he say ? "Haul in your lines !
Heave in 'strads' and give her cable." The " strads " are strands of rope
plaited together, and are bound tightly around the cable to prevent it from
chafing in the hawse-pipe. Having taken them off we " pay out " 60 or 70
fathoms, and " strad her up " again as before. We also loose the foresail,
put three reefs in it, and roll it up again, so as to have it ready in case the
vessel goes adrift from her anchor. (It is usually customary in anchoring
on Georges to double-reef the foresail before furling it.) What fish there
are on deck we " dress " and heave below, as well as everything else that is
loose.

All being made snug some of the crew " stow away " their lines, while
the more eager ones heave over again and continue fishing. But one drops
off, and another drops off, till the last man fishing calls to those below to
" set the watch," and when relieved goes below himself. It is customary

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 15

to have a watch on deck at all times ; one in ordinary weather, in very rough
weather two in a watch, and in heavy weather the whole crew hold them-
selves in readiness for a jump at any moment.

About 3 P. M. the cook invites us to supper ; for fair weather or foul the
inner man has to be taken care of. Let us take this opportunity of observ-
ing his hard weather arrangements. He has a kettle each of tea and coffee
always on the stove, and one or the other is served with every meal. The
provender consists of hash, fish chowder, salt beef, bread and butter, ginger-
bread, and dried apple or corn starch pies. A good deal depends on the
cook however, and his mode of catering. With a good cook everything
goes smoothly. There are guards on the table, to keep things from rolling
and sliding off ; but these are not effectual in very stormy weather.

And now darkness approaches apace. Looking to windward is a painful
operation, and one can only snatch a glance. Nothing is to be seen but
a blank prospect of snow, which strikes the face with the sharpness of hail.

This is why fishermen so much dread a N. E. storm, it places them so
utterly at the mercy of chance. There maybe a vessel two seas off bearing
down to sweep both to destruction. Like the sword of Damocles, the danger
is always hanging over their heads as long as the storm continues. But of
its actual approach there is short warning. A careless "lookout" would be
inevitable destruction.

The "night watch" being "set," on such occasions as this the rest of the
crew usually muster in the cabin, all " oiled up." The "old hands" will be
reminded of similar breezes in the past, and entertain us with narrations of
narrow escapes, etc. Old Uncle Parsons details the story of his narrow
escape in the 2d April breeze ; also in the 4th March breeze ; and again
when he successfully rode out the gale in which 75 other vessels cut their
cables and several were lost. Another "old fogy," usually reticent, makes
quite a little history of his experience in the Georgesman that "turned over"
with them while "lying" on the Bank in a heavy breeze; and, although
dismasted, righted herself and fetched them home safely after all.

We begin to be quite oblivious of the present breeze, when a heavy sea
strikes us, careens the vessel over, and sends everybody tumbling down to
leeward. The skipper, who has been standing in the companion-way,
"bobs" down and hauls over the "scuttle," just in time to prevent a drench-
ing sea from pouring down. The watch on deck keeps out of harm's way
by getting on the "foregaff," clear of the wildly-rushing water on deck.

This little " flare-up " of excitement has just subsided, when the hands on
the lookout give a loud cry. Although none know what was actually said,
all recognize the fact that imminent peril was expressed in the manner and
tone, and all hands at once rush on deck. The skipper has already placed
himself at the cable, with a sharp axe, and every eye is strained into the

16 FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK.

gloom to distinguish the fatal light — for light it is — surely approaching!
There is hope yet that. the coming craft may drift across our bows without
striking us, for the tide is setting over that way somewhat. Yonder she
emerges from the gloom, and we can distinguish the dim outline of her spars
and hull. It seems as if nothing short of a miracle can prevent the danger
from culminating. The skipper has twice lifted his axe to strike the sever-
ing blow at the cable, but the remembrance of the vessels to leeward of us
causes him to hesitate. But for this we should doubtless have cut at the
first alarm. Now she rises on the crest of a sea, right ahead of us, and five
seconds more will tell the tale. The suspense which thrills every breast
suspends respiration ; almost stops circulation. The tongue is powerless,
and all the faculties are concentrated in the eyes. Every gaze is riveted on
the vessel as she rises, more on the bow this time, and every man draws
a great breath of relief, for we know that the danger is past !

She is now abreast of us, but going away slowly on the starboard quarter.
So near is she that we feel her cable running up across our own, but we
know from its buoyancy that there is no anchor on the end of it, so we have
no fear of its hooking hold of us. Away into the gloom, out of sight, drifts
the fated vessel, her crew unconscious of the new perils so near at hand, to
leeward. The drift she was making when we lost sight of her would take
her very, very near the vessel whose bearings we took on the starboard quar-
ter before the storm set in. God help the poor fellows ! To be adrift on
Georges Bank at such a time, among a fleet of vessels, is a danger only
to be realized by those who have been through some experience of the kind.

Is it by chance that the snow shortly after this suddenly ceases? The
cessation is of but short duration, but as it clears to leeward all eyes are
searching for the lights, and soon one is descried as it rises on the sea. We
try to see the other — we know there must be two in that direction. The
next sea reveals to all that there are two lights there, together ! A loud
and horrified cry announces this discovery, and then every man seems frozen
to a statue. The terrible interest centered in those entangled lights seems
to suspend every sense but that of sight, which it intensifies.

This scene has scarcely become distinct, when like a vision it fades away.
The snow falls again, and the lights disappear, whether behind the curtain
of snow, or whether they sink into the embrace of the furious giant who was
yesterday so softly enchanting us, we are in doubt. But of the end of the
encounter there is, alas ! no room even for doubt.

Daylight breaks, or rather, creeps, on us at last. I question if there is
a man on board, be he infidel or Christian, who does not feel a sense of
thankfulness as he recognizes the long-deferred light slowly spreading over
and through the scene. The crests of the breaking seas become visible
further and further. The snowflakes show up in relief against the increas-

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 17

ing dawn, and soon all the daylight the storm will permit is ours. The cook
does not lay any table for breakfast, and we go down and snatch what we
can to eat, and swallow some hot coffee. Several ugly seas boarded us
during the night, and bulwarks are stove, gurry-kids smashed, and other
damage done, but all thought of this dwarfed into insignificance in the face
of the thrilling scene we were going through.

As the morning advances it becomes evident that we have seen the
extreme fur)' of the storm. The "glass" is beginning to rise, and towards
noon the snow slowly ceases. The wind is also moderating. We endeavor
in the afternoon to snatch a nap. I try hard to sleep, but with poor success.
My imagination is excited, and my sleep is fitful and troubled with dreams.
I fancy myself on board the lost vessels during the last few hopeless min-
utes, and appear to have plenty of leisure to observe the effects as shown in
the different faces around me. I mark expressions of wild supplication, of
cool resignation, of steady bravery, of desperation, and wicked bravado even
yet. Here I recognize the face of a young man who has often spoken of
his hope of soon going across the ocean to see once more his mother and
sisters there, and endeavoring to get them to accompany him back. There
is another who has amassed a respectable sum in the savings bank, and has
hopes of soon investing in a vessel himself, and of marrying at the same
time. In another face I recognize a frank, cheerful young fellow, just
beginning the world, full of hope and boisterous merriment, and whose only
fault is that he is too free for his own good. And lastly, another familiar
face I have often seen ; mark the stolid, stupid indifference of expression
even now. He is a married man, and has a deserving wife, but he himself
is a drunkard, long since lost to all sense of self-respect. It is ever so
when a man oversteps the bounds of blessed moderation and allows all his
mind, soul and strength to centre on the bottle. What thoughts occupy his
mind in this awful moment? Is he consumed with remorse? Has he a
thought for that woman he has wronged and made miserable all her life
long? Does he think of his neglected children ? Or is he merely wishing
for a parting grasp and swig of that bottle which should be a comfort, but is
so often made a curse ?

" Over the brink of it,
Picture it, think of it,
Dissolute man."

Just as these words are running through my mind somebody shakes me
and says I am talking "gibberish." This is somewhat mortifying, for I could
have emphatically declared that I was giving expression to the above quota-
tion from Hood.

I go on deck, and find other restless ones fishing. I follow suit and get
a few fish. Before dark we "heave in " "slack cable." The wind is in the
southward now, but it will come round to the westward. I manage to get

18 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

some sleep through the night and rise refreshed. I find the wind is N. W.,
the air keen, and everything dry and hard with frost. It is freshening, and
it is more than we can do to keep warm, hauling all the time. The fish soon
freeze stiff after they come on deck, and they are biting briskly. Several
good halibut, too, have been secured.

At night we have to " pay out " more cable again, and the breeze promises
to be heavy, but there is only one vessel in our vicinity now, and with good
clear weather we do not fear any trouble. It blows heavy through the night,
and just about daylight a heavy sea strikes us and makes the vessel tremble.
The watch soon after puts his head down the " scuttle " and says, " She's
adrift." We all jump out, slip on "oil-skins," and get on deck. The fore-
sail is loosed and set ; then we proceed to heave in the cable, which we find
has been chafed pretty well through by sawing across a rock on the bottom.

We are now standing with our head to the nor'ard, and as we have
received a good deal of damage, the skipper decides to make for home.
The wind moderates, so we make sail and pound ice — for forward our vessel
is a sheet of ice, and ropes, windlass and cable are all buried in several
inches of it. But all hands turn to with a will, and things are soon put to
rights. The wind becomes more favorable, and we make all sail and head
for Gloucester. Joyful faces are watching for us there ; but, alas ! for the
poor hearts to whom we bring tidings of bereavement — of fathers gone for.
ever ; of brothers nevermore to return, and sons whose manly right hands
will never earn honorable support for aged parents again.

Few of the affluent have any idea of the dangers encountered and braved
to procure those savory dishes of fish which they so highly appreciate ; and
I am afraid few even stop to enquire whether the fishermen are well or illy
paid for their labor. There is 'one duty, however, which people of fortune
ought not to neglect, in my opinion, and that is, to contribute liberally to
the support of the widows and orphans of whom this arduous calling makes
so many.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

19

Prices of Mackerel and Codfish in the Gloucester Market Sept. 1st, for the

Past 52 Years.

PRICES OF MACKEREL PER BBL.

PRICES OF CODFISH PER QTL.

No. 1.

No. 2.

No. 3.

1830

$5.00

$4.50

$2.62

1831

5.75

4.75

2.62

1832

5.00

4.00

2.75

1833

5.72

4.72

2.85

1834

5.72

4.72

3.35

1835

7.00

6.00

4.00

1836

9.00

8.00

5.00

1837

7.75

6.50

4.12

1838

11.00

9.25

5.50

1839

12.50

10.50

7.00

1810

12.75

10.50

5.50

1841

12.00

10.00

6.00

1842

9.00

6.00

4.00

1843

10.12

8.12

6.00

1844

9.50

7.50

5.50

1845

13.00

10.50

6.87

1846

9.12

6.25

3.87

1847

12.75

8.25

4.25

1848

9.00

6.00

3.37

1849

12.00

7.00

3.50

1850

10.12

8.12

5.00

1851

10.00

6.50

5.12

1852

9.00

7.00

5.75

1853

11.50

9.50

7.50

1854

15.00

12.25

5.00

1855

19.00

11.00

6.25

1856

13.00

8.00

6.00

1857

15.00

12.50

8.50

1858

15.50

12.50

8.50

1859

14.50

12.50

8.50

1860

16.87

11.00

8.00

1861

7.50

4.50

3.50

1862

8.25

6.00

4.50

1863

14.00

9.25

6.50

1864

30.00

20.0o

1865

22.00

15.00

9.75

1866

23.50

18.25

13.25

1867

19.25

12.50

9.75

1868

20.50

14.00

1869

21.00

12.00

7.50

1870

24.00

10.00

1871

11.25

7.25

6.25

1872

15.00

9.50

7.25

1873

20.00

12.25

9.25

1874

13.25

9.00

7.00

1875

16.25

10.25

1876

15.00

6.75

5.50

1877

16.50

12.50

8.00

1878

18.00

8.00

5.00

1879

5.00

3.00

1880

14.00

7.00

4.00

1881

14.00

6.00

4.00

$2.12

2.50

2.58

2.46

2.00

2.62

3.00

2.67

3.25

3.50

2.25

2.37

2.37

2.75

2.17

2.25

2.56

3.12

2.25

2.12

,

2.37

2.75

3.25

3.00

3.50

3.25

3.50

3.75

3.50

Georges.

4.25

4.00

3.12

3.80

5.75

8.50

8.00

8.00

6.12

7.37

7.37

6.87

Bank.

Shore.

4.50

$4.00

5.75

5.00

5.50

5.12

5.25

5.00

5.25

4.75

5.25

4.50

4.75

4.25

4.25

3.50

$3.75

4.00

3.62

3.87

5.50

4.50

5.00

5.00

3.87

4.50

20

FISHERMMN'S OWN BOOK.

Leaves from a Log-Book— Eemarkable Adventures and
Hair-Breadth Escapes,

BY J. W. COLLINS.

The following incidents — extracts from a daily journal kept by the writer
while engaged in the fresh halibut fishery, and remarkable and well authen-
ticated personal experiences of others — it is hoped, will convey to the reader
some idea of the vicissitudes and perils to which our fishermen are exposed
while pursuing their hazardous occupation. At the same time some knowl-
edge may be gained of the daily life of a class of men among whom may be
found examples of courageous daring and hardihood unsurpassed by any-
thing which has ever been written. There are few, indeed, among those
who have been engaged in the Gloucester fisheries who cannot relate truth-
ful though startling tales of their personal adventures. Though none of our
fisheries are exempt from peril, it may be safely said that the winter cod-
fishery on Georges Bank, and the trawl fishery, especially that for haddock
and halibut in winter, are the most dangerous of all. The last named
— the fresh halibut fishery — from its peculiar nature furnishes much that is
interesting, and will be especially considered here, though in quoting from
the log-book, much of the writer's own experience must necessarily be given.
So sharp is the competition in this business that fearful risks are taken in
securing fares and carrying them to market.

The operation of setting and hauling the trawls goes on with all possible

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK. 2 1

diligence whenever,. the weather will permit it. And in this matter of suita-
ble weather the fishermen are not at all fastidious, nor can they afford to be.
Thus the boats are often caught out in heavy squalls and driven away to
float helplessly for days and nights until their occupants succumb to hunger
or succeed in reaching some other vessel. Other dories' are upset on
" rough " days, and though the men are sometimes rescued, more frequently
they become exhausted and sink in the icy waters. Again, -the men will put
out in the midst of the dense fogs so characteristic of the Newfoundland
Banks, and lose the position of the vessel in spite of loud fog-horns ; or, in
winter, they will be overtaken by blinding snow-squalls, hiding everything
in a thick and turbulent waste of clashing spray and drifting snow.

On idle days, or when, late in the evening, the crew gather in the forecastle
for their usual lunch before turning in, you will hear thrilling tales of these
adventures, and escapes by only the breadth of a hair from boundless torture
or sudden death. Nor are these "yarns" — they are reserved for the gaping
crowd around the stove at the corner grocery ashore. When fo'c's'le men
compare notes, each one knows the rest are critics, and dares not draw the
long bow — at least not beyond the limit of true dramatic effect. Yet who-
ever heard that these narrations of peril ever deterred a dory's crew from
putting off when it seemed necessary ? Mr. Stedman, you are right :—

" Brave are the hearts that man
The fishing smacks of Gloucester, the sea-boats of Cape Ann."

STARTING FOR THE BANK.

The fittings, including ice, provisions, water,
boats, and fishing apparatus, having been tak-
en on board and snugly stowed away, next
comes the day of sailing, which oftentimes is
quite an episode in the fisherman's life, since
he must then part with all he holds dear,
knowing full well what dread uncertainties
lie between his departure and return. The
sailing day may occur at any season, and
each time may vary in some particulars, though
the general features remain the same. The account of the day of which
I now write I find in my journal under date of January 24, 1879.

The men composing our crew came down to the wharf, alongside of which
lay our vessel, about half-past eight o'clock in the morning, many of them
bringing a small calico bag containing a small supply of clean clothes, and
providing themselves at the fitting-out store with pipes and tobacco for the
trip. Two of the crew are sent off to the "baiter "—a vessel lying at anchor

32 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

in the harbor with flag flying — and soon return with four or five thousand
stiffly frozen herring, which are hastily stored in the hold under straw to
prevent their thawing. A little before noon — the tide serving at that time —
we got underway and worked out of the harbor with a moderate southwest
wind. Aftei p'assing Eastern Point our course was shaped east by south,
and we went skipping away before the wind, leaving Brace's Cove, Bass
Rocks, and Thacher's Island with its two tall lighthouses, on our port hand;
while astern the snow-covered shores of Magnolia, and the more distant land
about Salem and Marblehead soon grew indistinct, and was finally lost to
view.

In the meantime the ropes have been coiled, dories turned bottom up and
securely lashed, and the vessel pumped out ; while our ears have been
pleasantly greeted by the ding dong of the cook's dinner bell, calling us
away from " straightening up things on deck." The crew is divided into
two gangs for meals, the table in the forecastle not being large enough to
accommodate all. One of the second gang now came aft saying: "I'll keep
her along, skipper, while you get dinner," whereupon I gave up the wheel
which I had held since starting, and went with the first gang down to din-
ner. For dinner we had the usual first meal at sea, which, hastily prepared,
consists of boiled salt beef and potatoes, white biscuits, pilot-bread and
butter, strong tea and fried beefsteak. This bill of fare is very much
changed as soon as the "Doctor" (cook) has time to prepare a greater
variety, and though beefsteak or other fresh meat is rarely seen after the
first few days out, the table is well provided with plenty of good bread, cakes,
pies, &c, and last, though not least, the finest fish are served up in a manner
rarely equalled elsewhere.

After dinner the patent-log is put out, a note made of the bearing and
distance of the land, and then everybody is called aft to "thumb the hat," in
order that the watch may be set. All hands now stand around an inverted
hat, taking hold of it so that the thumbs are on top of the rim. The skipper
then turns away his head, and, reaching over, touches one of the thumbs,
and then counts around from left to right any number previously decided
upon. The first one that the count reaches has the first watch. The
counting then begins at the next thumb with " One," and so on until each
man knows his watch, and with the injunction from the skipper, " Remember
now whom you call," the performance ends, and the one having the first
watch takes the wheel.

We now have an opportunity to notice critically the vessel, upon the mer-
its of which we depend not only for the successful issue of the voyage, in a
pecuniary sense, but for the preservation of life itself. She is a clipper
schooner of 80 tons, with fine lines and broad beam, but "snug-rigged," that
is, carrying but one jib, as befits the winter weather. Forward, on the

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 23

larboard side of the foremast, lies coiled a huge pile of manila cable, four
hundred fathoms, or nearly a half mile in length. The main deck is divided
into small compartments by "checker planks" eight or ten inches wide, set
on edge, crossing each other at right angles and securely fastened in their
places ; they are to prevent the fish from sliding across the deck, and on top
of these are placed the dories, three on each side of the vessel.

The cabin is ten or eleven feet square, tastefully finished in ash and black
walnut, and containing four bunks — one for my own use, the others for such
members of the crew as have secured them by lot, since there are no under-
officers to claim them by right. The furniture of the cabin consists of a
stove securely fastened to the floor, a marine clock, looking-glass, barome-
ter, and chronometer, the latter being placed on the seat which runs around
the side of the cabin, supplying the place of chairs. The forecastle, also, is
nicely finished, and forms the dining-room of the vessel and the sleeping
apartment for part of the crew. A door opens from the forecastle into the
forehold, where the provisions, water and fuel are stored, and where the
cook has his pantry.

Our crew, aside from the cook and myself, number twelve men : stout,
hardy and brave fellows, selected for their proficiency as seamen and fisher-
men. Each one is known to be "a good man on board a vessel," which
means that he is an agreeable shipmate and can always be relied on to
perform any necessary duty without flinching.

But while we have been looking over the vessel, the wind has increased ;
the land has sunk below the horizon, and our little schooner is rushing
along at a lively rate, occasionally sending her lee rail under, as she lurches
in the rising sea ; while frequent dashes of spray come flying over the
weather-quarter rail. A rival vessel, also bound to the Banks, is close by,
and although our topmast bends and seems likely to go over the side, we do
not shorten sail until we see a movement for that purpose on board the
other. We have already carried our light sails long enough, and the stay-
sail comes fluttering down to the deck, like a great white bird ; the gaff-top-
sail is also clewed up, and away goes a man to furl it, nimbly climbing the
riggmg to the mainmast head.

A little before seven o'clock, P. M., our vessel took a heavy lurch to lee-
ward, sending her lee rail so far under that, when she straightened up, the
deck was nearly full, and several bucketsful came down the companion-way,
wetting the bed clothes in the lee bunks, and also the boots lying on the
floor. This episode called forth exclamations more forcible than polite from
the occupants of the lee bunks, and shouts of laughter from their compan-
ions, who could see only the ludicrous side of the accident. The sea by this
time had risen sharp and choppy, and so frequent were the lurches — the
mainboom often going under to the slings — that we soon after double-reefed

24 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

the mainsail. This done, I go below for the night, giving the usual order
to "call me if there is any change in the force or direction of the wind."

Thus ends the first day out ; and never, perhaps, were words written
which so fitly describe the situation of the outward bound fisherman as those
of Byron, when he says :

" Once more upon the waters ; yet once more,

And the waves beneath me as a steed
That knows his rider. Welcome to their roar!

Swift be their guidance wheresoe'er it lead ;

Though the strained mast should quiver as a reed,

Still must I on : for I am as a weed
Flung from the rock, on ocean's foam to sail
"Where'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail."

RUNNING FOR THE BANK IN A GALE.

Sunday, January 26th, 1879.— This day began with a strong breeze, west-
nor'west, and the barometer, which was on 29.15, indicated still more wind.
The night (or early morning) was intensely dark, and having previously
taken in and furled the mainsail and gaff-topsail, we double-reefed the fore-
sail at 1.20 A. M., and took the bonnet out of the jib. At this time the wind
was increasing rapidly, blowing in sharp puffs, and hauling to N. N. E.,
while it grew cold very fast, causing the flying spray to soon congeal into
ice on the rigging and such portions of the hull as were not too much under
water. At 4.36 A. M. the wind had freshened to a gale, and the sea ran
sharp and high, causing our vessel, which was running with the wind abeam,
to occasionally take a heavy lurch to leeward. Fearing the dories might be
injured if we continued on our course, we furled the jib and hove to under
the reefed foresail until 7 o'clock in the morning, at which time we kept off
again, the wind in the interim having changed to N. N. W., which was fair
for us, though it was still blowing hard.* It was intensely cold all the
morning and ice made rapidly on deck and about the rigging. Notwith-
standing this, however, we set the jib and riding-sail soon after breakfast,
and a half hour later saw a vessel at anchor ahead, which, as we approached
nearer, we knew was the Everett Steele. There was no one to be seen on
her deck, and as we passed close to her stern our men, most of whom had
gathered aft on the quarter, joined in a general shout. This had the desired
effect, and four or five of the Steele's crew rushed up, bare-headed and
stocking-footed, to be greeted by the laughter of our fellows as we went
dashing by. At 10 o'clock, A. M., we passed a brig, which was lying to

*The schooner Howard, of Gloucester, was knocked down and came near being lost in
this gale ; the Thresher, of the same port, also had her deck swept, and it is believed by
many that the Gwendolen, which was also bound to the Banks, went down the same day,
since she was never seen afterwards.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 25

under main-staysail. 'She was badly iced up, and appeared to be laboring
heavily, rolling her lee yard arms nearly to the surface of the water.

To one standing upon the deck of our little schooner at this time, the
scene, though grand and impressive, had a decidedly wintry and dreary look.
The ice-covered hull and rigging, the dark masses of snow-laden clouds
driven to leeward by the gale, which shrieked and whistled through the
ropes, and lashed into the wildest fury the foam-flecked waters, piling them
into huge waves, was a sight, that, once seen, could never be forgotten.
But on we went, now plunging down the side of a big sea, again lurching
heavily, filling the deck with water, which, as the vessel straightened up
again, went dashing over to the weather-side, often out over the rail, and
through the binnacle into the cabin.

The remark of one of our boys, that " any one who can't swim had better
take a back seat," was certainly very apt, but the gravity of the situation, and
the damage incident to running in such a gale, with the sea on the quarter,
was better expressed by the order frequently shouted to the man at the
wheel, "Watch her sharp now! Keep your eye to wind'ard, and if you see
a fo^one* coming swing her off and let her take it stern to."

During the afternoon there was a dangerous and nasty cross sea running,
rendering it extremely unsafe to continue on our course during the night.
We therefore took in the jib and furled it before dark, and at 5 o'clock, P. M.
hove to under double-reefed foresail and riding-sail. At 7 P. M. the gale
still continues with undiminished force, but, like a gull with its head under
its wing, our litle "sea-boat" rises and falls, safely breasting the foam-crested
waves that go seething by, leaving behind them a phosphorescent track,
which lights up the surrounding darkness, giving it a peculiarly weird and
strange appearance. Thus closes this day, the events of which I now sit
down to write before turning in for the night.

WASHED OUT OF A DORY— A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE
FOR LIFE.

On a breezy day in November, 1880, the crew of the sch. Grace L. Fears,
— a fresh halibut catcher which lay at anchor in the "Deep Water" — started
out to haul their trawls. Although it was rough, the waves frequently break-
ing, and the wind blew in gusty puffs, it was not considered exceptionally
dangerous to venture out by the fishermen, since the tide, which ran quite
strong to windward, would materially assist them in again reaching the
vessel.

In one of the dories were William T. Lee and Jack Devine. When these
two had safely hauled the larger part of their trawl, and the boat, which

*A large breaking wave.

26 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

had on board several halibut, lay hawsed up in such a manner that her side
was somewhat exposed to the sea, a huge curling wave came tearing along,
striking with full force both men and dory, the former being thrown over-
board, and the latter nearly filled with water. Devine went over the side,
but, fortunately for him, was near enough to grasp the gunwale of the boat
and climb into her. With Lee, however, the case was quite different. The
sea broke over the dory with such violence as to throw him a distance of a
dozen or fifteen feet from her. He was so much encumbered with heavy
clothing and sea-boots that he could not prevent himself from sinking. In
the meantime his dory-mate fastened the trawl to the bow of the boat so as
to keep her as nearly head to the sea as possible, and, frightened for his own
safety, made desperate efforts to bail out the nearly filled dory. As good
fortune would have it, however, the slacking of the trawl allowed the dory
to drop slowly to leeward, and the tide also swept the struggling man slowly
to windward, who, as he sank for the second, and, as he thought, last time,
felt his hand come in contact with the trawl about two or three fathoms
under water. It is said that a drowning man will clutch at a straw, and it
requires no great stretch of imagination to understand how eagerly this stout
line was grasped by the sinking fisherman. Though quite exhausted by his
efforts, he still retained his wits and his indomitable courage, and at once
began to haul himself toward the dory, hand over hand, along the line.
Almost as soon as he began this process, one of the stout hooks caught in his
forefinger and- passed completely through it near the end. To an ordinary
person this would have been certain death under such circumstances, but,
determined not to give up while life lasted, he reached the other hand as far
up on the trawl as he could, and, with a desperate pull, tore the hook com-
pletely through or out of his finger end, making an ugly wound.* He was
now able to proceed, but, just as he got his head above water and caught
his breath, just at the very last instant of endurance, with his hand clutching
the gunwale of the boat, a second hook caught in the leg of his trousers.
Though he shouted to his companion, the man rendered no assistance, fear-
ing that, should he move to the side, the water-logged dory would upset.
Lee mustered all of his fast ebbing energies and, by one last and mighty
effort, pulled himself over the side of the boat, and fell senseless to the
bottom. All of this, though long in the telling, occupied a very short time,
but the seconds were eventful ones ; and perhaps no better voucher for the
invincible pluck of our fishermen could be given than by the statement of
the single fact that, after recovering somewhat from his exhaustion, unmind-
ful of his torn and bleeding finger as well as of the breaking waves sweeping

*The mutilated finger was seen by the writer while yet it remained unhealed, and its tDrn
and mangled appearance gave ample proof of the desperate nature of the struggle in which
the wound had been received.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

27

by, Lee would not return to the vessel until he had finished hauling the
trawl, thus accomplishing the task he started out to do.

The above is one of the many instances that might be mentioned to show
that some men seem endowed with a luck all their own in escaping from
perilous positions when their companions, apparently in no worse a scrape,
have lost their lives. This is largely due, to be sure, to their indomitable *
pluck and perseverance in efforts to save their lives so long as a breath
remains, and a presence of mind that enables them to make the most of any
fortunate circumstance.

LOSS OF THE FOREST BELLE.

The schooner Forest Belle was lost on her first trip to the Grand Bank in
the latter part of 1868, and was supposed to have foundered in a furious
tornado that swept the western Atlantic in December of that year. She was
commanded by Capt. Moses M. Welch, a young man of great promise, who
was so much esteemed by those of his own profession that several of his
crew were skippers, who, having hauled up their own vessels, chose to make
this trip to the Bank with him. In every sense the crew was an excellent
one, and the vessel was considered one of the finest that ever sailed from
Gloucester. The following comprised the crew : Robert M. Collins, Daniel
Luf kin, Randall McLellan, Arthur Ulmer, Sylvanus Gott, Geo. Bartlett, Geo.
Kane, John A. Kelly, James McDonald, Wm. Hickman and Wm. B. Rowe.

Come, all you hardy fishermen,

Who winter fishing go ;
Who face those northern wintry blasts —

Fierce storms of hail and snow —
Pause here awhile and listen,

While a dreadful tale I tell
Of a winter gale and the sad, sad loss

Of the schooner Forest Belle.

A finer vessel ne'er was launched,

Or o'er the wild waves flew ;
And braver hearts were never known

Than those of her hardy crew.
Twelve sturdy men in prime of life,

Daring winter gale and storm,
Left tender wives and mothers dear

To watch for their return.

'Twas in the Fall of sixty-eight,

November, the nineteenth day,
These fearless men, with a nor'west gale,

From Cape Ann bore away :
Bound away unto the Grand Bank,

O'er the white-capped waves they fly ;
Ah ! little dreamed those seaman bold

That so soon they all must die.

With tender words and fond caress

They parted from those dear.
" Cheer up," said they, " we'll soon be back,

If God our lives doth spare."
With aching hearts wives, mothers, weep —

For none can tell the tale
Of fhe Belle's sad fate, but all suppose

She foundered in a gale.

What those daring men did suffer

No one will ever know,
Upon that wild and wintry sea,

When howling winds did blow.
The raging waves engulfed their bark —

No hand was there to save
That little band of gallant men

From a cold and watery grave.

God bless the mourning friends they've left,

And comfort those who weep
For husbands, sons and brothers dear,

Now buried in the deep.
Though parted from their loved ones here,

There is a brighter shore,
Where they may meet them once again •

There partings are no more

28 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Notable Fishing Fares.

There is considerable rivalry among the Cape Ann skippers in the matter
of bringing in large fares, and this friendly competition not only develops
the .skill and daring of the fishermen, but keeps them ever on the alert to
try experiments and to discover new methods of catching fish and new fish-
ing grounds, thus bringing into play those faculties which tend to promote
the fishing interests and add to their productiveness. We have kept a rec-
ord of many of these big trips, and take much pleasure in publishing them
in the pages of the "Fishermen's Own Book."

BANK TRIPS.

The best codfish fare ever landed at this port was in October, 1880, when
the Br. sch. Kelso, Capt. Benjamin Hines, arrived here from Grand Bank
with 220,000 lbs. large codfish, 90,000 to 100,000 lbs. medium and small
do., and 1600 lbs. Retched halibut. The next best Bank fare was 300,000
lbs. codfish, in round numbers, landed in 1878 by sch. Herman Babson, Capt-
Charles J. Lawson, which schooner also landed 195,000 lbs. on one trip in
1880. The five best Bank fares ever landed by a single vessel were received
in the sch. Grand Master, Capt. Byron Hines, of Pubnico, N. S., sailing
from this port : in 1875 she landed a fare of 240,000 lbs.; in 1877, one of
270,770 lbs., stocking $6,580; in 1878, one of 250,000 lbs. ; in 1880, one of
250,000 lbs.; and in 1881, one of 275,000 lbs. Among other good- codfish
fares we notice those of the Centennial, 250,000 lbs. in 1878, and 250,000
lbs. in 188 1. Among other good fares in the last named year the Webster
Sanborn hailed for 250,000 lbs., the New England for 225,000 lbs., the Ski-
loh of this port, Hattie L. Newman of Beverly, and Water Lily of Yarmouth,
N. S., each 200,000 lbs. ; the Davy Crockett, from a hand line trip to Western
Bank, for 210,000 lbs., and the Thresher for 190,000 lbs. codfish and 10,000
lbs. halibut. For the week ending Sept. 8 six Grand Bank fares were
received, aggregating 1,115,000 lbs. codfish, including two fares of 250,000

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 29

and one of 225,000 lbs.; from March 8 to October 15 the Josie M. Calder-
wood made five trips to the Western and Grand Banks and Banquereau,
taking in round numbers 400,000 lbs. codfish and 55,000 lbs. halibut, stock-
ing $10,475, believed to be the best season's work in the Bank codfishery.
The largest amount of Bank codfish ever landed at Gloucester in a single
week was 3,620,000 lbs., twenty-five fares, for the week ending July 27, 1876,
the total codfish receipts for that week being 4,448,000 lbs.; for the week
ending Sept. 16, 1880, fifteen fares of 2,057,000 Bank codfish were landed
at Gloucester, and for the week ending Sept. 13, 1877, 2,000,000 lbs. Sch.
Plymouth Rock took 225,000 lbs. on one Bank trip in 1878. On a five
months' trip in 1873 sch. Carrie P. Mortofi, Capt. Charles A. Keene, took
192,000 lbs. codfish and 28,050 lbs. halibut, stocking $7,888, the crew shar-
ing $326.16, the best stock on one trip in this fishery of which we have any
record. Sch. Knight Templar, Capt. Michael McDonald, stocked $7,681.25
on one trip in 1873, being absent only two and one-half months. In 1877
sch. Concord, Capt. John Dago, landed 185,000 lbs. codfish and 57,000 lbs.
halibut, from a Western Bank trip, stocking $7,100 in four months and two
days. Sch. Ben: Perley Poore, Capt. Charles H. Nute, landed 180,695 ^s-
codfish and 10,597 lbs. halibut from a fourteen weeks' trip in 1872, stocking
$6,345.69, the crew sharing $257.29. In 1879 the Corinna H. Bishop arrived
home in August from a seventeen weeks' Bank trip, with 186,780 lbs. large
codfish, 2,315 lbs. small do., and 1,214 lbs. fletched halibut, having sold
14,000 lbs. in Newfoundland, giving her a catch of 204,309 lbs. fish.

FLETCHED HALIBUT.

The largest Bank fare of fletched halibut ever landed at Gloucester was
153,044 lbs. in sch. Reunion, Capt. Belcher Torrey, in 1868. She had also
23,875 lbs. codfish, and stocked on a twelve weeks' trip $8,354 (the best
Bank stock on one trip yet reported), the crew sharing $286.63.

FRESH HALIBUT.

The largest fare of fresh halibut ever landed at Gloucester was 140,000
lbs., by sch. G. P. Whitman, Capt. Jerome McDonald, from a Bank trip in
1877. The next largest fare was landed by sch. Centennial, Capt. Dennis
C. Murphy, from a three weeks' trip in 1876, landing 129,577 lbs. and 5,000
lbs. codfish; on her first ten trips the Centennial took 1,160,000 lbs. halibut.
In 1875 sch. Chester R. Lawrence, Capt. Thomas Hodgdon, took on one trip
126,566 lbs. halibut and 5,480 lbs. codfish. The next year sch. Davy
Crockett took 103,000 lbs. on her first trip, which sold at 6 and 3 cts. per lb.
for white and gray. Sch. William T. Mei-chant took 103,450 lbs. in twenty-
five days, in 1868. The best fare landed in 188 1 was brought in by the

3o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

sch. Plymouth Rock; she weighed off 96,539 lbs. halibut and 1,500 lbs. cod-
fish, having a sufficient quantity of unsaleable halibut to bring her catch up
to 100,000 lbs. ; her stock was $2,550, the crew sharing $85, on a voyage
occupying four weeks and two days. Among the receipts in one week in
1876 were 114,540 lbs. in sch. Carrie P. Morton, 99,980 in sch. Davy Crock-
ett, 95,000 lbs. in sch. Edwin C. Dolliver, and two other vessels had upwards
of 70,000 lbs. each the same week. The largest amount of halibut ever
received in Gloucester in a single week was for the week ending Feb. 10,
1881, when the receipts were 740,000 lbs. from the Banks and 122,509 lbs.
from Georges, 862,500 lbs.

The best stock on a single trip in the Bank halibut fishery was made by
sch. N. H. Phillips, Capt. William McDonald, in 187 1. She landed 47,650
lbs. halibut and 9,390 lbs. codfish, stocking in five weeks $5,361. Ii two
successive trips that season she stocked $9,142, the crew sharing $353.42
for nine weeks' fishing. The same year sch. Mary Carlisle, Capt. William
Thompson, stocked $4,738.75 on one trip, the crew sharing $236.25. In
1879 sch. Thresher stocked $4,464.82 on one trip. Sch. Sarah P. Ayer
stocked $4,251 on a trip in 1869. In 1868 sch. Aphrodite, Capt. Randall
McDonald, stocked $4,246.37, and the previous year the same vessel stocked
$4,126 on one trip; sch. William T. Merchant, Capt. Nelson McKenney
stocked $4,200 on a twenty-six days' trip in 1868. Sch. C. B. Manning
Capt. Charles H. Nute, stocked $4,033 on a halibut trip in 1869. In 1880
the best stock was made by sch. Willie M. Stevens, her catch of 81,000 lbs-
selling for $3,870; time about three weeks. The best stock in 1881 was
made by the Grace L. Fears, 75,000 lbs., $3,553, crew sharing $121.79. On
one trip in 1876 sch. Epes Tarr was absent three weeks, and took in four
days' fishing 54,500 lbs. white and 24,44210s. gray halibut, whic'i sjld for
$3,165, the crew sharing $120.

The best season's stock in this fishery was made by sch. Gertie E. Foster,
Capt. Edward Morris, in 1875. ^n eleven months she landed 668,517 lbs.
halibut and 19,220 lbs. codfish, stocking $26,071.56. The next best stock
was that of sch. Willie M. Stevens, Capt. John Mclnnis, in 1880 ; from
Dec. 24, 1879, to Dec. 15, 1880, her gross stock was $22,107.35, and her net
stock $20,959.06, the crew sharing $706.06. The best season's stock in
this fishery in 1881 was made by Capt. Nathaniel Greenleaf in sch. Grace
L. Fears, $20,385 net. Sch. Racer, Capt. Walter M. Fait, stocked $22,000
in 1866 ; Capt. William Thompson was high line of the crew, making $1,300.
In 187 1 Capt. Thompson made nine trips in sch. Mary Carlisle, stocking
$17,275.53, her crew sharing $858.62. In 1869, '70, '71, Capt. Thompson
stocked $46,871. In 1873, '74, '75, Capt, Edward Morris stocked $64,769.78.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 31

GEORGE'S FARES. •

The largest codfish fare ever received from Georges was 123,115 lbs.,
round, with 862 lbs. halibut, by sen. *S. R. Lane, Capt. Solomon Jacobs, in
1875; tne Lane stocked $2,554 on this trip, her crew sharing $90.81, and
the cook making $156.62. In 188 1 the sch. Triton, Capt. Edward Groves,
weighed off from one George's trip 54,000 split codfish, 30,000 lbs. round
do., (equal to about 111,000 lbs. round), and 3,000 lbs. halibut.* In 1875
sch. Carl Schurz, Capt. Neil S. McPhee, landed a Georges fare of 107,200
lbs. codfish and 3,800 lbs. halibut, stocking $2,580; crew shared $105.04
cook made $143.95. Sch. Everett Steele, Capt. Joseph Goslin, weighed off
102,075 lbs. on one trip in 1869. In 1868 sch. William J. Dale, Capt.
David A. Osier, landed a fare of 100,575 lbs. On a fourteen days' trip in
1867 sch. Montana took 100,162 lbs.,. and in two successive trips that year
landed 183,362 lbs., making a gross stock of $3,417.32. In 1866 the Mad-
ame Roland had a fare of 99,338 lbs. In 1877 the Riverdale took 93,378
lbs., and the William J. Dale 91,500 lbs., each on one trip; the Hattie S.
Clark, Capt. Hiltz, took 172,500 lbs. on two trips in three weeks. In 1879
the Sarah P. Ayer had a trip of 60,000 lbs. split codfish. The best fare in
1880 was 66,000 lbs. split codfish and 1,500 lbs. halibut, in sch. Hyperion,
and the next best fare 65,000 lbs. split codfish and 2,000 lbs. halibut in
sch. David M. Hilton. On five Georges trips in the Spring and Summer of
188 1, sch. Procter. Brothers took 21,544 codfish in number, weighing 171,000
lbs. Of her crew of eleven men Mr. George Williamson was high line,
taking 2,417 fish, while the low line caught 1,431.

The best stock on a single Georges trip was $2,833.29, by sch. Madame
Roland, Capt. James Lunderkin, in 1865 ; in two trips that year she stocked
$5,050.75. Sch. Everett Steele, Capt. Cash, stocked $2,824.55 m J865,
$2,760.69 in 1869, and $2,738.95 in 1866, on single trips. In 1865 scn-
Laughing Water, Capt. Joseph Goslin, on eleven Georges trips stocked
$14,843.84, and afterwards going to the Bay of St. Lawrence for mackerel,
stocked $3,110.46, making her season's stock $17,954.30; the high line
made $1,105.37, and her cook $1,402.93.

GREENLAND TRIPS.

The largest fare of fletched halibut ever landed at this port was 179,575
lbs., by sch. Bunker Hill, Capt. John McDonald, from a Greenland voyage
in 1 88 1, stocking $9,000. The same year sch. Herman Babson, Capt. Charles
J. Lawson, took 178,000 lbs. fletched halibut, and a quantity of other fish, on
the coast of Greenland, stocking $11,734.60 on a four months' trip; the

*In 1879 the Triton had a trip of 69,012 lbs. split codfish and 1,100 lbs. halibut.

32 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

crew shared $400.71 each, and the skipper's share and commission amounted
to $872.07. In 1870 sch. Caleb Eaton, Capt. John S. McQuinn, landed
177,300 lbs. fletched halibut, and a quantity of salmon and fins, from a four
months' Greenland trip, stocking about $20,000.

HIGH PRICES FOR HALIBUT.

In the Fall of 1865 Capt. L. A. Story, now of Magnolia, caught from a dory
while engaged in hand-line fishing in Boston Bay, a halibut weighing 194
lbs., which was sold to Messrs. Parsons & Co. of Commercial Wharf, Bos-
ton, at 28 cents per pound, making the total price $54.32. The largest
price ever received for a fare lot was 21 cts. per lb. for white and 14 cts. for
gray, for 9,000 lbs. brought in by sch. T. L. Mayo. In January, 1881,
halibut sold at 16 and 12 cts. per lb. for white and gray.

QUICK BANK AND GEORGES TRIPS.

Sch. Cunard, Capt. Garrett Galvin, made a salt trip to the Banks in 7^
weeks in 1878; sch. Carrie P. Morton, Capt. Charles A. Keene, in 2^
months in 1873 ; sch. Ben: Perley Poore, Capt. Charles H. Nute, in 14 weeks
in 1872 ; sch. Reunion, Capt. Belcher Torrey, a fletched halibut trip to the
Banks in 12 weeks in 1868. In 1877 sch. Augusta H.Johnson, Capt. George
A. Johnson, made a fresh halibut trip to Western Bank in 13 days, and the
same year sch. Edward Grover made three such trips inside of 14 days each
and another in 16 days. In 188 1 sch. Grace L. Fears, Capt. Nathaniel
Greenleaf, made a Grand Bank trip for halibut in 14 days, 6 hours, securing
40,000 lbs. halibut, the crew sharing $91.50. The same year sch. G. P.
Whitman, Capt. Jerome McDonald, made a Grand Bank trip in 16 days,
taking 61,580 lbs. halibut; on four trips that year the Whitman averaged
4 weeks each, the crew averaging $80 each per trip. The Nathaniel Webster
also made a Bank halibut trip in 16 days in 1881 ; the David A. Story, Capt.
Joseph Ryan, one in 18 days, stocking $3,021, crew sharing $103.62 ; sch.
H A. Duncan, in 17 days, took 80,000 lbs. codfish. Sch. Franklin Snow,
Capt. McDonald, stocked $2,385.47 on an 18 days' trip to Western Bank in
1868, and sch. Aphrodite, Capt. McDonald, stocked $4,126 on a 20 days' trip
in 1867, the crew sharing $171.51. In 1880 sch. Alice M. Williams, Capt.
Dennis C. Murphy, made a Banquereau trip in 16 days, returning with 38,000
lbs. halibut. Sch. Willie Seavy, Capt. Robert White, of Newcastle, N. H.,
with a crew of eight men, sailed on a Western Bank trip April 16, 1881, and
arrived at Portland May 18, with a fare of 450 qtls. prime codfish, the result
of 21 days' fishing. In 1867 sch. Hattie S. Clark, Capt. Hiltz, took 90,000
lbs. codfish in a week's trip to Georges, and made two trips inside of 2 1
days, landing 172,500 lbs. cod. In November, 1881, sch. Alice M. Gould,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

33

of Portland, made a La Have Bank trip in 5 days, securing 45,000 lbs. fish,
which sold for $1,200, the crew sharing $80 each, or $15 per day.*

Long Trip. — Sch. Commonwealth arrived home from a Bank halibut trip
in April, 1881, having been absent 7^ weeks. She was 16 days on the
passage home.

SHORE FISHING.

The largest haddock fare ever caught by a Gloucester vessel was landed
at Boston in February, 1880, by sch. Martha C, Capt. Charles Martin. She
weighed off 72,000 lbs., which sold at $2.50 per 100 lbs., stocking $1,803,
the result of two days' fishing on a seven days' trip. The expenses of the
trip were $137, and the crew of fourteen men shared $86 each. In 1881
the same vessel and skipper had a very successful season ; on a January trip
she landed 70,000 lbs. fish, about two-thirds haddock and one-third cod ; on
a February trip to La Have Bank she took 63,000 lbs. haddock and 20,250
lbs. codfish, stocking $1,742.50, the crew sharing $84.38; in March she
stocked $1,784 on one trip, the crew sharing $94; in April she struck
a good school of fish on the western edge of Western Bank, and in two
days' fishing took 80,000 lbs. codfish and 12,000 lbs. haddock, the largest
"shore" fare yet reported by a Gloucester vessel. Up to the first of May,
1881, the Martha C. landed about 550,000 fresh fish, stocking more than
$11,000, the largest stock for the time employed ever made in the shore
fishery.

The largest haddock fare ever landed at Gloucester was 70,380 lbs., taken
on Georges in 1878 by sch. E. L. Rowe, Capt. Sewall W. Smith, on a five
days' trip.

The largest haddock fare ever taken in one day's fishing was 51,700 lbs.,
with 2,500 lbs. codfish, taken in 1877 by sch. Paul Revere, Capt. John
Bentley, who stocked $10,036.83 from Oct. 6, 1876, to May 11, 1877. On
one trip to Georges in 1877 sch. Cora E. Smith, Capt. Sewall Smith, took
52,679 lbs. haddock ; in three trips she landed 124,375 *DS- 5 during February
and March she landed 203,095 lbs., and stocked $4,500. In 188 1 sch. Edith
M. Pew, Capt. William Corliss, landed 60,000 lbs. haddock on one trip ; in
two trips, occupying three weeks, the crew shared $100 each. Sch. David
J. Adams, Capt. Richard Murphy, stocked $2,117 on a ten davs' triP> tne
crew sharing $107. In three weeks sch. Charles S. Tappan, Capt. John
Bentley, stocked $3,200. Sch. Aberdeen landed 50,000 lbs., sch. Anable
50,000 lbs., and sch. Paul Revere 40,000, each on one trip. In 1879 sch.
Alice M. Hawkes, of Swampscott, took 49,000 lbs. codfish in one day, and
sch. George A. Upton took 40,000 lbs. on one trip. For the year ending

*In Novembpr, 1881, sch. Emma S. Osier made two pollocking trips inside of 5 days,
landing 53,000 lbs. pollock.

34 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Feb. 4, 1881, sch. Mystic, Capt. John McKennon, stocked $19,770 shore
trawling, the crew sharing $785.12 each. In five months in 1872-3 sch.
Eastern Queen, Capt. William Corliss, stocked $10,250 net in the haddock
fishery, her crew sharing $560. The same season sch. Jennie B. Thomas,
Capt. Henry Thomas, stocked $8,000 in five and a half months. In 1870-1,
sch. Angie S. Friend, Capt. McClain, stocked $7,700 in five months, and
sch. Maud Muller, Capt. Nathaniel Smith, $6,600 in four months. Sch.
George H. Hagnet, 32 tons, of Harpswell, Me., stocked $5,500 in five
months' shore fishing in 1881.

MACKEREL FARES.

Sch. Edward E. Webster, Capt. Solomon Jacobs, stocked $24,146 in the
Summer and Fall of 1881 in the mackerel fishery. In the Summer and Fall
of 1880 Capt. Jacobs in the Webster, disposed of 1,300 bbls. mackerel fresh,
and 2,600 bbls. pickled, stocking $19,745.76 gross. The same season sch.
Alice, of Swan's Island, Me., took 3,700 bbls., of which 900 bbls. were
disposed of fresh, stocking $19,548.75.

The season of 1881 was a very favorable one for the mackerel catchers.
Sch. Lizzie D. Saunders, Capt. Alfred Saunders, of Pigeon Cove, stocked
$1,700 in two weeks, the crew sharing $73 ; sch. Ivanhoe made eleven trips
for fresh mackerel in seventeen days, being two or three days in port ; sch.
Wildfire, Capt. George M. McClain, took 1,309 sea-packed barrels in six
weeks; sch. Northern Eagle, Capt. George H. Martin, stocked $1,852.50 in
five days ; sch. Isaac Rich, of Swan's Island, Me., took 2,000 bbls. up to the
middle of July; sch. Frank Butler, of New London, Conn., caught 762 bbls.
in three weeks; sch. David A. Osier 160 bbls. in forty-seven hours; sch.
Col. J. H. French 500 bbls. in eight days, and sch. Piscataqua 400 bbls. in
four days ; sch. Dreadnaught, of Portland, Me., 205 bbls. in twenty-one
hours; sch. Fleeiwing 210 bbls. at one haul; sch. Madawaska Maid 225
bbls. in one day, and 1,000 bbls. in five weeks; sch. William M. Gaffney
900 bbls. in twenty-one days ; sch. Alice, of Swan's Island, Me., 4,804 bbls.
to Oct. 21. Sch. Wildfire stocked $3,200 in two weeks. From April 20 to
July 26 sch. S. R. Lane landed 2,400 bbls. ; for the twenty months ending
Aug. 1, 188 1, this vessel stocked $25,000 fishing. In October, 1876, sch.
Mary Odcll, Capt. McLain, made one haul in Barnstable Bay of more than
the crew could take care of; she took 300 bbls., gave away no and lost
several hundred through a hole in the seine. The Mary Odell had a crew
of 12 men, and up to Sept. 22 stocked $11,000, the crew sharing $436.96;
the next week she landed two good fares, and the week following two more,
at Boston. In 1877 sch. James A. Stetson took at one haul, off Block Island,
140 bbls. large fat mackerel, which sold at $20 per bbl. ; Sch. Moses Adams,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 35

Capt. Solomon Jacobs, stocked over $2,400 in three short trips in one
week, in October, 1878; in 1876 sch. Herbert M. Rogers, Capt. Richard
Warren, took at one haul, off Block Island, 165 bbls. fat mackerel, which
sold at $25 per bbl., stocking $4,125 ; sch. Gen. Grant, Capt. Coas, stocked
$11,254.94 net on two Bay trips in 1864; sch. Nor' Wester, Capt. Daniel
Hillier, stocked $9,721.74 on one Bay trip in 1864. In three months of the
same year sch. Gen. Sherman, Capt. George W. Miner, took 612 bbls., and
stocked $9,696; sch. John Bright, Capt. Aaron Riggs, took 639)^ bbls., and
stocked $10,711.21 gross ($9,518.34 net), on one Bay trip in 1866 ; the high
line made $288.73, low line $106.06, cook $382.78 j she went through Canso
after Aug. 1, and packed out Nov. 15.

The earliest receipt of new mackerel was in 188 1, when the sch. Edward
E. Webster, Capt. Solomon Jacobs, sailed from Gloucester March 15, and
arrived at New York March 23, with 140 bbls., which sold for $3,000. In
1878 10 bbls. were taken by sch. Lilian, of Noank, Conn., and landed at
Lewes April 5, selling in New York at 20, 15 and 10 cents each. First
fare, 150 bbls., sch. J. J. Clark, Capt. Charles Lee, at New York April 13.
The first receipts in 1880 were April 4; in 1879, April 14; in 1876, April
24; in 1877, April 25 ; in 1875, April 30.

DORY FARES.

In the Winter of 1877-8, Leander Godditt of Pigeon Cove took 2,200 lbs.
codfish in one day ; John E. Woodbury and his son Elbridge, of Folly Cove,
took 3,900 lbs.; Albion Knowlton and Howard Parsons, 3,850 lbs.; Warren
and Howard Poland, 3,800 lbs.; J. W. Marchant and B. F. Saunders, 3,300
lbs.; John Woodbury and C. Sammis, 3,200 lbs. The same Winter a Mr.
Taber of Nantucket launched his dory, pulled two miles to the fishing
grounds, took 2,114 pounds of codfish, and pulled ashore, all on one tide,
not exceeding three hours. Feb. 26, 1880, Mr. George Woodbury of Folly
Cove had three tubs of trawls set, comprising 1,500 hooks. He hauled his
trawls and got for his hard day's work five pounds of fish. The next day
Mr. Ezra L. Woodbury overhauled six tubs of trawls and did not get a fish.

36 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

The Old-Time Fishery at 'Squam.

BY GIDEON L. DAVIS.

Tradition of the Early Settlement — The Vessels Used and Voyages Pursued — An
Interview with " Uncle Ben" Who Tells What He Knows about the Old-
Time Fishery — " Uncle Joe's" Narrative — " Uncle 'BijaWs" First Trip —
Various Kinds of Craft Used in the Fisheries — A Grand Bank Trip in 1816
or 18 1 7 — Largest Fishing Fare Ever Landed on Cape Ann.

The business of fishing at 'Squam must have commenced with its settle-
ment, for the not-over-productive soil could have afforded but a scanty
livelihood, and the early settlers were doubtless attracted by the products
of the sea, which were plentiful and easily obtained. Tradition, documen-
tary evidence and landmarks tend to prove that the fisheries commenced
here at a very early period, and flourished for many years. The places
which tradition asserts were once the sites of fishing establishments, hardly
a trace of which remains, and the fishing stands of a later period, with their
wharves and warehouses crumbling to decay, mark two eras of prosperity in
the fishing business that have long since passed away.

Could we go back in imagination to that earlier era ; could we bridge over
the lapse of years that have intervened ; and tell how the fishermen lived —
how they captured their fish — describe their clumsy and ill-contrived crafts
— recount the dangers and difficulties they encountered — we might compile
a chapter full of interest for the "Fishermen's Own Book."

(3f the ancient fishing establishments, which seem to have flourished at an
early day, we can hazard but a few conjectures. All record of them, if there
ever was any such record, has been lost. Our knowledge of them is* there-
fore merely traditional. The "ketches" and "sloops" spoken of in history
as the first vessels employed in the Cape Ann fisheries were doubtless used
by them. Of the latter class of fishing craft we learn from history that in
1724 several were employed in the Bank fishery, and that one of them, the
Squirrel, belonging to 'Squam river, was captured by a pirate ; that the
crew subsequently rose against their captors, killed some, threw others over-
board, retook the sloop and brought her back into the river. The hanging
of the bodies of two of the pirates upon " Hangman's Island " may be
taken as evidence that the Squirrel belonged to the fishing establishment at
"Done Fudging," about which there has been so much conjecture, since
the island was but a short distance from it. It is now covered by the East-
ern Railroad bridge, which spans the river at this point. I remember seeing

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 37

it when a boy, a small low island, partly washed away by the tide, with
a few stunted trees growing upon it. As the captured pirates were tried and
executed elsewhere, it is probable that the island took its name from the
suspension of the dead bodies of Burroughs and Phillips, who were killed
in the recapture of the sloop, upon a mock gallows thereon.

Why the early fishermen should have sought such out-of-the-way places —
always far up some river or creek — in preference to Gloucester harbor,
whose convenience of access and adaptability to the business has given
birth to a thriving and growing city, is left to conjecture. It may be that
in those troublous times they selected them as being more remote from the
sea, and affording greater safety from the depredations of piratical craft,
which were then quite numerous, and also from the cruisers of the govern-
ments with which the mother country was then at war. The location of
their dwelling houses — of which forty desolate cellars remain, whose story
none can tell — far removed from the shore, and always in some secluded
spot, corroborates this view, as does also the tradition that they hauled their
fish up on Dogtown Common to cure.

About 1630 a party of men, led by a son of Rev. John Robinson of Puri-
tan fame, seeking a place suitable for a fishing station, landed at Annisquam,
and were so well pleased with its harbor and other conveniences that they
concluded to set up a fishing stage there, and send for their families. This
was the first permanent settlement of Cape Ann. The abandoned cellars
were theirs, and the ruined wharves which tradition asserts were once the
sites of important fishing establishments, doubtless belonged to and were
used by them and their immediate descendants.

What sort of crafts they used, what voyages they made, what success they
met with, cannot now be learned. It is probable that the "ketch," a small
open boat with two masts and sails, answered every requirement for a long
period, since doubtless fish were plentiful and near at hand. Probably no
craft of considerable size fitted from these establishments until a much
later period. In 1724, nearly a hundred years after the settlement, we find
mention of a vessel of larger proportions, the Squirrel, before alluded to.
She must have been a good-sized craft, carrying quite a crew, and bound on
a distant voyage, as it is said that the men took their tools along with them
to complete her on the outward passage, she being a new vessel. At a later
date the old Bankers and Pinkeys were undoubtedly fitted from these estab-
lishments.

Wishing to obtain some information in regard to the ancient fishing
site at Mill Creek, concerning which there has been so much curiosity
and conjecture, and of which a ruined wharf is all that now remains, we
sought out "Uncle Ben," who lives near the place, as the one most likely to
be able to impart the information we desired "Uncle Ben" is a hale old

38 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

veteran of the sea. We found him open-hearted and free, as we knew him
of old, and carrying his eighty and odd years remarkably well.

" Do I know anything about the old fishing establishment just below here
on Riggs' Point? Well, I ought to, seeing that I went from there when
a boy. Capt. Samuel Riggs carried it on then. I do not know who carried
it on before him. Somebody must have done so, for he did not build the
wharf or the warehouses ; he built only the drying houses that stood further
up the hill. They were all pulled down about forty years ago. He owned
three vessels, standing-room pinkeys of about twenty -five tons burthen, one
called the John, another the Mary Ann, and the third the Sally.

"I was a small boy when I commenced to go. We used to start about
the first of May and go down on Tantor, Southeastern Jeffries, Cashes, and
sometimes to Wood Island, and would be gone about a week. Fish were
plenty enough, and we could catch just as many as we wanted.

"I do not remember anything about the old Banking fleet j that was before
I can remember. I have heard say that they used to have them up to Done
Fudging. Cod and haddock were all the fish we used to market. Halibut
were plenty enough. They would come up alongside and swim with their
fins out of water, but we never thought of catching them. Sometimes,
though not often, we would catch one and smoke it — for our own eating —
in the pinkey's chimney, which made a nice smoke-house. When they got
too plenty we would haul up and seek another 'berth.' They used to bother
us, as I have heard" my father say the pollock used to bother them when he
went. They did not know what a pollock was in his day, and used to think
it a bad haul when they got one on the hook. At one time he used to go
coasting in what would now be thought a small craft, but what they consid-
ered a monster, an old-fashioned standing-room pinkey of forty-two tons,
with timber heads coming up along her sides six or eight inches, around
which a plank was bent to serve as bulwarks — then called a waist. She
had fore-and-aft standing rooms, a fore-cuddy with a brick chimney and
fireplace, carried fore-and-aft sails, and was without shrouds or bowsprit.
She had hemp, or what was then called Raven's duck, sails — cotton duck
was then unknown — and carried a scout horn* to wet them down when the
wind was moderate. They used to coast along shore, carrying corn and
lumber, and once went as far south as Charleston.

"Aaron Hodgkins had a pinkey of twenty tons, called the Willow. He
went in her himself, going from here. Aaron and Vincent Wheeler, broth-
ers, had a square-stern boat whose name I do not remember. They went
from Wheeler's Point. Over in Goose Cove, above the mill dam, where

*As hemp sails were porous, aud had not the wind-holding properties of cotton duck, the
" scout horn," a pole about fifteen feet in length with a leather pocket holding about a pint
of water to throw on the sails and close them up, was an indispensable instrument.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

39

you can see the remains of an old wharf, Josh. Riggs went in an old pinkey
called the Blaney. It is about sixty years since she last left the cove. She
went out under her foresail, with a fresh sou'west wind. Uncle Josh.,
leaning over the mainboom, said, ' Looks dreadful squally, don't it ? Guess
we had better go back.' Back they went, and there she laid her bones, that
being the last cruise of the Blaney"

All this and much more interesting information "Uncle Ben" imparted
freely, but we shall omit the rest, as there are other veterans of the fishing
grounds to be heard from.

We were desirous of learning something concerning the old Bankers, that
are said to have sailed from these ancient fishing establishments, and felt
that we should be most likely to obtain the information we desired by inter-
viewing "Uncle Joe." What we gathered from this source will now be
given, not as he told it, for that would take a more graphic pen than ours.
But we will "puss" it up together, as the fishermen do the schools of
mackerel.

"I remember, when a boy, four score years ago, of hearing Capt. William
Babson, then an old man, tell about the old Bankers. Capt. Babson, Capt.
Gee and Joseph Baker, sometimes called 'Master Baker, were among the
fitters. Capt. Babson's place of business was at Babson's Point. Master
Baker's was at Baker's Point, now known as Pleasant Point, and the house
in which he resided is the one now occupied by Prof. Hyatt as a Summer
residence. The old warehouse, which used to stand so conspicuously on
the Point, was owned and used by him. Capt Gee's place of business was
at Gee's Point, now known as Wheeler's Point. His wharf may yet be
seen, so far decayed as to be covered at half tide, I think. There were
fourteen sail in all. I cannot remember now, even if I ever knew, the
names of any other fitters ; but as there were fourteen vessels, and as it was
not usual for one establishment to fit more than one or two Bankers, there
were probably other places where they fitted out, and the old sites at Done
Fudging, Mill Creek and other places where ruined wharves remain, prob-
ably had their share.

"The Revolution put a stop to the business. Some of the vessels were
captured and burned, and others sold or otherwise disposed of, as a Bank
fishing voyage was deemed hazardous.

"The vessels were for the most part built upon the Merrimac river. They
had never heard of a chronometer in those days, and not many of them
carried a quadrant. They used to depend on the compass, soundings, and
personal judgment. It is probable that as a rule the skippers were ac-
quainted only with the most simple and practical rules of navigation, yet
they were very successful on their voyages. It is related of Capt. Babson,
that, having secured the services of Capt. David Sargent as skipper, in

4o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

order to badger him he sent some one down while he was getting underway
for a fishing voyage, to ask him if he had got his quadrant on board. ■ Tell
Cap'n Babs'n,' was the reply, 'that I kin find ye way to ye Banks widout a
quadrant as weel as he kin wid one.'

" I wish I could tell you something more definite about the old-time fish-
eries, but even were I able to do so it might be questioned, since I could
only speak from hearsay.

"The pinkey fleet, however, were quite numerous in my day. At one
time there were more than one hundred on this side of the Cape, including
Rockport, then Sandy Bay ; Lanesville, then Lane's Cove j Bay View, then
Hodgkins' Cove ; and 'Squam, where about twenty-five were owned and
fitted. Those belonging to the first-named places would come around to
'Squam when the weather was bad or threatening, those from Rockport
going into Goose Cove as affording a near route to their homes, and those
from Lanesville and Bay View into Lobster Cove for the same reason.
There were no breakwaters at those places then, and in good weather the
pinkeys were moored to a mooring-stump* — a spar with one end driven into
a hole made for the purpose in a large flat rock of several tons weight,
sunken at a sufficient distance from the shore to allow the pinkeys to swing
clear of the rocks. Some of them still remain, and are objects of curiosity.

"They were the old style pinkey, without bowsprit or shrouds, with two
masts and hempen sails, and were from twelve to twenty-five tons burthen,
and carried a crew of three men. They were built at Chebacco, now Essex,
at first, but were afterwards also built at 'Squam. Capt. Epes Davis built
the first one there, about the year 1800, on the Chebacco model. He hired
a man from Essex to help him, but for some reason he went away when the
pinkey was half completed, and Capt. Davis finished her himself, with the
aid of his wife, who held the plank and timbers while he fastened them on.
This pinkey was twenty tons burthen, and named the Dromo. Capt. Davis
went to Brown's Bank in her and brought in sixty quintals of split fish.
She had the usual features of the pinkey, two open standing rooms, one
forward and one aft, to fish in, with hatches to cover them over, and was
without shrouds or bowsprit. Capt. Davis continued the building of vessels,
and in all built more than one hundred. In 1823 he built the first square
stern vessel ever built at 'Squam. Her name was the Chrysanthemum, of
sixty-three tons, and she was first sent on a southern mackereling voyage.
Others engaged in the business, and it flourished for many years. At one
time I have seen ten vessels on the stocks, and sixty sail were owned and
fitted here.

"They are all gone, skippers, boats and crews. I can remember the

*A full description of these mooring stumps is given In the "Fishermen's Memorial and
Record Book."

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 41

names of many of them. At the Folly, Walter Woodbury went in the Repub-
lican, Epes Woodbury in the Bonaparte, Epes Woodbury, Jr., in the Sea
Flower, Caleb Merchant in the Hope, Joel Griffin in the Lion, Nat. Lane in
the Sea Foam, John Clovis in the John, and Asa Woodbury in the Essex.
At Lane's Cove were the Liberty, Winthrop Sargent ; Heron, John Lane ;
Lily, Reuben Patch j Jefferson, Moses Lane ; and William, Andrew and
John Langsford owned and went in pinkeys. The last-named was lost
overboard in 1826, in coming from Jeffries, and the crew carried the boat
into 'the harbor.'

"There are many others whom I remember — Andrew Bailey, Robert
Stevens, William Young, Epes Lane, Joe Lane, David Lane, Fellows Mor-
gan, Harry Sargent, etc., who owned and fished in pinkeys. At 'Squam I
remember the Martha, David Chard ; Corporal Trim, John Duley ; Dove,
Joseph Davis ; and many others that I could recall. I remember a trip
that Daniel A. Robinson made to Western Bank in April, 18 17, in a pinkey
of forty or fifty tons named the Constitution. She was owned and fitted by
Epes Davis."

Thanking " Uncle Joe " for his information, we next proceeded to hunt
up "Capt. 'Bijah." We found him smoking in a snug corner by a sea-coal
fire, and he gave us, between whiffs, the following account of his first trip :

" I was ten years old when I made my first fishing trip. We went to
Cashes in a deck boat of twenty tons. Capt. Daniel Robinson was skip-
per and I was cook. There were six of us, all told. We went at the halves,
and all shared alike, the privilege of cooking and the glory of being skip-
per being considered in those days ample compensation for any extra labor
or responsibility. We took about forty barrels of mackerel, saving only the
large bloaters, which we slat into the barrels ; the smaller fish we slat into
the lee scuppers and stamped them up with our boots for bait with which
to toll the fish. Afterwards we chopped bait with a hatchet, until Gunni-
son, of Newburyport, invented the bait mill, a godsend to the fishermen,
who could now smoke and spin yarns while on watch, instead of chopping
bait. A story is told, on the best of authority, of one skipper, Andrew
Burnham, who had been a great 'killer' in his time, that after the bait mill
came into use he was unable to sleep without the sound of the hatchet
chopping bait, to which he had been so long accustomed. It is said that
they tried pounding on the anchor stock, and tramping with their big boots
on the deck above his head, but all to no avail. There was an element
lacking in the noise they made, and he wooed the somnolent god to no ef-
fect, and was obliged to retire to private life on a farm, in the ' Second Par-
ish,' I believe.

"We cooked in the old-fashioned way, in a brick fire place with a brick
chimney, and a wooden smoke stack or funnel which was intended to carry

42 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

off the smoke, but did not always do so. The crane, pot-hook, Dutch oven
and trencher were all there, and all brought into use, as I well remember.
We baked short cakes on the trencher, bread in the Dutch oven, and hung
our kettle on the crane, with the pot-hook, to make coffee or tea.

"We had fine weather, and everything passed off finely except the smoke,
which refused to pass off at all, and under a less resolute commander than
skipper Robinson would doubtless have assumed command altogether.
No casualties occurred except the burning of a few short cakes, while
'Bijah (it being his first voyage) paid tribute to father Neptune, and was
himself again. We were gone three days. Arriving on the fishing grounds
we made but one 'berth,' catching and dressing until everything was full,
when we hoisted the foresail, for jib we had none, and bore away for
'Squam, arrived in the channel, dropped anchor, furled the sails, and went
home to see the folks."

According to the records the first vessels employed in the Gloucester
fisheries were the "ketch" and the "sloop." The ketches were smaller
than the sloops, and were doubtless employed in the shore fishery, while
the sloops were used for voyages to a greater distance. The ketch was but
a miserable shallop, with two masts, one far in the stern and the other far
forward in the bows, to obtain all the room possible between. They were
little better adapted to the calling than the sloop, which any sailor knows is
a poor rig for a fishing trip. At a later day we find the pinkey and the old
Banker brought into general use. But the pinkey was only an improve-
ment in some respects upon the ketch, having the same dangerous rig of
two unsupported masts, and it is a wonder how they could have performed
some of the voyages with which they are credited. Some of the pinkeys
were as large as the ordinary fishing schooner, with spars in proportion.
With the pinkey to monopolize the shore fishery came the old Banker to
take the place of the sloop, a clumsy craft at the best, slow and unwieldly,
with short masts, full bow, and high quarter deck, not unlike the vessel in
which Columbus discovered the new world, though somewhat improved
upon, no doubt. These had their day and generation, and by gradual de-
velopment, adopting here and there what experience showed to be an
improvement, gave to the fisheries and to ocean navigation a new craft, with
a new name and characteristics peculiarly its own, the beautifully modelled,
swift and graceful "schooner."

With the exception of some disguise in the names of the narrators, the
foregoing account of the early fisheries at 'Squam may be regarded as essen-
tially correct, being either matters of history or statements of persons now
living.

In conclusion we present a brief account of a trip to Grand Bank in 1816
or 18 1 7, resulting in the largest fare of fish ever landed on Cape Ann.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 43

This trip was made from Gloucester in the sch. Mary Elizabeth, one of the
old-time Bankers, commanded by Capt. George Davis, of Annisquam. The
Mary Elizabeth was owned by Robert Elwell of Gloucester, and was a new
topsail schooner of one hundred and thirteen tons, built upon the Merrimac
river just above the Haverhill bridge. She carried a crew of twelve men, in
addition to the skipper, as follows : Benjamin Marble, Joseph Jones, James
Sawyer, all of Fresh Water Cove ; Samuel Davis of Ferry Lane ; John
Wharff, Enoch Center, of Fox Hill ; Samuel Wharff, William Bennett, Ben-
jamin Curtis, near Dodge's Mill, Riverdale ; William Marsh, Robert and
George Davis of Annisquam, the two latter sons of the skipper, Robert be-
ing the cook, and George, now living at Annisquam in the eighty-sixth year
of his age, being our informant in regard to the incidents of the trip.

They started about the first of April and were gone ninety days. They
fished with hand lines, on board the vessel, and caught seventeen thousand
codfish in number.

Having arrived on the Bank they made everything as snug as possible,
taking down the topsail and topgallant yards and lashing them across the
stern. Halibut were very numerous, and they could have soon loaded with
them had they desired. They caught a great many of them, but only saved
the fins and napes, which they salted in barrels, and fletched and smoked
quite a lot of the best pieces overhead in the cabin. One day they caught
a very large one, with a haddock in his mouth, the only haddock they saw
during the trip. They had very good weather, met with no disaster, and
arrived safely in Gloucester, and landed their fare at Fresh Water Cove,
making 2,500 quintals dry fish, the crew realizing as their share $24 for
each thousand fish caught. Our informant states that the water stood upon
her lower deck when she left the Bank, but naturally, from the shrinkage
of the fish and the pumping off of the pickle, she was considerable lighter
when she reached port. Her outfits were principally ship-bread, beans, rice,
a little flour, some beef and pork, molasses, tea and coffee, and some rum.
Fish and beans and beef, with ship-bread, were the principal articles of
diet, but on Sunday morning they would have fried pancakes — about half a
bushel being required to go the rounds — as a sort of holiday treat, as they
invariably refrained from fishing on Sunday. The Mary Elizabeth had the
high quarter-deck peculiar to the Bankers, divided below into three com-
partments, the forward part used for the storage of fishing gear, etc., the
middle compartment as a pantry and kitchen, in which they cooked and
ate, and the after part called the steerage, where they lived and slept.

44 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Homeward Bound.

BY JAMES DAVIS.

O heave up the anchor, the waist it lies low

With the weight of our good finny freight in the hold;
The wind from the east is beginning to blow,

Now heave up the anchor, my live lions bold ;
My eyes they are aching for sight of the land,

My heart it is sighing for sweet home once more ;
Now heave O, my hearties, and landward we'll stand,

To meet the dear friends who are waiting on shore.

Chorus.

O heave up the anchor, my good fishers bold,
And homeward we'll steer with our freight good as gold ;
Blow, breezes, and waft us the wide waters o'er,
For dear ones are waiting for us on the shore.

Out on the dark waters, for four weeks and more,

We've trawled and we've hauled, boys, day in and day out;
Now dear ones are watching for us on the shore,

And fears for our safety are whispered about;
So heave up the anchor and set every sail,

Blow, breezes, and speed us the wide waters o'er,
Blow steady and strong till the home-port we hail,

And gladden the hearts that are waiting on shore. — Chorus.

O, Love will sail out, and Love will sail in,

For beneath our rough jackets our hearts they beat warm,
And bread and delights for our dear ones to win,

We watch, and we work, and we battle the storm;
But happy the day when the skipper doth say,

" Come, heave up the anchor, men, full is our store,"
And o'er the wide waters we speed on our way,

To meet the dear friends who are waiting on shore.— Chorus,

And so we will sail, boys, blow high or blow low,

Sail landward or seaward, as duty may call,
With a heart for hard fortunes, for never we know,

Bound outward or inward, what luck may befall ;
And we sail and we ride out on Georges' far bank,

While the winds and the waters they rage and they roar,
And between us and death there is only a plank,

For the sake of the dear ones we've left on the shore.— Chorus.

There's danger on land, and there's danger at sea,

But there's hope at all partings of meeting again,
For Love is around us wherever we be,

And One there goes with us who knows we are men ;
So we sail and we ride out upon the rough tide,

Expecting that when our last sea voyage is o'er,
We'll moor our old barks, boys, in port side by side,

And greet our dear friends on the heavenly shore.— Chorus,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 45

Products of the Gloucester Fisheries.

The following estimates of the fish productions of Gloucester at different
periods during the past thirty-five years will give a good idea of the growth
and changes in the business :

Statement of fish products in 1847, collected by Mr. Addison Winter and
furnished the "History of Gloucester," not including the results of the Win-
ter dory fishing: 7,088,376 lbs. codfish, valued at $181,703 j 3,379,776 lbs.
halibut, $70,761 j 735,506 lbs. hake, $12,174; 919,188 lbs. pollock, $16,556;
46,779 bbls. mackerel, $290,055 ; 337^ bbls. tongues and sounds, $1873 ;
39,520 gals, oil, $16,232. Total value, $589,354. Number of vessels
employed, 287, of which 126 were of less than forty tons burthen. Total
tonnage, 12,354; number of men employed, 1681 ; boys, 186.

Fish products for 1859, exclusive of the herring, shell and shore fisheries :
59,664^} bbls. mackerel, valued at $705,833 ; 114,047 qtls. codfish, $416,271 ;
4,500,000 lbs. halibut, $135,000 ; 1,400 bbls. oil, $19,600. Total value,
$1,276,704. The other fish products probably brought the value to nearly
one and a half million dollars. Number erf vessels, 322 ; tonnage, 23,882 ;
number of men employed, 3,434 ; boys, 34.

1865 — from State Census — value of mackerel catch, 154,938 bbls., $2,190,-
562 ; codfish, etc., 113,025 qtls., $706,420; oil, $90,420; fresh fish, $360,-
000; tongues and sounds, 3,000 bbls., $25,000; herring, $200,000; bait,
1,400 bbls., $75,000 ; lobsters, $3,450. Total value, $3,650, 852. Number
of vessels, 353 ; tonnage, 25,170 ; number of men, 4,700. Capital invested,
$1,901,700 ; value of salt consumed, $232,275.

Products for 1873 — Custom House estimate — 86,544 bbls. mackerel, of a
value of $1,125,000; 460,000 qtls. codfish, $2,070,000 ; 5,000 bbls. herring,
$23,000 ; 25,000 qtls. other fish, $50,000; 9,000,000 lbs. fresh fish, $310,-
000; 275,000 gals, oil, $165,000; shell fish, $13,000; 7,000 tons fish ma-
nure, $25,000 ; miscellaneous, $15,000. Total value, $3,801,000, against

$3>437>°°° in l872-

Products of 1875, carefully prepared from actual returns obtained by
George H. Procter: 177,473 qtls. Bank codfish, of a value of $998,628;
185,758 qtls. Georges do., $1,021,669; 2,462,364 lbs. Georges halibut,
$172,365 ; 7,248,413 lbs. Bank do., $507,389; 4,257 qtls. hake, $12,774;
2,349 qtls. cusk, $7,047 ; 9,417 qtls. pollock, $32,964; 38,292 bbls. herring,
$153,168 ; shore fish, fresh, $89,738, cured, $135,697, oil, $8,945 ; 18,172^
bbls. No. 1 mackerel, $327,112, 7,065^6 bbls. No. 2, $184,780, 21,763 bbls.
No. 3, $174,104, 4>°39^ bbls- No- 4, $24,105 ; 3,175 bbls. herring, $13,494;
163 bbls. pickled codfish and 40^ bbls. swordfish, $1,097 ; 410^6 bbls. trout
and 75^ bbls. fins and napes, $4,042; 2ij4 bbls. salmon and 205 bbls.

46 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

tongues and sounds, $2,282; shell fish, $10,000; other fish, $8,000; fish oil
other than shore, $100,000. Total value, $3,909,500.

In 1867 there were 220 Gloucester vessels engaged in the Bay St. Law-
rence mackerel fishery, and only 50 off shore.

Products since 1875, excluding hake, pollock, cusk, shell fish and oil :

1876 — Georges codfish, 26,975,000 lbs.; Bank do., 18,627,000 lbs. ; Bank
halibut, 11,453,000 lbs.; Georges do., 3,005,100 lbs.; mackerel, 95,422 bbls.;
herring, 35,800 bbls.

1877 — Georges codfish, 23,755,000 lbs.; Bank do., 16,865,000 lbs.; Bank
halibut, 14,319,000 lbs.; Georges do., 1,814,000 lbs.; fletched do., 850,000
lbs.; Greenland do., 100,000 lbs.; mackerel, 49,044 bbls.; herring, 28,500
bbls. 86 Gloucester vessels fished for mackerel in the Bay St. Lawrence
this year.

1878 — Georges codfish, 24,158,000 lbs.; Bank do., 12,202,500 lbs.; Bank
halibut, 10,914,500 lbs.; Georges do., 524,100 lbs.; Greenland do., fletched,
120,000 lbs.; mackerel, 55,742 bbls.; herring, 27,000 bbls. This was the
year when the herring fleet was driven away from the shores of Newfound-
land. 125 fares, about 30,000 bbls., sea-packed mackerel, were received
from the Bay St. Lawrence.

1879 — Georges codfish, 23,144,000 lbs.; Bank do., 13,247,000 lbs.; shore
do., 3,742,000 lbs.; Bank halibut, 11,717,400 lbs.; Georges do., 995,500
lbs.; Greenland do., fletched, 500,000 lbs.; mackerel, 48,643 bbls.; herring,
20,000 bbls. 429 vessels were employed, of which 338 hailed rom Glouc-
ester; 104 followed Georges all the season, and 82 the Bank cod and hali-
but fisheries. 25 vessels made Bay St. Lawrence trips for mackerel.

1880 — Georges codfish, 27,511,000 lbs.; Bank do., 20,247,000 lbs.; shore
do., 1,721,000 lbs.; Bank halibut, 7,940,000 lbs.; Georges do., 1,125,450 lbs.;
Greenland do., fletched 80,000 lbs.; mackerel, 116,793 bbls.; herring, 30,000
bbls. The fleet numbered 441 vessels, of which 334 were owned in Glouc-
ester. 107 followed the Georges fishery exclusively, and 90 confined their
operations to the Bank cod and halibut fisheries, and 17 made Bay St.
Lawrence trips, bringing some 3,505 bbls. mackerel.

1881 — Georges codfish, 22,510,000 lbs.; Bank do., 20,955,280 lbs.; shore
do., 3,245,360 lbs.; Bank halibut, 7,178,800 lbs.; Georges do., 1,087,400 lbs.;
fletched do., 25,000 lbs.; Greenland do., fletched, 428,290 lbs.; mackerel, 163,-
851 bbls.; frozen herring, 13,318,000. The fleet numbered 437 vessels, of
which 343 were owned in Gloucester. 62 followed the Georges fishery ex
clusively, 26 Western Bank fishery, 10 Grand Bank codfishery, 25 Bank hal-
ibuting, and 29 shore and Bay of Fundy codfishery. Only 2 vessels visited
the Bay St. Lawrence for mackerel, and their catch was less than 50 bbls.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

47

Return of the Dories.

BY CELLIS.

The above picture shows the return of some of the shore fishermen from a
trip off shore, where they have seined a goodly quantity of pogies or mack-
erel, which they are now about to unload from their dories and take care
of. The baskets have been filled all ready to be conveyed to the store-
house. The children are enjoying the sight and are probably asking all the
questions which their little brains can conjecture. The vast expanse of
water, with the numerous sea birds, add life and beauty to the scene, which
is in decided contrast to that presented when the storm-clouds lower and
old ocean is lashed into fury. The lighthouse, whose cheerful beams by
night guide the mariner on his course over the pathless deep, stands as a
faithful sentinel, and the little cottage near by with the smoke rising from
its chimney, is suggestive of peace and contentment. Taken as a whole
the picture is a cheerful one, and shows the bright side of the fishermen's
life.

FISHEfiMfiWS OWN BOOK.

Quick Passages.

Sch. John D. Griffen, Capt. Gould, left Chatham on Wednesday, Oct. 31,
1877, for New York, discharged cargo and was back the following Monday
with 6,200 bushels of corn, bound to Danversport. Sch. Anson Stimson,
Capt. Sloman, made the passage from Sandy Hook to Matanzas in 18
days, in 1877. Sch. Tim Pickering, of Salem, made the voyage from New
York to Salem and back in 9 days, in 1877, 5 days of the time being spent
in Salem and Gloucester. Bark Charles Stewart made the passage from
Trapani to this port in 43 days, in 1878, being ^ days from Gibralter.
Sch. Herman Babson made the passage from Canso to Gottenberg in a few
hours over 16 days, in 1876. Sch. Centennial, Capt. Philip Johnson, made
the passage from Gloucester to Port Mulgrave, a distance of 488 miles, in

1880 in 46 hours. The same year sch. Henry Wilson, Capt. James O.
Nauss, made the run from Cape Jack to Georgetown, P. E. I., a distance
of 40 miles, in 4 hours, and sch. David A. Story, Capt. Joseph Ryan, made
the passage from Gloucester to Grand Menan, a distance of 225 miles, in
1$ hours. In i860 ship Golden Gate made the pasage from Liverpool,
Eng., to San Francisco, in 102 days ; in 1880-1, ship British General made
the same passage in 105 days, being 15 days from the equator into port. In

188 1 sch. Alice, of Swan's Island, made the run from Boston to Eastport in
27 hours, and sch. William H. Jordan, of Taunton, made the passage from
Baltimore to Providence in 56 hours. Steamer" Admiral, from New York to
Boston, made a run of 9 miles in 27 minutes, and a passage from Glouces-
ter to Boston in 1 hour, 50 minutes. In November, 1881, sch. Lulu Am-
mermann, of Perth Amboy, N. J., Capt. John L. Stiles, made the passage

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

49

from Boston to Philadelphia in three days. Sch. Lizzie W. Matheson, Capt.
McKay, of Provincetown, in October, 1881, made the passage from Boston
to Cape Haytien in 8 days, discharged cargo, loaded and returned to Bos-
ton, making the round trip inside of 32 days, said to be the quickest time
on record. Sch. Jennie A. Stubbs, Capt. Stubbs, made the run from Sandy
Hook to Turk's Island, in 1881, in 145 hours, actual time. Sch. Lottie K.
Friend, Capt William H. Collins, sailed from New York on Saturday even-
ing, April 30, 1880, at 6% o'clock, and arrived at Gloucester at 2 o'clock
the following Monday morning, making the passage in 31^ hours; the pre-
vious Winter the Lottie K. Friend made the passage from Phillips' wharf,
Salem, to New York, in 3 1 hours.

In the Summer of 1880 several of the Gloucester fishing vessels had an
opportunity for a race with crack Boston* yachts, under favorable circum-
stances: July 27, sch. Alice M. Williams, Capt. Dennis C. Murphy, fell in
with the yacht Actae off Cape Sable ; the yacht put on all her light sails,
and Capt. Murphy spread his riding sail and all the dory sails he could raise,
and kept company with the yacht until he reached Eastern Point, when he
came into port, the Actae proceeding to Boston. Aug. 5, sch. Isaac A.
Chapman, Capt. Chas. R. Crew, fell in with the yacht Tarolinta; both craft
spread every inch of canvas, and in an hour and a half beating to windward
the yacht was left fully one-half mile to leeward. In September the sch.
Mary Odell, Capt. McClain, out-sailed one of the crack Boston yachts, and
parties who witnessed the race were so well pleased with her sailing quali-
ties that they made an offer for the Odell on the spot, and she was sold to
go to Savannah as a pilot boat.

SONG OF THE WINTER FISHERMAN.

BY It. CALDER.

Up ! up with your sails to the bending mast,
Sheet them home with a hearty will ;

Let the rude caress of the wintry blast
Every fold of the canvas fill.

Now sail away o'er the treacherous main,
"Where the storm-king builds his throne,

Where the finny treasures of his domain
We will gather and call our own.

Where the towering iceberg's crystal dome

Is lost in the drifting snow,
And the waves dash up their milky foam

From the gloomy depths below.

Away where the bright Aurora's beams

Flash over the starry sky,
Lighting the sea with its golden gleams,

Where the daring fishers lie.

Oh, kings and rulers the land may own —

We envy not the great ;
The ocean free is our regal throne,

The " deck" is our Chair of State.

Oh, here we are free on the ocean's breast
As the deer on his native heath ;

And when the storm is over we rest
On the billows— or underneath.

What matter to us, when the spirit's fled,
Where the body finds a tomb —

In the church-yard with our kindred dead,
Or 'neath the ocean's foam?

Here's a noble craft to meet the blast

Where'er fate bids us roam,
And hearts to greet, when danger's past,

Our loving ones at home.

5o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

First Trips,

The first codfishing trips to Georges were made in 182 1, and the first cod-
fishing trips to the Bay St. Lawrence the same year. The Georges halibut
fishery was inaugurated in 1830.

The first salt herring trip to Newfoundland was made in 1837 or 1838 by
Capt. James W. Pattillo, in the pinkey Tiger. The Newfoundland fresh
herring fishery was inaugurated in 1854 by sch. Flying Cloud, Capt. Henry
O. Smith. The first frozen herring marketed in New York was in 1857, by
sch. E. C. Smith, Capt. Sylvanus Smith. The first cargo of herring ever
shipped from Gloucester to a foreign port were sent to Gottenberg in sch.
Nulli Secundus, in 1876.

The first Greenland halibut trip was made in 1866, by sch. John Atwood,
of Provincetown, chartered by Messrs. John F. Wonson & Co., Dodd, Tarr
& Co., and Mr. George J. Marsh. She sailed June 29, commanded by
Capt. G. P. Pomeroy of New London, Conn., with Capt. Averill L. York of
this city as fishing master, and arrived home Oct. 14, selling her fletched
halibut at 9 cts. per pound, and stocking $5,500. Sch. Caleb S. Eaton,
Capt. John S. McQuin, made a Greenland trip in 1869 and again in 1870.

The first and only fishing trip to Iceland from this port was made by
Capt. John S. McQuin, in sch. Membrino Chief, \xv 1873.

Sch. Notice, Capt. Knud Markuson, made a mackerel-seining trip on the
coast of Norway, in 1878.

The importation of fish to the West Indies was revived by Capt. Charles
A. Homans in 1878.

Mackerel catching was first pursued by small boats about 1800. The
mode of catching by drifting and "throwing bait" did not become general
until after 18 12. The jig hook was invented by Mr. Abraham Lurvey of
Pigeon Cove, in 1816. Fly lines did not come into use until about 1823.
Bait mills were not used until 1820, when they were made of nails driven in
straight lines across wooden cylinders and then sharpened. The first bait
mill with knives was made by Mr. Gorham Burnham in 1822, and the knives
were first placed in spiral form in 1823. The first trip for mackerel to cure
was made by sch. President, Capt. Simeon Burnham, in 18 18. Mackerel
were first caught on Georges in 1822, by Capt. William Marshall. The first
mackereling trip from Gloucester to the Bay St. Lawrence was made by
Capt. Charles P. Wood in sch. Mariner, in 1830. Sch. Eliza Jane, Capt.
Stephen Brown, made a Bay mackereling trip the same season, and two
of the crew who made the trip, Messrs. John Hodgkins and John N. Day
of Riverdale, are still living. Sch. Clio, of East Salisbury, is said to have

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK, 51

made a similar trip in 1829. The first trawl was made and set across
Brace's Cove in 1820, by Mr. John Rowe, still living at East Gloucester at
the age of 75 years.

The Fishery Clauses of the Washington Treaty went into effect July 1,
1873 ; notice of a desire to terminate their provision may be given by either
side after July 1, 1883, and they will continue in force two years after such
notice is given.

Large Fish,

A halibut weighing upwards of 600 lbs. is said to have been taken at New
Ledge, 60 miles southeast of Portland, Me., in 1807. Twenty years later a
dead halibut was picked up by two men near Damask Cove, at Boothbay,
Me., that weighed when gutted and gilled, with head on, 637 lbs. This is
the largest halibut of which we have any record. Dr. Storer mentions one
taken off the South Shore three-quarters of a century ago, which weighed
420 lbs., dressed ; or probably 500 lbs. live weight. The largest halibut
ever landed at Gloucester was brought in from Georges by sch. Etta E.
Tanner, in 188 1, turning the scales at 380 lbs. ; it was purchased by Messrs.
Stockbridge & Co., and attracted considerable attention. The same year
sch. Charles Carroll took a Georges halibut weighing 358 lbs. ; in 187 1 sch.
John Dove took one weighing 347 lbs., and seven halibut taken on the
trip turned the scales at 1,732 lbs. The largest Bank halibut of which
we have any knowledge weighed 377 lbs., and was taken by sch. Wachusett
in 1880. In 1877 sch. City of Gloucester took a Bank halibut weighing
336 lbs., and sch. William Thompson one weighing 296 lbs. The largest
shore halibut on record was taken on Poole's Ledge, about six miles east-
southeast of Thacher's Island, about 1873, by J. B. Goldsmith and Peter
Leman, two Rockport fishermen ; it was as wide as the stern place of the
dory, weighed when dressed 347 lbs., and sold for $21.60. In 1877 Mr.
Elbridge Gerry took off Eastern Point a halibut weighing 320 lbs. The

52 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

smallest halibut of which we have heard was brought in by a Gloucester
vessel in 1880, and sent by mail to Mr. E. G. Blackford, the fish culturist,
of New York; its weight was 20 ounces.

The Portsmouth fishermen have a tradition of a monster codfish caught by
Samuel Haley, of Smutty Nose Island, Isles of Shoals, which weighed when
dressed and dried 113 lbs. In 1878 Capt. George H. Martin of Gloucester
took off Cape Cod a codfish weighing 1 1 1 lbs. dressed, and the next year
captured one in Ipswich Bay which measured 5 feet 2 inches in length and
weighed 90 lbs. when landed, and probably 100 lbs. when taken from the
water. In 1879 two codfish were received in the Portsmouth market each
of which weighed 108 lbs. Storer speaks of a codfish taken in the Spring
of 1807 at New Ledge, 60 miles southeast of Portland, Me., which weighed
107 lbs. The New York "Journal'' of April 3, 1793, reports a codfish
"lately sold in the Newburyport market," which was 5^ feet in length and
weighed 98 lbs. One of 97 lbs. was caught off Portsmouth in 1827, and
one of 94 lbs., "undressed," by the Swampscott fishermen in 1857. In
February, 1823, the Marblehead fishermen sent to John Q. Adams, Secre-
tary of State, frozen with great care and packed in ice, a codfish weighing
84 lbs. In 1881 the sch. Morrill Boy, Capt. Russell Gill, took on one trip
net fishing 319 codfish, weighing 9,570 lbs., or averaging 30 lbs. each.

A lobster 38 inches in length and weighing 15 lbs. was taken at New
Bedford in the Fall of 1881 ; a few months earlier a lobster weighing 13 lbs.
was taken at Liverpool, N. S., and sold for 25 cents. A horse mackerel
weighing 545 lbs. was landed at Portland, Me., in the Summer of 1881. A
bass weighing 79 lbs. was taken near Portsmouth, N. H., in August, 188 1 ;
it was two hours from the time it was hooked before it was landed, in a
fourteen foot boat, which was half full of water before the fish was secured.
A 445 lb. turtle was taken in the weirs at Orleans, Mass., in August, 1881.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

53

Gloucester Harbor, 1830.

Above is given a view of the harbor taken from off the beach at the Cut
in 1830, which will be readily recognized by many who peruse these pages.
The old windmill which then occupied a position where the Pavilion Hotel
now stands, was for many years an important landmark in entering the
harbor. It was erected in 1814 by Mr. Ignatius Webber, a successful ship-
master, who retired from seafaring pursuits in 1807, and for three years
subsequently was connected with Messrs. Aaron and Henry Plumer in car-
rying on the ropewalk on Western avenue, which was built by Capt. Webber
and Aaron Plumer in 1803. The ropewalk was sold at auction about 18 10
to Mr. John Somes, Jr., for $4,550. The windmill was removed to Com-
mercial street, near the Fort, when the Pavilion was erected, and was so
badly injured by fire July 5th, 1877, that it was sold and removed. The
ropewalk is plainly discernible in the foreground, and many a fine run, when
a lad, have we had barefooted over its smooth floor. There are many no-
ticeable changes in that vicinity, especially on the hill, which now shows
some very handsome dwelling houses.

54 FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK.

U. S. Fish Commission.

SUMMER HEADQUARTERS IN GLOUCESTER.

The Summer of 1878 was memorable for the selection of this city as the
Summer headquarters of the U. S. Fish Commission. The scientific corps
comprising the Commission arrived here July 9, Prof. Baird and his clerical
force taking up their residence at the Kirby cottages on Western avenue,
and a large building on Fort Wharf was leased for an office, laboratory, etc.
The laboratory work was under the the special charge of Prof. Goode of the
Commission and Prof. Verrill of Yale College, with Dr. Bean and Messrs.
Richard Rathburn and Warren Upham as assistants. On the 18th of July
the steamer Speedwell, under command of Captain Beardslee, arrived, and
from that time until Sept. 30, with a brief interruption for repairs on the
steamer, dredging expeditions were made off the coast, Capt. H. C. Ches-
ter, formerly of the Polaris, having charge of the dredging machinery.
With the departure of the Speedwell, at the end of September, the regular
Summer work of the Commission was practically completed.

Aside from the investigations pursued by the scientists, and the valuable
collections secured on the dredging expeditions, the visit of the Fish Com-
mission to Gloucester served to create an interest in its field of operations
among the Gloucester fishermen, from which great benefit has been derived.
Several of the larger fishing vessels were provided with tanks and alcohol
for the preservation of such novel specimens as might be brought up on
their lines and trawls, and a lively emulation was manifested in forwarding
the interests of the Commission. This branch of the work was continued
after the departure of Prof. Baird and his corps, the numerous contributions
being weekly announced in the columns of the local papers until the middle
of November, 1880, when the number of separate contributions had reached
924, including many thousands of specimens, of which a very large number
were either new to science, very rare, or hitherto unheard of in American
waters.

During the season a series of investigations was made by Dr. W. G. Far-
low, as to the cause of the reddening of codfish cured in Summer, which
renders it liable to decomposition and unfit for the market. After a full
inquiry Dr. Farlow came to the conclusion that the trouble was occasioned
by a minute red alga, specimens of which were found in the Cadiz salt used
for curing fish, and in accordance with his recommendation a more general
use has since been made of Trapani salt, which was found to be free from
this alga.

Through the efforts of Prof. Baird, Gloucester was made a storm signal

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK. 55

station, during the Summer of 1878, and the warning signals have proved
of great advantage to mariners.

On the 25th of July the Tallapoosa visited Gloucester, having on board
the Secretary of the Navy, Hon. R. W. Thompson, the Chief Naval Con-
structor, Chief Engineer, Paymaster General, and other naval officers. The
steamer remained in port two days, the visitors making a 4redging trip on
the Speedwell.

One of the most valuable results at the Gloucester station was the dem-
onstration of the fact that codfish, haddock, herring, and other deep sea fish
could be artificially propagated as readily as shad, whitefish, and other deni-
zens of our rivers and lakes. Assistant Commissioner Milner, Capt. Ches-
ter and Messrs. Frank N. Clark and Robert E. Hall had charge of the
cod-hatching experiments, which were entered upon after the departure of
their associates. Various devices were tried, until the proper conditions
were realized, and several millions of codfish were hatched out and turned
into the harbor, where they could be readily observed around the wharves
the following Summer, having made a good growth. It was also found that
herring, haddock, and pollock could be artificially multiplied at will. The
results of the experiments were all that could have been expected, and much
valuable information was secured that will be of great advantage if the work
is ever attempted on a large scale.

The fish-hatching establishment was broken up in the early part of Janu-
ary, 1879, but the Commission retained its laboratory for the reception and
preparation of specimens brought in by Gloucester fishing vessels until the
Summer of 1881. Mr. Earle remained in charge of the work in 1879, and
was succeeded by Mr. A. Howard Clark in 1880. Since the laboratory was
closed in 1881, Capt. Stephen J. Martin has been the local representative
of the Commission, keeping a record of fishing arrivals and securing other
information necessary to the prosecution of its work.

Around Cape Ann.

In 1606, we have seen, our harbor was named Le Beau Port, and sin-
cerely. Harbors differ as men do. Harbors are human and something like
women ; they have their own times for dainty and delicate attire. To know
them, you must study them, under daylight, under twilight ; at sunrise and
sunset ; under the full harvest moon ; at low tide and high tide ; in a storm
and after it is over ; then will you find some mood to admire, new beauty
come to sight. Our harbor, like every other, sulks sometimes, one must
allow. A dog-day's fog has hung over it, or wrung itself dry into it, to-day.

56 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Open as the highway to all farers, many kinds of craft share its favor. The
deeply laden collier with its sober mien ; the lumber-coaster with her deck-
load suggesting the heart of pine forests in Maine ; the stranger ship with
salt from Spain ; the sloop or schooner yacht with every grace a marvel and
every line a picture, — those lilies of the sea, which toil not, neither do they
spin ; the tug-boat eying every sail for a summons ; the fisherman with her
seine-boat ready for action, idle after toil ; the ferry-boat going her way so
often as to have it by heart ; the light, clumsy wood-coaster from the prov-
inces, sturdily maintaining her look of indifference to the finer company
around her ; a single skiff shooting among the dories and boats ; all point-
ing different ways ; some with sails partly set, expectant ; some with minds
made up, their anchors resolutely down, and all either grieving or sulking
over the uncertain weather. One hint of farewell from the setting sun, and
what a change ! The somber collier and coaster look careless and happy,
and the yachts share the gold that falls upon them with every homely sister,
till twilight creeps and creeps up every mast, like a miser, for every glint
of it. The woods along the western shore grow like a deepening mystery.
The tide is down, and the weed-hung rocks seem darkly to desire the night.
One gleam is in the western sky, the light of which little pools of tide among
the rocks sue for and obtain, by some bridge unseen.

To see the summer day come into the harbor, one must rise early. The
early evening most men know ; but the early morning — what is it? How
many of us know it ? How many love it ? One star is skipper and crew
of the whole heavens, and, weary with its watch, " turns in," not curious to
see what the day is like. The wind is sleeping. A boat here and there
puts off to some vessel. " Schooner ahoy ! " says a voice from the shore,
and she ahoys. Sail and hull and rope and block are duplicated in the tide
below. That was a yawn of the awaking wind. Notes of preparation
deepen. Sail after sail is swayed up. Anchors break their hold ; then
comes the quickened clink, clink, of the windlass ; the jib is hoisted, and
the southwest wind, no longer napping, fills it and a hundred other sails
that make their way out of the harbor in the morning sunlight, to and fro.

The first schooner-rigged craft that ever swam, it is claimed, was built by
Andrew Robinson, in 17 13, and named the Schooner. It was a handy craft
for rig, but, even down to fifty years ago, a clumsy body. Cape Ann vessels
are mostly built at Essex, a few miles from Gloucester ; up a river or crooked
creek, the builders construct and launch their faithful work for all sorts
of weather to try. So they were building thirty years ago, when one, more
venturesome, suddenly departed from the models of the day, sharpening the
bow and hollowing the run. What talk among the fishermen ! Who would
go in her? What a of a rake! What a sheer! She was manned,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 57

though j became successful, and very soon others were on the stocks modeled
after the Romp, the pet of the fleet.

Six sloops, one boat and one shallop composed the Cape Ann fleet in
1693 ; now it has nearly five hundred sail, of almost twenty-eight thousand
tons, and Gloucester is the largest fishing port in the land. Its fleet is
manned by men of every clime. A tide of young men, mainly from the
Provinces, sets steadily toward this port. Many have the characteristic
recklessness of the sailor, and earnings of weeks are spent between sunset
and sunrise. There is among them no sailor cut of clothes, and ashore they
follow the prevailing fashions down to lager beer. All haunts are prepared
for Jack, and he is prepared for all haunts. As in all other callings thrift
follows prudence and industry, though he seems to lie open to the changes
and chances of luck. You will see his cottage commanding the finest sea
view, for on the heights lie the cheapest lots. Alas ! that the waiting wife
can look harborward on every coming sail, often to see the flag "half-mast"
— for whom ?

Here are no labor strikes. The sailor brings in a fare of fish, perhaps
all he has caught, by themselves ; they are weighed off, the vessel is put to
rights, and he goes up to the counting-room for his check. The whole value
of the fish is reckoned by the vessel-owner or his clerk ; then is deducted
cost of ice and bait bought ; then one-quarter of one per cent, for the Wid-
ows' and Orphans' Fund ; one-half the remainder belongs to the owner, the
other to him. From his part is then deducted charges for wood-sawing and
splitting, for water, medicine-chest, condensed milk, and any charge for la-
bor on the vessel which belonged to him to do, but which has been hired
done. His check is then handed him, and he presents it in person, or it
finds its devious way to the bank by other — perhaps not cleaner — hands.

One of the most exciting scenes imaginable is that of a fleet of hundreds
making the port in a storm. In a northeast gale they must beat in. All
day long, by twos and threes, they come. It is luff, bear away, or tack ship
to avoid a smash. Crack, snap, goes a jib-boom off. Crack, snap, there
is one main-boom the less. Hoarse voices of the skippers howl in entreaty
or command above the howling gale, and the shore is lined with listening
look ers-on . — ' ' Century Magazine. ' '

5*

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK.

Schooner Sultana Towed by a Whale.

On the 1 6th of December, 1874, while schooner Sultana, Capt. Peterson,
of this port, was at anchor on Grand Bank, there was a sudden motion
felt by those on board the vessel, and it was evident that the craft was being
carried through the water by some unseen and unknown motive power.
Looking forward, it was observed that the cable was drawn taut, and that
some " monster of the deep " was attached thereto, and drawing the vessel
along at the rate of twelve knots an hour. Soon they, obtained positive
evidence, as a mammoth whale came to the surface to blow, having the an-
chor of the vessel either hooked into his jaw or blow-hole. There was also
another whale which swam near, evidently greatly astonished at the predic-
ament of his companion. The men on board of the dories, which had just
returned from visiting their trawls, had barely time to make fast their painter
ere the vessel started. Another dory, with two men, was at some distance,
also visiting their trawls. The captain stood ready with axe in hand, in
case of emergency, and allowed the whale to tow them some distance ; but
not wishing to lose sight of the men in the dory, was obliged to cut the ca-
ble— otherwise he might have succeeded in capturing the whale. Whether
or not his whaleship succeeded in getting rid of the anchor and tow-line is
not known, as no account has yet come to hand of his being fallen in with.
It was rather a novel method of being towed. We have heard of but one
similar instance among the fishing fleet — that of sch. C. H. Price being towed
by a whale a day and a half, some nine years ago, while on Grand Bank,
when the fluke of the anchor broke and she was released. The above
spirited picture gives a good idea of the Sultana in tow. It was drawn by
Rory McDonald, steward of the vessel.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 59

Loss of the Schooner Henrietta Greenleaf,

Four Men Drowned in their Berths — The Remainder of the Crew Take to
their Dories — Adrift in an Open Dory, with Scanty Clothing, amid Sleet
and Cold, without Oars, for Forty- Five Hours — The Dories Part Company
— One Rescued by Sch. Lizzie K. Clark — The Other Never Heard From.

The new sch. Henrietta Greenleaf 'left Gloucester Thursday, April 6, 1876,
for a Grand Bank trip; and this was her first and last trip. She was com-
manded by Capt. William H. Greenleaf, who was also part owner, and from
him we obtained the following particulars :

On Friday night was to the southward of La Have Bank, and had fine
weather with a six knot south-southwest breeze. The watch on deck were
George Olsen and Philip McCloud, and the remainder of the men were be-
low, asleep. Shortly before three o'clock the watch called all hands to
handle sail, and all turned out. Capt. Greenleaf was the first one on deck,
and when he took the wheel the vessel was masts down in the water. The
squall was the most terrific he ever experienced, and came so suddenly that
there was no escape from it. All hands were ordered to the weather side,
and the rigging was at once cut away in order to let the masts break off, and
thus ease the vessel j but of no avail, and it was evident that she was fast
sinking, and if they would save their lives they must get out of her as soon
as possible. There was no time even to secure oars, water or food, and all
the men, except the watch, had only their pants, shirts and stockings on.
Thus illy provided, they proceeded to launch the dories, when it was found
that four of the crew were missing, and these had been drowned in their
berths, having been unable to reach the deck on account of the deluge of
water which had overtaken them in their attempt. The names of these un-
fortunate men were Franklin Greenleaf, brother of the master, 25 years of
age; Alfred Short, a native of Olsenburg, Norway, who had followed fishing
from this port several years; James Peters, of Prospect, N. S.; George
Connors, brother-in-law of Capt. Greenleaf, 15 years of age.

The loss of these men threw a gloom over the remainder of the crew; but
there was no time for repining ; they must work quickly, and at about half-
past three they left the vessel, with the wind blowing hard and a rough sea
running. The dories kept company all day Saturday, and the winds were
variable, with snow squalls and cold, biting sleet, which made their situation
extremely uncomfortable, and they suffered greatly. They were frequently
wet with the water shipped by the dories, and it required constant effort

60 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

with a bucket, fortunately on board, to keep them free. Having no oars,
they tore the railings off the dories, and were also fortunate enough to pick
up the vessel's wheel-box, which they made paddles of, and by dint of al-
most superhuman exertions, were enabled to keep their frail crafts afloat.
At eight o'clock, Saturday evening, the dories parted company, being unable
to keep together any longer. The wind was then blowing strong from
north-northwest, and continued until Sunday noon, when it moderated grad-
ually until evening. At five in the afternoon, Freeman Crawford, one of the
men, succumbed to the terrible fatigue and died, and his companions felt
that if not soon rescued, they too must soon follow him. He was a native
of Westport, Maine, 25 years of age.

Shortly after midnight, through the dim hazy light, they saw a sail draw-
ing near. They succeeded in attracting attention, and the vessel proved
the Lizzie K. Clark, Capt. Thomas Hodgdon, of this port. It was but the
work of a few moments for the captain and his crew to respond to the cries
of distress, which were borne upon their ears in the midnight, and imagine
their surprise when they learned that the sufferers were their own acquaint-
ances. With kindly care they lifted their poor suffering shipmates on board
the vessel and did everything possible for men to do for their comfort. The
Clark laid to until daylight, in hopes to pick up the other dory, but was un-
successful, and Capt. Hodgdon cruised all day Monday, leaving no efforts
untried in order to save his brother fishermen ; but all to no avail, and the
condition of the -rescued men being such as to require medical skill, he sailed
for Halifax, where he arrived on Tuesday. Here the men were the recipi-
ents of every attention ; money, clothing and kind words were freely offered,
and the American Consul, Judge Jackson, was indefatigable in his efforts to
benefit them. Capt. Bennett of the steamer Chase offered them a free
pass to Portland, and was unremitting in his attentions. Capt. Merrill of
the Boston & Maine Railroad also passed them over his road to Boston, and
all whom they met showed none but kindly feelings. The body of Crawford
was taken on shore and buried.

The names of the men rescued were Capt. Greenleaf, Lawrence Hardi-
man, Philip McCloud, George Olsen and Charles Cook. Those in the other
dory, which was never heard from, were Joseph Gardner, Liverpool, N. S.,
29 years of age ; George Rowe, East Gloucester, 28 years ; Bernard Jewett,
Westport, 27 years; Charles Pattie, Westport, and John S. Tobbie of Nor-
way, 28 years.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 61

Gill-Net Codfishing in Ipswich Bay,

The Winter of 1880-8 1 will be memorable in local fishing annals as wit-
nessing the first successful attempt at net-fishing for cod in our waters, a
method that promises to make as marked a change in the shore fishery as
was wrought by the introduction of trawl fishing a few years previously.
This method of fishing has long been followed by the Newfoundland fisher-
men, and it is said that the Norwegians take half the number and two-thirds
the weight of their immense catch of codfish in this manner.

Impressed with the importance of the saving made in the cost of bait, and
of time consumed in procuring bait, Prof. Baird decided in the Summer of
1878, when the Summer quarters of the Fish Commission were located in
Gloucester, to experiment as to the practicability of introducing the Norwe-
gian methods in our waters. Accordingly, he procured a set of Norwegian
gill nets, which attracted considerable attention at the laboratory of the
Commission at Fort Wharf, from their novel construction and curious glass
floats. When the Winter school of codfish set in, in the Fall of 1878, exper-
iments were made with these nets on the "Old Man's Pasture," but it was
found that the nets were too frail for the large cod which frequent our coast
in Winter, and for the strong current and rocky bottom along our shores.
The result of the experiment, however, was such as to indicate that net-
fishing might be made practicable, with properly constructed nets, and
Prof. Baird continued his investigation of the method, and on the occasion
of the International Fisheries Exhibit at Berlin in the Spring of 1880 dele-
gated Capt Joseph W. Collins of Gloucester to make a careful study of the
European methods of deep sea fishing, the result of which has been pub-
lished by the Government for the information of the American fishermen.
Meanwhile the Norwegian seines remained at the Gloucester headquarters
of the Fish Commission, with the understanding that they were at the ser-
vice of any responsible master who desired to experiment with them.

In the Fall of 1880 the scarcity of bait interfered with the successful pros-
ecution of the shore fishery, and at the suggestion of Capt. Stephen J. Mar-
tin, an attache of the Commission, his son, Capt. George H. Martin, decided
to make a trial of net fishing in the schooner Northern Eagle of Gloucester.
Securing the nets belonging to the Commission, and procuring others of
improved construction, the Northern Eagle made a thorough trial of this
method of fishing for shore cod in Ipswich Bay in the Winter of 1880-81,
with such success that before the season closed quite a number of the shore
fleet provided themselves with similar outfits. The Northern Eagle was
supplied with three dories, each requiring three nets, which were set at night

62 FISHEEMENS OWN BOOK.

and hauled the next morning. The experiment proved a success from the
start. For the first three nights the catch was 4,000, 6,000 and 7,000 lbs.
respectively, although the weather was unfavorable and the trawl fishermen
were securing only about half the amount taken by the Northern Eagle. In
eight days' fishing this schooner took 40,000 lbs. of large fish, and on one
trip, ending Jan. 11, 1881, she took a fare of 35,000 lbs., of which 8,000
lbs. were taken in one morning. Two trawlers, absent the same length of
time, took 4,000 and 8,000 lbs. respectively. The next trip she was absent
four days and took 35,000 lbs., of which over one-half were caught in a sin-
gle day.* From Nov. 27, 1880, to Jan. 20, 1881, Capt. Martin took 110,000
lbs. cod, none of the trawlers exceeding one-third of that amount in the
same time. Later in the season three netters arrived at Portsmouth in one
day, one with 28,000 lbs. and the others with 10,000 lbs. each of large cod-
fish, while the trawlers had much smaller fares. Another day sch. Defiance
took with her nets 12,000 lbs. steak codfish, and was high line of a fleet of
twenty-seven vessels, one with twenty trawls out securing only fourteen fish,
another 800 lbs., and a number of others not exceeding 2,000 lbs. each.

The nets used by the Ipswich Bay fishermen are made of strong Scotch
flax twine, twelve-thread, and are of nine-inch mesh (4^ inches square).
Those used by Capt. Martin were 50 fathoms long and 3 fathoms deep, while
other vessels, later in the season, used nets 100 fathoms long and 2 fathoms
deep. The floats were of glass, fifty of them being attached to a fifty-fathom
net. Bricks were used as sinkers, one being attached to the foot of the net
directly beneath each of the floats. These fifty-fathom nets cost about $18
each, and a fourteen-pound trawl-anchor was attached to each end of a gang
of three nets. They were mostly set in the northern part of the Bay, but a
few miles from shore, where the current was not strong, one man in a dory
being able to set or "underrun" three nets, fastened together at the top and
bottom.

The advantages of this method are found in the larger size of the fish
taken, the saving in the cost of bait, the saving of the labor required to bait
trawls, etc. Capt. Collins is of the opinion that this method may be profita-
bly employed on the Grand and Western Banks and Banquereau, especially
on the shoaler parts of these grounds, where the nets could be easily "under-
run." This would obviate the necessity of leaving the Bank before a fare
had been secured, as is frequently done, to procure a fresh supply of bait.

We present four plates illustrating the methods of gill-net codfishing:

Plate V shows the Norwegian method of setting the nets at the bottom of
the sea, 1 being the nets, 2 the rocks used for mooring, 3 the buoy, 4 the
buoy-line, 5 glass floats attached to the buoy-line to keep the slack from

*Onthis day sch. Christie Campbell of Portsmouth set ten trawls of 1,000 hooks each
close to the nets, and caught about 2,000 lbs. of fish to the 18,000 lbs. taken in the nets.

PLATE V.

PLATE XL

PLATE XII.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 63

sinking when there is no current, and 6 the watch-floats, to show the posi-
tion of the buoy when it is drawn under the water by the tide.

Plate VI shows the manner in which the nets are set at different depths
to ascertain where the fish may be found, 1 being the nets, 2 the foot-lines
holding the nets to the bottom, 3 the stone moorings, 4 the buoy-line, and
5 the Vpuoy.

Plate XI shows the way in which the gill-nets were set for underrunning
in Ipswich Bay. 1 is the end of a gang of nets, 2 the anchor or underrun-
ning line, 3 the anchor, 4 the buoy-line, 5 the buoy.

In plate XII the fishermen may be seen in their dories underrunning the
nets. By this process one man can secure the catch of a gang of nets, for
which work an entire boat's crew of six or eight men is required in the Nor-
wegian fishery. Under favorable circumstances one man can set a gang
of nets by letting the boat drift with the wind or tide and throwing them
over as it moves along, but as a general rule two men can accomplish this
much better.

When setting for underrunning the anchor is first thrown over and 25
fathoms of line paid out, when the buoy-line is bent to it. The buoy and
line are then thrown over, with the remainder of the anchor line, the end of
the latter being made fast to the nets, which are the next to follow. A mid-
dle buoy is attached to the center of the gang. When the nets are all out
the other anchor-line, with the buoy-line attached, is paid out, and last of
all the anchor is thrown over. In underruning, the fisherman goes to one
of the buoys on the end of his gang of nets, takes it in his dory, and throws
it out on the other side, hauls in the buoy-line, allowing it to run out on the
other side, and when the anchor or underrunning line is reached, takes it
across the dory and hauls along towards the nets. These are underrun by
pulling them in one side of the dory, as seen in plate XII, removing the
fish, and allowing the nets to pass over the other side into the water, the
anchors, which are not disturbed, holding them in position until the work is
accomplished.

64 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

A Day at the Beach.

The spirited illustration on the opposite page tells its own story, and the
scene is an extremely pleasant one to gaze upon. Many who will peruse
the "Fishermen's Own Book" will readily call to mind such a festive occa-
sion, in which they were among the happy participants, either at Coffin's
Beach, Good Harbor Beach, Half Moon, or Niles'. The first-named is a
favorite of ours, and where we have passed many pleasant hours of Summer.

Starting from town in a sail-boat similar to that delineated in the picture,
it proves a most delightful trip to sail across the harbor, go through the
canal at the Cut, then follow on until the draw at the railroad bridge allows
a safe transit, and from thence sail down the Annisquam River, past cozy
Summer houses and white tents— the homes of the merry campers, who
joyfully greet us as we sail along. With a fair tide and good breeze the
passage is quickly made, and we run into Ipswich Bay, coming to anchor off
the long white beach, which is so inviting that one longs to wade into the
waters which lave the shore and run over the smooth sandy surface spread
out for miles. The scene is one of enchanting beauty — the wide expanse
of water in the foreground, with the white sails dancing up and down with
the billows, and the hillsides dotted with Summer houses — that belonging to
Mr. George J. Marsh, so charmingly attractive, commanding particular no-
tice, sitting as it does on the very edge of the water, with its solid rocky
foundations, its cool and cozy verandas, and its hospitable and restful ap-
pearance.

But let us return to our party. We must get them ashore, just as in the
picture. The boys are wild with delight, and the girls not much better.
See how one waves his hat as he stands with his trousers stripped up. He
is impatient for the party in the boat to land and join him in his sports.
One youngster is fanning the fire with his hat, while another is tugging
some wood to keep the blaze agoing. The four girls will have to be brought
ashore in the young man's arms — and they are not at all averse to such a
landing. The old lobster-trap on the sand looks natural, and the dinner
pot, kettle and basket are suggestive of the chowder and lunch a little later.
The fishing and rambling, not forgetting the visit to the sand dunes, the
bathing, wading, sailing, and that dinner, with the prodigious appetites, are
among the pleasing episodes of the day, and when twilight gathers, once
more the boat is entered, and with a fair tide and light breeze she skims
homeward amid song and mirth from the party who have thus spent a de-
lightful Summer day at the beach.

FISHERMEN'S OWN J100K.

65

66 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

%rx ISUernorxctm,

List of Lost Men and Vessels of the Port

of Gloucester, from 1874 to 1881,

Inclusive;

Also, a Table of Losses from 1830 to 1881,

Inclusive,

Covering a Period of Fifty-Two Years,

The "Fishermen's Memorial and Record Book" contains a detailed re-
port of the losses of vessels and mariners belonging to this port from 1830
to 1873 inclusive. In addition to the losses of 1863, published therein,
there was one vessel which was not recorded, the sch. SUCCESS, Capt.
William H. Parsons, lost in the mackerel fishery on the Nova Scotia shore.
She was owned by Mr. David G. Allen, 47 tons, and valued at $2,500; in-
sured for $1,200 in the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance Co. Crew
saved.

Herewith we present a list of the losses since 1873, completing the record
for fifty-two years past. In that time 419 Gloucester vessels, of the value
of $1,810,710, and insured for $1,355,418, have been lost, and 2,249 Glouc-
ester mariners have perished at sea, making the average annual loss 8 ves-
sels and 43 lives.

1874.

Total loss, 10 vessels and 68 lives. Lost tonnage, 633.17. Value, $49,-
100. Insurance, $44,975. Eighteen of the lost seamen left widows, and
children to the number of 37. 2 vessels were lost in the Newfoundland
fishery, 4 in the Grand Bank fishery, 1 on Western Bank, 1 in the Shore
Winter fishery, 1 in the Bay St. Lawrence, and 1 in the Menhaden fishery.
Only 2 lives were lost in the Georges fishery this year.

Sch. LAURA A. DODD, 94.36 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., lost on

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 67

Miquelon Island, in February, on the passage to Newfoundland. Crew
saved. Value, $7,000 ; insurance, $6,000.

Sch. MARY G. DENNIS, 68 tons, owned by Dennis & Ayer and Capt.
Randall McDonald, lost in Long Island Sound on the passage from New-
foundland for New York. Crew saved. Value, $6,500; insurance, $5,000.

Sch. B. H. SMITH, 65.26 tons, owned by Clark & Somes, lost on Grand
Bank Feb. 11. Value, $7,000; insurance, $6,000. Crew list — Charles
Johnson, master ; David Anderson, Matthew Walker, Lewis Dickson, Chas.
Jackson, Samuel Johnson, John Carroll, Robert Nelson, Samuel Peterson,
John Nelson, Josiah Howard, and one man name unknown.

Sch. JOHN CORLISS, 72.54 tons, owned by Walen & Allen, lost near
Barrington, N. S., on the passage home from Grand Bank, March 17. Crew
saved. Value, $6,200; insurance, $5,800.

Sch. ROBERT BRUCE, 44 tons, owned by James Mansfield & Sons, lost
at Cape La Have Nov. 12, on the passage home from Grand Bank. Crew
saved. Value, $2,000; insurance, $1,750.

Sch. G. G. KIDDER, 66.32 tons, owned by Leonard Walen, lost on
Grand Bank in November. Value, $5,200 ; insurance, $4,550. Crew list —
Thomas Downie, master ; Luke White and his son Thomas, John Coolin,
James Merchant, William Jackson, John Vickary, John Smith, George Beat-
tis, John McDonald, James McDonald, Rory J. McDonald, Allan Mehlman.

Sch. WHITE FAWN, 64.49 tons> owned by George Friend & Co., lost
on Western Bank in March. Value, $6,100; insurance, $5,400. Crew list
— Daniel Nickerson, master; Mark Haskell, Henry Perry, Benjamin A.
Gray, Woodbury Nickerson, Asa R. Nickerson, Walter Hopps, George Gray,
Henry C. Murphy, James Murray, Thomas Monroe, David Commiskey.

Sch. WESTERN LIGHT, 20.53 tons,- owned by Peter Bolter, engaged
in the Winter shore fishery, lost on the Maine coast in January. Crew
saved. Value, $600 ; uninsured.

Sch. CARRIE FRANCES, 88.67 tons> owned by James G. Tarr & Bro..
engaged in Bay St. Lawrence mackerel fishery, lost on Malpec bar Aug. 6,
Crew saved. Value, $7,500; insurance; $6,000.

Sch. SARAH M. SAUNDERS, 50 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., en-
gaged in the menhaden fishery, sunk off Dennisport May 20. Value, $1,000
insurance, $875.

Lost Overboard. — Gamaliel Swain from sch. Shilok, and Capt. Neil Mc-
Kenzie and John D2V0I1 from sch. George B. Loring, on Grand Bank, Nov.
8. Archibald Kennedy from sch. Fitz J. Babson, Jan. 11, and John Carpen-
ter from sch. Ocean Belle, Feb. 10, on Western Bank. Alexander McDon-
ald from sch. Ocean us, Nov. 21, and Charles McDonald from sch. Enola C,
Dec. 15, in the Winter shore fishery. Frederic Rhodes from sch. Fred F.
Frye'va Gloucester harbor, Oct. 17, in the shore mackerel fishery. George

68 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

M. Bryant from sch. Hattie B. West, March 13, and Joseph H. Bird from
sch. Express, Nov. 23, on Georges.

Lost in Dories. — Patrick Lynch and James Mcintosh from sch.y^ F.
Allen, Jan. 20; Michael McDonald and Harvey Whitman from sch. Carrie
P. Morton, June 13 ; Capt. Henry Crowell and Rufus Spinney from sch.
William V. Hutehings, in October j Charles Lennox from sch. Herewardy
Aug. 15 ; John Hanley and Stuart Hadley from sch. Everett Steele, Dec. 8 ;
Benjamin Griffiths and Neil McLane from sch. Clara B. Chapman, Sept.
14; all on Grand Bank. David Henderson from sch. Edward A. Horton,
Feb. 26 ; Hiram Saunderson and Harry Anderson from sch. Notice, April
17; Murdoch Martell and Thomas White from sch. C. B. Manning, May
30 ;. Alonzo Roberts from sch. Sarah C. Pyle, April 20; William Phalen
and Michael Boudrout from sch. Mary Louisa, in May ; Charles McPherson
and Charles Keefe from sch. Morning Star, Aug. 5 ; all on Western Bank.

1875.

16 vessels and 123 lives were lost this year. The loss of tonnage was
1,050.91. Value of vessels lost, $88,500. Insurance, $81,726. 10 vessels
and 91 men were lost in the Grand and Western Bank fisheries, 5 vessels
and 27 lives in the Georges fishery, 1 vessel in the mackerel fishery, 4 lives
in the shore fishery and 1 in the herring trade.

Sch. DAVID BURNHAM, 2D, 64.57 tons, owned by Brainard Low &
Co., lost on the Banks in January. Value, $5,600 j insurance, $5,000 on
vessel and outfits. Crew list — Alfred Daggett, master ; William L. Reeves,
L. H. Hawson, Patrick Powers, James A. Bushey, Frederic Lindsay, George
W. Stuart, Archibald McDonald, William Coolin, Michael Curtiss, Peter
H. Miller, Charles Wilson.

Sch. JOSEPH CHANDLER, 69.94 tons, owned by Leonard Walen, lost
on the Banks in January. Value, $6,000 ; insurance, $6,050 on vessel and
outfits. Crew list — Frank McRae, master ; Charles Gunnison, Hugh Ken-
nedy, F. A. Beaton, Daniel McDonald, Joel McCaleb, Charles Anderson,
Allan McMullen, Alex. Campbell, Henry Mosier, James McDonald, Duncan
Mclntire.

Sch. SARAH H. CRESSY, 63.03 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., lost
on the Banks in February. Value, $4,600; insurance, $4,525 on vessel and
outfits. Crew list — Daniel McFadden, master j Allen McKinnon, William
Freeman, Thomas Joy, Calvin McPhail, K. J. McKenzie, Charles F. Sin-
clair, Samuel McLean, Malcom Morrison, Alex. Grant, John Maguire, John
Kelly.

Sch. J. C. CALL, 78.42 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., lost on the pas-
sage to the Banks in February. Value, $8,800; insurance, $7,700. Crew
list— Robert S. Baker, master ; Martin Madison, Pius McPhee, David Dum-

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK, 69

phy, Joseph Bouchy, Hendrick Jensen, John Donovan, Andrew Peterson,
Anthony Cash, Henry O'Neil, Richard Bramble, Christian Peterson.

Sch. PHARSALIA, 76.96 tons, owned by George Steele, lost on the
Banks in November. Value, $12,000; insurance, $10,000. Crew list —
Samuel A. Keene, master ; A. W. Getner, J. Peterson, M. Johnson, Oscar
Wilson, Charles Smith, Martin Peterson, Theodore Reed, Louis L. Baile,
John Lewis, Howard Steele, John W. Strahan.

Sch. BLOOMINGDALE, 59.67 tons, owned by Walen & Allen and em-
ployed in the Bank fishery, lost at Cape Breton, June n. Crew saved.
Value, $2,500; insurance, $2,188, with $800 additional on outfits.

Sch. MONADNOCK, 74.49 tons, owned by Poole & Cunningham, lost at
Magdalen Islands in June. Crew saved. Value, $7,900 ; insurance, with
outfits, $8,000.

Sch. HATTIE M. LYONS, 66 70 tons, owned by D. C. & H. Babson,
lost in Bank fishery at Cape Breton, Aug. 19. Crew saved. Value, $4,900 ;
insurance, $4,200, with $800 on outfits.

Sch. JOHN W. DODGE, 83.07 tons, owned by James A. Stetson, lost
near Yarmouth, N. S., on the passage home from the Banks, Nov. 6. Crew
saved. Value, $3,000 ; insurance, $2,200.

Sch. ABBY M. HEATH, 58.98 tons, owned by Poole & Cunningham,,
abandoned on the homeward passage from the Banks in December. Value,
$4,500; insurance, $2,875.

Sch. WILLIAM H. THURSTON, 54.58 tons, owned by David Low &
Co., employed in Georges fishery, lost on Gull Island, N. S., in February..
Crew saved. Value, $3,000 ; insurance, $2,500.

Sch. J. O. FRIEND, Jr., 59 81 tons, owned by Sayward Brothers, run.
down and sunk on Georges, May 5. Crew saved. Value, $5,000; insur-
ance, $4,375 on vessel and $400 on outfits.

Sch. MONTANA, 62.75 tons> owned by Rowe-& Jordan, employed in
Georges fishery, lost near Cape St. Mary's, May 10. Value, $4,800; insur-
ance, $4,275, with $400 on outfits.

Sch. H. B. STANWOOD, 63.83 tons, owned by Pettingell & Cunning-
ham, lost on Georges in March. Value, $4,900 ; insurance, $4,300. Crew
list — Lauchlin McLean, master ; Samuel Erickson, David Wooster, Albert
Faulk, James McLean, Daniel A. McLeod, John McKay, James McKenzie,,
Charles McLean, Norman McLean, Neil McDonald, Daniel McLeod.

Sch. WILLIAM C. ENDICOTT, 61.21 tons, owned by William C. Won-
son, lost on Georges in March. Value, $5,000 ; insurance, including outfits,
$4,863. Crew list — John Jones, master; Frederic Smith, James Johnson,
C. Gunderson, E. Hamlin, Frank Nelson, Andrew Johnson, Peter Olsen,
James Mahar, John Perow.

Sch. BELLE OF THE BAY, 52.90 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., en>

70 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

ployed in the Southern mackerel fishery, run down and sunk off Block Isl-
and, June 7. Crew saved. Value, $6,000 ; insurance, $4,875.

Lost Overboard, etc. — The following persons were lost overboard on
Georges : James Haynes from sch. Mary E. Daniels, March 3 ; Edmund
Coolin from sch. B. F. Somes, March 4 ; John Wilson from sch. Etta Gott,
April 19; Michael Pender from sch. Finance, May 14; Harrison T. Clark
from sch. John Q. Adams, in October.

August Anderson from sch. El Dorado, on Middle Bank, March 16 \ Mi-
chael Shea from sch. Elisha Crowell, in Provincetown harbor, Oct. 28 ;
Charles Anderson from sch. C. P. Thompson, on the passage to Fortune
Bay.

. The following persons were lost in the Bank fishery, most of them while
out in dories to visit their trawls : Angus Harrigan and William Edwards
from sch. William Parsons, 2d, Jan. 15 ; Rory McDonald from sch. Knight
Templar, Jan. 17 ; Pierce Howard from sch. El Do?-ado, Feb. 14; William
H. Smith from sch. William A. Pew, in Liverpool (N. S.) harbor, in Febru-
ary; Blanchard Campbell from sch. N. H. Phillips, March 18;. John Mar-
shall and Patrick Manning from sch. Knight Templar, April 6 ; John Wilson
from sch. Etta Gott, April 19 ; Pius Mclntire and Hugh Gilmore from sch.
Wachusett, May 3 j John J. Powers and Norman McLeod from sch. Chal-
lenge, Sept. 23 ; George F. Wilson from sch. Gertie E. Foster, Sept. 29 ;
James Greneben from sch. James Bliss, Sept. 22 ; John Johnston and John
Peterson, Oct. 21, and Henry Morine, Nov. 2, from sch. Aberdeen; Morris
Bryant from sch. Moro Castle, Oct. 26 ; Joseph Morey, William Gallivan,
John McDonald and Henry Stello from sch. Epes Tarr, Oct. 27 ; Thomas
Stevens and Peter Johnson from sch. Alfred Walen, Nov. 7 j Charles Hymes
from sch. Andi'ew Leighton, Nov. 11 ; Nicholas Devereaux and Edward Mc-
Carty from sch. Peter D. Smith, Nov. 14; Thomas Morrissey and Edward
Collins from sch. Fitz J. Babson, in November ; Frederic Peterson from
sch. Onward, in November ; Charles Fogg and John Dennen from sch. Le-
vanter, on Middle Bank, Nov. 23.

1876.

27 vessels, 1 fishing boat and 212 men were lost this year. The vessels
covered a tonnage of 1,691.44 tons, and were valued at $150,000, with
$116,222 insurance. Of the lost seaman, 54 left widows, and 112 children
were made fatherless. 167 men went down in their vessels, 2 1 were lost over-
board, and 24 were lost in dories while visiting their trawls. 9 vessels were
lost on Grand Bank, 6 on La Have Bank, 3 on Georges, 3 in the Bay St.
Lawrence, 3 in the Winter shore fishery, and 1 each in the Western Bank,
shore mackerel and herring fisheries. 12 vessels and 90 men were lost in
a series of gales extending from Dec. 9 to 16.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 71

Scb. HENRIETTA GREENLEAF, 91.22 tons, owned by Leighton &
Co. and Capt. William H. Greenleaf, capsized and sunk on passage to
Grand Bank, April 8. Value, $10,000; insurance, $8,000. The captain
and four of the crew were subsequently picked up in a dory, but the follow-
ing were lost: Franklin Greenleaf, James Peters, Alfred Short, George
Connors, Joseph Gardner, Bernard Jewett, Charles Pattie, John S. Tobie,
George S. Rowe and Freeman Crawford. The four first named were
drowned in their berths , the last-mentioned died of exposure in the dory
which was picked up, and the others were never heard from after the dories
parted company the evening after the disaster.

Sch. JANET MIDDLETON, 66.43 tons, owned by Smith & Oakes, lost
on Grand Bank in April or May. Value, $7,550; insurance, $6,057. Crew
list — William Wentzel, master, and his brother, name unknown ; Charles
Reeves, Caleb Wheaton, John McFadden, Simon Landry, Jerry Saunders,
John Russell, Walter S. Williams, Samuel P. Remick, John McFarland.

Sch. JAMES L. SHUTE, 105.57 tons, owned by Sh.ute & Merchant, also
lost on Grand Bank in April or May. Value, $13,000; insurance, $10,275.
Crew list — George H. Norwood, master ; Percy H. Norwood, Felix DeCost,
Charles B. Turner, Edwin P. Turner, George W. Fyle, Robert S. Mills, John
Cody, William Sampson, Michael Trueby, Paul Veno, Henry Cook, William
O'Brien, John W. Porter.

Sch. WALTER M. FALT, 67.46 tons, owned by Leighton & Co., lost on
Grand Bank in September. Wreck seen dismasted and water-logged. Crew
never heard from. Value, $8,800; insurance, $7,100. Crew list — Bennett
Perry, master; John P. Colby, James Keyes, John Ginevan, Thomas Da-
vidson, Patrick Dugan, James Wheeler, John Phalan, Charles L. Austin,
Thomas Burke, George Williams, Patrick Busteed.

Sch. WILLIAM T. MERCHANT, 76.76 tons, owned by Shute & Mer-
chant, lost on Grand Bank in December. Value, $5,800 ; insurance, $5,075,
with $1,000 additional on outfits. Crew list — Angus Anderson, master;
Barney Frazier, Charles Frazier, brothers ; John Barry, Robert Miles, Alex.
Babbin, Samuel Thurber, Charles Anderson, B. W. Alby, John McKay,
Joseph Gosby, Moses Stafford.

Sch. D. E. WOODBURY, 65.25 tons, owned by Smith & Gott, lost on
Bank trip, in December. Value, $5,200; insurance, $4,550, with $700 on
outfits. Crew list — Franklin D. Pinkham, master ; David S. Corson, An-
drew M. Anderson, William Olsen, Oliver Olsen, Andrew Hanson, John
Brant, Edward Sperling, James S. McLeare, and one man name unknown.

Sch. JOB JOHNSON, 64.07 tons, owned by Joseph O. Procter, run down
and sunk on Grand Bank in July. Crew saved. Value, $6,350 ; insurance,
$5,182.

Sch. DANIEL A. BURNHAM, 72.35 tons, owned by Leonard Walen,

72 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

capsized and abandoned in Grand Bank fishery, Dec. 10. Crew taken off.
Value, $6,500; insurance, $5,500.

Sch. GETTYSBURG, 70.32 tons, owned by Cunningham & Thompson,
employed in Bank fishing, abandoned in December. Crew taken off and
landed at Plymouth, Eng. Value, $5,400 ; insurance, $4,350.

Sch. J. F. ALLEN, 62.63 tons> owned by B. Maddocks & Co., lost on
Western Bank in October. Value, $4,625 ; insurance on vessel and outfits,
$5,025. Crew list — John Campbell, master; William McNare, Joseph Brown,
James Brown, Alpheus Campbell, Woodbury Lewis, Angus McDonald,
Smith McDonald, William Rogers, Thomas Russell.

Sch. KEARSARGE, 59.03 tons, owned by John Pew & Son, lost on
Georges in April. Value, $4,500; insurance, $1,500. Crew list — Solomon
Burchell, master; John Haffey, Patrick Dorsey, Joseph Fritz, Frank Hep-
son, Joseph Fritz, Jr., Joseph Sawyer, John Francis, Joseph Enos, Murdock
Smith, Charles King.

Sch. SARATOGA, 74.96 tons, owned by George Steele, lost on Georges
in May. Value, $10,000; insurance, $8,800. Crew list — John McMillan,
master; John Hiltz, John D. Carter, William Mackay, Edward McGuire,
Albert Walker, Andrew J. Woodman, F. E. Lewis, Jr., John Murphy,
Charles Richards, William B. Walker.

Sch. LANCET, 56.76 tons, owned by Joseph O. Procter, engaged in the
Georges fishery, abandoned on Georges Dec. 10. One of the crew, John
Kirby, washed overboard and drowned. Value, $3,000 ; insurance, $2,500.

Sch. HOWARD STEELE, 60.37 tons, owned by George Steele, lost on
La Have Bank in December. Value, $5,150; insurance, including outfits,
$5,125. Crew list — Edward Murphy, master; William Silvey, Patrick Cos-
tello, Barnard P. Scanlan, George Melroy, Peter Stapleton, Edward Walsh,
Thomas Ready, Peter Collins, James McQuillan, Daniel Curtis.

Sch. JOHN S. TYLER, 63 tons, owned by Sidney Friend & Bro., lost
on La Have Bank in December. Value, $4,600 ; insurance on vessel and
outfits, $4,425. Crew list — Arthur O'Neal, master; Felix O'Neal, Murdoch
McCloud, Alexander McCloud, his son, Edward Berry, William Laney,
George Allen, Louis Wilson, William Sullivan, Henry Maddox.

Sch. J. F. HUNTRESS, 63.73 tons, owned by Samuel Haskell, lost on
La Have Bank in December. Value, $5,900; insurance, $5,163 on vessel
and $400 on outfits. Crew list — Richard Rose, master; George L. Hen-
drickson, Frank M. Anderson, John M. Johnson, Charles J. Anderson, An-
drew Anderson, Harry Beck, Peter J. Olsen, Thomas Thompson, John Beck.

Sch. MODENA B. JERAULD, 70.34 tons, owned by D. C. & H. Bab-
son, lost on La Have Bank in December. Value, $5,300 ; insurance, $3,900.
Crew list — Charles P. Mitchell, master ; Edward Haines, John C. Haines,
brothers ; Michael Keefe, Freeman Snow, William Snow, his brother,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 73

Edward Herring, B. D. Joyce, Lewis D. Martin, Emanuel Rose, Daniel
Gardner.

Sch. ROBERT EMMETT, 45.25 tons, owned by Charles Parkhurst, lost
on La Have Bank in December. Value, $4,500 j uninsured. Crew list —
Joseph Grey, master; John E. Saunders, Seth S. Colby, Samuel Spinney,
Alex. Boyd, Edward Dodge, Samuel Tyng, William Michaels, Thomas
Tarreo.

Sch. WYOMING, 55.21 tons, owned by McKenzie, Hardy & Co., lost on
La Have Bank in December. Value, $5,500 \ insurance, $4,732. Crew list
— Henry Nauss, master, and his brother Arthur; James Jeffrey, Warren
Williams, Thomas Haney, Charles Forbes, Alex. Thompson, John Haskins,
George Crittenden, Joseph Zink.

Sch. COL. ELLSWORTH, 82.45 tons, owned by Capt. Oliver F. How-
ard and engaged in the Bay St. Lawrence mackerel fishery, lost at the Mag-
dalen Islands, Aug. 20. Crew saved. Value, $5,500; insurance, $4,800.

Sch. RELIANCE, 46.49 tons, owned by Walen & Allen, also employed
in Bay mackereling, lost near Canso, Sept. 21. Crew saved. Value,
$3,600 ; insurance, $2,550.

Sch. TIBER, 44.70 tons, also owned' by Walen & Allen, another of the
Bay St. Lawrence fleet, wrecked at Louisburg, Sept. 29. Crew saved.
Value, $1,775 5 insurance, $850.

Sch. CHALLENGE, 36.16 tons, owned by Eben H. and Franklin Griffin,
wrecked on the Maine coast in the shore mackerel fishery, July 6. Crew
saved. Value, $1,000; uninsured.

Sch. JOHN STORY, Jr., 27.48 tons, owned by Capt. Charles H. Orne
and engaged in the Winter shore fishery, run down and sunk off Eastern
Point, Jan. 27. Crew saved. Value, $800; insurance, $700.

Sch. GLENWOOD, 62.44 tons» owned by Rowe & Jordan, also employed
in the shore fishery, run into and sunk off Highland Light, Feb. 19. Crew
saved. Value, $6,000; insurance, $4,113.

Sch. MAZEPPA, 47.57 tons, owned by Capt. Gilman Roberts, lost at
Brace's Cove in the shore fishery, Nov. 2. Crew saved. Value, $1,000;
insurance, $700.

Sch. ELLEN FRANCES, 55.44 tons, owned by B. Maddocks & Co., lost
on the passage from Souris, P. E. I., with a load of potatoes, in December.
Value, $2,450; insurance, $2,144 on vessel and $1,000 on cargo. Crew
lost. Commanded by Capt. John Lunergan of Beverly, with a crew of four
men, names unknown.

Boat BONANZA, owned by Capt. John Carter, was wrecked in the off-
shore fishery, off Plymouth, May 23. Crew saved. Value, $600 ; uninsured.

Sch. GEORGE PEABODY, of Salem, chartered by Capt. George W*

74 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Plumer of this city, was wrecked in the Bay St. Lawrence in October, and
sold for $1,500. She is not included in our figures.

Lost Overboard. — Louis Beck from sch. Sarah C. Pyle, Jan. 4 ; Capt.
Maurice Walen from sch. Marathon, on Georges, Feb. 22 ; Capt. Robert N.
Mackey on the passage from Fortune Bay, Feb. 14; Dennis Lyon from sch.
Nathaniel Webster, Feb. 24 ; Capt. Martin Nelson from sch. Arizona, on
Georges, Feb. 24; S. Augustus Webb from sch. John S. Presson, on Grand
Bank, Feb. 26 ; Nathaniel Gillis from sch. David Crockett and Nelson Mitch-
ell from sch. Edwin C. Dolliver, on Grand Bank March 11 ; John O'Brien
from sch. Joseph O., on Georges, March 26 ; George Carpenter from sch.
Robert Emmett, on Georges, April 10; N. T. Chatto from sch. Bloomer, off
Portsmouth, July 24; Alfred Meyers from sch. Edward E. Webster, on
Grand Bank, July 4 ; Richard Tibbetts from sch. Charles P. Barrett, on
Middle Bank, Oct. 12; James Sigsworth, Frank Dunn and Daniel McNeil
from sch. F. A. Smith, on Grand Bank, Oct. 16 ; Michael Morgan from sch.
Victor, on Grand Bank, in December ; Joseph Teddy and Charles Cook from
sch. Ruth Groves, on Georges, Dec. 1 1 ; George Miller from sch. Howard
on Grand Bank, Dec. 10.

Lost in Dories. — Charles H. Fisher and Chester W. Denton from sch.
Polar Wave, Jan. 19 ; John G. Smith and John Davis from sch. Restless, in
January ; all on Western Bank. Herbert Gorman, mate of sch. Flash, at
Newfoundland, Feb. 24. Daniel Brynnelson and Stephen Stone from sch.
Alfred Walen, on' La Have Bank, March 17 ; Capt. John McCloud from
sch. Addison G. Procter, Feb. 8 ; William Norton and Albert Sulkey from
sch. Frederic Gerring, Jr., Feb. 28 ; James Horton and Thomas Kennedy
from sch. Edwin C. Dolliver, March 3 ; George Patience and Charles An-
derson from sch. Fitz J. Babson and John McMillan and John McAuley
from sch.yi F. Allen, April 18; David Shearer and William Diggers from
sch. Hrewxrd, June 27 ; Charles Olsen and Charles Strimm from sch. Aber-
deen, in August; Nicholas Surratt from sch. Shiloh, Sept. 20; Angus Mc-
Kay and George Party from sch. Epes Tarr, Sept. 27 ; Charles Haley from
sch. Charles P. Thompson, Oct. 6 ; all on Grand Bank.

1877.

This was a year of general depression in the fishing industry, but the
losses were comparatively light. 7 vessels were lost in the fishing busi-
ness and 1 in the coasting trade, their tonnage being 722.33, and their value
about $45,000. Insurance about $22,000. Number of lives lost in the
fisheries, 38.

Sch. MAY QUEEN, 53.56 tons, owned by Capt. Isaac P. Peterson,
wrecked in shore fishery on Coney Island, Jan. 2. Crew saved after seven
hours' extreme peril and suffering. Value, $3,400; insurance, $2,975.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 75

Sch. ELIZA JANE, 46.43 tons, owned by James Mansfield & Sons, lost
near Shelburne, N. S., Jan. 23. Crew saved. Value, $2,400 ; insurance,
$2,400.

Sch. GEN". GRANT, 86.11 tons, owned by John Pew & Son, lost at New-
foundland in January. Crew saved. Value, $5,550; insurance, $2,500.

Sch. MARY BURN HAM, 65.71 tons, owned by Harvey Knowlton, Jr.,
lost on La Have Bank in January. Value, $4,712; insurance, $4,623.
Crew list — Alexander Lyle, master ; James Howard, John Willow; David S.
Merchant, Thomas Lauray, Lawrence McVarish, Randall McVarish, Alex-
ander McVarish, James Campbell, Robert King, Edward Martin.

Sch. CLARA B. CHAPMAN, 68.19 tons, owned by Dennis & Ayer, lost
at Sandy Point in May. Crew saved. Value, $5,114; insurance, $4,975.
Wreck sold for $1,000,

Sch. ANN MARIA, 41.78 tons, owned by Gardner K. and Howard
Wonson, and employed in the Georges fishery, lost on Newburyport bar
July 1. Crew saved with considerable difficulty. Value, $1,050; insur-
ance, $928.

Sch. BELLE, 23.15 tons, owned by George R. Gates and others, lost
near Portsmouth, N. H., in the shore fishery, Aug. 17. Crew saved. Val-
ue, $750; insurance, $600.

Three-masted sch G. P. POMEROY, 337.40 tons, lost with all her crew
on the passage from Brunswick, Ga., for Bath, Me., with a cargo of ship
timber, in an April gale. About two-thirds owned in Gloucester and one-
third in Manchester, Beverly, Boston and Salem. Commanded by Capt.
Francis A. Bryant of Gloucester. $1,500 insurance in the Gloucester Fire
Insurance Co., and other small amounts elsewhere.

Lost Overboard. — Capt. Daniel M. Gray from sch. B. F. Somes, March
13 ; John Kennedy from sch. Adelia Hartwell, March 26 ; Manuel Veada
from sch. Dictator, Oct. 6 ; and Hans Antone Olsen from sch. Arizona, Nov.
2, all in Georges fishery. Neil McPhee from sch. Highflyer, in New York
harbor, in May. Walter H. Merchant from sch. Etta Gott, in the Bay St.
Lawrence, Sept. 22.

Capsized in Dories. — Alphonso Babson and Gorham Parsons in Ips-
wich Bay, March 13. Andrew Anderson off Eastern Point, May 7. Harry
Miller, of sch. Eben B. Phillips, in Gloucester harbor, Oct. 10. George B.
Michael and William Burnham from sch. Eben B. Phillips, March 18 ; John
Daniels and Edward Spencer, of sch. Frederic Gerring, Jr., March 27 ; Ed-
ward Coles and Howard Powers from sch. Edward E. Webster, and James
Murphy from sch. Eben Parsons, April 12 ; Harry Richardson from sch.
Lizzie K. Clark, May 21 ; Lemuel Parsons and John Holmes from sch. Co-
rinna H. Bishop, May 30; Neil Johnson and Charles Culvert from sch.
Marion, June 3 ; Adolph Jackson and Matthew Huntwell from sch. Andrew

76 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Leighton, Sept. 26 ; and Daniel McDonald and Albert Mizner from sch. G.
P. Whitman, Nov. 4, all on the Banks.

Capt. Joseph Campbell killed by falling from aloft on board sch. Gertie
E. Foster, on the Banks, Nov. 6.

1878.

The fishing losses for this year numbered 11 vessels, 795.90 tons, valued
at $60,794 and insured for $48,767, and 55 lives. Two Gloucester coasting
vessels were lost this year, making the total number of vessels 13, tonnage
9°7-57> value $64,794, insurance $49,967, lives 56.

Sch. CARRIE P. MORTON, 84.19 tons, owned by Walen & Allen, lost
on Grand Bank in January or February. Value, $7,200 ; insurance, $6,300.
Crew list — Antone S. Downs, master; Joseph Gay, Angus McLean, Jesse
McLoud, Anthony Holthes, Augustus Frazier, Emanuel Enos, Charles
Burke, Lawrence Powers, James Lundry, John Rose, David Atwater, Sam-
uel Bragg, LeVanze.

Sch. JULIA WOOD, 92.89 tons, owned by James Mansfield & Sons,
wrecked near Liverpool, N. S., in April. Crew saved. Value, $9,000 ; in-
surance, $7,878. Wreck sold for $700.

Sch. ORONOCO, 48.21 tons, owned by John Pew & Son, lost on Straits-
mouth Island, July 5. Crew saved. Value, $2,000; insurance, $1,050.
Wreck sold for $16.50.

Sch. LILIAN GERTRUDE, 58.06 tons, owned by Daniel Sayward and
others, lost on Mt. Desert Rock, July 12. Crew saved. Loss, $5,500;
insurance, $4,454.

Sch. LIZZIE & NAMARI, 94.09 tons, owned by George Laturen, mas-
ter, and Almon Mason of Pigeon Cove, lost near Matinicus, Aug. 31.
Crew saved. Value, $7,000 ; insurance, $6,000. Wreck sold for $50.

Sch. MARY LOUISE, 68.15 tons, owned by Daniel Sayward and others
and employed in the Georges fishery, run down and sunk 60 miles east of
Boston Light, Sept. 1. Crew saved. Value, $5,475 ; insurance, $4,592.

Sch. RIVAL, 53.88 tons, owned by Sylvanus Smith, lost at the Magdalen
Islands, in September. Crew saved. Value, $2,054; insurance, $1,798.
Wreck sold for $430.

Sch. RIVERDALE, 61.41 tons, owned by Maddocks & Co., run into and
sunk off Thacher's Island, Nov. 23. Crew rescued. Value, $4,240 ; insur-
ance, $3,423.

Sch. CUNARD, 74.65 tons, owned by James G. Tarr & Bro., lost on the
Banks in November or December. Value, $6,000 ; insurance, $3,600. Crew
list — Garrett Galvin, master, Philip Hennesy, John H. Reynolds, Joseph
Lockwood, Andrew Crowell, James and John Harding, brothers, John Ryan,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 77

Allen C. Brian, John Drury, Daniel McLeod, James Tobin, and two others
shipped at Port Mulgrave, whose names are unknown.

Sch. NIMBUS, 60.30 tons, owned by Leonard Walen, wrecked on Cape
Negro, in December. Value, $4,470; insurance, $3,911, with $1,000 addi-
tional on outfits. Two of the crew, Augustus Long and Andrew Robinson,
were drowned.

Sch. MOSES ADAMS, 99.87 tons, owned by Samuel Lane & Bro., aban-
doned at sea, Dec. 21. Crew rescued with considerable difficulty. Value,
$5,155 ; insurance, $4,761.

Sch. MODENA, 61.48 tons, owned by Bennett Griffin, lost in coasting
trade off Cape Cod, June 21. Crew saved. Value, $1,000; uninsured.

Sch. SAM'L WONSON, 50.19 tons, owned by B. Haskell & Sons and
employed in coasting trade, wrecked in Liscomb harbor, N. S., Dec. 20.
Crew saved. Value, $3,000; insurance, $1,200.

Lost Overboard. — James McQuarrie from sch. Moses Adams, on passage
from Newfoundland, Jan. 21. John Manuel from sch. Polar Wave, March
12, and Joseph Smith from sch. Andrew Leighton, Sept. 22, in the Bank
fishery. Thomas Smith from sch. Dictator, March 20, and Samuel K.
Pearce from sch. Mary Story, Oct. 13, on Georges. Capt. Philip Conley
from sch. Smuggler, on the passage from Grand Menan, Dec. 19. William
Martin from sch. Hyperion, off Milk Island, Nov. 18.

Lost Overboard by Collision. — Thomas Kirby from sch. Racer in col-
lision with sch. Electric Flash, in April ; Willis Bateman from sch. Edward
E. Webster in collision with sch. Hereward, on the Banks, in May ; Nelson
M. Doane and William Post from sch. Sarah C. Pyle in collision with an
unknown bark, off Thacher's Island, June 1.

Capsized in Dories. — Alex. McGinnis from sch. Centennial, Jan. 20;
John Peterson and Augustus Peterson from sch. Andrew Leighton, March
22 ; Judson W. Allen from sch. Knight Templar, April 8 ; Sylvester Mitch-
ell and Albert Eldridge from sch. Ossipee, Aug. 22 ; all in the Bank fishery.
Thomas King from sch. Annie C. Norwood, and John Dakin from sch.
Ellen H. Powers, Dec. 19, in the shore fishery.

Lost in Dories. — Angus McKenzie and Allen Grant from sch. John S.
Presson, Feb. 18, and William Tate and Charles Russell from sch. Josie M.
Calderwood, Oct. 9, on the Banks ; William Cole and Lemuel Hagan from
sch. Mary F Chisholm, on La Have Bank, Dec. 19.

Capt. H. A. Bearse of the coasting schooner Hattie JV. Gove was knocked
overboard and drowned in New London harbor, Dec. 2.

1879.

This was the most disastrous year ever experienced in the Gloucester fish-
eries, so far as loss of life is concerned, although the number of vessels lost

78 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

was less than in 1873. In 1879, 249 Gloucester fishermen sailed from port
never to return. The number of vessels lost was 29. Of these, 15 were
lost in the terrible gale of Feb. 20 and 21, 13 on Georges and 2 on the
Banks, leaving 57 widows and 140 fatherless children to bewail their loss.
This terrible calamity appealed forcibly to the sympathies of the benevolent,
and contributions for the relief of the destitute were received from all parts
of the land to the amount of $28,216.72. 4 vessels and 37 lives were lost
in an October gale.

The loss of tonnage in 1879 was 1,893.36. Value, $111,056. Insurance,
$90,582. Besides the losses in the February gale, during the year 5 vessels
were lost in the Bank fishery, 3 in the mackerel fishery, 2 on freighting voy-
ages, and 1 each squiding, shore fishing, baiting, and on La Have Bank.

The losses in the February gale were as follows :

ON THE BANKS.

Sch. EDWIN C. DOLLIVER, 87.07 tons, owned by Walen & Allen,
abandoned Feb. 26. Crew taken off. Value, $7,000 ; insurance, $5,800.

Sch. GWENDOLEN, 82.41 tons, owned by Cunningham & Thompson.
Value, $7,154; insurance, $6,010. Crew list — Zadock Hawkins, master;
Lyman H. Morey, steward ; Edward Landry, Richard Hurley, Alex. Mc-
Kenzie, John McKay, Michael Donahoe, William Nelson, Augustus Crow-
ell, John McGuire, James Calwell, Daniel McDonald, William Chute, Wil-
liam C. Wilson..

ON GEORGES.

Sch. ANNIE HOOPER, 69.27" tons, owned by B. Maddocks & Co.
Value, $3,485 ; insurance, $3,112. Crew list — Patrick Foley, master; Sam-
uel Shano, steward ; Joseph Smith, David Hogan, Manuel Smith, Stephen
Halley, Jackson Clark, Fitz E. Oakes, Michael Hart, William Fisher alias
Anderson, Peter Peterson.

Sch. ANNIE LINWOOD, 59.09 tons, owned by Rowe & Jordan. Value,
$3,725; insurance, $3,322. Crew list — Thomas Connell, master; Patrick
O'Brien, PYederic J. Knowles, Daniel D. Morrison, John Silva, Frank Fer-
ris, John Smith, John Lawrence, Angus McDonald, August Mitchell and
one man whose name is unknown.

Sch. GEORGE B. LORING, 58.50 tons, owned by George Norwood &
Son. Value, $2,119 ; insurance, $1,917. Crew list — George W. Lane, mas-
ter; Joseph M. Lane, brother to master; Reuben H. Ellis, Morris Riley,
Ambrose Thebedo, James M. Boynton, George Whitman, James White,
George Yates, Edward P. Townsend.

Sch. JACOB BACON, 66.44 tons, owned by Cunningham & Thompson.
Value, $5,186; insurance, $4,600. Crew list — Christian Anderson, master;
Richard Carroll, James Powers, Charles Fox alias Johnson, Patrick Sulli-

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK. 79

van, James Bowie, Conrad Carleson, Frank White, John Sherman, Edward
F. Jameson, John Wilson, and Hugh Hennan, steward.

Sch. JOHN DOVE, 59.02 tons, owned by Smith & Oakes. Value, $3,193 ;
insurance, $2,857. Crew list — Lewis Caliste, master ; Alex. Girrior, John
Coughlin, Theophilus V. Porter, Samuel Wrest, William Delroy, Joseph
Enos, Benjamin Decoste, Charles Campbell, and Edward and Benjamin
Levange, brothers.

Sch. JOSHUA S. SANBORN, 63.89 tons, owned by David Low & Co.
Value, $2,795 ; insurance, $2,008. Crew list — George Gray, master; Wil-
liam Carter, John H. Holmes, Michael Allen, Edward Walton, John J. Wil-
liams, James Burge, Roland D. Blodgett, Bertram Blake, John A. Howard,
Charles Claherty.

Sch. LOTTIE F. BABSON, 61.96 tons, owned by D. C. & H. Babson.
Value, $2,505; insurance, $1,096. Crew list — Seward Reynolds, master;
Robert Reynolds, brother to master ; John Graves, Lorenzo Chute, John
Batson, Daniel Tatton, George Pooler, Samuel Thompson, Joseph Boone,
James Boshey, and Fred. Hall, steward.

Sch. MARY CARLISLE, 66.78 tons, owned by Andrew Leighton. Val-
ue, $3,425; insurance, $3,060. Crew list — Joseph Scott, master; John L.
Ingersoll, Ralph Irving, Philip Vibert, Cyrus Young, William Merchant,
Alex. Cogill, Oliver Thompson, Alex. McMaster, Peter McKinnon, George
Matthews.

Sch. MARY LOW, 63.97 tons, owned by David Low & Co. Value,
$2,930; insurance, $2,126. Crew list — James F. Dunton, master; John
Tarr; Phillippe Deveaux, Elkanah Nason, Ariel P. Burnham, Paul Theba-
deau, Joseph King, Fred. Kenniston, Frank Silva, Joseph White, Peter
Jennison.

Sch. MAUD & EFFIE, 85.23 tons, owned by Willard G. Pool. Value,
$5>735 l insurance, $4,581. Crew list — John Mclsaac, master; Michael
Mclsaac, his brother, Joseph Nowlan, their brother-in-law ; Edward Gordon,
Roland McDonald, Allen McDonald of East Boston; Joseph Rogers, Joseph
McAskell ; Edward Shearman, the latter's brother-in-law; Andrew Swinson,
Neal Beaton, William McMaster, William Frazier, Roderic Steele.

Sch. MORNING STAR, 52.92 tons, owned by Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
Value, $1,895 ; insurance, $1,721. Crew list — John B. Spanks, master;
David B. Gorman, William W. Shelton, Antone Aveney, David Jones, F.
H. Stimpson, John Black, James Roberts, Charles Ibey, Michael Muldoon.

Sch. OTIS D. DANA, 64.28 tons, owned by Pettingell & Cunningham.
Value, $3,335 ; insurance, $2,981. Crew list — William Willoughby, master ;
Archibald McCatheren, Boley Bushey, John Garvey, George C. Stearns,
Charles Netherwood, John Atwood, Frederic Hill, Paul A. Peterson, and
Charles Mason, steward.

80 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Sch. SEA QUEEN, 61.47 tons, owned by Andrew Leighton. Value,
$3,242; insurance, $2,900. Crew list — Charles Wilson, master; Nicholas
M. Thompson, Peter Trumbull, A. W. Peterson, Olof Jensen, Neils Han-
son, Axel Olssen, John Anderson, William Brown, August Peterson.

OTHER LOSSES.

Sch. IDA E. BAKER, 63.69 tons, owned by George Norwood & Son,
lost on Western Bank in April. Value, $4,380 ; insurance, $3,783. Crew
list — M. H. Adams, master ; John Benson, Robert Mclnies, Joseph McDon-
ald, George Major, Frank Oscar, William T. Long, Charles Johnson, Charles
White, John McNair, Hugh McCormack, John Jerriwa.

Sch. WILLIAM THOMPSON, 84.15 tons, owned by Cunningham &
Thompson, lost on a Bank halibuting trip in April. Value, $7,200; insur-
ance, $6,057. Crew list — Christian Olsen, master ; Dennis Thelning, Chas.
Anderson, Chresten Johnson, Samuel Nordahl, John P. Johnson, Andrew
Hanson, Martin Soderstrum, Carl Leweau, Martin Anderson alias Johnson,
Julius Manguson, Elias Fladen, Martin Johnson, and Charles S. Olsen,
brother of the master.

Sch. N. H. PHILLIPS, 66.93 tons, owned by William McDonald and
others, lost on Banquereau in October. Value, $4,500 ; insurance, $3,862.
Crew list — William McDonald, master; John Welch, John McKinnon, Al-
bion Bowden, John McDonald, Charles Crawler, Neal McDonald, Michael
Mclnnis, John Steele, John and Richard Tobin, brothers, Duncan Mclsaac,
Clifton Thompson.

Sch. HARVEY C. MACKAY, 64.77 tons, owned by William .Parsons,
2d, & Co., lost on a Bank codfishing trip in October. Value, $3,595 ; in-
surance, $3,071. Crew list — Frank Nolan, master; George Holly, W. H.
Bartlett, William Higgins, Charles W. Hunt, Everett Campbell, Augustus
Campbell, Frank Crowell, Frank Hobbs, and a young man named Morton.

Sch. ANDREW LEIGHTON, 83.56 tons, owned by Cunningham &
Thompson, lost on La Have Bank in October. Value, $6,800 ; insurance,
$5,698. Crew list — Oscar W. Alden, master ; Andrew McDonald, Samuel
Grassy, Oscar Wistar, Frank Nelson, Martin Hogan, Charles Berg, Martin
Strahan, Adolph Nelson, Frank Veaneau, Frank Flake, John Boudrout,
Andrew Olsen, Henry Johnson.

Sch. CITY OF GLOUCESTER, 68.64 tons, owned by Rowe & Jordan,
bound on a Bank trip, lost off Chatham, June 1. Crew saved. Value,
$4,665 ; insurance, $4,146.

Sch. ALICE M. LEWIS, 66.82 tons, owned by Capt. Jesse Lewis, lost
in the Southern mackerel fishery at Townsend Inlet, April 14. Crew saved.
Value, $3,560; insurance, $2,678.

Sch. GEORGE S. LOW, 61.69 tons, owned by David Low & Co., lost

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 81

in the Southern mackerel fishery near Townsend Inlet, May n. Crew
saved. Value, $3,000 ; insurance, $2,200.

Sch. CARRIE F. BUTLER, 68.35 tons, owned by William Parsons,
wrecked at Rustico, Oct. 31. Crew saved. Value, $2,000; insurance,
$1,500.

Sch. O. S. BAILEY, 58.22 tons, owned by Hardy Brothers and others,
abandoned at sea on passage from Dominica for Boston, Nov. 22. Crew
rescued. Value, $6,000; insurance, $4,700.

Sch. TRENTON, 41.72 tons, owned by David Low & Co., wrecked near
Deer Island, May 11. Crew saved. Value, $1,250; insurance, $500.

Sch. CADET, 60.38 tons, owned by B. Haskell & Sons and employed in
the squid fishery, wrecked at Langlaid, N. S., Aug. 14. Crew saved. Val-
ue, $2,500; insurance, $1,600.

Sch. RIVAL, 53.88 tons, owned by Sylvanus Smith, wrecked at Rye
Beach in the Winter shore fishery, Feb. 24. Crew saved. Value, $1,810;
insurance, $1,534.

Sch. SPARKLING WAVE, 48.66 tons, owned by Wonson Brothers,
wrecked in the bait fishery on Shovelful Shoal, May 15. Crew saved.
Value, $1,475 ') insurance, $1,253.

Lost Overboard. — John Clancy knocked overboard from sch. S. R. Lane,
Feb. 8, and Michael O'Malley fell overboard from sch. Edward A. Horton,
Feb. 19, in Winter shore fishery. Daniel McDougal washed overboard
from sch. J. J. Clark about 70 miles off Highland Light, March 6. George
Hunson jumped overboard from sch. Jamestown in the harbor, April 16.
Michael Tobin washed from bowsprit of sch. John Smith, Aug. 29, on
Georges.

Capsized in Dories. — Charles and Clarence Myers, brothers, from sch.
Oceanus, in Winter shore fishery, Jan. 28. Andrew Johnson from sch. Wil-
liam H. Oakes, in February; George Ryan from sch. William H. Foye,
March 2 ; Lewis Thompson, Gordon Scott and William Nickerson from
sch. Herbert M. Rogers, March 10; James McDonald, George Perkins, Da-
vid B. Tinker and Joseph Goslin from sch. Hattie S. Clark, and Thomas
Williams of sch. Ernest F. Norwood, March 25 (while going ashore at Bliss
Harbor, N. B.) ; David Morrison from sch. Mary F. Chisholm, in August;
John and Malcom McCloud and James Publicover from sch. Laura Nelson,
Dec. 26 ; all in the Bank fisheries. Robert McDonald and Joseph Chis-
holm from sch. Highflyer, on Jeffrey's, Dec. 1.

Lost in Dories. — William Andrews and Nicholas Colberg from sch. Al-
ice G. Wonson, Jan. 29 ; John Olsen and Charles Hanson from sch. Andrew
Leighton, March 18 ; Arthur Hennan and Thomas Davidson from sch. Gath-
erer, March 31 all on the Banks.

82 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

1880.

4 schooners and 3 boats, of a tonnage of 300.44, valued at $21,000 and
insured for $15,972, were lost this year. The number of lives lost was 52.
1 schooner was lost in the Bank halibut fishery, 1 in the Winter shore fish-
ery, 1 on Georges and 1 on Cashe's. 1 fishing boat was lost on Eastern
Point, 1 on the coast of Maine, and 1 was run down and sunk in Ipswich Bay.

Sch. ANNIE C. NORWOOD, 60.05 tons, owned by George Norwood &
Son, lost on Cashe's, March 23. Value, $3,610; insurance, $3,310. Crew
list — Joseph M. Hurst, master ; Joseph Garrett, William Isaac, William
Fardy, David Roberts, Patrick Neal, James Anderson, George Crawford,
William Holland, Charles Higgins, Thomas Orne, Lawrence Nelson, Ed-
ward W. Wilson, Charles Armstrong.

Sch. NATHANIEL WEBSTER, 76.04 tons, owned by D. C. & H. Bab-
son, lost on a Bank halibuting trip, in November. Value, $6,000; insur-
ance, $5,000. Crew list — Robert C. Grant, master ; Hector Mclsaac, Chas.
Bennett, Charles Hubley, John Frazier, James Grant, Isaiah Horton, John
McDonald, John Peoples, Dominick Mclsaac, John I. Wilson, John Mc-
Mullen, Silas McLellan, and a Mr. Jacobs.

Sch. OCEAN BELLE, 67.02 tons, owned by Sylvanus Smith, sprung
aleak and sank on Georges, March 26. Crew taken off. Value, $3,192;
insurance, $2,992.

Sch. WINIFRED J. KING, 63.61 tons, owned by Capt. John King,
wrecked in the Winter shore fishery at Brace's Cove, Feb. 3. Crew saved.
Value, $4,670; insurance, $4,470.

Boat BEE, 8.13 tons, owned by William Tarr, lost on Eastern Point,
Nov. 19. Crew saved. Value, $300; insurance, $200.

Boat HARP, 10.88 tons, owned by William N. Mace and William P. Den-
nis, lost on Green Island, Me., March 27. Crew saved. Uninsured.

Boat I TELL YE, 14.71 tons, owned by George J. Tarr & Co., run down
and sunk in Boston Bay, Oct. 27. Value, $2,000; no insurance.

Lost Overboard. — Emery Hooper washed from foreboom of sch. Seth
Stockbridge, on Grand Bank, in March ; Frank Williams fell overboard from
sch. E. L. Rowe, April 17 ; Capt. Daniel Rowe, 2d, knocked overboard in
Boston Bay from sch. Jennie 6* Julia (by collision), May 12 ; Edward Day
washed overboard from sch. Frederic Gerring, Jr., on the Banks, Sept. 9 ;
Thomas Anderson washed overboard from sch. Epes Tarr, on Grand Bank,
Nov. 7.

Capsized in Dories. — Patrick Harrigan and Allen McGinnis from sch.
Augusta H. Johnson, Jan. 3 ; William Malloy, John Raymond and Jerry
Simmons from sch. Plymouth Rock, Jan. 7 ; Stephen Johnson and Augustus
Hendrickson from sch. Isaac A. Chapman, Feb. 11 ; Capt. James Nickerson

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 83

and James Downing from sch. Bellerophon, in February ; Augustus Ander-
son from sch. Dav id A. Story, Aug. 10 ; all in the Bank fisheries.

Died in Dory. — George Nelson from sch. Polar Wave, on Banquereau,
March 28.

Lost in Dories in the Fog. — Matthew McDonald and Joseph Merchant
from sch. David A. Story, on the Banks, in February ; John Higgins and
David McDonald from sch. Marion, on Western Bank, March 28 ; Joseph
Coffee and Charles E. Seebloom from sch. Epes Tarr, on Western Bank,
April 18 ; William Geary and John Landry from sch. Schuyler Colfax, on
the Banks, Aug. 21.

1881.

8 vessels and 56 lives were lost this year. The loss of tonnage was
511. 51. Value, $31,000. Insurance, $20,493. Besides these losses, the
ANSON STIMSON of Rockport, a fine schooner of 224.31 tons burthen,
belonging to the Pigeon Hill Granite Company, was wrecked on Brigantine
Shoal bar, N. J., Jan. 6, on the passage from San Domingo for New York,,
her master, Capt. Albion Sloman, having died at sea, and the crew of six
men being down with chills and fever, leaving only the mate and cook to
work the vessel. The Gloucester losses were : 4 in the Bank fisheries, 1 in.
the shore and 1 in the mackereling fisheries, and 1 engaged in coasting, as.
follows :

•Sch. CARRIE S. DAGLE, 74.53 tons, owned by William Parsons, 2dr.
& Co., lost on Western Bank, April 15. Value, $4,000; insurance, $3,375..
Crew list — Richard Richardson, master; John F. Deveau, C. A. Bergman,
Jeffrey Bushey, Thomas Milford, Edward Jedrey, John McDonald, Asaheli
Landro, George W. Kinch, Eli Thibadeau, Hugh York, Coleman Jennings.

Sch. GUY CUNNINGHAM, 87.84 tons, owned by Cunningham &
Thompson, lost on Grand Bank in August or September. Value, $7,000 ;
insurance, $5,985. Crew list — Daniel O'Brien, master ; John C. Hanson,
Frank Shivrie, John Proctor, Niel Walker, Charles Johnson, John Burns,,
Andrew Nelson, Peter Peterson, Andrew Serresten, Henry Cushing, Loc
McQuarrie, Chas. Baston.

Sch. CLARA B. WARREN, 51.67 tons, owned by Mr. William. J. Nourse,
wrecked near Catch Harbor, N. S., Aug. 8, while returning from a Bank,
trip. Crew saved. Value, $3,000.

Sch. THRESHER, 80.10 tons, owned by Daniel Allen & Son, engaged!
in the Bank fisheries, stranded and burned at Cape Sable, Sept. 24. Crew
sav>ed. Value, $6,500; insurance, $5,500. Wreck sold for $36.

Sch. HIGHFLYER, 53.73 tons, owned by Benjamin Low, wrecked at
Carver's Harbor, Me., with a cargo of frozen herring on. board, Jan. 10.
Crew saved. Value, $2,500; insurance, $1,500.

84 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Sch. VANGUARD, 40.47 tons, owned by Edward Contillon, Samuel G.
Pool and William H. Gardner, engaged in net-codfishing in Ipswich Bay,
wrecked off Rye Beach, March 19. Crew saved. Value, $1,800; insur-
ance, $900.

Sch. LIZZIE K. CLARK, 72.19 tons, owned by Clark & Somes, bound
•South on a mackereling trip, capsized and sunk about twenty miles southeast
of Barnegat, March 25. Crew saved. Value, $5,000'; insurance, $3,323.

Sch. LADY FRANKLIN, 50.98 tons, owned by Capt. Elias Olson and
engaged in freighting paving stones, sunk off Stanwood's Point in Anni-
squam river, July 11. Wreck sold for $150.

Lost Overboard. — John White washed overboard from sch. Willie M.
Stevens, and John Weston from sch. Martha C, in January ; John Roper
from mainboom of sch. Lizzie, Feb. 2, and William Riley, washed overboard
from sch. Ocean King, Feb. 22 ; Capt. Robert Ehler of sch. Carthage, caught
by foot-rope on mainboom and drawn overboard, off Monhegan, Nov. 27 ;
all in the Bank fisheries. Capt. Horace Merry from mainboom of sch.
George P. Rust, off the Isle au Haute, April 1, and Michael Sampson washed
overboard from sch. Mary E. Daniels, April 26, in the Georges fishery.
Edward Nickerson fell overboard from sch. Hattie N Reed, in Portland
harbor, July 21, in the mackerel fishery. John A. Johnson from sch. Her-
man Babson, in September, on the return trip from Greenland. William
Rooney, cook of sch. Addie Emma, fell overboard in the Bay of Fundy,
Nov. 28.

Capsized in Dories. — Charles Bell from sch. Bellerophon, on Banque-
reau, Jan. 28. Elias and Peter Landry, brothers, from sch. Fleur de Lis
(shore fishing), in attempting to cross Newburyport bar, March 16. Benja-
min O'Hara and William L. Grant from sch. Mist, March 8 ; Lewis Dulong
and Charles Richards from sch. Webster Sanborn, June 23 ; John Guthrie
and Laughlin Kennedy from sch. Zenobia, Aug. 2 ; George M. Sigsworth
from sch. Victor, Aug. 12 ; John Frost from sch. Plymouth Rock, Nov. 12 ;
Albert McKennon from sch. Wachusett, in November ; all on Grand Bank.
Joseph Avenue, in November, and Henry Burke, John Hayes, Archie Mc-
Donald and Barnard Glenn, Dec. 23, from sch. Smuggler, engaged in the
shore fisheries.

Capt. Warren Guptill, of Gloucester, master of sch. Ella of Boston, was
lost with that vessel on the passage from Boston for Baracoa, in September ;
William Harrison Card of Newcastle, N. H., engaged for some fifteen years
in the Gloucester fisheries, was mate of the Ella. Robert Swain was lost
overboard from sch. Orient of Gloucester, on the passage from Baracoa for
New York, in January.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

85

TABLE OF LOSSES FOR 52 YEARS.

Year.

Vessels.

Tonnage.

Value.

Insurance.

Lives.

1830

3

$5,600

$3,100

7

1832

1

1,000

1833

1

1,000

1834

1

1,500

4

1836

1

1,000

1837

5

10,100

4,300

21

1838

4

7,100

3,000

kiJ*

1839

2

3,800

3,150

4

1840

2

3,800

1,400

6

1841

2

2,725

150

8

1842

3

2,000

150

1843

3

6,000

2.000

fio

1844

3

4,800

i;500

7

1845

4

4,500

2,350

8

1846

3

4,900

3,600

15

1847

3

6,203

4,450

1849

2

3,500

2,200

10

1850

4

12,500

10,300

31

1851

9

25,300

21,800

32

1852

13

41,200

37,100

[40

' 1853

3

10,000

8,800

1854

4

.14,600

12,650

;26

1855

7

20.900

16,100

21

1856

6

14,400

11,475

2

1857

5

11,500

7,750

9

1858

7

18,700

8,537

r42

1859

6

21,900

16,475

36

1860

7

26,350

20,494

74

1861

15

54,250

43,900

44

1862

19

66,500

53,225

162

1863

10

40,700

8,300

6

1864

13

98,900

59,625

84

1865

8

504.93

40,300

32,400

11

1866

15

1,055.00

114.250

82,095

26

1867

11

844.57

82,675

59,069

66

1868

4

282.27

35,000

28,150

39

1869

16

858.81

83,450

54,887

65

1870

13

788.15

75,200

59,907

97

1871

20

1,035.93

90,560

78,253

140

1872

12

576.68

55,400

49,121

63

1873

31

1,624.55

118,700

100,918

174

1874

10

633.17

49,100

44,975

68

1875

16

1,050.91

96,000

81,326

123

1876

27

1,075.46

150,000

116,222

212

1877

8

722.33

45,000

22,000

39

1878

13

907.57

64,794

49,967

56

1879

29

1,893.36

111,056

90,582

249

1880

7

300.44

21,000

15,972

52

1881

8
419

511.51

31,000

$1,810,710

20,493
$1,355,418

56

2,249

86

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Welcome Home.

A ROMANCE IN A FISHERMAN'S LIFE.

BY M. W. C.

"You will not be angry, dear Janie, if I leave to-night? There's no way
out of it for me. I can go with a light enough heart if only you'll tell me
you do not mind."

"Nay, I'll not be angry, David, only grieved, deeply grieved. I do mind,
for you know I had counted on your being here the 3d — "

The sweet voice faltered here ; the blue eyes that had been so laughter-
clear and bright, an hour since, grew blurred with bitter tears under the
long curled hazel lashes.

"The 3d — Wednesday — is the day we wedded six years ago, David; you
remember how often we have said we would spend that day together here in
our own home."

"Ay, Janet > but you would not have me shirk a trust?" David Colburn's
clear soul looked through his shining eyes as he spoke these words. One
could see that his resolve was fixed : there would be no more faltering now
for him. "The fishing schooner Snow-Bird leaves port to-night ; her own-
ers do not believe the master, Bradley, to be trusty, and they want a man
on board who can lend a hand, thwart any evil designs on their property,
or even take command if need be. That man whom they select in confi-
dence is I. Now, Janet, shall I go? You say the word."

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. ■ 87

David Colburn looked his young wife steadily in the face. One could
see that he had small doubt what that word would be.

" I say the word ? I have this to say, God love thee and keep thee, dear
David, wherever thou art. Ay ! and He will ! He will ! "

She put her faithful arms about his neck ; her truthful eyes looked into his.

"But now tell me, in plain words, you are not angry; say just the words
and I'll go with a lighter heart, Janet."

Again that strong, sure smile.

"Not angry; no! I never shall be angry with you, David, so long as I
know you are doing right. And now," she went on, after a moment's pause,
"now let us go and see Dolly, Dora and Davie."

An hour later David Colburn had bade good-bye with " God bless thee "
to his wife and his three darling little ones, and his wife's triumphant " God
keep thee, my husband," still sounded soothingly in his ears as he walked
down to the wharf where the waiting schooner Snow-Bird lay.

And Janet, for all her brave words and her sure faith — for all her stern
principle — carried a sore heart that night. She went about her duties calm-
ly, but her step was slow. David was gone. They had counted on living
their wedding day over again together, to make that one day's perfect hap-
piness in their newly built cottage give all its sweets to them over again in
talk and loving memory — but now David was gone !

She was kneeling at dusk on the hearth, toasting bread for the children's
supper. Suddenly a heavy step sounded from the walk, then came a quick
knock and the door was flung rudely open.

" Ho ! Janet. Janet Colburn ! Are ye there ? "

With a startled cry the young frightened wife sprang up, letting her toast-
ing fork and her bread fall back upon the fire.

"Kenneth Foster!" she exclaimed, falling back a step as the light fell on
and revealed her visitor's face.

"Ay, it is I ! Your memory is good, Janet, just as mine is. And you are
all alone. I came to see how you look in widow's tears. You'll make a
fine widow, Janet. There's many a man will be seeking for your hand when
the year's out. The widow Colburn's hand!"

The fair face of the listening woman had grown deadly white during the
uttering of this man's wild words. She held her children tight to her, gath-
ering strength from their soft touch as she answered — her voice, too, was
gentle, if weak —

" I am alone here with my children, as you see, Mr. Foster. My husband
left me to-night. I ask you to leave me till he comes back ; you can say
what you wish to him then."

"Till he comes back!" Kenneth Foster repeated her words, and then

88 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

he broke into a loud and brutal laugh. " Do you know when your husband
will come back to you, Mistress Colburn? It will be when you have finished
this life and gone into a different world. There will be other seas and other
skies, other men and other women about you in the world where you will
meet David Colburn, and you will have to wait long!"

The young wife smiled serenely through the calm pallor of her face.

"Wherever he may be it will be well with him, you may be sure of that,"
she said.

"Even if it be at the bottom of the sea ?" retorted Kenneth. "Well,
well, Mistress Janet, I bide my time. You refused me once, when I asked
you to be my wife ; be sure I shall not ask you now when you are a widow ! "

Before she could interrupt him he went on in a wild whirl of raging words.

" Who was it sent your husband out in that craft ? The owners, ay ! but
/moved them to it. It was my work j and if, some fine morning, the crew
wake to find themselves sinking, with a wild sea rushing in, and no help
near, why, that will be my work, too ! "

Was the man mad that he should say this thing? What was it he meant?
Was it truth — had he meant to scuttle the vessel — or was it only a threat?
Most likely only that ; a threat to frighten her— her, a helpless, lonely woman.

She pointed to the door. "You have forgotten God!" was her grand
reply. "My husband is in the hands of One whom even the seas obey.
God will watch over him. Now go!"

He smiled a wicked smile. "I wish you a good evening, Mistress Col-
burn. Meanwhile, your bread is burning. You had better take it up, for
you know you can't burn your bread and eat it too."

He shut the door and went out into the clear night ; too clear and calm
and sweet for such a man as he to enjoy, walking among its vines and nod-
ding flowers, looking up into its blue heaven to the far mystery of its stars.

Meanwhile, she who was left in the little consecrated home, holding the
darling heads of her children to her breast, watched and waited and prayed
through lonely hours. "If that man's story were true — but no! it was not
true — it was a threat, a trumped-up story — prompted by jealous rage."

" O David ! " she cried, " the very storms are kind to thee j they pass thee
by, not harming one so kind and good."

But she watched the sea, the clouds, the heavens, as she had never done
before. She waited for news that came not : and then a morning came
when she awoke to find the rain pouring, the wind tearing, the sea plunging
and the black sky wracked with stormy clouds.

"David," she moaned, falling on her knees, "David, where art thou? O,
my husband, will the sea take thee, leaving me uncomforted ? "

But the sea had no answer for her. The husband on whom she called

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK 89

was far away. Not drowned ; ah, no ! Not buried under any mountain

wave, cold food for fishes. He had seen lonely hours — night and day when

at his work his thoughts were with his dear ones left at home ; in his dreams,

too, he was ever with them. His comrades chided him for his lack of

sociability ; he had no heart for mirth. His greatest pleasure was in the

reading of his Bible and in singing the tender songs Janet loved. Those

songs were always tender, always telling of love and home. For there have

been some stirring sea-songs written — written by men who were never on

the sea — but they are not the songs sailors sing. The sea-beaten, homesick

sailor does not turn to "A Life on the Ocean Wave" for consolation when

he thinks of the faces he leaves behind the curtain of the home window.

" The sea, the sea, the open sea!
I am where I would ever be ;
******
T love, O how I love to ride
On the fierce, foaming, bursting tide,"

are heartless mockery, an unmeaning gibberish, to the man who has fought

for very life, with death behind him, in the sleet and hail and crashing ice

on Georges, or in the polar seas. For him the homely ballad of "Wapping

Old Stairs" tells a dearer story. Molly, who says she'll be true and

promises,

"Your breeches I'll mend, and your grog, too, I'll make,"

is the dearest sweetheart, and her blue eyes shine across the night and storm.

Meanwhile, Janet watched and prayed. With her children she braved
the wind and storm, and went to the water-side to be near him. She
stretched her arms out, and her hot tears fell on the rocks where she stood.

"O sea!" she sobbed, "Spare him! he loved you always ; he has trusted
you in your wildest anger, in your darkest moods ; spare him now ! ' '

Bye-and-bye came rumors, brought by an old fisherman, of a schooner
drifting at the mercy of the storm — a disabled craft, which the gale pre-
vented rendering assistance, and when it was over she was not to be seen,
and it was doubtful if she ever returned to port.

Bye-and-bye other news came that it was the Snow-Bird — but there were
good men on board of her, and there was hope that she might yet be heard
from.

And Janet heard. O God, pity the tortured hearts of woman at such
times as these. She went from fisherman to fisherman, as they got into
port. They turned away, shivering, from her sad eyes.

"Was there no way to help those drowning men out there? Could noth-
ing be done? Must they stand idle, watching, while vessel and men went
down before their eyes?"

Poor wife! And there were others, too, other hearts trembling, other

9°

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

eyes of women weeping, other lips of wives and daughters calling on dear
names.

The night came on with a gale, and the last that Janet saw or heard was
that the vessel supposed to be the Snow-Bird had been blown off and was
drifting out of sight.

u She's doomed ! " an old fisherman said, turning away from the darkening
view. "She'll go down ! there's no help for it."

Janet heard ; she looked about her with a sickly, piteous smile, as though
asking for help for her own misery ; then she fell down in a lifeless heap
on the wet stones.

Kindly hands lifted her up and strong arms bore her home. On her bed
she lay for long hours, her children by her side. She lay in a sort of stupor
— she saw the blaze of the fire, she heard voices and footsteps coming and
going, through the night. But her mind was torpid — she only realized one
fear, that David was lost, and she —

"He called me a widow," she rambled on feebly. "He said I was a
widow. What is a widow? Is it a woman whose heart is broken? Then
I am one! Oh!"

She put her hand to her brow, and then a merciful sleep came over her,
and she dreamed a sweet dream — that David had returned.

She awoke ! The storm had cleared away and the morning sun was steal-
ing into the bed-room window. Some one said the Snow-Bird had just

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 91

come to anchor. Her heart gave one happy rebound, and she arose and
soon dressed herself and the children, and looking out, saw the well-known
vessel swinging at her anchor off the Point, with her mainsail swaying in
the light morning breeze. She also saw a well-known form rowing ashore
in a dory which some kind neighbor had tendered him the use of.

Grasping the baby in her arms, with the other little one by her side, and
Davie running on ahead, she hastens down the pathway to the beach to
meet her husband, for it was he ! It seemed to her that he had really come
back from another world. He cries out, "Janet, my wife! my good wife!"

And then she knew that it was no dream, for she was in his arms. His
dear face was pressed close to hers, and she was so happy.

"David, my husband!" and he answered, "God is good; here are wife
and children. What more can I want?"

And they walked up to the little cottage — this united family — and David
explained how the Captain and part of the crew put into an out-of-the-way
port, and sold most of the trip and nearly all the moveable articles on the
vessel and pocketed the money and decamped — how he, in pursuance to
instructions from the owner, then took possession and started home ; how,
when twenty-four hours out from port, during a fresh breeze, they found her
leaking badly ; how the leak increased as the storm grew worse, and it
seemed as if they must go to the bottom ; how his faithful men pumped and
strove to stop the leak, and when it seemed as if their efforts were fruitless,
and they must disappear beneath the seething waters, they found three holes
which had been bored through the vessel's bottom and had been partially
filled with a substance which the action of the water had set free ; how these
holes were stopped and the staunch vessel, being freed from the water, was
herself again, and they got her safely into port.

The plot had been revealed to Kenneth Foster, and he was hoping that
it would be successful, and when he found that it was not, and David Col-
burn had come back — he left the town and never returned. His cowardly
heart failed him — he 'could not look honest David Colburn and his faithful
wife in the face, after what had transpired.

And David was well remembered by the owners of the Snow-Bird. They
reckoned rightly. Without his efforts the vessel would have been lost.
They therefore gave him a bill of sale of one-third of her, and remembered
the crew with a handsome sum, and David for many years pursued his call-
ing in this vessel, making good returns.

And Janet was one of the happiest little women in all the town.

92

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

The Fisher-Boy in the Storm.

The above spirited picture illustrates a narrative given by an English
fisherman. At that time he resided in one of the fishing towns on that
coast, and the lad, fourteen years of age, the only son of his widowed mother,
got so well used to managing his father's boat, that in the event of not
being able to get any one to accompany him, he would, in pleasant weather,
run off on the grounds alone and catch his fare of fish.

One day he started out with the rest of the boats, and running off farther
than most of them, succeeded in catching an extra fare. Just as he was
about getting ready to run in, a terrible storm suddenly came on. The other
boats being nearer in, ran for the land and escaped the worst of it ; but he,
poor fellow, having to get underway alone, was exposed to the full fury of
the storm. Anxious eyes watched his coming, and some of the fishermen
volunteered to go out after him. The little fellow lost his hat, but not his
courage. With a fair wind he kept her well before it, minding well his
helm, as his father had taught him. The lightning's livid flashes and the
roar of the thunder were not calculated to make his situation very agree-
able ; but he heeded them not, and carried her bravely in, clearing the bar
and running her safely up to the landing place. Here he was met by his
anxious mother, who clasped her darling to her breast, thanking God for his
safe return.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 93

Halibut Fishing Among the Ice Floes.

BY J. W. COLLINS.

It is not unusual, after a Winter of exceptional severity, for large masses
of field ice to drift across the eastern fishing banks, especially Banquereau
and the Grand Bank. This was especially the case in the Springs of 1875
and 1876, when, for several weeks, a large portion of the fishing grounds
frequented by the halibut fishermen was inaccessible to them. Many singu-
lar adventures were experienced by the crews of the ice-beleaguered vessels,
which still form the subject of conversation among the fishermen. The
inconvenience and peril, which was felt very severely at first by the fisher-
men, was, however, more than counterbalanced ; for there can be no ques-
tion but what these floes of drifting ice hastened the discovery of the " Deep
Water " halibut grounds, which have since that time yielded such a rich har-
vest. At any rate, the practice of fishing in deep water on the Banks by
the halibut fleet dates from the time and circumstances which are here
described, though one or two vessels had made previous trials.

The writer was in the sch. Howard in the Spring of 1875, and the account
here given of events connected with the appearance of the immense ice floe,
and also of icebergs, upon the Grand Bank, is principally taken from a
letter describing some of the incidents of that occasion.

We were detained from sailing on our second trip that winter (1874-5)
by easterly winds for two weeks or more, and when we reached the Grand
Bank, about the middle of March, the whole of the Bank north of lat. 44
deg. 25 min. N., was covered with heavy masses of field ice. About the
time we arrived on the ground the fish left, probably being driven by the
ice floes which slowly moved southward, reaching at one time as far south
as lat. 43 deg. 40 min. N., in the middle of the Bank, and causing the fish-
ermen much anxiety and more or less loss of gear, by unexpectedly drifting
on their anchored vessels during the night. On one occasion a number of
vessels tried to skirt the ice and get around it, so as to reach the northwest
part of the Bank, but towards night of the day on which the attempt was
made, a northeast gale and heavy snowstorm came on, and we all lay to
under the lee of the ice, which made the sea quite smooth. The next day
we found the floe had been driven so far south by the gale that we did not
again attempt to get by to the northwest of it, but eight vessels having met
together at the southern edge of the ice, all of the skippers went on board
of the sch. Augusta H.Johnson to talk over the situation. After deliberating

94 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,

awhile, each returned to his own vessel, and while some of us ran to the
southward, others laid by, waiting for the ice to recede to the northward.
We ran down to lat. 43 deg. 30 min. N. and long. 50 deg. 30 min. W., but
could find no fish. We were there some days before the weather permitted
us to try, and after we hauled our gear we got underway, with a southerly
wind, and ran for the western edge of the Bank, intending to strike it north
of lat. 44 deg. N. A careful lookout for ice was kept. That evening we
spoke the sch. Edwin C. Dolliver at anchor in seventy fathoms, and lay by
her for the night. The next morning we made sail, spoke the Dolliver again,
and also the schs. Chester R. Lawrence and Restless. The first two were lying
at anchor in sixty to seventy fathoms of water, and the Restless lay in forty-
nine fathoms. Neither of them caught any halibut.

The ice, driven by the southerly wind, had at this time drifted back to
about 45 deg. N. lat, and we worked to the westward in company with sev-
eral other schooners, among which were the Restless, Edwin C. Dolliver,
Alfred Walen, N H. Phillips and John S. Presson; all of them setting trawls
under sail in the day, and anchoring and setting their gear at night. In this
manner the fleet beat slowly to the westward against a moderate breeze, for
several days, trying for fish in water varying from forty-eight to seventy
fathoms in depth, but catching nothing. The water was so intensely cold
that the frozen baits on the trawls would scarcely thaw when set in fifty
fathoms of water, or less, and we were almost forced to believe that the fish
had all been driven entirely off of the Bank by the great ice field, and the
straggling icebergs. The latter were occasionally seen in the deep water
off the edge of the Bank.

One day we passed by a large berg, about a third of a mile distant from
it. On one end of it a sharp pinnacle, resembling the spire of a church,
ran up to a height of seventy-five or eighty feet ; the middle was quite low,
but the other end rose in a bunch or hummock about twenty feet above the
water. The sunlight, playing on this huge mass of ice, throwing lights and
shadows here and there, causing the peaks to glitter and gleam for a mo-
ment, then darken to a greenish tint, and its constantly changing aspect as
we sailed by it, made it an interesting and impressive sight. But the
thought that it, or some of its fellows, might drive down on us some foggy
and windy night, when we were at anchor, caused us to look upon it with a
sense of dread and apprehension instead of the admiration we might have
felt in watching such ah object under different circumstances.1*

On the last day of March we all set our trawls as usual — some of the ves-

*A few weeks later it was a common occurrence for the halibut catchers to shift their
position to avoid coming in collision with icebergs. On some occasions the vessels were
obliged to move a short distance two or three times in one night.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 95

sels being at anchor and others under sail — but no fish were caught by any
of the fleet, and before dark all of the schooners which had been at anchor
got underway. The wind was north-northeast, blowing a fresh breeze, and,
knowing the ice was not far off in a northerly direction, no one would have
cared to remain anchored, even had there been greater inducement to do
so. We were then on nearly the extreme northwest peak of the Grand
Bank, and the question was where to go next, for I do not think it occurred
to any one then to try in deeper water than we had previously set in. Sch.
Edwin C. Dolliver went back to the eastward again, but others of the fleet
hung around, speaking with each other, the skippers evidently uncertain in
what direction to steer.

Having spoken the sch. Carrie P. Morton, which came driving along from
the eastward, just at dark, and learned that no fish had been caught by the
vessels farther east, I decided to "hold our ground" till morning. We
accordingly hove to alongside of the Alfred Walen, which was also lying to.
As day broke on the following morning (All Fools' Day) we saw a schooner
at anchor and ran down to her in company with the Walen. Finding the
anchored vessel was the Restless, we hove to, and Captain Thompson and I,
each of us accompanied by three or four men of our respective crews, went
aboard of her for a "gam"* with the skipper and crew. She was anchored
in eighty-three fathoms of water, and her crew were just setting their trawls
when we ran down to her. The skipper of the Restless said he broke out
his anchor the evening before and let her drift until the latter part of the
night, when, finding deep water, he let it go again. We stayed on board of
the Restless until some of her dories returned from hauling, about 10 A. M.,
when, seeing that they were getting fair fishing on the gear that was in the
deepest water, we both returned to our own vessels, and set under sail out-
side of the Restless.

We were in one hundred and fifteen fathoms, which was then thought to
be a great depth to fish in, but the Walen went still farther out, in one hun-
dred and thirty-five fathoms. We caught about 4,000 pounds of halibut on
a short set, and anchored; and the Walen, as I afterwards learned, got
8,000 pounds or more, and also came to anchor. In the meantime schs. John
S. Presson, William T. Merchant, Lizzie K. Clark of Gloucester, and the
George Peabody of Salem, made their appearance on the scene of action,!
and anchored at no great distance to the northwest and southeast of us.
The Lizzie K. Clark had a fair berth (about two miles) to the north-north-

*A term in use among whalemen (and by ex-whaleman on fishing vessels), signifying a
chat between the masters and crews of different vessels. Sometimes a tete-a-tete between
chums on the saras vessel is called " gamming."

fOur position was 44 deg. 45 min. N. latitude, and 53 dig. 53 min. W. longitude.

96 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

west. The afternoon was fine, with a moderate and decreasing northeast
wind, and current setting to the northwest or north-northwest. Knowing
full well that the first vessel arriving home with a trip would be likely to
strike a high market, and of course wishing to be the first, we set twenty
skates of trawl — the whole string — in the evening, not dreaming that there
was any ice in a southerly direction from us.

The next morning was fine and calm, but cool. We had our breakfast
before daylight, and just as day was breaking an ice "glin" was noticed in
the southern board, and when it grew lighter an immense field of ice could
be seen drifting toward us with the current, which still ran north-northwest.
Of course, the first thing to be thought of was to get our gear, if possible, or,
at least, as much of it as we could. We hoisted the dories out and started
at once. One of the crew had had a fainting fit the evening before, which
made him quite ill, and I was therefore obliged to go in a dory in his stead.
Before leaving the vessel I gave the men orders to get all the gear they
could, and if the ice came on them to cut and go aboard. The trawl that
we went to haul was off the starboard quarter, four points abaft the beam.
We pulled for the outer end, and, on reaching it, began to haul as though
our lives depended on our efforts.

We succeeded in getting a skate and a half of trawl — about 500 fathoms—
in the boat, when we saw the flag in the rigging of our schooner, which we
knew was a signal for us to return to the vessel, as the ice was nearing her
fast. We instantly cut the trawl, took our oars, and pulled with all our
might to reach the vessel before the ice did. Another dory which was near
us started about the same time, and we both met the ice about six hundred
feet astern of our schooner. When the ice passed the vessel the men on
board had the presence of mind to throw a buoy, to which a line was fast-
ened, on one of the leeward cakes of the floe. This buoy we got hold of
and made it fast to the bow of the head dory, securing the bow of the other
boat close to the stern of the front one. The current was running at least
two knots, and the buoy line being under the ice near the buoy, we had a
hard struggle for some time to make any progress toward the vessel, and to
get the line on top of the ice. The men on the vessel held a strain on the
line, while we jumped out of the head dory onto the ice, sometimes hauling
the boats over the larger cakes, and again shoving the smaller pieces clear
of the dories and line. The ice was broken into sections of all sizes, from
a piece of a few pounds weight to one fifty feet in diameter and six to ten
feet thick. In this manner we worked, tugged and pulled, never resting for
a moment, until at last we had the line clear and above the ice, when it
became a comparatively easy matter to reach the vessel.

After getting on deck we found one of the George Peabody's and one of

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 97

the William T. Merchant's dories aboard of our vessel, while one of our
dories, which had held on to the trawl too long, had to seek a refuge on
board of the Lizzie K. Clark. After our dories were taken in we had a bet-
ter chance to view the scene, which certainly had a decidedly arctic appear-
ance. As far as the eye could extend from aloft, in a southern and eastern
direction, an almost unbroken mass of drifting field ice was all that could
be seen. Here and there, however, a small streak or pond of water added
a little diversity to the otherwise monotonous appearance of the frozen
ocean.

All of the forenoon and the first hours of the afternoon the ice kept drift-
ing by us, being carried along with the current. But our anchor held fast,
though the strain was great on our cable as the heavy masses of ice came
up against the bows and went grinding, gritting and groaning along the ves-
sel's side. After a while a moderately sized open space was seen ahead,
and as it approached us the men belonging to the Peabody and Merchant
anxiously watched it, being very desirous to reach their respective vessels,
which were not far off. In this they succeeded.

A moderate breeze sprang up in the afternoon, and the Lizzie K. Clark,
getting into one of the clear streaks, got Underway and worked up abreast
of us, when she forced her way through the ice, passing close alongside,
dropping our dory, which came aboard all right.

Meanwhile, we had hove short on our cable, and seeing an open place to
windward, were all ready to break out our anchor as soon as the opening
came near enough to us. We waited only a short time before we got under-
way, after which we stood back and forth along the weather edge of the
ice, watching for the trawl buoys to make their appearance, and as fast as
they did, sent a dory to haul the trawl.

This area of clear water was of considerable extent, and, since the current
did not run so swiftly as before, we had a very good chance to work. How-
ever, the ice was down on us again before we got all the gear, but the men
stuck to it, and, as there was a fine sailing breeze, the vessel could force
her way through the floe quite well. It was nine o'clock in the evening
when the last dory came aboard — the others had finished hauling their gear
before dark. The ice was all around this boat during the evening, but we
kept near to her, though it required close calculation to keep the run of her
in the darkness. The men in her got the whole of their gear, and, notwith-
standing the unfavorable appearance of things in the morning, we lost only
one skate of trawl. When, at last, all hands were safely on board, and we
were seated at the supper table, the incidents and anxieties of the day be-
came the subjects of an animated conversation, and each one had a yarn to
spin in relation to his experience during the day.

98 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

In the meantime, the crews of the other vessels had not been idle, for,
taking advantage of any favorable circumstance, they had endeavored, like
ourselves, to haul their trawls. Three of the Alfred Walen' s crew had a
narrow escape from what promised much suffering, if not death. They were
Philip Merchant, William Furley and Thomas Olsen. When the area of
clear water, that I have before spoken of, came along, they started out to
get their trawl, the vessel still remaining at anchor. They were caught in
the ice, and although they held on to the trawl, which was the only thing
they could do, the floe carried them adrift, and their chances to reach their
vessel again were looking slim, when, late in the afternoon, the Lizzie K.
Clark spoke the Walen, and the skipper of the latter requested Captain
Murphy (as his — Murphy's — vessel was under sail) to go to their assistance.
The Clark immediately kept off, but as she had to force her way through
the ice, it was just growing dark when she reached the drifting boat, and
past nine o'clock when she got back to the Walen. The dory was nearly
three miles from the Walen when picked up, and such a timely rescue must
have been gratefully appreciated by men fatigued, hungry and chilled to the
marrow.

After the Clark reached the Walen she made fast to the stern of the lat-
ter with a long warp for the night, the only instance of one vessel lying fast
to another on the Grand Bank I ever knew of, and I think the only one on
record.*

We kept under sail during the night succeeding the day of which I have
been writing, and held our position by observing the riding lights of the
other vessels. The following morning we anchored. We had foggy weather
after this for the three days we stayed there, which made trawling somewhat
dangerous ; for, although the main floe had passed by, detached pieces and
long narrow streaks of ice kept coming along, and, oftentimes, when the
dories were caught to leeward of these, the men had great difficulty in work-
ing their way through or over them. Frequently the boats had to be hauled
over the ice for a distance of one or two hundred yards. This trouble was
increased by the denseness of the fog, which shut out from view all but the
nearest objects, and the fisherman leaving the side of his vessel felt that
the thick mist, which hung like a pall over the face of the sea, rendered his
task more perilous and uncertain than ever before, hiding as it might a vast
floe of ice which would carry him away with it to drift helplessly until he
succumbed to cold and hunger. Fortunately, however, no more serious ad-
venture occurred than that already mentioned, though the men comprising
the crews of the entire fleet did not hesitate to brave the unknown perils
incident to the occasion.

♦The ice made the water as smooth as a mill pond.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

99

All of the vessels secured good fares of halibut, and some made large
stocks. The rough experience of some of the fleet in the ice was apparent
on their return home, when it could be seen that the planking at the water's
edge was badly chafed and cut, in some cases necessitating repairs.

A funny incident occurred one evening on board of our vessel, during the
fog-mull to which allusion has been made, when a man of undoubted pluck
and hardihood literally got scared at his own shadow. Sometime during
the day the fog had lifted for a short time, disclosing to our view a number
of French brigs and barques slowly working their way along the ice towards
St. Pierre. The fog soon shut down again, and the moonless and starless
night was as black as pitch. Having obtained a good catch of halibut in
the afternoon, we were busily engaged in dressing them until quite late in
the evening. Owing to the darkness a light had to be held for each "scrub-
gang" so that the "scrubber" could be sure that the fish were properly
cleaned. I was holding the lantern for one gang, standing inboard and
close to the scrubber, who, busily employed in his work, stood in a stooping
position facing aft. Suddenly he .straightened up and (possibly with the-
French vessels in mind) cast a quick look out on the port side into the
dense fog, upon which his shadow, reflected from the light behind him,
stood out like a huge dark spectre. " Keep off ! keep off ! " he shouted,
with a voice like a Stentor, while the hearty laugh of the rest of the party
immediately followed his last cry. We knew at once what he had seen, and.
he comprehended the situation, too, as soon as he had a chance to think.
"What are you hailing your shadow for, Tom ? " some one asked. " Did you
think it was going to run you down ? " " My God ! " he exclaimed in reply,
"I thought it was a Frenchman, and it seemed to me that the jibboom was
going to be run down my throat."

100

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

LIST OF VESSELS BELONGING TO THE PORT OF GLOUCESTER

IN 1850.

COMPILED BY WILLIAM BABSON.

BARQUES.

Name.

Tons.

Name.

Tons.

Argo

53

Dolphin

63

Name.

Tons.

Atalanta

74

D. P. King

73

Brenda

350

Atlantic

56

Eldorado

60

Galileo

260

Augusta

42

Eli

55

Izette

275

Augusta Parker

60

Eiiza A. Procter

80

Massasoit

206

Avon

55

Eliza A. Steele "

77

Avon

64

Ellen

60

BRIGS.

Baltic

65

Emeline

61

Baltimore

32

Enterprise

54

Amazon

202

Banvard

62

Everett

30

Agenora

202

Belle

71

Excelsior

60

Boston

160

Bellona

58

Exchange

61

Carter Braxton

150

B. H. Corliss

78

Exchange

40

Eagle

150

Bonaventure

35

Fair Play

31

Grampus

210

Bonny Boat

15

Flag of Truce

43

Julia Helen

160

Brilliant

52

Flift

80

Niger

209

Cape Ann

64

Florida

67

Pleiades

285

Capitol

58

Forest

86

Sarah Ann

193

Centurion

56

Franklin

80

Vietorin

140

Cera

30

Garland

130

Wellingsley

212

Champion

64

Gazelle

72

Charlotte Ann

68

Gazelle

62

SLOOPS.

Cherokee

70

Gem

30

Clarion

70

Gen. Washington

65

Venus

73

Clementine D. Stacy

75

George Edward

42

Heroine

55

Clinton

56

Georgianna

65

Columbia

65

Grace Darling

72

SCHOONERS.

Congress

73

H. A. Holbrook

66

Constitution

68

Halcyon

37

Abigail

56

Convoy

65

Hannibal

60

Abigail Brown

75

Convoy

57

Helen Maria

63

Alabama

69

Cottage

45

Henrv

80

Alexander

m

Cygnet

64

Herald

45

America

27

Daniel D. Smith

49

Hibernia

50

Ann Maria

66

Diana

70

Hosea Ballou

64

Areola

62

Diligent

48

Huntress

59

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

IOI

LIST OF VESSELS-

-Contini

ed.

Name.

Tons.

Name.

Tons.

Name.

Tons.

Imogen

66

Nautilus

59

Sarah El well

57

Iowa

76

Niagara

66

Science

62

James Isaac

28

Nile

55

Signal

37

Jenny Lind

75

Ocean Queen

64

Sisters

44

John

100

Oconee

73

Splendid

48

Josephine

56

Ohio

67

Star of Hope

88

J. P. Ober

79

Oregon

68

St. Lawrence

63

July
Lanoni

54

Orion

66

Success

45

66

Orozimbo

62

Swampscott

38

Laurel

56

Pennsylvania

68

Swan

45

Leader

58

Pilot

67

Talisman

68

Leona

71

Pocahontas

71

Theory

37

Lion

24

Potomac

70

Thorn

65

Lucinda

55

Premium

59

Three Sisters

45

Lucy Ann

67

President

49

Tiber

65

Lucy A. Pulcifer

80

Princeton

60

Traverse

62

Lucy Wharf

58

Protector

62

Tremont

64

Marion

33

Ranger

43

Trenton

71

Mary Eliza

70

Reaper

50

Union

68

Mary Eliza

53

Redwing

24

Van

30

Mary S. Wonson

84

Reliance

75

Victory

66

Metamora

57

Richmond

67

Virgin

62

Miriam

53

Rio del Norte

60

Watchman

60

Molly

73

Ripple

35

Wave

80

Montrose

62

Robert Bruce

71

Wave

77

Montezuma

76

Rockaway

•61

Welcome Return

29

Mount Vernon

68

Romeo

60

Wm. P. Dolliver

80

Napoleon

52

Romp

76

Wm. Penn

66

Native

70

Sarah

67

Yorktown

60

4 barques, 1101 tons, average 275 tons; 12 brigs, 2273 tons, average 189J4 ; 2 sloops, 128
tons; 166 schooners, 10,029 tons, average 60 >£ tons. Total vessels, 184; tonnage, 13,531 ;
average tonnage, 73 %.

Of these 184 vessels owned in Gloucester 32 years ago, although several
are doubtless still in existence, only one, the Lucy Ann, is still owned here.
The Lucy Ann is 46.54 tons, new measurement, was built in Essex in 1849,
and is owned by Mr. Samuel Haskell.

Very many of the readers of this volume will peruse the above list with
pleasure, as the recalling of the names of these vessels will awaken many
pleasing reminiscences when some of them were the "crack" vessels of their
day, and the trips they made and the associations connected therewith, will
recall the past with all its wealth of associations connected with the fisheries
of that period.

IQT

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

THE PHANTOM BOAT.
A Legend of Cape Ann.

BY E. NORMAN GUNNISON.

The tide comes in and the tide goes out,
And the rollers break on the harbor bar,

And up from the distance comes a sail,
Gleaming white 'neath the morning star.

Fishing tackle and boats on deck,
Running rigging belayed and trim ;

Raking spars — 'tis no battered wreck
Sailing out in the distance dim.

It draws not near, though the wind is fair ;

The sheets are free, but it comes not nigh,
But hangs, a point on the morning air,

A pictured sail 'twixt the earth and sky.

Fisherman, tell me why.yonder boat
Sails, and no nearer comes to shore;

Nor in the distance grows remote—
Not a ripple her bow breaks o'er.

" Stranger, I reckon you aren't here long ,
Many a year has her pennant flew—

Old is the story — a worn out song —
But her deck is trod by no mortal crew.

Look a moment and see the flame
Gleaming white over mast and spar —

Here 1 take my glass, you can read the name
Under her starn— 'tis the • Alice Marr.'

Alice Marr was a fair young girl,

Long ago, in Glos'ter town ;
Rippling ringlets and sunny curl,

Rare red lips and a cheek of brown.

That was Alice, the fisher's pride ;
Lovers sought her, from near and far;

She was John Ackman's promised bride-
He named his vessel the ' Alice Marr.'

Thar's nothing sartin, stranger, in life ;

We're gone to-morrow, though here to-day.
Another v'yage she would be his wife—

At least, so I've heard the gossips say.

Pork, potatoes and hard-tack stowed,
"Water in barrels and water in tanks,

Nicely fixed for a three months' cruise,
He sailed away for the fishing banks.

' For men must work and women must weep,*
Men must work for their daily bread ;

One month out — all well on board,
Spoke by the • Dart' of Marblehead.

Months rolled on, and never a word;

Six months, twelve months — on the day
That finished the year was a rumor heard

Of the ' Alice Marr' in the outer bay.

Boats put out, but they drew not near ;

Slowly, silently on she steered ;
' Skipper Ackman I ho ! what cheer?'

She had vanished and disappeared.

Ever as rolls the year around,

Bringing again her sailing day,
Rises her hull from the depths profound,

And slowly cruises the outer bay.

Not a word of her master's fate,
Only a glimmer of sail and spar ;

Not a word of her crew or mate —
This is the ghost of the 'Alice Marr.*

Still she watched down the peaceful bay,
Still her eye scanned each gathering cloud,

Years receded, and worn and gray,
Her wedding dress was her f un'r'l shroud."

This is no myth of the poet's pen,
This is no mirage upon the blast,

The boat is there, just the same as when
Mine own eyes saw in the Summer past.

Only the eye of faith can see,—
Eyes are blinded— and this in brief—

What is holden from you or me,
Is seen by others who have belief.

Still in the morning, cold and gray,

Gazing afar the sea to scan,
Looking out from the sheltered bay,

See the phantom which haunts Cape Ann

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

103

MODEL OF TRAWLER OF 1 88 2.

A Trawling Trip.

BY WALTER HILL.

Gear Used — Porpoises — Frolic at Canso — On the Fishing Grounds — Setting
and Hauling the Trawls, and What We Find in Them — Changing Berth
— An Uncommon Incident — Putting In for Bait.

Let us imagine ourselves on board a trawler, well outside, and shaping a
course E ^ S for Cape Sable, a distance of two hundred and fifteen miles.

The lines which compose a trawl are made of cotton, and are in lengths
of fifty fathoms, about the size of a lead pencil, and tarred to render them
more durable. They are attached at equal distances to a buoy line, and are
coiled in tubs or flour barrels cut down, and extend to about three hundred
fathoms for each tub. Each dory will "set" about four to six tubs, so that
it forms a pretty long string when extended in one direction. For halibut
catching the hooks are attached at a distance of two and a half fathoms
apart throughout the whole length of the trawl, but for codfishing the hooks
are placed a fathom apart. The fishing is done in dories, and two men go
in each dory. Our vessel's crew consists of fourteen all told — twelve men,
cook, and "skipper" or captain. Much gear is necessary besides the trawl
itself, viz., buoys, buoy-lines, anchors, flags, etc. But you will get a better
idea of all this when we come to " make a set," by accompanying one of the
dories yourself.

io4 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Meanwhile, take a look at the hold. It is divided off into pens or com-
partments, in which is stowed the salt necessary to cure the fish. In a fresh
halibut catcher these pens would be stowed with ice instead of salt.

Now just step on deck again. Here is something that will interest you.
Do you see that splashing far away on the horizon ? That is a school of
porpoises, and they are coming this way. I'll take the harpoon and go out
on the bowsprit, and should they cross our bows, try my luck. I'm not very
expert with this weapon, but it may serve to kill time agreeably, if not a
porpoise. Here they come, launching themselves along with dazzling ra-
pidity. One might call them the very incarnation of vitality and action.
I sometimes think, when I see them evidently enjoying life so intensely —
launching themselves through the air by those magnificent twenty and thirty
feet bounds — chasing and racing one another with lightning action — that it
is their way of expressing their gratitude for being permitted to inhabit such
a beautiful world of waters, and for being so admirably adapted to enjoy it.
Whang! I missed that one! Quick! haul in the slack line and give me
out the harpoon again. We are in the midst of the school now. Whiz!
again. I've struck one this time. Pay out the slack line and heave the
helm down! Don't check him till the vessel's way is stopped, or he will
snap the line. Now you may try him. There he comes alongside, disput-
ing every inch and making some wicked plunges. We will get a running
bowline over his tail and haul him aboard. There he comes in. How he
lashes the deck, every nerve quivering with rage and excitement.

The breeze has freshened. We have left Cape Sable behind and are
booming along the Nova Scotia shore at a good rate. We shall soon be in
Canso, where we shall probably take what bait we require. The bait this
time will consist of herring. These are taken by the resident fishermen, in
nets, and brought alongside the vessel and sold at so much per hundred or
barrel. It is more exciting work when we catch our own bait, especially if
that bait happens to be squid.

I shall not say much of the inevitable "frolic" we get upon the night
before leaving for the Banks. What pretty girls we — get introduced to.
And here, lest the better-halves of the married portion of my compagnons
de voyage should become jealous, let me say that / saw no improper flirta-
tions going on on their part. Not one of the benedicts under my eye danced
more than twice with the same young lady. An old familiar, just dropped
in, suggests I might possibly myself have been too much engrossed to ob-
serve all that was passing around me. It is a base insinuation, and were
he not a privileged character I should freezingly point him to the door.

Leaving all these open questions behind, let us consider ourselves on the
fishing grounds. Having decided on making a set, we round to and anchor
in about forty fathoms of water. The hooks being baited up and all ready,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 105

the dories are rigged out and the tubs of trawl, buoys, buoy-!ines, anchors,
etc., are put into them. As each dory gets ready she is rowed out in her
regular place, which has been drawn for by lot, and the work of setting the
trawls commences. Each takes a different direction from the vessel. Thus
the vessel forms the centre and the trawls form radii of a circle, being set
with a buoy and anchor at each end. A good flag is placed on the buoy at
the outer end, which extends about a mile and a half from the vessel, and
the dories then row aboard, and the trawls are left out till the following
morning.

At daylight all hands are called out to breakfast, immediately after which
the dories are hoisted out, and row to the ends of their trawls, being guided
by the flags when it is clear ; but when it is thick and foggy, which most
frequently happens, finding the outer buoy is a matter of much difficulty,
and the dories frequently lose themselves. However, being clear, it is all
plane sailing to-day. There is some rivalry between the dories, as to which
one shall bring most the fish or get done first ; but as the reader is to ac-
company us, we will proceed leisurely so as to examine all the curios that
come up.

We've taken hold of the buoy, then, and having shipped the roller in the
bows, commence hauling away. At last the anchor heaves in sight, after
what you think a long haul, and here on the first hook is a good codfish,
but I don't see much more coming along. There, again, is a haddock.
Take notice of those teeth-marks about him. A halibut has been endeavor-
ing to swallow him. See what a scared look he has ! When hauling trawls
I sometimes liken the expression of different fish to their counterparts on
terra-firma. Thus, the haddock bears a strong resemblance to the sheep or
lamb. Their large innocent eyes seem to look up appealingly as they come
up alongside the dory. They accept their fate, too, with sheepish resigna-
tion, and scarcely ever stir after being slatted off the hook into the dory.
They are the prey of almost every other fish that swims, and altogether,
must have a very hot time of it, indeed, down there.

What have we coming here ? A rock which is perfectly honey-combed—
"Perforated sore and drilled with holes."
This work is accomplished by a species of boring bivalve, whose generic
name I am unable to give, but if you could descend and take a submarine
stroll, you would scarcely find a rock but was in the same state wherever
these curious fellows are found. Curled into some of these holes, and clus-
tered around the rock, in fantastic shapes, you observe numerous sandy
tubes. These are inhabited by curious worms, known to the naturalist as
annelids. They are widely distributed all over the fishing banks, wherever
the bottom can be made available for building their cells. There are vari-

106 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

ous species. One kind does not build a cell at all, and is known as the
naked annelid.

But stop ! I feel a halibut tugging away below. There he heaves in sight.
Keep steady in the dory while I get my gaff in his head, and do not be
alarmed when I heel the crank little craft over to take the big fellow in.
After I get his head on the gunwale he slides into the bottom of the boat
as easily as if he were helping himself in.

I can see two or three codfish coming along next. One of them is a large
one. Look how lazily that fifty-pounder rolls up alongside. He seems to
accept the situation as if he had been expecting it. If he could speak he
might give mouth (what a. mouth !) to the following: " Here I come. Whip
out your gaff and help me aboard without any fuss. I've been looking for
this a long time past. I put all my affairs in order when I reached forty
pounds weight, and have been ready to fulfil my destiny at any time since."
How differently does that "snapper," or young codfish, appear to act. He
darts about, as far as the hook will allow, and seems to have vitality enough
for a dozen years to come. After he is unhooked he flutters about and
won't be resigned in any place, but seems to protest to the last against the
fate which cuts him off in the pride of his youth. And who can believe but
his view is the soundest, if it were practicable to let him alone?

But what have we here? As I live, it's a turbot. You will make a deli-
cious meal from this fellow, I'll warrant. We do not save them for market,
there being apparently little demand for them in the States. If I were a
gourmand, and had the means wherewith to gratify my appetite, I would
offer his weight in silver for one of these paragons of all that is delicate and
rich among fish flavors.

Passing over numerous codfish, and an occasional halibut, we haul along
till we come to a comparative stranger on the Grand Bank — would that he
had been a stranger on Georges and some other Banks I've fished on — a
dogfish. If you would cultivate angelic patience, or haply sound the depth
of wickedness to which it would be possible to goad you, go out on Western
Georges in Dog(fish) days and haul a trawl of one thousand hooks with a
dogfish on every hook. Whichever course you adopt, if you succeed in
fighting it out on that line to the end, will have brought you to the extreme
limits of goodness, or to the border of Hades. Their skin is so rough that
before you have unhooked fifty the probability is that your thumb and finger
will be getting raw, to say nothing of the dexterity with which the green-
eyed wretch comes back after having his jaw hauled half out with the hook,
and swims around as if to intimate that you have been exhausting your pa-
tience or your passion on him without disturbing his equilibrium in the
least.

The trawl is coming up from a ledge now, as you may see by the pretty

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK 107

diminutive sprays of coral attached to some of the hooks. You will observe
four or five varieties, but I have never yet been fortunate enough to haul up
any of the kind valuable in commerce.

Here's a queer looking object coming — a fish skeleton. It is a codfish
with nothing but the skin and bones left. He has been eaten since he got
on that hook; as clean as a whistle, not a grain of flesh left if you'd give a
guinea for it. Little insects that we call sand-fleas have accomplished this.
There must be myriads of "them, because in a couple of hours they will
reduce a large codfish to the state in which we find this one, or, speaking
mathematically, to his simplest terms. The fish, poor fellow, must feel very
much like Gulliver when attacked by the Lilliputian army. They're too
many for him.

Thus we go on to the end of the trawl, where we "break out" the anchor
and haul it up, together with the buoy-line and buoy, rowing to the vessel
and pitching our fish on deck. These we "dress down," and as the aggre-
gate catch is not large, we heave up the anchor and shift a few miles away
where we "bring to" again, bait up the trawls, and then are done for the
night, "till daylight doth appear." This time we get better fishing, and all
the dories get a load.

Sometimes an uncommon incident takes place. Such an one happened to
the writer a short time since. We were in our dory, hauling away in the
most unsuspecting manner, when a whale, without the slightest previous
notice, came right up under the dory, gave a snort which startled us as
though it had been an earthquake, and in a moment we were sliding off the
back of the monster, half capsized. Luckily we both managed to grab the
upper gunwale, and saved her from going wholly over, coming off with no
worse damage than being swamped with water and losing half our fish.

On foggy days a horn is blown at frequent intervals during the time the
dories are hauling trawls, to enable them to judge of the whereabouts of the
vessel. But withal, dories frequently lose themselves and row about for
many hours without finding their vessels, and in such cases they are often
picked up by passing vessels, after enduring great privations. Many a
thrilling story might be told of narrow escapes from perils such as these, by
our fishermen who follow up Bank fishing continuously.

When the bait gets exhausted, or becomes too stale for the fish to relish
it, we proceed to Newfoundland to procure another supply. On such occa-
sions we sometimes have many leisure days, and to beguile time we arrange
a dance on shore, which is kept up from dark till daylight.

io8

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

MASSACHUSETTS MACKEREL CATCH FOR 74 YEARS.

Massachu-

Mass.

Gloucester

Eockport

setts.

Gloucester.

YEAR.

YEAR.

Inspection.

Inspection.

Inspection.

BBLS.

BBLS.

BBLS.

BBLS.

BBLS.

1808

7,738

238

1845

202,302

48,711

1809

8,865

46

1846

188,261

41,513

1810

13,058

none

1847

254,917

40,006

1811

17,890

6

1848

317,101

53,500

1812

6,750

none

1849

231,856

45,579

1813

3,832

91

1850

242,572

49,993

3,916

1814

1,349

none

1851

329,441

81,627

9,240

1815

16,394

72

1852

217,540

48,012

5,345

1816

30.021

123

1853

130,423

36,196

4,523

1817

37,482

115

1854

134,848

43,201

3,278

1818

47,210

154

1855

130,850

73,102

5,740

1819

105,433

109

1856

214,017

66,529

6,513

1820

120,602

217

1857

192,378

67,311

5,677

1821

111,009

2,176

1858

131,601

56,489

4,152

1822

150,294

2,804

1859

99,845

59,664

3,004

1823

145,006

3,570

1860

244,703

97,992

5,561

1824

180,636

6,303

1861

194,281

90,516

4,989

1825

254,381

9,359

1862

260,863

116,238

6,100

1826

158,740

11,668

1863

306,941

153,892

5,671

1827

190,310

16,288

1864

273,355

154,938

4,970

1828

237,324

34,203

1865

252,775

141,576

5,746

1829

225,877

37,683

1866

231,390

114,053

7,562

1830

308,485

51,613

1867

210,712

113,917

6,479

1831

383,658

69,759

1868

179,492

75,517

5,260

1832

222,452

40,674

1869

234,199

93,126

5,962

1833

222,926

45,529

1870

318,520

129,595

9,800

1834

252,884

61,319

1871

259,414

107,008

6,940

1835

197,411

48,539

1872

181,956

67,395

3,679

1836

177,056

43,937

1873

185,736

83,459

3,084

1837

144,891

33,274

1874

258,359

118,314

4,124

1838

110,740

24,262

1875

130,017

51,040

1,742

1839

74,243

10,241

1876

225,946

95,422

5,610

1840

50,490

8,870

1877

105,097

49,044

1,478

1841

55,137

8,559

1878

144,226

55,741

975

1842 •

75,543

15,335

1879

155,298

48,643

172

1843

64,451

16,328

1880

252,538

116,793

959

1844

86,181

17,455

1881

256,173

113,203

291

Owing to the practice of selling mackerel "out of pickle," to be packed and branded else-
where, the Gloucester "inspection" for the past few years shows only a portion of the
catch of our fleet. The catch of the Gloucester fleet in 1881 was 163,851 bbls., the amount
inspected only 113,203 bbls. 1880 catch, 129,680 bbls.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 109

The Fortune Bay Eiot.

The treaty of Washington opened the way to a satisfactory settlement of
the Alabama Claims, so far as this country was concerned, Great Britain
being called upon to pay over a handsome sum for the depredations of her
cruisers upon American commerce during the War of the Rebellion. But
the Treaty contained provisions concerning the Fisheries which have not
resulted as satisfactorily, either to our own government or to the dependen-
cies of Great Britain. Under these provisions the American market was
thrown open to the products of provincial fishermen, free of duty, thus
bringing their catch into active competition with ours, while American fish-
ermen were permitted to fish in provincial waters, on equal terms with Brit-
ish subjects, as they claim to their great detriment and loss. The Fishery
provisons of the Treaty also contained a clause providing for a Commission,
to sit at Halifax, and determine how much, if anything, the United States
should pay for the valuable privileges vouchsafed her fishermen, over and
above the value of the freedom of her markets to provincial-caught fish.
The Commission met and heard evidence on both sides, and decided that
the United States should pay the sum of $5,500,000, an amount, as the
Americans claim and believe, larger than the total value of all the fish taken
or to be taken by American fishermen within provincial waters during the
twelve years that the Treaty is likely to remain in force. The money was,
however, paid without controversy.

The fishermen of Newfoundland were especially restive under what they
regarded as the ceding away of their rights by the imperial government.
They looked upon the shore herring fishery of their island as peculiarly
their own property. It was their principal source of revenue, on which
themselves and their families were dependent for bread, and if this fishery
was taken away from them, or its value destroyed, starvation would stare
them in the face. Accordingly, when a large American fleet appeared upon
their coast, in the Winter of 1877-8, with improved apparatus for the catch-
ing of herring, instead of purchasing a supply of the native fishermen, as
had previously been the practice, they were greatly incensed, and resolved
to defend what they felt to be their rights.

The Gloucester fleet arrived in Fortune Bay about the middle of Decem-
ber, and waited until the first week in January for the herring to strike in.
They were provided with seines, and prepared to catch or buy fish, as cir-
cumstances might warrant. The fleet comprised twenty-two first-class ves-
sels, as follows :

no

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Schooner.

Bonanza,
Bunker Hill,
Charles C. Warren,
Crest of the Wave,
Edward E. Webster,
F. A. Smith,
Fred. P. Frye,
Herbert M. Rogers,
Here ward,
Isaac Rich,
John W. Bray,
Lizzie & Namari,
Mary M.,
Maud & Effie,
Maud B. Wetherell,
Moro Castle,
Moses Adams,
Moses Knowlton,
New England,
Ontario,
Wildfire,
William E. McDonald,

Tons.

137.06
100.77
108.87

71.38
98.80
77.10
85.37
77.65
90.11
92.18

83.41

94.09

101.62

85-23

107.90

88.85

90.87

in. 00

86.29

91.29

108.90

Owner or Charterer*

Humphrey C. Allen.
Walen & Allen.
Peter Smith.
William B. Coombs.
Dennis & Ayer.
Plumer and Friend.
Brown, Seavey & Co.
Rowe & Jordan.
James Mansfield & Sons.
Walen & Allen.
John F. Wonson & Co.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Brown, Seavey & Co.
Gardner and Poole.
George Dennis & Co.
Hardy & Allen.
Samuel Lane & Bro.
John Low.
John Pew & Son.
John Pew & Son.
Andrew Leighton.
Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

98.37

The herring struck into Fortune Bay on Sunday, Jan. 6, 1878, in such
quantities that a few hours' seining would have sufficed to load the entire
fleet. The sc\is.< New England, Capt. Peter McAuley, and Ontario, Capt.
John Dago, joined and set their seines, making a double seine about 2,400
feet long and 150 feet deep, which soon filled with herring, the catch being
estimated at fully 2,000 barrels. This, with the operations of the other
Gloucester schooners, maddened the Newfoundland fishermen, who had
gathered in the vicinity to the number of two hundred or more, and they
commenced to put off in boats, making warlike demonstrations and using
threatening language, and commanding the American fishermen to desist
from fishing. The seines of the Ontario and New England were seized by
the mob, the fish let out, and the seines torn in pieces and carried away.

The rioters next turned their attention to the sch. Moses Adams, Capt.
Solomon Jacobs, whose seine had been set and filled, and whose crew were
busily engaged in scooping the herring into boats and transferring them to
their vessel. Three separate attempts were made to seize this seine, but
Capt. Jacobs and his crew were provided with loaded revolvers, and by
threatening to shoot the first man who dared to interfere with them, suc-
ceeded in keeping the mob at bay until a partial cargo had been secured,
when the Newfoundlanders tripped the seine and allowed the remainder of
the herring to escape. Had they been allowed to continue fishing, they
could have loaded their vessel and helped in supplying others.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. in

In the evening the rioters had a jubilee, blowing horns, firing gtins and
shouting, as if celebrating a victory. This was taken as an indication that
the same course would be pursued if further attempts were made to fish, and
the other vessels were deterred from making the attempt. Next day the
herring struck off shore, and finding it difficult to purchase cargoes, the fleet
soon set sail for home, mostly in ballast, although a portion of the fleet se-
cured partial cargoes, mostly by purchase.

The following year (1879), in July, a similar occurrence on a smaller scale
took place in Aspey Bay, Cape Breton. The schs. Bay State, Capt. Good-
win, and Cadet, Capt. Anderson, arrived at Aspey Bay June 20, to await the
schooling of the squid, when they proposed to engage in seining operations.
They were told by the inhabitants that they would not be allowed to set
their seines, but continued to await the appearance of the fish, hoping that
they would not be interfered with. The squid struck in July 8th, but the
threats of the local fishermen were so serious and determined that the
Americans were obliged to refrain from fishing and come home without fares.

Aug. 16, 1879, scn- Howard Holbrook, Capt. Daniel McFayden, of this
port, while absent on a Bank trip, put into Trinity Bay, N. F., for the pur-
pose of seining bait. Capt. McFayden Was opposed by some thirty New-
foundlanders, who threatened to destroy his seine and dories if he attempted
to fish, the spokesman of the party, one Cooper, declaring that no one
should set a seine for squid within three miles of the shore and live to haul it.

On the 4th of August, 1880, as the sch. Moro Castle, Capt. Loren B. Nass,
of this port, was lying in Conception Bay for the purpose of purchasing
squid to complete a Bank voyage, some of the crew threw over jigs and com-
menced to catch a few squid over the side of the vessel during the absence
of the skipper. They were seen from the shore, and an angry crowd of na-
tive fishermen put off, seized the schooner, raised her anchor, hoisted the
mainsail and jib, and came near getting her ashore upon the rocks. Seeing
the danger she was in, the mob took their departure, leaving the vessel
in the hands of the crew. The sch. Victor, Capt. Joseph Bowie, was also
compelled by superior numbers to relinquish fishing for squid, at the same
time, under threats of having the cable cut, allowing the schooner to drift
on the rocks. Efforts were also made, on two occasions in August, to pre-
vent sch. Martha C, Capt. Charles Martin, from taking squid, but Capt.
Martin put a bold face on the matter, returning threat for threat, and took
what squid he wanted without molestation.

Sch. Minnesota, of Provincetown, was also prevented from taking bait in
the Summer of 1880. At this time negotiations were in progress to secure
indemnity for the outrages upon American fishermen, with a prospect of
Newfoundland having to pay the bills, and the local authorities felt that it
was time something was done to show that such lawlessness was not sane-

1 1 2 FISHERMEN'S O WN B O OK.

tioned by those in authority. Accordingly, five young lads were arrested for
throwing stones at the crew of the Minnesota while they were engaged in taking
bait, and four of them were convicted and fined.

Early in 1878 efforts were made to secure compensation for the losses of
American fishermen in consequence of the unlawful acts of British subjects.
One excuse after another was offered in justification of the course pursued
by the riotous fishermen, but none of them could stand against the plain
language of the Treaty, as interpreted by the evidence introduced before
the Halifax Commission, which gave our fishermen an undoubted right to
fish as they pleased in the provincial waters. The negotiations were pro-
longed until the Summer of 188 1, when the United States received from
Great Britain the sum of ^15,000, which was accepted in full for all claims
to date on the part of American citizens against the government of Great
Britain. On the 10th of July a portion of this sum was disbursed among
the Fortune Bay fleet of 1878, leaving the losses at Aspey and Conception
Bays for future consideration. The Fortune Bay fleet put in claims to cover
the actual expenses of the voyages, including charter money, outfits, port
charges, seamen's wages, etc., and the probable profits of the trips, had
they been allowed to secure cargoes, based upon the profits of preceding
years. The latter item was disallowed, and payment was made on the basis
of the actual expenses, less value of cargo secured, with seventeen and one-
half per cent, interest, or at the rate of five per cent, per annum.

The following is a list of the claims presented, with the amounts actually
disbursed in settlement thereof :

Schooner.

Actual Expenses.

Value of Cargo.

Claim.

Payment.

Bonanza,

$2,855.94

$975.00

$3,022.17

$2,210.10

Bunker Hill,

3,179.50

1,962.00

2,677.00

1,430.56

Charles C. Warren,

4,610.00

2,430.00

4,680.00

2,561.50

Crest of the Wave,

2,619.04

4,619.04

3,077.37

Edward E. Webster,

1,754.50

4,654.50

2,061.44

F. A. Smith,

2,495.50

4,895.50

2,932.21

Fred. P. Frye,

2,150.00

450.00

3,700.00

1,997.50

Herbert M. Rogers,

3,066.18

1,120.00

5,876.30

2,186.70

Hereward,

4,300.00

562.00

5,748.00

4,392.15

Isaac Rich,

2,986.09

1,836.00

2,491.09

1,351.36

John W. Bray,

2,714.52

1,525.45

3.589.07

1,397.16

Lizzie & Namari,

3,133.65

569.25

5,564.40

" 3,013.17

Mary M.,

2,180.53

200.00

5,480.53

3,327.12

Maud & Effie,

3,333.13 •

954.00

4,379.13

2,795.48

Maud B. Wetherell,

3,797.84

2,067.50

2,530.34

2,033.15

Moro Castle,

2,153.18

4,134.19

2,529.99

Moses Adams,

2,607.30

1,021.25

8,586.05

1,863.60

Moses Knowlton,

2,661.60

305.00

5,356.60

2,769.00

New England,

3,350.00

2,722.18

Ontario,

-

3,350.00

2,995.74

Wildfire,

1,530.97

6,309.82

1,798.89

William E. McDonald,

2,153.95

4,953.95

2,530.89

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

"3

Importance of Fish Culture. .

Day after day this wonderful enterprise is meeting with greater and great-
er encouragement. The fact of reproducing fish artificially is based upon
the practical experiences of a Frenchman nearly a century ago, and although
its success proved largely beyond his expectations, the world remained, as
many people do to-day, skeptical as to the feasibility of the experiments.
As in all other important events discovered by accident, science was essen.
tial to the thorough illustration in the matter of fish culture. The advances
made within the last half century are simply bewildering. The brook trout
was first propagated by artificial means ; now even salt-water fishes, includ-
ing lobsters and oysters, are destined to yield to the manipulation of man,
and have their number increased beyond the limits of calculation.

Necessity, the admitted mother of invention, should have prompted the
European scientists to make the greatest efforts, yet the facts are, it is to
those of our young republic to whom the honors have been awarded for the
great work, though surrounded by an abundance. Under the skilful direc-
tion of Prof. S. F. Baird, the world renowned Seth Green, and others, the
propagation of fish and inventions pertaining thereto, have won for these
gentlemen notoriety unequalled by any pisciculturists of the world. Hatch-
eries, transporting implements, acclimatizing of fish, fishways, and the like,
have been perfected in the United States to such a degree that the European
Fish Congress held a year ago in Germany awarded their most valuable
prizes to gentlemen of our country. The State Fish Commissioners have

ii4 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

seconded their national official brethren by untiring energy and skill, which
brings them under honorable notice by their colabarateurs abroad. The
McDonald fishway is a monument which will perpetuate the name of its
inventor. Eugene Blackford of New York has his name engraved upon the
historical records of fish, with the Lutjanus blackfordii ; so might be enum-
erated every one of these gentlemen who, without other consideration than
the true manly sense of duty, have labored to protect and increase the fish
supply of our country. Prof. Geek of ■ Wurzburg, Germany, a noted scien-
tist, is now compiling a book upon this interesting subject, and has wisely
placed himself in correspondence with our National and State Fish Commis-
sioners with a view of getting reliable data and information which has been
derived from their relative experiences. This is one of many instances com-
plimentary to American fish culturists, but when their present efforts will
have been matured by material results, more of them will come pouring in.

Much has yet to be done to develop the plans of increased fish culture.
The legislatures of the several States must make liberal appropriations, the
people are to be educated to the importance of the enterprise, and then the
whole world will marvel at what has and can be done. Oysters, which
form so large a part of our food supply, must be artificially propagated.
Scientists are already occupying themselves about it, and one or two have
even devised apparatus for testing the subject. When this is made practi-
cable, with what is being done towards the increase in the supply of fish, a
fund of wealth will have been opened far greater than the gold fields of
Australia or California. Only a few years ago German carp were introduced
into the United States, yet at present their produce would represent edible
fish to the extent of many tons. In less than ten years the whole country
will be stocked with them. This will materially lessen the existing vandal-
ism practiced in our lakes and streams, consequently assisting nature in the
increase of fish in them.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 115

The Fisheries in the Olden Time,

BY W. E. S.

Upon visiting old Gloucester, my native place, recently, I was forcibly
reminded, by way of contrast, of the ways and means by which the business
was carried on in the years long, long ago, the days of our fathers and
grandfathers, and even down to the time of my own boyhood's remembrance.
The Grand Bank cod fishery was considered the "heavy business" in these
old days. This was varied somewhat by occasional trips to Labrador, Bay
Chaleur, etc. The pursuit of mackerel as a specialty had then hardly com-
menced, and the curing and smoking of halibut for the trade was unknown.
The crews of the Bankers would sometimes bring home a few fletched for
family use, that were cured in the smoke of the cabin.

Fitting away for the Banks was usually attended to along in March, and
during April they were well on their way to their destination. Two trips,
or fares, generally occupied the season ; a Fall fare was sometimes under-
taken, but for this the chances were not considered favorable, by reason of
bad weather for fishing and the equinoctial gales. The "old salts" would
sometimes tell of intending to partake of their Christmas dinner before get-
ting up anchor for home ; but I think that this feat was never accomjDlished,
at any rate, " hardly ever."

It was the custom to keep count of the number of fish caught, and a fare
of thirty to forty thousand, or enough to "eat all their salt," was considered
fair luck. An expert could estimate very nearly the amount a given num-
ber of fish would weigh off when thoroughly cured.

The fish were all caught "over the rail."' I remember of hearing it said
that French vessels were sometimes met with on the Banks, that were fish-
ing with trawls. On the arrival of a Banker the first move was to ascertain
the number of fish caught, by hailing from the rocks back of the old Fort,
and after coming to anchor in the inner harbor commenced the "washing
out." The "pound," a frame, or raft of timber, loosely boarded over and
around the sides, was made fast alongside ; into this the fish were thrown,
and the pickle and undissolved salt washed off, thence taken to the shore
in boats, they were piled in "water house" upon a stratum of brush, shav-
ings, etc. After remaining in this condition a week or more, to allow the
superfluous moisture to drain off, they were transferred to the flakes, where,
with careful tending, they were cured and thoroughly dried for market, for-
eign or domestic.

n6

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

For shipment to the West Indies, the Spanish main and other foreign
ports, the fish were packed, under a powerful screw pressure, in large casks,
made for the purpose, known as fish hogsheads. There were times after
the close of our Revolution, and while Europe was involved in Napoleon's
wars, that fish found a ready market and a high price on the continent.
They were in great demand for army supplies.. I have heard of fish being
sold there at such times, for a French crown ($1.10) apiece.

The fishing vessels were sometimes employed in Winter voyages to for-
eign ports, carrying the proceeds of their Summer's work, returning with
cargoes of foreign produce and money. Many of the fishermen would ship
for their Winter's voyage, and thus employ their time for the year round.
I have heard Uncle Sam Day, a veteran hand-liner, tell of going to -the
Banks in the Spring and Summer, working awhile at shoemaking in the
Fall, and going a "wige" to Bilboa in the Winter. It was thus, that in ad-
dition to their fishing experience, they became expert and able seamen, that
could "hand, reef and steer" on board a man-of-war, with the same facility
as they could haul a line over the rail. The sturdy fishermen of Glouces-
ter, Beverly, Marblehead, and all along shore, have been well represented
in our navy in the time of their country's need.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

"7

Salmon Fishing at the Mouth of the Columbia Eiver,

Oregon.

The season of the salmon fisheries of the Columbia river commences in
April, and is over by the end of July. The fish are taken in tide-water by
nets and traps, in immense quantities, as they ascend the river fresh from
the ocean. They are cured fresh, in one and two pound cans, and cured
by pickle in barrels and half-barrels. The Columbia salmon is very fat,
and' of peculiarly fine flavor. Salmon fishing is also carried on at the
mouths of the Rogue, Umpqua, Coquille, and Nehalem rivers, where the
catches, however, serve principally to supply the home consumption.

The salmon pack on the Pacific coast during the past season, 1881, has
been the largest ever known. The following, from the San Francisco
Journal of Commerce, are the particulars : Columbia River, 540,000 cases ;
Sacramento River (Spring), 140,000 do.; Sacramento River (Fall), 40,000 do.;
Fraser River, 110,000 do.; miscellaneous — outside rivers, 30,000 do.; total,
860,000 cases. The total pack for the past four years has been as follows :
1881, 860,000 cases; 1880, 679,495 do.; 1879, 539,600 do.; 1878, 638,000
do. It is thus seen that 188 1 leaves all other years far in the shade, being
nearly 27 per cent, higher than that of 1880, the greatest previous year.

The first white men, as we learn from the "Astorian," who fished in the
Columbia river to the extent of making a business of it, were Italians, who

n8 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

supplied the little market demand at Portland during the run, and salted
down a few kegs for Winter use. In 1864 Mr. William Hume, a practical
fisherman, started a cannery on the Sacramento river, California, and did a
profitable business, but hearing that the Chinock or Columbia river salmon
were of better quality than the fish of the Sacramento, came up in the
Spring of 1866 to investigate. He at once secured a site at Eagle Cliff, on
the Washington Territory side of the river, put up a small building, brought
appliances and skilled men from his establishment on the Sacramento, and
that season — 1866 — put up 4,000 cases of four dozen one-pound cans each.
In this work he employed forty persons, ten of whom were fishermen. His
success in catching and packing the fish, and his subsequent profitable sale
of the pack, encouraged him and his partner (Mr. Hapgood, of California,)
to double their facilities, and the next season they put up 8,000 cases. In
1867 George W. Hume, who had been a sharer in the original venture, drew
out and put up a cannery of his own, packing 10,000 cases. The next year
William Hume and Hapgood and George Hume continued in the business,
and Capt. John West, of Westport, put up a cannery, the total pack of the
three establishments being 28,000 cases. The next season R. D. Hume,
brother of William and George, set up a cannery at Cathlamet, and from
that year — 1869 — the business has grown rapidly until now, when salmon
packing is the largest industry, save wheat growing, in the Northwest, when
more salmon is put up on the Columbia river than in all other localities in
the world.

The following table, showing the number of cases packed each year, the
corresponding price of canned salmon, and the cost of fish on the river, will
illustrate the progress and changes which sixteen years have made :

Year.

Total Product.

Price.

Cost of Fish.

1866

4,000

$16.00

15 cents.

1867

18,000

13.00

15

K

1868

28,000

12.00

20

a

1869

100,000

10.00

20

11

1870

150,000

9.00

20

a

1871

200,000

7-5o

22^

a

1S72

250,000

8.00

25

ti

i*73

250,000

7.00

25

«

1874

350,000

6.50

25

u

18.75

375>°°°

5.60

25

«

1876

450,000

4-5°

25

«.

1877

460,000

5.20

25

«

1878

460,000

5.00

25

»

1879

480,000

4.60

5°

a

1880

530,000

4.80

.5°

a

1881

550,000

5-9?

60

U

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 119

Between Cape Disappointment and the Cascades there are thirty-five can-
ning establishments and more than a dozen fishing stations. At each of
these points there are houses of various kinds, canneries filled with expen-
sive appliances, etc., etc. Ten steamboats and tugs, owned by the canners,
run as tenders, and one large boat is run during the season by the O. R. &
N. Co., merely to carry fish. There are 1,400 fishing boats and nets on the
river. The total value of all property engaged in the salmon business is
above $2,000,000, the largest individual interest being that of William
Hume, $150,000. Fishing boats cost $250 each, and nets from $300 to
$400 each. A boat will last ten years with ordinary usage. The boats are
of Port Orford cedar and oak, with copper fastenings, and are made by
builders at Astoria. Formerly all boats were made at San Francisco, but the
Astoria merchants do better and cheaper work, and so have monopolized
the business. More than fifty boats were built here this Summer. They
are generally 24 feet long, 26 inches deep, and 6 feet 6 inches beam, sharp
at both ends, narrowly decked on the ends and sides, furnished with center-
boards, and can be rowed or sailed, as the winds serve. They are magnifi-
cent sea boats, run easily, and will carry about four tons.

The number of men directly employed in the fishing business during the
busy season is about 7,500, of whom 4,000 are Chinese. It is impossible to
give exact figures, because the figures continually change, but these esti-
mates are based upon careful inquiry, and are approximately correct. In
the actual work of fishing about 2,500 white men were engaged from April
1 to August 1 — four months. Half of these are masters of boats and the
other half assistants or pullers. Independent fishermen who own their
boats and nets and sell their catch to the canneries, receive 60 or 62^ cents
per fish. As a rule, however, the canneries own the outfits, for the use of
which the fisherman gives one-third of his catch, receiving only 40 cents
per fish from the cannery. Each fisherman employs and makes terms with
his own boat puller, the usual rate for this service being a share in the
catch, about the equivalent of $70 per month. One hundred dollars per
month, after charges for boat and net and pay of boat puller are deducted,
is considered only a fair return to the fisherman, and the average is rather
above than below this estimate. Only white men engage in fishing, the
greater proportion, however, being Italians, Fins, and other foreigners, men
without families, who come to the river from San Francisco only during the
fishing season.

In the canneries all the responsible places are filled by white men, whose
pay ranges from $50 to $150 per month, the average being about $65.
About one thousand men are so employed. The greater part of the inside
work is done by Chinamen, whose average pay is $1 per day and board.
Four thousand are employed on the river.

120

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

On the Beach in a Storm,

Is a suggestive picture, well calculated to awaken the sympathies. The
women are the wives of fishermen, who are off on the waste of waters, seek-
ing to make the harbor in the violence of the Summer gale. Night is fast
settling down over the scene, and amid the gathering darkness the women,
with hearts full of dread apprehensions, watch the little boats as they breast
the waves, far out on the seething waters, ever and anon encouraging the
active little fellow, who appears with his arms full of wood, to pile it on, and
thus keep the fire burning brightly, as a beacon light, to guide their loved
ones to safety when the night shuts down. They heed not the piercing
winds, not the fury of the blasts — their hearts are out there with loved ones,
and their prayer is that they may safely reach the harbor. Then, and then
only, can they feel at rest.

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK. 121

Narrow Escape from Foundering.

Sch. David A. Story, Capt. Joseph Ryan, left Gloucester, Nov. 12, 1880,
with a favoring breeze, and had a magnificent run, making the passage to
Grand Menan, a distance of two hundred and twenty-five miles, in the re-
markably short time of eighteen hours. After procuring a supply of bait
she proceeded to Halifax, where she arrived on Sunday evening, and taking
a supply of ice on board the next day, put to sea again on Tuesday evening,
and arrived on St. Peter's Bank on Friday, the 19th. On Saturday one set
of the trawls was made, the only set during the trip, and finding no fish, the
vessel was got underway and moved farther to the eastward. No other op-
portunity was presented to fish, as it was blowing heavily all the while, and
Monday, the 2 2d, at about four o'clock in the afternoon, the schooner then
having about three hundred fathoms of nine-inch cable out in ninety-five
fathoms of water, she struck adrift. She was given another hundred fath-
oms of cable, which failed to bring her up, the northwest wind blowing so
furiously, and the tide running so strong, that she floated her cable and an-
chor and drifted before the wind and tide. The signal lights could not be
kept burning a great while at a time in such a gale, but everything was made
as snug as possible, and leaving the regular watch of two men on deck, the
rest of the crew retired, six being quartered in the cabin and six in the fore-
castle.

About half-past two o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, the 23d, finding
that the cable needed parceling, one of the watch went below to call the
captain, leaving only one man, Lyman Murray, on deck. Just at this time
the vessel was struck by a tremendous sea, knocking her down, with her
masts level in the water. Murray saw the sea coming, and running to the

122 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

leeward of the foremast, clung to the iron around the stovepipe, which was
attached to the deck, where he was found insensible when the rest of the
crew were able to get on deck, with his leg broken, and splinters of the
shattered spars driven through his boot and into the leg. The house and
forecastle companion-ways were stove, and a flood of water pouring into the
cabin and forecastle prevented the egress of the men who were imprisoned
there. One man succeeded in getting out of the cabin and walked along
on the side of the house, holding on to the weather rail. Fortunately, in
about a minute and a half the vessel wore round and righted, and the rest
of the crew were released from their duress, when a scene of desolation met
their gaze.

In capsizing, the cable had parted, involving the loss of four hundred and
fifteen fathoms thereof, with an anchor ; the fore-boom was broken into two
pieces, and the fore-gafl into three, a piece of the latter being found forward
of the foremast, and another portion across the bowsprit ; the signal light
was in pieces at the foremast head ; the saddle and all the apparatus around
the mast was destroyed ; the foresail was badly split and the riding-sail
blown away ; the schooner's six dories were washed away or smashed to
pieces on the deck ; and the gurry-pens and everything movable on deck
was destroyed. Below, the fires and lights were extinguished by the water,
all the open stores and cooking gear were destroyed, and the bedding and
clothing of the crew completely soaked. As soon as possible steps were
taken to clear away the wreck, two of the men setting their wounded com-
panion's leg while the others were clearing the deck. An attempt was made
to lay her to, which was ineffectual, as they could not balance-reef the main-
sail, and she was run before the wind for about four hours. While thus
running she was boarded by another, though smaller, sea, and Capt. Ryan
had a narrow escape from being washed overboard, saving himself by cling-
ing to a reef-point in the foresail. The weather was very severe, and with
no opportunity to dry their clothes, the crew had a hard time of it for the
ensuing week, while endeavoring to make a port. They arrived at Canso
at noon on Wednesday, Dec. ist, where they landed their injured shipmate,
and after making a few necessary repairs proceeded to Halifax, and thence
home.

FISHEAMEIPS OIVX HOOK.

Hammerhead Shark— The Shark's Mouth— Shark Fishing.

The above engraving illustrates a species ol shark of the genus
The head is Hat with the orbits extending laterally in a most extraordinary
manner, flexible and doubled on themselves in the foetus, but standing out at
right angles and to er distano • advances, ( >n the end of

these lateral pi ire the lai Appleton's Encyclopaedia states

that "this strange form of head Is found in no other vertebrate, and only in
some dipterous Insects [./;•• >, and In many decapod crustaceans

■ eyes are at the end of long pedicels, The Bnout is truncated so that
the head resembles a double hammer j the nostrils are on the front border
and have a small nasal flap; the teeth are alike above and below, com
id pyramids, sometimes with serrated external basal ridge ami .1 mesial

tOOth 'm both jaws, tail pits distinet. It attains a length "I twelve feet or

more, and is grayish above, with head nearly black, and whitish below ; the
Iris Is yellow j the first dorsal is high, triangular, falcate, and toward the
upper part of the back, the second smaller and oeai the tail, it la found la

124 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

the Mediterranean and in the warm seas of most parts of the globe, espe-
cially of the East Indies, and generally in deep water. The common spe-
cies of America, between Massachusetts and Brazil, once considered the
Z. malleus, has been described by Dr. Storer as the Z. arcuata; it attains a
length of eleven or twelve feet, and is much dreaded by fishermen."

The shark's mouth is one of the most formidable means of destruction we
know of among animals anywhere. It is on the under side of the head,
some distance back of the end of the snout, and crescent-shaped. The
teeth are in three to seven close, crescentric, parallel rows, the largest and
oldest ones in front, the smaller ones behind — that is, further inside the
mouth. Some sharks have more than two hundred of these teeth. They
are three-cornered, exceedingly thin and sharp-pointed, and in some cases
have saw-edges. When the mouth is wide open they stand erect, almost
protrude from the lip, but when it is closed they lie down flat, out of the
way. When those in the front row wear out or break off, the next row be-
hind is gradually pushed forward to take their place. The shark thus has
reserves of teeth which, operated by the tough and exceedingly muscular
mechanism of the jaws, are able to bite through anything, especially since
the bite is nearly always accompanied by a rolling or wrenching movement,
which causes the teeth to act like a saw, and thus cut through the quicker.
For some of the sharks in the South seas it would only be a moderate
mouthful to take half a man's body in, and clip him off at the waist. Nev-
ertheless, we believe fewer persons have lost their lives by sharks than we
generally suppose, though many narrow escapes are constantly happening.

A veteran New York fisherman says : "Shark fishing pays, and it's great
fun for a green hand. The business is carried on principally for the oil
and fins. A big place for them is the White Sea, and again in Iceland.
The sharks they get there are from thirty to fifty feet long. Sometimes they
run in around the Grand Bank and are caught. About four barrels of oil is
the average from a good-sized fellow. My shark fishing was all done near
New Smyrna, Florida. Some sharks would give half a barrel of oil, but they
were generally under fifteen feet. We usually hired from fifteen to twenty
darkies to do the pulling and hauling, and camped out during the months
of July, August and September, moving up and down whenever the biting
was poor. Wre carried our pots and things along and tried out the livers,
and shipped the oil by a smack up to Fernandina, where it was all bought
by one man. I don't know what he did with it. Some said he sold it for
cod liver oil. We used a regular hook and line, only it was a rope, and the
hook was a foot long, and made fast to the line by a three-foot chain. Fish
bait was the best. We kept about twenty of these lines over all the time
at regular intervals along wherever the water deepened quick from the
shore. All the lines were about fifty yards long. Sometimes they fool over

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

"5

the bait, but generally a big shark will nose it once or twice, and then suck
it up and move off, swallowing the bait as he goes. You want to give him
about fifteen feet of rope, and when he hauls the line taut all jerk together.
Then the work commences — fun some people call it. As soon as he feels
the hook he makes a big rush that will often start ten or fifteen men, and
I've seen five jerked right into the water on the start. Up and down he
goes, sometimes jumping into the air and trying to shake out the hook, and
some old fellows will swim right for you and try to bite the line. In India
they catch the sharks for their fins and send them to China, where they
make them into soup."

In an interesting article on shark fishing, in Frank Leslie's Illustrated
Newspaper, we learn that the "capacity of some of these sea-wonders is
enormous. The writer caught one at Tortugas, Fla., that weighed about
900 pounds. It was a white shark, and for a long time had lived around
the slaughter-house located on the edge of the channel. It took about
twenty men to get him in ultimately. In the stomach was found the skull
and horns of a steer that had been thrown over the day before, three hoofs,
besides a heterogeneous mass of old rope, seaweed, and two or three old tin
cans that perhaps retained some of the meats that had been packed in
them. The jaw was saved. It had eight rows of serrated teeth, and fitted
over a man's body easily. It is now in the Museum of Natural History,
Central Park. The fossil sharks of the tertiary period grew to an enormous
length, exceeding 150 feet. At Charleston, S. C, their teeth are found bur-
ied in vast quantities, some measuring seven inches in length. A horse and
cart could easily have driven into the mouths of these monsters, that were
fitting representatives of the age of expansion in which they lived.

NO MORE SEA.

BY S. G. D.

We wandered hand in hand that day,
Beside the calm, blue sea,
The smiling, sunlit sea;
The waters murmured at our feet,
The world was fair, and life was sweet,
The hours sped by on pinions fleet, —
He told his love for me I

Alone I walk the shore to-night,

Beside the stormy sea,

The wildly tossing sea;
The watery waste is one vast grave ;

0 sweeping surf ! O moaning wave I
What far-off, dreary, sunless cave

Keeps back my love from me?

The tides come in, the tides go out, —

But nevermore the sea,

The restless, fickle sea,
Brings back my love. Yet, hand in hand,

1 know my love and I shall stand,
Some blissful day in that fair land,

Where there is no more sea I

126 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Fishermen's Superstitions,

BY J. W. COLLINS.

That there is more or less superstitious feeling in all seamen, from the
humblest fisher boy to the rear admiral, is apparent to every one who has
had an opportunity to observe the peculiarities of seafaring men. The fact
that seamen, and especially fishermen, seem to be more dependent on "luck"
than almost any other class of men, and that they are constantly meeting
with events calculated to excite superstitious feelings in the credulous, is,
without doubt, the cause of their believing in omens, signs, etc., to a certain
extent.

But, are fishermen much more superstitious than other people among
whom they mingle when on shore, or even, to go farther than that, some
who move in the "highest circles?"

Most writers on the fisheries have discussed the credulity of the fisher-
men, and, no doubt, many people have come to think that in this respect
they differ from the majority of mankind. Perley,* writing of the fisherman
of the Bay of Fundy, says : "He will undertake nothing of consequence
upon a Friday, and can prove by a hundred incidents how infallible are the
signs and omens which he believes in. He thinks to die in his bed. True
it is that he has been overset; that his boat, loaded with fish to the 'gun-
nel,' has sunk under him, and that a vessel has run over him; but he is still
alive and was not born to be drowned." * * "He believes in witches
and dreams."

Granting that fishermen are credulous, it by no means follows that they
are peculiar in this respect; or that they are the only ones who believe
that "coming events cast their shadows before." The thrifty New England
housewife looks with unspeakable dread on a broken looking-glass, predict-
ing "seven years' hard luck;" expects a stranger when she drops her dish-
cloth on the floor ; tells her daughter, if the latter upsets a chair acciden-
tally, "You won't get married this year;" and so on, ad infinitum.

An excellent authority, Sabine,t writing of the American fisherman, says :
"It is said that he is credulous and superstitious. Admit that 'KiddV
money' has been dug for in every dark nook of the coast, or talked about
in every cuddy, for a century and a half, and that horseshoes are nailed upon
the masts of fishing vessels to keep off witches; what then? Is he the

*M. H. Perley. "Report on the Fisheries of New Brunswick," 1851.
fLorenzo Sabine. " Report on Fisheries of the American Seas," 1853, p. 3S3.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 127

only one who has been or still is, guilty of the same follies?" He adds, in
a foot note : "In 1825 the Duchess de Berri visited a watering place in
France, and indulged in sea bathing. Sea water and fish which were after-
wards taken from the spot were articles of immense value, and sold at
enormous prices. Indeed, those persons who could not purchase a whole
fish gladly possessed themselves of a few scales or a fin! The water where
the 'royal person' had been washed, when bottled, and offered for sale, was
known as 'Berri wine.'" Well may Sabine ask, "Have fishermen in any
age been guilty of greater folly than these fashionable people of France?"

Among the New England fishermen the superstitious belief in the various
signs and omens that will be spoken of farther on, is by no means univer-
sal. On the contrary, many of the most intelligent pay little attention to
what they call "old women's yarns." Among the superstitions of the New
England fishermen may be mentioned the following:

First — A belief in lucky and unlucky sailing days. Almost from time
immemorial Friday has been considered an ill-omened day upon which to
begin a voyage. Nor has this belief been confined to fishermen alone, but
has been shared in common by all seamen. At present, little regard is paid
what are called unlucky sailing days by-the Gloucester fishermen. This is
no doubt due, in a degree at least, to the sharp competition that has sprung
up among, the fishermen, and it is not an unusual sight, when a fine Friday
comes after a period of bad weather, to see a large fleet spread their snowy
canvas and sail away for the fishing grounds.

That the beginning of a voyage on Friday has been followed by both
good and ill results in an equally great number of cases might easily be
shown. I can relate two opposite instances out of my own experience, as,
doubtless, could many others.

In the Spring of 1864 I started on a codfishing trip to Cashes, sailing on
Friday. This trip, though not disastrous, was an eventful one, and did not
prove so successful as circumstances had led us to expect. On one occa-
sion during the trip, having to take the place in a dory of one of the crew
who was sick, I went astray in the fog, and was out several hours — the only
occurrence of that kind that ever happened to me. Another day the vessel
caught fire in the forecastle, during the cook's absence, and while the rest of
us were busy dressing fish. The first knowledge we had of it was the burst-
ing of flames out of the forward companion-way. The fire had made such
progress that we succeeded in subduing it only with the greatest difficulty
and at considerable personal risk. One night, the man on watch, in trying
to change the "net-swing," to which was attached a gang of herring nets,
lost his hold of the rope, and away went the whole lot, drifting off with the
tide. Prompt action on our part saved the nets, though it was not looked
upon as a particularly lucky incident to have to turn out at midnight and

128 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

start off, half naked, to search for the drifting property. But, to crown all,
a big school of dogfish struck on the fishing ground and drove all other
kinds of fish away, rendering useless all further attempts to complete our
trip. As might have been expected, the more credulous ascribed these un-
fortunate incidents to having sailed on Friday.

On another occasion I began my year's work upon a Friday early in Jan-
uary, and it so happened that we left home on the same "unlucky" day
every trip but one during the whole year. As we were successful in all in-
stances, our crew came to think that Friday was a lucky sailing day.

Second — A belief in "Jonahs." A Jonah may be something animate or
inanimate, or even the result of the actions or accidents of persons ; in fact,
almost everything that is supposed to bring ill luck is called a Jonah. Thus,
a vessel known to be unfortunate is said to be a Jonah ; it is often difficult
to obtain a crew of good men for her, if men are scarce, although she may
be well adapted for the business in which she is engaged. Equal trouble is
also sometimes experienced by expert fishermen in securing a berth on
board of a fishing vessel, because they possess the unenviable reputation of
being a Jonah. Of this I will speak further on.

As to the vessels, it occasionally happens, curiously enough, that some of
them meet with ill fortune for several years in succession, and under such
circumstances that, to believers, the evidence of their being Jonahs is as
strong as "proofs of Holy Writ."

I recall a singular circumstance of this kind, with the particulars of which
I was familiar at the time they occurred. Several years ago a new vessel
was brought to Gloucester from the port where she was built. She was
of the largest class employed in the fisheries — a beauty in model and rig —
and the skipper, who was a young man, and part owner, naturally felt a
commendable pride in the fine schooner which he commanded. One day,
however, while this vessel was being fitted for her first trip, an acquaintance
of the captain said to him, "I'm sorry you have had that vessel built."
When asked for his reasons, he continued, "I have known the man who
built her to launch more than twenty schooners during the past few years,
and none of them ever made a dollar for their owners, while few of them
have lived more than two or three years, being either wrecked on the shore
or foundered at sea." Strange to say, that, for the nineteen months the
first skipper sailed in her, "there was nae luck aboot the house." This was
exceedingly trying to one who had previously been fortunate and who felt
a pride in his profession. Finally, becoming disgusted and somewhat dis-
heartened by his ill success and unrequited labors, he sold out his share of
the vessel and left her, almost convinced that what had been told him by
his friend was not very far from the truth.

The sad sequel remains to be told. The schooner — not yet two years

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 129

old — was lost at sea on her next voyage. The captain and two of the crew
were drowned, and the survivors, after enduring much suffering while lashed
to the wreck, were finally taken off and returned home to tell the particulars
of this ill-fated episode.

From the day she first sailed out of Gloucester harbor — looking like a
yacht, with a crowd of canvas spread to the breeze — to the time she lay
a helpless and dismantled wreck on the bosom of the storm-swept Atlantic,
she was continually meeting with ill fortune.

Quite as strange tales, nay, even more marvellous ones, could be related
of the good or ill fortune of individuals, and the varying experiences of dif-
ferent persons often form the topic of conversation on board the fishing
vessels.

Thank goodness, the superstitious belief in men being Jonahs often meets
with a rebuff so severe as to hinder it from becoming anything like a gen-
eral one ! I was present once when one skipper enquired of another — nod-
ding his head at the same time in the direction of a man who was at work
on the vessel — "Are you going to carry that man?" Receiving an affirm-
ative reply, he continued, "You won't get any fish then; he's a regular
Jonah." The reply was, "Jonah, or no Jonah, he goes this trip anyway."
As the trip in question was a successful one, nothing more was heard about
the man being a Jonah, though, to tell the truth, he had been so considered
by many of his associates.

Another similar instance may be mentioned. A young man who has
sailed from Gloucester several years, had, for a while, rather hard fortune,
and it was whispered that he was one of the much-to-be-shunned Jonahs.
Nothing else could be said against him, since he was an excellent fisher-
man, daring, energetic, and, withal, a pleasant shipmate. "But, he is a
Jonah !" the credulous exclaimed, whenever the vessel he sailed in failed to
make a good trip. His luck changed, however, after a time, and thereafter
those who previously had felt much opposed to being shipmates with him
were glad to sail in the same vessel that he did. Meeting with him, not
long ago, I was pleased to learn that he was enjoying better fortune than
formerly. In reply to my enquiries as to his present success, he said :
"Wherever I have been this year I have been lucky. It don't make any
difference now what vessel I go in, I always get a good trip — the fish are
sure to be there" One can readily imagine how gratifying such a change
must be to a person who previously had met with undeserved ill-fortune.

But it often happens that some poor fellow has a "streak" of hard luck
really astonishing, so much so, indeed, that it is not wonderful that, after a
while, his acquaintances come to have superstitious feelings about him. It
matters not how much he may change from vessel to vessel, his luck follows
him, and, the strangest of: all is that the vessels which are unfortunate while

i3o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

he is in them, meet with excellent success at other times. All old fishermen
can tell such incidents. I knew a circumstance of this kind that occurred a
few years ago :

A young man, engaged in the haddock fishery, secured a berth with one of
the smartest skippers who sails from Gloucester. But, notwithstanding the
fact that every possible effort was put forth, poor results followed, and the
months of November and December wore away, the crew in the meantime
not sharing more than $25 to a man. Everybody felt discouraged. At this
time, however, the young man of whom I am speaking, and who, it was said,
was one of the unlucky ones, left the vessel and shipped in another. On
the next trip the vessel he had left shared $20 from only two days' fishing,
and on succeeding trips did even better than that, making an excellent
Winter's work. But the second vessel in which the man shipped (though
commanded by one of the most expert skippers) failed to get a share of fish
after he joined her, and the same result was met with by this unfortunate
individual in a third vessel which he joined during the Winter. The myste-
rious part of it was that in each of the three cases the vessels which met
with poor success while he was in them did much better than an average
during the rest of the season. What wonder is there that, in the light of
such experiences, fishermen are inclined to be somewhat superstitious ?

Some fishermen believe that a valise, when carried on board a vessel, is
a Jonah. Probably this belief is largely due to the prejudice felt against
carrying such an-unseamanlike article on a fishing trip.

Opinions differ as to whether certain other things are Jonahs or not.
Among those believed to be such by a few persons may be mentioned vio-
lins, checker-boards, toy-boats, a bucket sitting on deck partly full of water,
soaking mackerel in a bucket, etc., etc.

The accidents and actions of members of the crew that are supposed to
bring ill success, or to be forerunners of such, are, dropping a hatch in the
hold, turning a hatch bottom up, breaking a looking-glass, driving nails on
Sunday,* and letting the splices of a cable stop in the hawse-pipe when the
vessel is anchoring on the fishing ground.

As to other beliefs, it may be said that all fishermen whistle for a breeze
when it is calm, and some occasionally stick ajcnife in the after side of the
mainmast to bring a fair wind. A bee, or a small land bird coming on board,
it is supposed, will bring good luck, while ill fortune will follow the lighting
of a hawk, owl, or crow on the rigging of a vessel. It is believed that a
smart blow on the head of a fish that has just been separated from the body,
will kill the latter which still retains muscular motion. A hook, which has

*Some of the skippers make a practice of driving nails on Sunday if they have need to do
so. This is, perhaps, done as much to antagonize the belief in its being unlucky as for any-
thing else.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

r3i

been stuck in the hand, is immediately thrust into a piece of pine so that the
wound will not be sore. Just how and why the blow on the fish's head
should have any effect on the body from which it has been previously torn,
and why sticking the point of a hook into a piece of wood should make any
difference in the healing of a wound, are subjects for the curiously inclined
to investigate. It is, perhaps, hardly necessary to mention the belief in
horseshoes warding off witches, etc., as among the superstitions peculiar to
fishermen, since the belief in the efficacy of these objects to prevent ill for-
tune is now seemingly recognized in the highest society, if one is allowed to
judge by the gilded horseshoes conspicuously displayed in the parlors of the
fashionable.

" The earth has bubbles, as the water has ; and these are of them."— Shakespeare.

The above engraving gives a capital view of the old Fort and Gloucester
Harbor in 1837. The Grand Banker and pinkey lying at anchor look as.
natural as can be. There is a vast difference in the appearance of the old
Fort property of to-day from that of forty-five years agone. Then it had but
one building besides the ruins of the Fort — now it is covered with dwellings
and storehouses, and its entire water front converted into fine wharves>
forming one of the most valuable pieces of property in the city.

I32

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Foreign Commerce of Gloucester.

Gloucester, after Boston, has more foreign arrivals than any other seaport
in Massachusetts ! While Salem and Newburyport have hardly a square-
rigged vessel arrive in their harbors for a year, Gloucester has sometimes a
fleet of five or six in port at one time. Through the kindness of Collector
Babson we are enabled to give the following statistics :

For the year ending Dec. 31, 1881, there arrived at the port of Glouces-
ter, 1 ship, 18 barks, 2 brigs, and 182 schooners from foreign ports. 27
ships, barks, brigs and schooners arrived from Cadiz, Trapani and other
salt ports. Gloucester has become almost the headquarters for the salt trade
of the fisheries. 126 cargoes of lumber, fish, wood and potatoes were re-
ceived at this port last year from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Bruns-
wick and other countries. About $200,000 worth of merchandise was im-
ported, at the foreign valuation, worth here at least $400,000. By these
figures it will be seen that besides its great fishing interests, and its being
the great Gentre of fish distribution for the United States, Gloucester has
quite a respectable foreign commerce. Gloucester owns 10,000 tons more
shipping than Salem, Marblehead, Beverly and Newburyport combined.
But while Gloucester has 473 vessels, not one square-rigged vessel is owned
here, while in 1828, fifty-four years ago, Gloucester had 29 foreign arrivals,
and collected duties on goods to the amount of $127,000, with one-quarter
part of its present tonnage.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

i33

Fishermen Coming into Port,

From the Home of the Fish to the Table of the Consumer.

It is a lively scene, down at some of our wharves in the breezy days of
midwinter, to witness one or more of the Bankers or Georgesmen round the
Point and come gayly up the harbor. Sometimes they are minus a spar or
sail and are all battered or iced up, the crew having had a hard time freeing
the bows and rigging from the frozen spray, which in a bitter cold day hard-
ens as soon as it strikes, and piles itself up on the overburdened craft with
amazing quickness. Then the safety of the vessel and her management
through the cold, seething waters, render it an imperative necessity that the
ice be dislodged, and a cold, cheerless task it is which the fisherman has
forced upon him. Short spells of this ice pounding, with the thermometer
below zero, is all that men can endure, and they are frequently relieved, all
hands taking their turn and making the best of an unwelcome duty. But
snug in the harbor, anchor down, sails furled, pipes lighted, with the catch
sold, the crew have a little resting spell. Then the vessel is hauled along-
side the wharf of some of the fresh fish buyers, the hatches opened, and out
from the depths below are hoisted the mammoth halibut, direct from the ice
house, where they are kept as sweet and fresh as when first caught. Up
they come in pairs, and sometimes in triplets, according to their size, and
oftentimes a monster weighing two hundred pounds and upwards will show
his nose above deck and be slowly landed on the wharf. . Visions of nice
fried or baked halibut tickle the palate, as the fish are thus landed. After
their heads are taken off and the fish thoroughly cleansed and packed in
boxes, the last thing done, ere they are nailed up, is to fill their napes with
crushed ice, which insures their preservation, and off they are shipped by rail

i34 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

or steamer to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Lowell and other large cities,
where they find ready sales. The codfish are discharged mostly at the
wharves of the vessel owners, where they are decapitated and then salted in
butts, and when sufficiently salt are transferred to the flakes for a given
time and dried. Then they find their way, the most of them, in these days,
to the skinning lofts, where nimble fingers divest them of skin and bones,
and the solid pieces of fish, handsome as can be, are packed in boxes from
ten to two hundred pounds each, which find their way from the warehouses
of our enterprising fish producers to all sections of this country. The trade
is simply immense, and constantly on the increase, for the praise of the
Gloucester boneless cod is abroad in the land, and dealers and consumers
demand it from headquarters, direct from first hands.

Who would have thought, from the small beginning in the putting up of
boneless codfish, of only a few years since, that such large results would
follow ? And now that fish is packed in such clean, attractive packages, the
attention of consumers is drawn toward it. The old objection to stripping
and cleaning, and purchasing so much waste, is heard no more. The clean
fish ready for a salt fish dinner or fish balls, is now for sale by all first-class
grocers in the country, and the Gloucester brands, of which there are sev-
eral hundred, each large purchaser having his private brands, are printed
indelibly on the boxes. Some of these brands are very handsome and add
much to the attractiveness of the packages.

The first man, Mr. George H. Smith, we think it was, who put up fish in
this way, never dreamed that this act of his would revolutionize the entire
fish trade, but so it has proved ! The old fish dealers, conservative, as they
had a right to be, saw not the cloud which was rising, but kept in the old
channels of shipping whole fish, until their customers demanded of them
the boneless fish in boxes. And then they gave way to the inevitable.
There was no help for it. Either adopt the new mode or lose the business
altogether. And they entered into the business with the same energy which
characterized their other transactions, and we have to-day, here in old
Gloucester, a business which is now only in its infancy, a business which
will keep the fleet busy, which will take all the fish they can catch, at remu-
nerative prices, a business which will keep Gloucester in the front as a fish-
ing port and furnish occupation for her people.

It's lively all through, from the time the vessel leaves the harbor until
she arrives on the ground, and from the catching of the fish to the dressing,
then the salting and drying, boning and skinning, shipping, and finally the
serving up of the toothsome dish on the table with drawn butter and egg
sauce, or the good old fashioned pork scraps, with beets and potatoes.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

*35

The Kegatta.

The above has the true salt water flavor, and causes the blood to course
through the veins with quickened motion. The fleet of yachts are off for
the race, sailing with a "start sheet," each one doing her best to lead. How
they fly over the water, which is not very rough, although there seems to be
a pretty decent breeze to waft them along.

It is, indeed, a pretty sight, and the yachtsman's life is replete with pleas-
ure as he cruises along the coast during the Summer time, coming to anchor
in the harbors and rivers, and participating in all the pleasures pertaining
thereto. There is a deep love for it inherent in many hearts. To such the
sea has attractions of which they never tire. Their enjoyment is to sail
o'er the waters, free as the birds of the air ; to inhale the sea breeze in all
its freshness and health-giving powers j to join with others in the exciting
regatta ; to crowd on sail and rush through the waters, doing their best to
secure the prize and win a good name for their boat, which they love most
intensely; and whose good points they strive so hard to bring out on such
occasions.

" A wet sheet and a flowing sea,
A wind that follows fast,
That fills the white and rustling sail,
And bends the gallant mast."

136 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

A Night in Boston Bay.

BY JACOB S. LORD.

"Yes I we had a rough night, you may believe, Uncle Moore ;"
Thus spoke a young fisherman, as he stepped on the shore ;

"We ran off yesterday noon to set our trawl,
Thinking to be home long ere nightfall ;
But the wind struck nor'west and did heavily blow,
Accompanied with squalls of rain, sleet and snow.
We three-reefed our mainsail, expecting a hard beat,
From our jib took the bonnet, and trimmed down the sheet ;
We double-reefed the foresail and rolled it up snug,
Well knowing jib and mainsail were all she could lug;
The dories were lashed down, secure and compact,
Then we gave her a good full, down helm and tacked.
Though the sea was running heavy she did not misstay,
And soon we were close hauled, standing up Boston Bay.
It was fast growing cold, with the wind still increasing ;
But our twenty-ton boat was steadily forereaching;
Quite fast made the ice from spray that she'd heave
As through the turbulent waters her way she would cleave.
The man at the wheel, and the lookout as well,
Every half hour were given a spell ;
For those who've beat up in a Winter's nor'west breeze
Know full well how quickly the helmsman will freeze.
So the night wore away till past four o'clock,
When under the lee we made Half-Way Rock.
The water now smooth, our position made clear,
We gave her the foresail — off she went like a deer.
For Norman's Woe Rock we now shaped our course,
The wind being more westerly and lighter in force ;
In due season we heard the deep sullen roar
Of the seas as they broke on the Magnolia shore ;
A few minutes later, as through the water we plough,
The rock shows itself upon the port bow.
Our hearts were made light as out of danger we passed,
At least for the present, and were near home at last.
Passing Ten Pound Island, we shoot into the cove,
And down goes the anchor of the W. H. Gove.
Right proud are we of the staunch little boat,
Which through so terrible a night kept us safely afloat.
Let those who eat fish and growl at the price,
Take a trip offshore, shovel snow and pound ice ;
One good shaking up in old Boston Bay,
And they'll ne'er more find fault with fishermen's pay."

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

137

Truthful and Startling Accounts

Of Tough Times, Narrow Escapes, Disasters, Plucky Doings, Thrilling Nar-
ratives, Perilous Positions, and Other Noteworthy Happenings to the Fish-
ermen While in Pursuit of Their Calling.

Lost in the Fog. — Seven Days Adrift in a Dory on Grand Bank, without
Food. — Two of the crew of sch. Marathon of this port, George M. Roberts
of Yarmouth, N. S., and James Austin of Liverpool, N. S., left that vessel
on Grand Bank, at half-past four on the afternoon of Oct. 7, 1874, to visit
their trawls. Soon after, it commenced to breeze up and a thick fog shut
in. A dory, in which were two of the crew, was paid out from the vessel to
their assistance, but the warp proved too short, and the fog became so thick
.that they soon lost sight of each other. They could hear the shouts of
their companions, but all efforts to reach them proved unavailing. It soon
commenced raining, and the two men made up their minds to do the best
they could through the night, in hopes to find their vessel in the morning.

138 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Fortunately there were three trawl tubs on board, and two of these were
made fast to the painter of the dory, and did most excellent service as
drogues, keeping her head to the sea. The night passed drearily, and they
were glad enough when morning dawned ; but the fog still continued to en-
velop them, and they concluded to row to the westward. It cleared up
occasionally, but they saw no vessel, and night came on again. The next
clay was also foggy, and they laid to the drogue all day, drifting to the east-
ward. Took watch and watch this night, in hopes to catch a glimpse of
some light from a passing vessel, but their hopes were disappointed. It
rained during the night, and they were fortunate enough to catch a good
supply of water in their remaining tub ; of this they drank sparingly, and it
served to appease the fearful pangs of thirst and hunger. On the third day
they rowed to the northwest in hopes to get into the track of the steamers.
The fog still continued, and no vessel was seen, and they passed another
night in suspense. The men were by this time getting discouraged, more
especially Mr. Austin, who had contracted a severe cold the first night out,
and was troubled with such severe shaking of his limbs that he could not
sleep. The morning of the fourth day was clear, and it continued moderate
through the day. This gave them courage, and although quite weak, they
rowed to the westward, keeping an anxious lookout for some welcome sail,
and doing their best to keep up each other's courage. A shark came along-
side during the day, and they endeavored to catch him, as they would
gladly have partaken of anything eatable, but were unsuccessful. When
the sun went down that night, the poor fellows felt their hearts sink within
them, and they thought their chances of being picked up were rather slim.
Roberts was enabled to pass some of the weary hours in sleep, but this boon,
for the most part, was denied his companion. The fifth day was foggy, and
they rowed a couple of hours, but felt so used up that they gave up pulling,
and another dreary night dragged its slow hours along. The sixth day they
let the dory drift. Saw the sun once or twice, but no signs of any vessel ;
and the night shut down again, bringing sad forebodings. The seventh
day was foggy, yet, strange to say, their courage again revived. They had
drank sparingly of the water, and it seemed to satisfy the hungry feeling to
a great extent, and rowing some three miles to the northward, they put the
tubs out and let the dory drift.

Their longings to be rescued from that open boat can be imagined but
not described. The sun went down for the eighth time, and still no signs
of relief. They watched eagerly through the early evening hours, and knew
full well they could not hold out a great while longer. They talked of their
chances as men will talk when in the face of a common danger, and both
were of opinion that they could not survive another twenty-four hours.
They then lay down, and both men, in the silent depths of their hearts,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 139

prayed most fervently that they might be picked up before morning. Soon
after, Roberts thought he heard the noise of a steamer, and raised his head
above the side of the dory. Joy unspeakable ! there were a steamer's lights
not fifty yards distant. The dory had been seen from her deck, and the
shouts of the men were soon answered. Roberts was enabled to get on
board without help, but it required the assistance of two of the steamer's
crew to get Austin on board. It proved to be the ocean steamer Greece,
and the men were kindly cared for by her captain and officers, and by care-
ful nursing were well nigh recovered upon her arrival in New York. Upon
leaving the steamer the men were presented with twenty dollars each, a gift
from her officers and passengers.

A very singular circumstance connected with this affair is, that at nine
o'clock that evening the Captain of the steamer altered his course half a
point to the northward. If he had not done so, he would have gone so far
to the southward as not to have seen the dory, and in all probability the
two men would have perished. A kind Providence had ordered it other-
wise, their prayers were heard, and from the dangers which surrounded
them they were returned to their friends.

Remarkable Circumstances. — In July, 1873, John Como, one of the
crew of sch. Magic of this port, caught a small halibut on the Bank, on
which he took a notion to cut his initials, and threw the fish overboard, not
expecting to see him again. In 1874 he shipped in sch. Mary E. Daniels,
and while hauling his trawl on Grand Bank, discovered, to his great sur-
prise, the identical halibut he had marked some eight months before. The
halibut was on exhibition at the wharf of the New England Fish Company.
The initials were plainly discernible, although the fish had grown consider-
ably since they were cut. This is no fish story, but a veritable fact, and
the circumstance is certainly a most remarkable one.

Among the halibut landed by sch. Chester R. Lawrence, in May, 1875, was
one with the name "Lynch" cut thereon. The halibut had grown consid-
erably since the carving operation, which from the appearance of the scars
had been done about a year. The letters were some six inches in length
and very clearly defined.

In February, 1876, while dressing fish at the Gloucester Fish Company's
wharf, a plain gold ring was taken from the paunch of a codfish. It was
brought to the "Cape Ann Advertiser" sanctum by Mr. William E. Ansell,
and had the appearance of having been in the keeping of the fish for some
time. The mark 18 K, signifying the quality of the gold, was plainly dis-
cernible on the inside of the ring. The query is, how came the fish in pos-
session of it, and who was the owner ?

In March, 1877, George Harvey, one of the crew of sch. Rebecca Bartlett

140 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

of this port, on her trip to Georges, hauled up a codfish, which upon being
dressed, there was found in the paunch a wallet in a fair state of preserva-
tion. Unfortunately for the fisherman, there was no money in it ; but there
was an old letter and a horse-car ticket. The writing on the letter was so
badly obliterated that it could not be read, therefore no clue as to the owner
of the wallet could be obtained.

In January, 1880, sch. Bessie W. Somes, Capt. Hodgdon, from the Banks,
brought in a twenty-pound halibut, in the skin of which were plainly visible
the initials and date, "W. E. McD., 1877." It is supposed that when a
young fellow he visited the sch. William E. McDonald, and was set at lib-
erty bearing the above inscription.

Getting a Trip Under Difficulties. — Sch. Knight Templar, Capt.
Michael McDonald, which arrived from Grand Bank Feb. 20, 1874, had a
tough time of it ; but the plucky captain was determined to get a trip, and
he did so, bringing in 40,000 pounds of halibut, which stocked $4,000. He
left port Jan. 10 and arrived on Western Bank the 13th, where they encoun-
tered a severe gale and broke the main-boom. Finding fish scarce, he de-
termined to go to the Grand Bank. Most of the crew didn't relish sailing
a thousand miles from home with a broken main-boom ; but the captain was
inflexible, and they started with a ten-knot breeze, under a foresail only.
On the passage the foresail jibed over, breaking the gaff. Arriving on the
Bank the 20th, they set their trawls. A severe gale came on in the night,
when the vessel shipped a sea and smashed all the dories. This was another
stroke of ill luck, as what was the use of the trawls without any dories in
which to get them ? Capt. McDonald, however, was not the man to be dis-
heartened. He had come for a trip of fish, and a trip he was going to
have, if within the power of mortal man to get it. Taking the remains of
one of the dories he used it to repair the others. Unfortunately he had no
nails suitable for the work ; but this difficulty was obviated by heating some
board nails, thereby rendering them pliable. It blew a living gale of wind
most of the time ; but during the lulls of fifteen days there were opportuni-
ties to set the trawls several times, and this gave him his trip.

After hauling up the anchors to start for home, having no immediate use
for the stocks, he sawed them in two, using them to "fish" the main-boom,
and was thus enabled to carry the mainsail when needed. On the 10th of
February, while off the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just to the eastward of Sable
Island, they were struck by a hurricane, shipping a sea, which again smashed
the dories and threatened to swamp the vessel ; but she came out of it
handsomely and brought her plucky captain and crew safe to port.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 141

A Plucky Little Captain Gets Fifteen Hundred Dollars Sal-
vage ! — On the afternoon of June 12, 1875, sch. Addison Center was run
down while at anchor on Cashes, during a thick fog, by brig Sarah M. Lor-
ing of Yarmouth, N. S. She struck her with great force, pressing her under
water, and the crew naturally supposing that she was sinking, lost no time
in getting on board the brig, and were carried into Portland. She was
boarded by a number of vessels, the masters of which considered it impos-
sible to get her into port. And they were not to blame for so thinking, as
she had a big hole in her stern, through which the water was making rap-
idly, and it was apparent that she would soon go down.

On Monday, 14th inst, she was sighted by Capt. George Whitmore of
sch. Ellen of Ellsworth, Me., bound for Boston. He had as crew two boys
only. Letting his own vessel drift, they boarded the Center in their boat,
and he conceived the idea of saving her. It was then two o'clock in the
afternoon, and he immediately commenced operations. Cutting a large
piece of duck out of the mainsail, he contrived, by dint of much ingenuity, to
nail it over the hole. To do this required considerable exertion, especially
the nailing under water ; but he stuck to the job with a tenacity which knew
no such word as fail, and after several hours of unremitting exertion, which
will be understood by any one knowing the nature of such a task, he had
the satisfaction of seeing it accomplished. Getting sail on her, he went on
board his own vessel and gave instructions to the two lads how to run for
Portland, and then returned alone to the Center. Giving the vessel a heel,
so as to relieve the damaged part as much as possible, he cut the cable and
shaped his course for Portland, followed by the Ellen. A fine little breeze
sprang up, and the water in the vessel rushing forward brought the stern
out of the water, which effectually prevented her taking in any more. This
operated much in his favor, as she was then two-thirds full of water, and
unless the leak had been stopped, she would have kept afloat but a short
time longer. He ran all night, and reached port Wednesday noon.

Mr. Horatio Babson, one of the owners of the Center, upon hearing of her
arrival, immediately went to Portland, and at once acceded to Capt. Whit-
more's demand of $1,500 salvage, in behalf of the Gloucester Fishing Insur-
ance Company of this city, and the Naumkeag office of Salem, at which
the vessel was insured. It was a plucky job throughout.

Mysterious Loss of Two of the Crew of Sch. Frederic Gerring,
Jr. — Two of the crew of sch. Frederic Gerring, Jr. — Capt. Edward Morris —
William Norton and Albert Sulkey, left the vessel in their dory on the af-
ternoon of Monday, Feb. 28, 1876, for the purpose of hauling their trawls.
It was very moderate at the time, and others of the crew also left in dories
for the same purpose. After they had been absent some twenty minutes,

1 42 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Capt. Morris, as is his custom, keeping watch of the dories, saw that the
one in which Norton and Sulkey were seemed to be drifting, without any
effort being made to reach the buoy, whither she was bound. Soon he saw
one of the other dories pulling for her with all speed, and then he supposed
that something was wrong. The other dory in due time reached the vessel,
having in tow the drifting dory, and reported they had found her adrift and
neither of the men were on board. The trawl gear was in the dory the
same as when they started, she had shipped no water, and the cause of the
drowning of the men was a mystery which could not be solved. One pair
of oars was picked up in the water. This indeed is a very mysterious af-
fair and without precedent, and no theory has ever yet been offered which
throws any light thereon. They were both good friends, and were spoken
of as first-class fishermen, Norton having been with Capt. Morris for four
years. There was no squall to throw them out of the dory. The only sup-
position which has any feasibility is, that one of them accidentally fell over-
board, and the other in attempting to save him lost his life, both going down
together. They were both married men, about thirty years of age, and res-
idents of this city.

Twenty-four Days in the Ice. — Schs. Hereward, Pennington, and Rat-
tler, McPherson, which left this port for Newfoundland for a load of frozen
herring in December, 1875, got frozen in while on the homeward passage,
Feb. 9, 1876, in Fortune Bay, and there remained eleven days. Got clear
the 19th and went into the ice again the same day and remained there until
March 3. Schs. S. C. Noyes, Hatfield, of Newburyport, and Charles A.
Ropes of Camden, Me., were also in the same predicament. Capt. Penning-
ton made a drawing of the scene, in which the four vessels are visible locked
in the ice, and the crews of the Hereward and Rattler busily engaged in
getting some provisions from the S. C. Noyes, which lay at a distance of
three miles. The ice was so rough that they were obliged to carry the flour
in bags, and the men with these bags on their backs, and the captain with
the empty barrel to put it in when it reached the vessel, made a lively scene.
It was a tedious experience for all hands, and glad enough were they to get
clear of their icy bonds. Fortunate it was that the Noyes could supply them
with flour, otherwise the men would have suffered for this necessary of life.

Men Picked Up. — A Tough Time of It. — Sch. Cornelius Stokem, which
arrived at this port May 23, 1876, from Newfoundland, brought in two
Frenchmen, John Bouche and Adolph Crochu, who were picked up in a
dory in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the 16th inst. They were lost from
their vessel on Banquereau while attending their trawls, and exposed to a
violent gale, the sea breaking over them and the weather being very cold,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 143

enveloping them in ice. For seven days they were exposed to the severity
of the weather, without food or drink, and when taken off were both in an
exhausted condition and near the gates of death from hunger and exposure.
One of the men was badly frozen, but both recovered from the effects of
their exposure.

Lost in the Fog. — Eight Days without Food or Water. — During the
years 1875 and 1876 there were numerous cases of fishermen getting sepa-
rated from their vessels in consequence of thick fog setting in while at their
trawls, most of whom were picked up within a day or two, before they had
suffered greatly from hunger or thirst. In one instance two men were out
six days before they were rescued, Patrick O'Neil and Frank Miller of sch.
Tubal Cain of this port, in October, 1875 ; but never have we recorded an
instance where men have been eight days without food or water, as was the
case of Capt. William Hines and John Foster, of sch. Eben B. Phillips of
this port, the particulars of which are as follows :

On the 1 8th of May, 1876, the two men left their vessel on Grand Bank
early in the morning, to haul their trawl. It was not very thick at the time,
but shortly after a dense fog shut in, and they were unable to find their way
back. They drifted around all that day and night, occasionally rowing a
little, but did not succeed in finding any traces of the schooner. On the
following day the fog continued as thick as ever, and Capt. Hines thinking
the vessel might be found by steering in a westerly course, headed their dory
in that direction j but instead of going toward land they only got farther
out to sea. For seven days and nights they continued to drift and row at
intervals, the fog continuing very dense. Their sufferings for want of food
and drink were most excruciating, and being thinly clothed they suffered
considerably from the chilly wind which swept over them most of the time.
On the morning of the eighth day the fog lifted, and much to the joy of the
famishing men, who had now scarcely strength to move, they discovered a
bark in the distance. Both were so weak that they could hardly do any-
thing to attract attention except by rapping on the gunwale of the dory.
Knowing that it was their last hope of safety, they roused themselves to
renewed effort, took to their oars, and after rowing a couple of hours, were
discovered by those on board the bark, which hove to, and about half-past
eleven that night they came up with her. She proved to be the Norwegian
bark Collector, Capt. Holstein, bound for the Provinces. Capt. Hines was
able to get on board the vessel without assistance, but Foster was perfectly
helpless and had to be lifted on board. They received the kindest treat-
ment from the captain and crew, and by careful nursing soon began to re-
cuperate. They had drifted one hundred and sixty miles from the Bank
when rescued. The bark arrived at Dalhousie on the the 5th of June, and

144

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

on the following day the men were taken ashore and sent to St. John by the
Norwegian consul at that place, he kindly paying their expenses. After
stopping in St. John a few days with some of their friends, they were pro-
vided with free passes for Boston and arrived home in due season ; and in
time both men recovered from the terrible effects of their protracted expos-
ure, which came so near causing them to die of starvation on the water — a
fate which one fairly shudders to contemplate.

e^Te„

Terrible Disaster. — Loss of Sch. Kittie of Port Mulgrave, N S., with
Sixty- three Passengers Bound to This City to Engage in the Fisheries — Narrow
Escape of Three Persons Who Were an Hour Late. — Sch. Kittie, commanded
by Capt. James Forrestall, her owner, left Port Mulgrave Sunday, April .2,
1876, bound for Boston, and there is no doubt but that she foundered in the
severe gale of the 4th inst., carrying with her sixty-three persons belonging
in Port Mulgrave and vicinity, but who were identified with Gloucester, as
they followed fishing from this port during six months of the year, and had
many relatives and friends in this city who were anxiously expecting their
arrival. The following is the list of the passengers, as nearly as could be
obtained :

From Harbor Bouche — John Levangy, Hubert Levangy, Edward Decost,
Frederick Levangy, Ben. Fougere, Michael Pebrine, Henry Benoit, John
Paro, Jerry Fougere, Lucian Levangy, E. Fougere, (Jack's son) John King,
(Pete's son) L. Fougere, Edward Decost, (Widow Tom's son) Jos. Decost,
David Levangy, Ned Bouchy, Ben. Brean, Ben. Belfountain, Lewis Bouchy,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 145

Jeffrey Bouchy, Michael Oldfield, Wm. Oldfield, Fougere, (Ephraim's son),
Daniel McDonald (Allan's son), Mrs. John O'Brien and three children, Sa-
rah McDonald, (Allan's daughter) Augusta Fougere, John McDonald (Allan
John's son), Rory McDonald (Donald's son, lighthouse), Wm. Forrestall
(William's son).

From Steep Creek — Martin Doyle, N. Decost, Jos. Decost, Wm. Critten-
den, (Hugh's son) John D. Whelan.

From Pirate Harbor — William Maguire.

From Port Mulgrave — Wm. Crittenden, Edward Ryan, Rory McDonald,
George Longuill, James Perkins, Alex. Perkins, J. O'Handley, Peter For-
estall, Arch. McDonald.

From Cape Breton — Roderick McDonald, McMillan's Point; John Mc-
Eachren, Glendale ; John McDonald, do.; Daniel McDonald, McMillan's
Point ; James McDonald, Whycocomagh ; John O'Handley, Judique ; Alex.
McDonald, do. ; Rupert G. Ross, Port Hood ; Wm. Johnson, do.; Alex.
Mclnnis, near Hawkesbury; John Cass, do.; John McDonald, Keeper, Ju-
dique ; John D. McKinnon, do.; Daniel McEachren, Judique ; Henry Simp-
son, Manchester.

The crew consisted of Capt. James Forrestall, Capt. John Martin, James
Martin, Daniel McDonald.

The sch. Kittie was built in Lunenberg, and was owned by Capt. James
Forrestall of Auld's Cove, Strait of Canso, and was about ten years old.
The above list is as correct as can possibly be got ; there may be one or
two that have not been obtained. The total, including passengers and
crew, was sixty-eight.

There were three persons, viz., William McDonald and Neil McDonald,
brothers, and Angus McDonald, who were coming on this vessel, but were
an hour late, the vessel having sailed. All their clothing was on board, and
they came by land. Their being behindhand on this occasion was the
means of preserving their lives.

A Remarkable Experience and Narrow Escape. — The crew of the
sch. Daniel A. Burnham of this port, had "a singular and wonderful experi-
ence. While lying to off Sable Island on the evening of Jan. 10, 1877, the
schooner was struck by a heavy sea, which turned her completely over, the
masts giving way while she was under water. Of her crew of thirteen men
all but one were below when the vessel capsized; and the rapidity of the
entire transaction, which did not allow time for the vessel to fill, proved
their salvation. They were thrown from the floor to the ceiling, when the
schooner was bottom up, and immediately to the floor again, as she righted.
On coming on deck, the man who had been on the lookout was found hang-
ing over the side by a portion of the gear, and was speedily hauled on

146 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

board. The crew remained on the wreck, on which they got some small
canvas, and were heading for the land as best they could, when fortunately
they encountered the mail steamer Austrian, who took them off and landed
them at St. Johns, N. F.

Narrow Escape. — Two Fishermen Capsized in a Dory — Caught by a
Trawl Hook — Fortunate Rescue. — Two of the crew of sch. Centennial, Peter
Scanlan and George Stickling, were capsized in a dory on the fishing grounds,
May 21, 1877, and had a narrow escape from a watery grave. They had
completed the hauling of their trawls and were ready to return to the vessel,
when a sea boarded and sunk the dory, but she soon capsized and came up
again, and the men succeeded in getting hold of her, Scanlan at the bow
and Stickling at the stern. In going over, the hook of one of the trawls
caught in the leg of Stickling, and he was compelled to bear his own weight
and that of the trawl, which he was enabled to do by fortunately securing a
foothold in the stern becket of the dory. But the combined weight of man
and line kept the unfortunate man nearly under water the greater part of
the time, and his position was one of extreme discomfort and peril. Scan-
lan was more fortunately situated, having no encumbrance exept his cloth-
ing, and the forward part of the frail craft was kept well out of water by
the weight at the stern ; yet his position was far from enviable, clinging to
an overturned dory upon a wide expanse of surging waters. After being
thus exposed for about a quarter of an hour, they were discovered by the
men in another dory, who were returning to the vessel, who at once went to
their rescue. Stickling was nearly exhausted, and in pulling him in, the
hook was broken off in his leg, and on reaching the vessel it was found nec-
essary to cut it out, making an ugly wound. He must have been possessed
of remarkable powers of endurance to maintain the position until assistance
arrived, and his escape from death may well be considered as very narrow.

A Six Ton Boat Drags Her Anchor off Salt Island, and Her
Crew to Keep Afloat Pound Ice All Night. — A Tough Time and Nar-
row Escape. — Jan. 23, 1878, will be remembered by a terrible squall, quickly
followed by intense cold and a heavy northwest gale. Just previous to the
squall, the little boat Hope of this port, a trifle short of six tons burthen, was
to the southward of Brown's Bank, some eight miles off the Cape. She was
commanded by Capt. Anthony T. Francis, and there was a crew of two
men, John Conley and Joseph Adams, making three in all. The men had
just been picking their trawls and had a dory load of fish and trawl lines,
and seeing the squall coming, made all possible haste to get on board the
boat. This they succeeded in doing just in time ; but it was so rough that
the dory collided with the boat, knocking off a piece of her rail, and came

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 147

near staving a hole through her. Finding they could not tow the heavily
laden dory, they were obliged to cut her adrift and she soon capsized, and
dory and contents proved a total loss. The squall had by this time come
upon them in all its fury ; but the little craft behaved well, and they got
her up under the lee of Salt Island and came to anchor j but the anchor
would not hold and commenced dragging, carrying them off to sea. After
dragging some four miles it finally held j but it was so rough, and the wind
ahead, that they dared not attempt to get underway, so they hung to it, de-
termined to take their chances. The cold was so intense that the water
shipped on deck froze almost as soon as it struck, threatening to sink the
little craft, and this danger was most to be dreaded. When men's lives are
in the balance, however, they will accomplish almost incredible tasks, and
so it proved in the case of these poor fellows. Notwithstanding the cold
winds, which pierced them like a knife, notwithstanding the showers of freez-
ing cold spray which constantly broke over them, there they stood at their
posts, beating ice the livelong night — a night which none of them will ever
forget — and by their almost superhuman efforts they kept their little craft
afloat, and the next afternoon brought her safely into port.

A Perilous Time. — Friday afternoon, Jan. 4, 1878, two young men of
Riverdale named George Stanwood, Jr., and Fred A. Lewis, went out fish-
ing in Ipswich Bay in a dory, and at noon time, just before the storm came
on, started to pull in. The snowstorm came down upon them so thick that
they could not see, and to their best judgment they pulled for Annisquam
light. It was a tough pull, and to add to their perils their dory sprang
aleak, requiring the utmost exertions of one of the men to keep her free
with a bucket, while the other pulled. Thus passed the afternoon until five
o'clock, when the dory drove ashore on Coffin's Beach, just this side of the
Loaf, where she was dashed in pieces, the men, wet and well nigh exhausted,
succeeding in making a landing through the surf. They then dragged
themselves along as best they could to the house of Mr. Gardner W. Her-
rick, where they were kindly received, their wants attended to, and hospita-
bly entertained for the night. In the meantime their friends at home were
fearful that they were lost. This anxiety was dispelled in the morning when
a messenger was dispatched, assuring the anxious friends of their safety.

Loss of a Boston Fishing Schooner. — Sch. Little Kate of South Bos-
ton, 32.69 tons, formerly of this port, engaged in the haddock fishery, went
ashore off Duxbury in the gale of Thursday, Jan. 10, 1878, and became a
total loss. Of her crew of thirteen men not one escaped. All were resi-
dents of South Boston, all related by blood or marriage, four being brothers.
Seven of them were married, leaving that number of widows and twenty-one

148

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

fatherless children as the fruits of this sad disaster. The father of the four
brothers mentioned, an aged man named Owen Hines, was indeed terribly
afflicted. His wife died five weeks previous, and only one crippled son was
left him of a family which a few days before was full of health and promise.
The vessel, too, was his, and all the property he possessed was bound up in
her. A short time previous he was offered $1,500 for the schooner, but as it
furnished a means of livelihood to his family as well as to himself, he refused
to part with it. There was no insurance on the vessel, consequently what
represented the savings of a lifetime disappeared in a moment, and with it
went every one whose strong hands should have supported the old man's
trembling steps toward the grave.

The Storm off Cape Cod. — Five Vessels Wrecked — Terrible Sufferings
of the Men on the Powwow — Thrilling Scenes of Death — How the Survivors
were Rescued. — The night of the 2d and the morning of the 3d of January,
1878, were terrible for those unlucky mariners who found themselves in a
snowstorm, being driven on the treacherous sands of Cape Cod. Five ves-
sels were lost. From the largest two not a soul was saved ; every man,
from the captains down to the deck boys, was buried beneath the cold

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 149

waters. A few bodies were recovered, but the majority sleep in watery-
graves.

The sufferings of the crew of the ill-fated Powwow of Provincetown were
frightful. The hour of 4 A. M. found them drifting helplessly to the lee
shore of Wellfleet. With the hope of checking their drift they anchored,
but the chain of their larger anchor parted and the vessel dragged the
smaller one as if it had been a pound weight. Then, as the tempest lulled,
"Hoist the jib," shouted the captain, "and we'll run her through the surf."
With great difficulty the sail was partially hoisted and the vessel's head
swung towards the land. But alas ! she struck in the outer breakers. The
great billows broke over her and in an instant she filled. A signal of dis-
tress was lighted, but was soon extinguished. "Set the kerosene afire,"
ordered Capt. Caton; "we must let the station men know we are here."
This was done. Thank heaven, an answering signal was heard, and in the
course of a half hour they discerned a horse and cart moving towards them
along the beach, bearing a large box containing the patent rescue gun. A
long hour crept by, but there came no other signs of succor. Their hopes
fell. So cold were they that it was with difficulty they clung to the rigging.
Drenched every moment with icy 'water, they were soon benumbed. One
huge fellow, with the muscles of a Hercules, was three times washed away
from the vessel. Twice he regained his hold, but the third time his strength
failed, and he sank to rise no more. As the dreary morning passed two
others gave up the struggle, and releasing their grasp, were swept away.
One poor boy, named James Downling, whose home was in Boston, suc-
cumbed to the cold. "I can't stand it any longer, Captain," said he, "I
am going to die." When last seen by the survivors he was lying in the lee
scuppers, his head hanging listlessly to one side, his hair matted with ice,,
and his arms clutching in their death-grip a coil of frozen rope. And at.
last the captain whispered hoarsely, "Good-bye, boys, I shall try for the
shore. May God keep me for my poor wife's sake." A dory was got over
the side, but was crushed in an instant. Capt. Caton then tore off the cabin
skylight, and heaving it overboard, sprang after it. His support was soon
wrenched from his grasp, but he struggled manfully. He reached the shore ;,
twice he stood erect on the sand, but the undertow was too powerful, and
he was drawn under the surf. The ten men who remained on the vessel
were destined to be saved. After daylight the Life Saving Station men, who-
had previously been devoting their energies to the vain attempt of rescuing
the crew of the other wreck, arrived. The first time they fired the mortar
the ball with the line attached fell over the spring-stay, but the men were so<
chilled with cold that it was impossible to get it. After several trials, how-
ever, the line fell where they could reach it. At 10 A. M.. they were all
ashore and were tenderly cared for at the Humane House.

150 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Perilous Experiences. — Allen Maginnis, of sch. Centennial, was drowned
by the capsizing of a dory on Grand Bank, Jan. 20, 1878. His companion
in the dory, John McLeod, succeeded in getting on the bottom of the frail
craft, but this afforded a very insecure hold, and while all the other dories
belonging to the vessel were provided with beckets fastened to the plugs
for cases of such emergency, this particular one was not thus furnished.
McLeod retained his hold as best he could, being sometimes washed off,
until seeing a halibut-killer afloat a short distance away, he swam off and
secured it, and pounding out the plug, was able to thrust one of his fingers
through the hole in the bottom of the dory, and thus maintain his hold. In
this manner, changing from one finger to another, he held his own with
great difficulty for about two hours, when his cries were heard by some com-
panions in another dory, who rowed to his assistance and took him off in an
exhausted condition. Several of his fingers were badly chafed, and it is
doubtful if he could have held on much longer.

Nov. 6, 1878, Thomas King and Charles Hubbley, of sch. Amiie C. Nor-
wood, on an off-shore codfishing trip, were out in their dories, when a squall
came on and the dory capsized so suddenly as to throw them ten feet from
her. They managed to swim to the overturned dory and to get upon her
bottom, but King was greatly exhausted and soon succumbed. Hubbley
succeeded in maintaining his position by getting a finger in the plug-hole,
holding on for two hours, until his finger was nearly cut off, when he was
taken off by sch. Rutherford B. Hayes, greatly exhausted.

Lost and Found. — A Happy Surprise. — Alexander McEachen and Au-
gustus Armstrong, two of the crew of sch. Mary F. Chisholm of this port,
left that vessel during a fog, May 9, 1878, to attend to their trawls on West-
ern Bank. They got out of hearing of the fog-horn and were unable to find
their vessel. After rowing for twenty-four hours they fell in with a French
fishing vessel and were taken on board, where they remained two days.
They were subsequently transferred to sch. Viking, and arrived home the
day before the Chisholm, and were the first to hail that vessel as she came
up the harbor with her flag at half-mast in token of their loss. The flag
was speedily flying from the mast-head in rejoicing at their deliverance, and
their shipmates congratulated them heartily on their fortunate escape.

A Hard Pull in a Dory. — Two of the crew of sch. Ida A. Thurlow
of Eastport, Me., named Alex. S. Morise and Thomas T. Goodwin, were
lost from that vessel in May, 1878, while attending to their trawls in a dory,
and after an exposure of eighty-two hours, without compass, food or water,
by making a perilous voyage of one hundred and twenty miles, succeeded
in landing, through fearful breakers, forty-five miles east of Halifax.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 151

A Perilous Night. — Friday, Jan. 4, 1878, a severe storm came on dur-
ing the afternoon, and most of the Lanesville dory fleet arrived in ere it
became very severe. At sundown there was great anxiety felt for the safety
of Sylvanus C. Lane and Lorenzo Griffin, who had not arrived. Sad were
the hearts on the shore as the cold wind blew its fitful blasts and the blind-
ing snowstorm raged in all its fury. It was a tough night to be exposed in
an open dory on the rough waters of Ipswich Bay, and so these fishermen
found it. They could not make any headway to the port which they wished
to gain, so they drifted to leeward, having hard work to keep their craft
afloat. Soon they heard the breakers on the beach toward Ipswich, and
their only chance was to throw their anchor, and it held them in eight fath-
oms of water. There they waited for the wind to change, knowing full well
their fate if the anchor parted. It did not part, although several times they
shipped heavy seas, nearly filling their dory with water, which they bailed
out with a bucket. Fortunately the wind changed, and the worn out fisher-
men rowed home, arriving at midnight, where they were received by their
loved ones with thankful hearts.

A Rough Experience. — Feb. 28, 1879, sch. Alfred Wakn, Capt. Patrick
O'Neal, was coming home from Brown's Bank, and while reefing the main-
sail, the vessel took a roll to windward, and one of the crew, Richard Cos-
tillo, who was on the end of the boom, lost his balance and went overboard.
After making four attempts to catch the log line he succeeded in grasping
it. The vessel was going nine miles an hour, with a heavy sea running, and
he was dragged under water. The vessel was put up in the wind, and the
unfortunate man was some three hundred feet off, still clinging for dear life
to the log line, and swashed up and down by the heavy seas, rendering his
position extremely dangerous. He felt the pulling of the men on the line,
the force of which pulled him under water, and he could not remain on the
surface. He was hauled, as near as he could judge, some sixty feet, when
he gave up all hopes of being saved, as he did not come to the surface un-
til he was hauled under the quarter of the vessel, when the men got into a
dory, and getting a rope about him, got him on board the vessel, where,
after long and repeated efforts, they succeeded in resuscitating him. He
never has recovered from his fearful experience, having raised a great deal
of blood, and has not been able to do much work since.

An Unfortunate Skipper. — -The captain and owner of a small schooner
at Portland had hard luck of it. He had fished on Georges seventeen years,
and in the Spring of 1880 concluded he would sell his little home in Glouc-
ester, pay off the mortgage and with the proceeds go to Boothbay and live
quietly. Afterwards, in Gloucester, he accidentally lost his right index fin-

152 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

ger. He lifted the mortgage by selling his house, and had $233.50 left.
This money he put in an envelope, and the envelope in an inside pocket.
He set sail for Boothbay with his family in his vessel, and on Saturday,
Sept. 3, when off Cape Elizabeth, as he leaned over the rail to pull in a
rope, the envelope fell from his pocket into the water, and as $1.50 of the
money was in silver it sank before his eyes.

At the Mercy of the Seas. — Five Days without Food or Drink. — John
Whitlaw and Samuel Orgrove, two of the crew of fishing sch. Edward A.
Horto?i of this port, left that vessel on Grand Bank, Thursday, July 1, 1880,
for the purpose of hauling their trawls. After loading their dory they found
themselves unable to return to their vessel, on account of a heavy fog hav-
ing shut in, and rowed aimlessly away in the hope of finding succor. After
undergoing great exposure and hardships, on the following Tuesday they
effected a landing upon the coast of Newfoundland, greatly reduced and
almost in a dying condition from their enforced abstinence from food and
drink. They were kindly treated, and were forwarded to St Johns, N. F.,
where they arrived on the evening of July 9.

Death from Exposure on the Fishing Grounds. — Sch. Polar Wave,
Capt. Jerome McDonald, was on Banquereau, March 24th, 1880, when the
wind suddenly shifted and it set in extremely cold while six of her dories
were out. The vessel got underway and found five of the dories without
difficulty, but the other, containing George Nelson and Charles Ray, re-
mained undiscovered until morning. These men had hauled up and rowed
away from the vessel instead of towards her. They soon discovered their
mistake, as a strong light was set in the rigging of the vessel, and they re-
mained within sight of it all night. They threw overboard their fish and
gear, but were unable to make headway against the wind and sea to the
vessel. The next day they were seen by the crew, who went to their suc-
cor. When found at three o'clock, P. M., Nelson was dead, having died
from the exposure at about nine, A. M. He was an Austrian, a native of
Tricate, about twenty-three years of age, and had followed fishing from this
port for some time. He was buried at sea March 30. He was spoken of
as of a very delicate constitution, weighing about one hundred and ten
pounds, and notwithstanding the continued cheering up and entreaties by
his companion, to continue rowing, and they would surely be saved, the
poor fellow was so utterly exhausted that he could not make further efforts
and succumbed to the terrible cold and exposure.

A Caution Which Should Be Heeded. — If the fishermen would only
take the precaution to place a jug of water and some hard bread in their

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 153

dories, it would oftentimes save much suffering and perhaps life. It is full
time that masters and owners of fishing vessels interested themselves in this
matter and insisted that it should be done. The expense and trouble is but
trifling compared with the benefits which might follow, and it should be
among the duties required of fishermen each trip to see that every dory was
provided with the wherewithal to sustain life when lost in the fog or driven
out of sight of their vessel, as is frequently the case. There is no excuse
for the fishermen if they fail to comply with this simple duty, and we trust
that they will heed this advice and provide a remedy for one cause of dan-
ger and suffering attending the business.

Five Days Adrift in a Dory Without Food. — James McGrath and
Michael Coleman left sch. Procter Brothers on Western Bank, March 18,
1880, to attend to their trawls, and a gale springing up, were unable to re-
turn to the vessel. After drifting about at the mercy of the wind and waves
for five days, without food or water, drove ashore at Sable Island on the
evening of the 2 2d. The weather was intensely cold and their sufferings
extreme while they were in the dory, and McGrath had both feet badly
frozen. When taken out of the dory they were unable to walk, and had to
be carried on the shoulders of the men stationed on the island to aid wrecked
people. They were taken to the hospital, and being sufficiently recovered,
were taken to Halifax by the Dominion Government steamer Newfield.

The Colemans, as it would appear, were not born to be drowned. On
Feb. 15, 1879, Charles Coleman was capsized on the Banks in a dory from
sch. Commonwealth, and with his companion, Sweeny McKenzie, clung to
the dory's bottom for an hour and a half with such desperation as to leave
the imprints of their fingers in the wood. Coleman slipped from his hold
three times, and three times his comrade battled the waves to rescue him,
and he was so exhausted when taken on board the vessel that it took three
hours to bring him to consciousness. Michael Coleman, whose second nar-
row escape is narrated above, was lost in a dory with H. Choate Allen from
sch. Addison G. Procter, June 29, 1879, on St. Peter's Bank, and after sub-
sisting on small pieces of raw halibut for four days, and rowing one hundred
and sixty miles, they were picked up by a Lockeport, N. S., schooner.

Shipwreck And Loss of Life.— Gallant Rescue by a Gloucester Fishing
Crew. — Sch. Laura Sayward, Capt. James Moore, arrived from a Georges
trip Sept. 14, 1880, bringing the captain, John C. Winchester, and mate,
Thomas Lewis, of sch. Maggie Blanche, of Digby, N. S., for Barbadoes with
a load of lumber and potatoes, being accompanied by the owner of the ves-
sel, Mr. Wesley K. Rice, who designed selling the vessel on her arrival at
the West Indies. The Maggie Blanche set sail Sunday, Sept. 5, and every-

154 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

thing went well until Wednesday, the 8th, at about ten o'clock, A. M., when
she encountered a strong gale from the east-southeast with a heavy sea, ac-
companied by rain and squalls. During the gale the schooner was hove on
her beam ends, shifting the cargo in her hold, and laid dead in the water
under a three-reefed foresail. The wind veering to the northeast, causing
a heavy cross sea, an effort was made to take in the reefed foresail with the
design of jettisoning the deck load, and while furling the sail a sea ran in
to leeward and capsized the vessel. About eight o'clock, Thursday morn-
ing, the cargo having washed out, the mainmast broke off at the deck and
the vessel righted full of water. The owner, Mr. Rice, was drowned in his
cabin, his body washing out, and the officers and crew, four in number,
were confined to the deck, all below being full of water. Two of them,
William Vroon, one of the crew, and Augustus Theodore (colored), the
cook, were washed overboard and drowned, and the captain and mate lashed
themselves to the deck. A brig passed quite near them, and they signalled
her by every means within their power, but without avail, and she kept on
her course. On Saturday morning, the nth, about seven o'clock, the wreck
was descried by sch. Laura Say ward lying at anchor on the northeastern
part of Georges, and Capt. Moore at once commenced making arrangements
to go to her assistance. The windlass was manned and an attempt made
to raise the anchor, but there was a heavy cross sea running, and but little
progress could be made in that direction. Finding that the wreck was fast
sinking and that prompt measures must be taken, Capt. Moore ordered his
cable cut, having a whole string out, and a dory was launched and manned
by two of the crew, Dean Crockett and James Lord, who went to the wreck
and took off the suffering men.

These men, Crockett and Lord, were subsequently the recipients of two
magnificent stem-winding watches from the Canadian Government, through
Hon. Edward Thornton, British Minister at Washington, in recognition of
their humane and gallant exertions in saving life.

A Tough Experience. — Charles Lunt and Paul Nelson of sch. Waldo
Irving, haddock catching, off shore, left the vessel Wednesday, Dec. 29,
1880, to visit their trawls, and were unable afterwards to find trace of the
vessel, and those on board could not find the men. They started to row
for the land, but were blown off. Thursday afternoon, about two o'clock,
after having been exposed in their frail craft to the severe snow squall and
terrible cold which followed, and when, as near as they could judge, they
were about thirty-five miles from Boston light, they saw a steamer and rowed
in her track. It proved to be the ocean steamer Sardinian, on the passage
from Boston to England, via Halifax. It came alongside the dory, a sailor
got down and bent a line to each of the men, as they were so exhausted

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 155

they could not help themselves, and they were hoisted on deck. They were
so much exhausted from exposure, hard work and want of food, that they
could have survived but a short time longer. Their hands and feet were
badly frostbitten and their sufferings indescribable. During the heavy gale
of Wednesday night they kept their dory's head to the sea by means of a
drogue made from their fishing tackle and trawl tub. They were taken in
charge by the American consul at Halifax and sent home.

Particulars of the Loss of Sch. Lizzie K. Clark. — Sch. Lizzie K.
Clark, Capt. Ambrose Melanson, left port March 22, 1881, bound South on
a mackerel trip, and capsized and sunk about twenty miles southeast of
Barnegat on the 25th. The weather was rough from the start, but on the
25th the sea was comparatively calm, and at one o'clock in the afternoon
all hands except the helmsman were below putting the seines and gear in
order. The vessel was under full sail and heading west, one-half north,
when she was suddenly struck by a squall and capsized. Capt. Melanson
rushed upon deck and hove the wheel down, but she was too far over to
obey the helm, and he seized an axe and ran forward to cut the fore sheets,
but being unable to reach them, got into the main rigging and severed the
halyards. At this time the ice-pens gave way and their contents shifting
prevented the schooner from righting. Both companion-ways were open,
and the water rushed down, filling the hold. The crew reached the deck
with considerable difficulty, and one of their number, Edward Ryan, the
first to follow Capt. Melanson on deck, was washed overboard. The others
climbed upon the weather side, and cutting adrift the seine boat, lashed be-
tween the masts and rigging, got her afloat half filled with water. They
picked up Ryan, and were scarcely a hundred feet away from the schooner
when she sank. After floating about for half an hour they were picked up
by Pilot Boat No. 3. Seven were put on board the tug Knickerbocker and
taken to New York, and seven were taken to the same port in the brig
Mary Fink, from Matanzas.

Picked Up Adrift. — A Humane Shipmaster. — George Strowhan and
John Kerry, two of the crew of sch. George S. Boutwell, Capt. Gorman, of
this port, left that vessel on Western Bank to set their trawls, Aug. 1, r88i,
and were lost in the fog. After being adrift for eighteen hours without food
or drink, they were picked up by the coal laden steamship Wilton of and for
Hartlepool, Eng., from Philadelphia. Sighting a vessel in the distance,
which proved to be the schooner to which they belonged, the captain of the
steamer went some ten miles out of his course to put them on board, instead
of taking them across the Atlantic. After the men were picked up there
was a thick fog for three or four days, and they probably would have per-
ished but for the timely succor.

156 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Capsized on the Banks. — Seized by a Shark When Succor Was at Hand.
— Sch. Victor, Capt. John E. Sigsworth, arrived from a Western Bank trip,
Aug. 16, 1 88 1, and reported a sad accident on the Banks on the 12 th, re-
sulting in the horrible death of one of her crew, George M. Sigsworth, a
brother of the skipper. Young Sigsworth and a companion named David
A. Raymond had been out to set their trawls, and while returning to the
vessel, a tub in the after part of the dory interfering with their rowing, they
hauled in their oars to change its position. Just then a heavy sea struck
and capsized the dory, throwing its occupants into the water. Sigsworth
kept afloat by means of an oar held under his breast, and the air filling his
oil jacket, and his companion succeeded in getting upon the bottom of the
dory and holding on by the stern becket. Sigsworth made his way towards
the dory, and had just reached out his hand to take that of Raymond, which
was extended to aid him, when a huge shark made its appearance, and seiz-
ing the unfortunate man disappeared with its prey, who was not seen again.
He was a young man of good character, about twenty-seven and a half years
of age, unmarried, a native of Prince Edward Island, and had followed fish-
ing from Gloucester for several years.

Narrow Escape. — Sch. Davy Crockett, while on Cashes, in September,
1881, ran over her seine boat containing eleven men, and they had a lively
time to save themselves. They were overhauling the seine, taking it on
board the boat, when the cook, who with another man was left on the ves-
sel, endeavored to bring her alongside the boat, but made a miscalculation
in "luffing," and she struck the boat amidships. Seven of the men man-
aged to cling to the boat ; one, Christie Johnson, swam for the dory j and
A. G. Eisener, Dighton Simons and Wiley Havener, happened to be good
swimmers and succeeded in getting hold of the vessel's fenders.

A Daring Deed. — Two Gloucester Mariners Risk Their Lives to Rescue
a Comrade. — April 2, 188 1, Albert F. Fitch, one of the crew of sch. Star of
the East, was washed overboard while dressing fish on Brown's Bank. He
was fortunate in catching hold of a shifting plank which had washed over-
board, on which he succeeded in keeping afloat for an hour and ten minutes
before being picked up. It was blowing a heavy gale from the northwest,
with a strong tide running to leeward, and any attempt to go to his rescue
was fraught with great peril. But unmindful of the serious risk, Michael
Doyle and Joseph Hackett jumped into an old dory and started away be-
fore the wind and sea to rescue their imperilled comrade. After they got
him on board of their frail boat they found it absolutely impossible to return
to their vessel, but succeeded in boarding sch. Joseph O., which was also
lying at anchor on the Bank. It took some three hours of constant labor,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 157

aftei arriving on board the Joseph O., to resuscitate Fitch, and the three men
remained on board the latter vessel from Sunday night until Tuesday after-
noon, when the Star of the East was signalled, and ran down and took the
men on board. It was a noble deed, and as such we herewith record it in
the "Fishermen's Own Book."

Rescue of a Crew in an Open Boat. — Sch. Thresher, Capt. Andrew
McKenzie, at this port from the Banks, May 17, 1881, reported on the out-
ward passage, April 2 2d, lat. 46.39, Ion. 58.5, falling in with Capt. E. Jeary
and crew of five men belonging to sch. Flora, of and from St. Pierre. They
were in an open boat and had been exposed to the elements eight days and
were on allowance of one biscuit daily each. The Flora was bound to Syd-
ney for coal, had got caught in the ice, sprung aleak and sunk. Everything
was done for the comfort of the sufferers, and they were landed at St. Pierre.
Capt. Jeary testified his appreciation of the kind treatment received by
giving Capt. McKenzie a written acknowledgment of the same, expressing
heartfelt gratitude.

Four Days and Three Nights Adrift in a Dory Without Food. —
Angus Chisholm and William Kennedy left sch. Bellerophon on Grand Bank,
April 15, 1 88 1, to visit their trawls. The fog shutting down they succeeded
in getting on board of sch. Solomon Poole. When the fog lifted they made
another start, but were soon enveloped in the misty haze, from whose perils
they escaped a second time by boarding sch. Ocean King. Nothing daunted,
as soon as it lighted up a little, they made a third attempt to find their
trawls. From that time their experience was the "oft-told tale." Astray
upon the high seas, encompassed by a dense fog, with nothing to guide their
course, and destitute of food, they rowed and rowed and rowed in their well-
nigh hopeless quest for a friendly sail. To their discomforts from exposure
in their frail boat, their labor at the oars, and their wearing anxiety as to
their possible fate, were soon added the pangs of hunger. These they en-
deavored to palliate by eating pieces of raw fish, but their stomachs rejected
the unwonted and unsuitable food. Fortunately they were supplied with a
quart bottle of fresh water, which was carefully husbanded, and which did
much to sustain and cheer them on their weary round. Only a quart of wa-
ter ! yet for the time to them their most valuable possession, compared with
which all the glittering wealth of the world would have been valueless. For
four dreary days and three long nights their lives were one constant monot-
ony of desolation, of fruitless longing and unfulfilled hopes. Finally, April
19, they were picked up by the bark Von Moltke, Capt. McCully, from Lon-
donderry for Baltimore, and kindly treated. The bark landed them at
Delaware Breakwater, whence they were furnished a free passage home, ar-
riving May 3.

158 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Home from a Fishing Voyage via England. — Charles Beranson and
William Dousey, two of the crew of fishing sch. Notice of this port, left their
vessel on Grand Bank, Aug. 23, i88i,forthe purpose of visiting their trawls,
and becoming involved in the fog failed to find their way back. They were
without provisions, but the second day adrift came across a trawl from
which they took two halibut to appease their hunger. After drifting about
for three days and four nights they were picked up by the Norwegian bark
Tancred, bound from the West Indies for Liverpool, Eng., and in due time
were landed at the latter port, where they were taken in charge by the
American consul, who supplied them with clothing and other necessaries
and secured them passage to Boston on a schooner, and they arrived home
about the middle of October.

A Hard Time of It. — All Night in a Dory with the Oars Gone. — Friday
morning, Jan. 27, 1882, sch. Emma S. Osier of this port was about four
miles southwest of the Isles of Shoals. Soon after it came up squally, and
she picked up her dories, all but one, which was manned by John W. Gas-
kell, about a mile and a half to the leeward. It was easy for him to see the
vessel, but not so for those on board to see him, as he pitched up and down
on the heavy seas. Capt. Osier did everything in his power to find the
missing man, but all efforts to get the buoy marks in the heavy squall were
unavailing. Gaskell concluding that his best chance for getting on board
was to row, let go the lee buoy, on to which he was holding, and started.
When he had got about half way to the schooner she kept off, and he made
up his mind that there was a hard pull for him ere he could reach the land
or be picked up by some vessel. About eleven o'clock a heavy sea struck
the dory, breaking the forward thwart, nearly filling her. The oars were
washed overboard, and there he was in a heavy sea with no oars with
which to help himself. He at once made a drogue of his nets, adding a
dozen bricks, and lay quite comfortable to it until three P. M., when it mod-
erated, and he commenced paddling with the damaged thwart, making very
good progress and keeping himself comfortably warm with the exercise, al-
though it was hard work. At 7 P. M., being entirely exhausted, he came
to anchor abreast Halibut Point. Here he passed the night, which was
cold and uncomfortable, and the hours seemed long and dreary. At sun-
rise, Saturday morning, he was glad to see the fishing boat Pinafore come
out of Rockport harbor, and paddling toward her was cordially received,
and after partaking of a good breakfast he proceeded with them to the fishing
grounds, arriving back in season to take the afternoon train home. Gas-
kell's hands were badly blistered and his fingers frozen, but he soon recov-
ered from the effects of the exposure. His arrival home caused great
rejoicing, as it was feared that he was drowned.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 159

The Frenchman's Stew, and the Disgusted Irishmen.

BY DICK SKYLIGHT.

On a pleasant evening in the Summer of 186 — , the sch. Clara F. Friend
came sailing into Gloucester harbor, having on board in addition to her reg-
ular crew a young Frenchman, whom we will call Louis D. One night,
while laying at anchor on the Bank, he had left his own vessel and swam on
board the Friend, which also lay anchored about a mile distant from the
French bark he had left. He could not speak a word of English at that
time, but by language of signs, which is understood by all men, he succeed-
ed in making the American fishermen aware of his desire to visit the United
States, and they cheerfully acceded to his wishes, assuring him that they
would take him home with them.

On arriving in port the Friend was hauled into the wharf and well secured,
and, it being Saturday night, aH her crew went home to stay over Sunday,
leaving the Frenchman alone on board.

The following morning Louis was out bright and early, and having eaten
a hasty breakfast, took a stroll around the wharves to look at the vessels
and also to to get an idea of the place which he now saw for the first time.
During his wanderings about he saw a pet cat on the wharf at which the
vessel lay, and pussy, with trusting confidence, came running up to him, and
began purring and rubbing herself against his leg. Now this was a most
unfortunate thing for the cat j she took the same risk of destruction that is
taken by the unwary whale which ventures inside of Race Point, or the
school of mackerel that comes flipping along near Cape Ann. As the eager
Frenchman took the unsuspecting feline up in his arms bright visions of a
delicious soup danced before his imagination. "Now for a fresh mess ! " he
mentally exclaimed.

"Oh, my! ugh! the cruel, nasty thing!" exclaims some fair reader, as
she pictures to herself her favorite Tabby in the grasp of such a remorse-
less cat destroyer.

But Louis knew nothing and cared less about the prejudices of the Anglo-
Saxon race in regard to the place which the cat should occupy in domestic
economy. He had tramped the sun-burnt plains of Mexico as a soldier,
served a term on a man-of-war, and lastly, dined off salt grub and skate
chowders in the forecastle of a French fishing vessel, and had long before
this got over being fastidious, therefore he was no way loath to indulge in
the luxury of a cat stew, the principal ingredient for which he had so easily

160 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

secured. It is not necessary to speak here of the modus operandi of prepar-
ing the stew ; suffice it to say that in due course of time it was ready.

While this was transpiring a market boat, manned by a crew of hardy
Irishmen, came in the harbor and hauled alongside of the wharf at which
the Friend lay. It was now near noon, and the olfactories of the new
comers were greatly refreshed by the smell of the savory stew which was
then in process of cooking.

Louis, being socially inclined, soon made the acquaintance of the boat's
crew, and with true French politeness invited them, in broken English, to
partake of his dinner. This was an opportunity for a good "feed" not to
be neglected, and soon the party of six or eight were seated at the table
and busily employed in gratifying their appetite, the stew being highly ap-
preciated and praised by all the invited guests, who innocently supposed it
was made of chickens or some sort of game.

"Be dad, that's a foine stew, Larry, me b'y," said one of the fishermen to
his shipmate, after dinner, and while they were filling and lighting their
dudeens for a "schmoke."

" Yer right there, Mike, but phat was it made of I'd like ter know ? Divil
the bit can" I tell phat kind of a bird it was."

" Sure, it's aisy enough ter find out. Say, me b'y," addressing the French-
man, "phat kind of a bird did yer make that soup of ?"

Now Louis, though he comprehended the meaning of the question, could
not answer it in English; therefore he did the next best thing, that is,
quickly stepped into the forehold and brought out the "bird's" skin, which
he displayed to the amazement and disgust of his visitors.

" Howly mither ! " one exclaimed as he caught sight of the skin and the
species of animal which had figured as the basis of the soup was made ap-
parent to him.

"Dear Jasus!" shouted another, grabbing his dudeen in his hand, and
turning pale ; "the dirty haythen has been feeding us with a cat."

A rush was now made for the deck, and never, perhaps, was seen a group
of men more thoroughly demoralized and sickened than these now unhappy
Irishmen. Each one seemed as intent on getting rid of his dinner as he
had been to eat it, while poor Louis, the innocent cause of all this trouble,
looked on in wonder, not clearly comprehending the situation, and hardly
knowing what to expect.

It is not necessary to describe the closing scene more in detail, since the
imagination can best fill up the picture. It is safe to say, however, that the
Frenchman's cat stew has never been forgotten by any of those who partook
of it, the particulars of which, as related above, were told the writer some
years later by the principal actor, Louis, himself.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

161

[the dory "centennial

Dory Voyagers Across the Atlantic.

The fact that three Gloucester-built dories have successfully crossed the
ocean in recent years makes it fitting that some reference should be made
to such voyaging in " The Fishermen's Own Book."

A little boat of ten tons burthen is said to have come to America from
the mother country in the colonial days, while of the fleet of Columbus in
1492 two were only half-decked over, and were of less than forty tons
burthen.

The first man to cross the Atlantic alone was Capt. Josiah Shackford, a
Portsmouth, N. H., seaman, who sailed from Bordeaux, France, in 1786, in
a "cutter-built" sloop of fifteen- tons, accompanied only by a dog, and after
a passage of thirty-five days arrived safely at Surinam, South America.

June 15, 1864, Capt. John Donovan sailed from New York for London
in a brig-rigged yawl-boat called the Vision, put into Boston July 5, leaking,
repaired and set sail again, was spoken July 20 and supplied with provis-
ions by an ocean steamer, and was never afterwards heard from. The Vision
was 16 feet keel, 4 ft. 10 in. beam, 2 ft. 9 in. deep, and had masts 19 ft.
high, spreading 50 yards of canvas.

The famous little Red, White and Blue sailed from New York July 9, 1866,
and made the trip to London in thirty-eight days, the shortest time known
to dory voyagers. She was 24 ft. long, 5^ ft. beam, drawing 18 inches
of water forward and 20 inches aft, and was ship-rigged, spreading 65 yards

162 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

of canvas. Her crew consisted of Capt. John N. Hudson, Francis E. Fitch
and a small poodle.

About the same time a ten-ton fishing boat is said to have made the pas-
sage from Penzance to Australia.

In 1867 the Nonpareil, a life-raft constructed* of three rubber cylinders 25
ft. long and schooner-rigged, sailed from Boston June 4, and made the pas-
sage to Southampton in fifty-one days. She had three men on board, Capt.
Mikes, George Miller and Henry Lawson.

The same month the John T. Ford, a schooner-rigged boat 25 ft. long,
sailed from Baltimore with two men on board, but capsized off Waterford,
on the coast of Ireland. The captain was drowned, but the other man was
rescued by a passing vessel.

The City of Ragusa, sloop-rigged, 19 ft. long, 6% ft. wide and 5^ ft. deep,
manned by an Austrian named Primnaiz and an Englishman named Hay-
ter, made the passage from Liverpool to Boston in ninety-eight days, in the
Summer of 1870. The following year she made the passage from New York
to Queenstown in forty days.

Alfred Johnsen, a Gloucester fisherman of Danish birth, was the first
man to cross the ocean unaccompanied even by a dog. His dory, the Cen-
tennial, was built in this city by Messrs. Higgins & GifTord, and was 16 ft.
keel, 20 ft. over all, 5^ ft. wide and 2^ ft. deep, decked over with the
exception of a standing room and hatchway, sloop-rigged, with two jibs,
mainsail and square-sail. The Centennial sailed from Gloucester June 15,
1876, touched at Barrington, N. S., sailed again June 25, and arrived safely
at Liverpool, England, Aug. 21, sixty-seven days from Gloucester. Johnsen
was a close calculator, and his log gave evidence that he followed the gen-
eral route of steamship travel. Aug. 2 his boat was capsized by a heavy
sea, but he managed to right her. Soon after, a huge shark appeared along-
side, which he frightened away with a knife fastened to a pole.

Another dory, the Brittle, Capt. Madison, attempted to make the voyage
from New York to Liverpool in the Summer of 1876, and was last heard
from in lat. 42, long. 46, where she was spoken by the ship Beethoven. The
Brittle was 16 ft. keel, clinker-built, sloop-rigged and decked over, with a
small hatchway amidships.

The first woman to cross the Atlantic in a dory made the perilous passage
in 1877. On May 28 of that year Capt. and Mrs. Thomas Crapo set sail
from New Bedford in a boat 19.55 ft* 'ong> 6.4 ft. wide and 3.16 ft. deep,
named New Bedford. She had two masts, 18 and 17 ft. high respectively,
with leg-of-mutton sails. She made the passage without accident, reaching
Mount's Bay, near Penzance, in forty-nine days. Capt. Crapo is now (1882)
master of sch. Adelia Felicia of New Bedford.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 163

The Nautilus came next. She was also built by Messrs. Higgins & Gif-
ford, and was a lap-streaked dory 15 ft. keel, 19 ft. over all, 6 ft. 7 in. wide
and 2 ft. 3 in. deep. She was manned by William A. and Asa W. Andrews,
brothers, of Beverly, grandsons of the late Zebulon Andrews of Essex, and
sailed from South Boston June 7, 1878. Put into Beverly and sailed again
June 12, made Bishop's Rock Lighthouse in the English Channel July 28,
put into Mullion Cove July 31, and arrived at Havre, France, Aug. 8.

[the dory "nautilus" in mid-ocean.]

June 1, 1879, Capt. and Mrs. Lewis G. Goldsmith sailed from Boston for
England in the Uncle Sam, a boat 18 ft. over all, 6 ft. 4 in. beam and 3 ft.
2 in. deep. They were obliged to put back, sailed again June 5, put into
Cape Island, N. S., June 16, arrived at Halifax, N. S., June 20, touched at
Canso, N. S., July 4 and Sydney, C. B., July 7, arrived at St. Johns, N. F.,
Aug. 7, set sail again Aug. 11, were disabled in a gale Aug. 16, and were
taken off by a passing ship Aug. 19 and landed at New York.

Capt. Henry Otto of Baltimore had a boat built the same year for the
purpose of making a voyage to Liverpool and Hamburg and back. She
was 18 ft. long, 6 ft. beam, 25 in. deep and cat-rigged, but the voyage was
probably abandoned, as we have seen no account of Capt. Otto embarking
from port.

Capt. Herbert F. Burrill of Falmouth and Andrew R. Coan of Nantucket
set sail from Boston July 9, 1879, f°r a voyage to Australia and thence to
San Francisco in the Golden Gate, a boat 19 ft. long, 5 ft. 4 in. wide and 2
ft. 6 in. deep, schooner-rigged and spreading 75 yards of canvas. After
meeting with many misadventures they landed at a little fishing village on
the coast of Brazil, and were sent home by the American Consul at Bahia..

164

FISHERMEN' S OWN BOOK.

The same year a "sea-tramp" sailed from New York to Boston "in a
cockle shell about the size of a coffin, being forty-nine days on the passage."
Two Boston architects cruised from London to Constantinople in a ten-ton
yacht named Dorian.

The last Gloucester-built dory to cross the Atlantic was the Little Western,
also built by Messrs. Higgins & Gifford. She was 16 ft. 7 in. over all, 13
ft. 6 in. keel, 6 ft. 8 in. beam and 2 ft. 6 in. deep, clinker-built, cutter-rigged,
and spread 5 1 yards of canvas. Manned by George S. Thomas and Fred.
Norman. She sailed from Gloucester June 12, 1880, and arrived at Cowes
July 28, forty-six days from Gloucester. She sailed from London June 14,
188 1, on the return trip, arrived at Port Median, C. B., Aug. 28, at Halifax,
N. S., Sept. 2, and at Gloucester Sept. 15, being the only one of the Glouc-
ester-built dories to make the ocean passage both ways.

The last successful venture in this line was made by the City of Bath, a
dory 14 ft. long, 5 ft. wide, 21 in. deep, decked over and sloop-rigged, built
at Georgetown, Me. She was manned by John Traynor, Ivar Olsen and a
kitten, sailed from Bath, Me., July 5, 188 1, put into Trespassey, N. F.,
sailed again, arrived at Falmouth, England, Aug. 24, fifty days from Bath,
and proceeded to Havre.

Another boat was built for an ocean venture last year, but we have seen
no account of her voyage. She was 19 ft. keel, 5 ft. beam, 13 in. draught,
brig-rigged, and was to sail from New York, manned by Charles Moore and
Benjamin Radford. Her name was William H. Grace.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 165

[From Report of Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries?^

Life on Board a Mackerel Catcher— Mackerel Catching
with the Purse-Seine,

Norwegian Commissioner to the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia.

After having waited some time for an opportunity to go to sea, to witness
the business out there, I succeeded in getting a promise of a place on board
the sch. William S. Baker, Captain A. K. Pearce. It was an old vessel, but
a good sailer, and the captain was recommended to me as an experienced,
enlightened, and generous man, who would take much interest in communi-
cating to me all the information he could give. He had carried on the
herring fishing at Labrador, halibut fishing off the west coast of Greenland,
and was now determined to prosecute mackerel fishing in the sea north of
Boston.

Late on a rainy evening I was informed that the vessel was now ready to
sail, in Gloucester Harbor, and that I could come on board. Neither the
weather nor the vessel particularly invited one out in the dark, foggy night.
But after being shown a tolerably good bunk astern, where besides myself
four of the crew had quarters, I soon found myself adjusted and anxious to
get under sail. Early in the morning we cast loose and the vessel hauled
out into the channel. But the wind was still ; we could make no headway.
While we waited for the wind a portion of the crew passed away the time
by taking a bath and swimming out into the deep. Their invitation to me
to swim a race with them I was in the notion of accepting, when the signal
was given to make sail and get under way. All came on board, took off
their swimming clothes, put on dry clothes, and caught hold at the anchor-
breaking and later at the hauling out, so that it was a pleasure to see them.
The brutal execution of discipline, so often censured on American merchant-
ships, did not exist on board here. The whole crew were native Americans,
active and experienced fishermen. They associated with one another with
good-will, eating at a common table to us all, and carried on their work
with mutual satisfaction. Neither beer nor whisky is found on board ; but
warm coffee and tea can be had from five in the morning to six o'clock in
the evening. In other respects the victuals were good and nourishing, con-
sisting mostly of beef, pork, all kinds of fresh fish, different kinds of pie and
pudding, sometimes vegetables, with eggs occasionally ; in short, about as

166 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

in a frugal municipal family in Norway. The men were not hired, but had
half the weight or a half share of the profits, which were calculated after the
expenses of salting, packing, barrels, &c, were deducted. The cook, who
besides the usual work in catching had to prepare the meals, got besides
for his part $27.30 per month. The trip just ended had been made in three
weeks, and had yielded a profit of a little over $81.90 net per man, which
is considered a very good trip. The crew in herring fishing, on the con-
trary, is generally hired. They ship at $10.92 to $13.65 per month for
boys ; $32.76 to $40.95 for able-bodied fishermen.

After being under sail a couple of days we saw a whole fleet of mackerel
schooners. There were between eighty and ninety sail, some of which had
made a light catch. We passed some steamers which carried on menhaden
fishing, and which went into port every evening to unload. These vessels
were quite recognizable by this, that they had two men on the lookout in
the cross-trees, on the foremast, and the rest in boats prepared for fishing.
Among other sail we passed also an old-fashioned French-rigged vessel,
which carried on mackerel fishing with trolling lines ; the vessel was belayed
and went before the wind. A crew of ten men stood to leeward, and each
man with at least two hand-lines, which he incessantly cast out and hauled
in, while two men ground bait (in a hand-mill) and threw out "chum." The
catch was poor, and the mode of catching, itself, most fishermen had given up
for capture with purse-seines, which have superseded all other implements.

While crossing back and forth we often saw mackerel schools playing in
the water, but they vanished suddenly. The folks told me that one could
smell mackerel as well as menhaden when the large schools of fish were in
the water. I entertained doubt of the truth of the information, but in the
following week I became perfectly convinced of its authenticity. Early one
morning one of the crew said that he smelt menhaden, and went immediate-
ly aloft on the foremast to discover the school. A half hour later we saw a
school playing on the surface of the water ; it was large mackerel. In haste
everything was made ready ; the purse-seine, which lay on the after hatch
coiled up in a bundle and wet with brine (to prevent rotting), was quickly
flung down in the seine-boat, which was kept constantly in tow ; next, two
small boats set out, so-called "dories," flat-bottomed, light-rowing boats,
half "sjcegte" and half lighter. These are said to be the best fishing-boats
known. When all was ready I leaped down into the boat, and away it
went. After a half-hour's rowing the seine-boss found that the time had
come to row in on a large school, which played quite delightfully. In three
minutes the seine, of about 250 fathoms, was rowed out and cast in a circle
around the school. After ten minutes more the seine was pursed, and in it
they estimated that they had caught 300 barrels of mackerel. A dory was
sent with a message on board the schooner, which was managed by the cap-

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 167

tain and a small boy ; after a little maneuvering the schooner sailed close
to the seine, got a portion of the cork-line on board, so that the catch was
brought between the vessel's side and the seine boat. A large dip-net, with
tackle and a long handle, was made ready, and in a few minutes the living
mackerel were thrown upon the deck by the half-barrel. The captured fish
in the seine became, in the mean time, very uneasy, and rushed from one
side of the seine to the other ; suddenly the seine burst in many places ;
they sought to haul in the seine, both in the boats and on board, and after
much trouble they succeeded in retaining and heaving on board a total of
about 50 barrels. The rest of the mackerel escaped through the large holes
in the seine.

As soon as the catch was secured on board they took in all sail and be-
gan on the preservation of the mackerel. With small dip-nets the fish were
thrown in a square trough, and from this, as they were cut and washed, they
were assorted according to size. The fish was split or cut in the belly (?)
about as cod which are manufactured into split fish. While sprinkling them
with salt they give them some slight cuts in the back to make the flesh swell
and give the fish a fatter and fuller appearance. This is a trick which both
the sellers and buyers understand. Twelve men are engaged at a time with
the salting, while the remaining two men examine and repair the seine. In
the space of two and a half hours 47 barrels stood ready salted. For every
four barrels of fish was required one barrel of Liverpool salt, the packing
being done later on shore.

The next morning at 6 o'clock we were again in the boats, made a new
cast, but caught nothing. At 8 o'clock we were again out, went half way
round with the seine, when the whole school sank to the bottom. We caught
nothing. The mackerel were wild and shy, played a little at the surface of
the water, but vanished quickly, to emerge again farther away. The mack-
erel schools were very large this day ; for as far as we could see on all sides
they were playing on the surface of the water. We made no catch notwith-
standing. The captain's attempt to entice the school with "chum" also
failed. At 11 o'clock we again made a cast, but took only eight mackerel.
At 2 o'clock, P. M., we made the fourth cast and got a couple of barrels ;
at 4 o'clock, another cast, and took 10 barrels, but small mackerel j and at
6 o'clock we made another, but got almost nothing save small fish. This
was a laborious day ; but, notwithstanding, we were the next day, at 5.30 in
the morning, again in the boat, made a cast, but simultaneously the school
turned around and made their escape. We saw many schools also this day,
and at 6.30 we were again on the way after one. This time we were suc-
cessful. They estimated the catch in the seine at 400 to 500 barrels. They
were very large and fat mackerel. After some trouble, the vessel sailed to
us, got a portion of the seine on board, and the taking in the fish was about

1 68

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

to begin. But the fish were very uneasy in the seine ; sunk to the bottom
with such force that the boat was on the point of capsizing, although we
placed eight men on the other gunwale to counterbalance the mackerel. At
one time all went smoothly enough to haul in on the seine and make the
purse smaller and smaller to prevent the frantic rushing of the mackerel.
But suddenly they sank again to the bottom, careened the boat over so that
we took in a quantity of water. We were scarcely ready to place ourselves
on the other gunwale when we felt that the boat suddenly righted itself and
lay still. The most knew what had happened ; it was that the mackerel
succeeded in breaking the old seine. Through a large hole, which became
larger and larger, about the whole school escaped ; and although we in all
haste hauled in on the fragments and tried to form a new purse, we suc-
ceeded in saving not more than 5 in the whole 500 barrels.

At 9.15 we set sail for the nearest port; it was considered useless to at-
tempt to mend the more than half worn-out seine. After a day's quick sail-
ing, we reached Boothbay in the evening. In the harbor lay a schooner
just arrived, which was filled to the rail with fresh-caught mackerel. The
crew worked the whole night in preserving them. With resignation our
crew saw this work. Had we had a better seine, we would also have had
remunerative night-work in salting some hundreds of barrels of mackerel.
The next morning I left the vessel, to return to Gloucester by steamer and
railroad.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

169

The Merry, Merry Mackerel Catchers,

BY JACOB S. LORD.

Then it's laugh, "Ha! ha! " and shout, "Hur-
rah!"

We are bound for the coast of Maine ;
Our hold is well stored with salt and food,

In the boat we've a fine new seine.

The sun goes down as we round Eastern
Point—

For Monhegan our course is laid ;
The watch is set- -the pipes are lit,

And a game of cards is played;

A lively lad has a song to sing ;

Uncle Ben has a yarn to spin ;
So pleasantly passes the time away

Till eight bells, when all turn in,

Except the lonely watch on deck,
Whose measured tramp is heard

As smoothly o'er the water skims
Our vessel like a wild sea-bird.

It is break of day — the sun peeps up,

The morning's clear and cool,
Aloft the lookout makes his way,

To sight the early school.

He espies the fleet— they are dead ahead—

And right lustily does he shout
To the skipper, who nervously walks the
deck,

" Yes, yes, the boats are out."

Now all is life on the schooner's deck,
As she ploughs thro' the sparkling brine;

Her crew in oiled clothes anxiously wait
For a chance to wet the twine.

"A school! a school!" from the foremast-
head

Is the lookout's exciting call ;
" On the weather bow ! it's showing red,

Can't say if it's large or small."

" Come down from aloft ! haul up the boat !

Out with the dory, tumble up here, cook !
Work lively, lads — yes, cast her off,

Pull out, and we'll have a look.

Hold ! way enough ; ah, there they rise-
Good fish ! I should say they were fine ;

Now gently start her ahead, my boys,
Quick, seine-master, give them twine !

Pull hard, my men ! now bend your backs !

Lively! over with the corks, my friend;
That's way enough — take on your oars,

Pass along the dory's end ;

Jump to the purse-line, one and all,
Give a long, strong and a steady pull ;

The rings are up — yes, take them on ;
By Jove 1 I believe she's full."

And so it proved — of number twos,

Right cheerily did we bail
Till the skipper cries, " We've got enough,

She's full from rail to rail."

All night we worked at split and gib,
Next day they were salted down.

As the sun sank low in the ruddy west,
We made sail for Gloucester town.

170 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Saving the Cable.

BY DICK SKYLIGHT.

One of the chief dangers to which a vessel at anchor on the Banks is lia-
ble, is that of having another vessel drift across her bow during a gale. If
this should happen there is little probability of either of them escaping de-
struction. We had such an experience in the "gully" between Banquereau
and Sable Island, on the 23d of June, 1877. The wind, which had blown
fresh all day, increased towards sunset, and there was a sharp combing sea
running. We paid out all our cable and cleared up things on deck. Just
as it was growing dark I saw the Lizzie — which was lying directly ahead
of us — break adrift and fall off broadside to the wind and sea.

At first I thought her crew would heave in her cable and set sail to clear
us, but as she kept drifting and had no riding-light up, I was reluctantly
forced to the conclusion that the watch on board of her was asleep. If that
was the case, the only thing to do in order to avoid a collision was to cut
our cable and go adrift too, unless we could sheer our vessel away from her
path. The tide was running to leeward, so that we had some command
over our vessel with the helm ; one man was, therefore, stationed at the
wheel ready for action ; the jib was cut loose, and a rope taken from the
clew to each bow, so that we could sheer the vessel either way, as the case
should demand. When the drifting vessel was about two hundred feet dis-
tant, she was driving right athwart our hawse, so that our jib-boom pointed
straight between her masts. We had previously fired our gun several times ;
but as there was no sign of life on board of her, the moment to try our plan
had arrived. While I stood ready with the axe to cut the cable in case of
a failure, the wheel was quickly put hard-a-starboard, the jib run up and
hauled well over on the starboard bow, so that it caught aback, and our ves-
sel slowly sheered to port, while we held our breath in suspense. The ma-
noeuvre succeeded very well indeed, for we passed around her stern with-
out striking. It was a close shave though, for her main-boom cleared our
rigging by only a few feet. The quietness and good order that our crew
had observed, while danger threatened and discipline was necessary, were
now broken by a general yell, which brought the other crew on deck, bare-
headed and stocking-footed, to receive, from my justly indignant men, some
remarks and advice that were certainly forcible if not polite. But we saved
our cable, and, as a consequence, could continue fishing, and therefore felt
thankful that nothing worse had happened.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

171

[model of a georgesman, 1882.]

A Summer Trip to Georges.

BY WALTER HILL.

Outward Bound — Soundings — Lively Work-
— A Good Fare — Homeward Bound.

-Pulling in the Cod and Halibut

As our bait is iced, and we are all ready for a start, you had better jump
on board and take a trip with us. We hoist mainsail and foresail, trip the
anchor, fill away the jib, and stand out of Gloucester Harbor. That little
island with the lighthouse on it, which we are leaving on the port or left
hand side, is Ten Pound Island, outside of which is the outer anchorage,
and still beyond is Eastern Point, also on the port hand, on which you ob-
serve is another lighthouse. To the westward of us the land stretches away
to Salem and Marblehead. Now turn and look at the scene we are leaving.
Beautiful, is it not ? The city of Gloucester is stretched out like a panora-
ma. The City Hall, a noble building, and the church steeples, are the most
prominent features ; not forgetting the Pavilion Hotel on the beach. The
innumerable fishing schooners, standing in all directions with their snow-
white cotton sails, give an animation to the scene not often equalled. Away
on the starboard quarter you may catch glimpses of the high-road to Mag-
nolia and Salem.

And now, with a freshening breeze, the sun dipping to the westward, and
the land gradually fading behind us, we are bowling off with our head east-
southeast for Georges. There'll be fish on deck before to-morrow night if

172 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

the wind holds good and fortune favors us — that is, if you don't turn out to
be a Jonah ! Fishermen are pretty superstitious, and have a great belief in
Jonahs. Should it unfortunately happen that we do not make a good trip
this time, being a green hand, you will surely be dubbed a Jonah. However,
greenhorns are generally assumed to be lucky till the contrary is proved ;
which will explain to you the suaviter in modo with which they seem to treat
you. But there is the cook blowing his whistle to call us to supper ; so we
will go down and make a "square meal," and then prepare for a nap.

" Hallo, there ! rouse out, old boy ; do you calculate on sleeping all day ?
The whistle went for breakfast long since, and the old cook will be clearing
the table off if you don't soon put in an appearance." Make a good break-
fast, and no signs of the landsman's malady yet. "Glad to hear it; you're
quite a Trojan."

We have carried a spanking breeze all night, and have come about sixty-
five miles since we started. Suppose we round her to and get a cast of the-
lead ; one hundred and twenty fathoms of line out, and no bottom. We'll
stand along a while longer. Meanwhile, I'll rig a line for you to fish with.
We use two hooks to each line with a snood of about one and a half fath-
oms to each hook, depending from the bottom of the lead. Having got a
basket of bait up from the hold, we'll take another sound ; seventy-five fath-
oms, hard bottom ; we'll have a try here, lads. Down go the lines, and,
bye-and-bye, Tom commences hauling. " What have you got on, Tom ? A
snapper (a small .codfish), I guess, I've got something small on, too."
They're too small here to pay us, so we'll go further for a field. My olfac-
tories inform me that the cook is progressing favorably ; so we will have
dinner before sounding again. I don't want to make any invidious remarks,
but the sea air seems to act magically on our appetites. Now for another
sound ; sixty fathoms — that's better. " By Jove ! that jerk was from no
small fish. There, he smells around again. Aha ! I've captured you this
time, old boy." Hallo ! Tom, Harry, Dick, all hauling as if for a wager.
Bear a hand, boys, and heave that anchor off the bow before she drifts away
from the "school." We're on fish this time, and no mistake. Let her have
a good scope of cable, and furl the sails. There ! we are all snug.

And now, gentle reader, whoever you may be, for whom I rigged that line,
you may take the next berth alongside of me and try your luck. Heave
over your snoods with the baited hook first, and then the lead, taking care
that the snoods go down clear, as on that depends whether you haul up one
fish or a pair. Hold the line in check a little, as it runs down, or the tide
will run it out in a bite, and it will foul the other lines coming up with fish
on them ; and then you'll get — anything but blessings. Directly you feel
your lead strike bottom, haul back a little, so as to leave the hooks dang-
ling at or near the bottom. That's very well ; watch the rest and you'll

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

*73

soon get initiated. There ! you have got a bite, and a good one, too ; haul
steadily away, you'll find sixty fathoms a long haul, but that won't trouble
you after a day or so. He's alongside, take him aboard with the gaff. I've
got a pair coming, too. That won't do, however ; your hands will soon get
torn and scratched if you try to unhook the fish before killing him. Hit
him on the head with a short stick the first thing after you get him on deck.
There's a knack, too, in unhooking ; see how easy it comes to me — a twist
and a jerk, and it's all done. Faster and faster the fish begin to come ;
everybody working like beavers ; the fish hooking themselves as fast as the
lines reach the bottom. What a scene of animation ! Some gaffing in fish,
others killing, some unhooking, and others, again, clearing a foul. H-s-s,
h-s-s, see your lines ! By Jove ! my boy, you've got a halibut on. Easy
now. That fish is worth a five-dollar bill to you if you get him up. There
he snubs — give him line — don't hold him too hard, or he will break the
gear. He is beginning to stay his downward course — hold him. Now he
runs up ; take in the line smartly, or he may unhook himself. H-s-s, h-s-s,
he's taking another downward dive and making the line smoke again. Stand
by to haul him away, as he tires. Up he runs again. Keep him well in

[got a halibut on.]

hand now ; stand by with gaffs, here, two or three hands. There he heaves
in sight. A one hundred and fifty pounder, at least. Stick the gaffs in his
head, and be sure to get a good hold. Now, then, yeo ! heave-ho! all to-
gether ! up with his flat lordship. Slap, oh ! he falls on deck, and such a
floundering, thrashing time of it you never saw. Hit him a tap or two with
the killer just over the nose. That quiets him. Now get him away clear
of the gear, and heave your lucky line over again.

i74 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Thus we go till near nightfall, when we haul in lines and dress the fish
secured. Two gangs form to dress down, one on each side of the vessel.
One man pitches the fish along into the tub for dressing ; the next cuts off
the head and slits the fish down the belly ; a third takes out the gut and
deposits the liver in a basket by his side; while a fourth "splits" the fish
and takes out the backbone ; and from his hand it goes into a tub of water,
and thence into the hold of the Salter. The halibut are then gutted and put
into the ice-house, as they have to be kept fresh. We've got, to-day, about
1,000 pounds weight of halibut and 3,000 pounds weight of codfish — a very
good day's work, considering it was dinner-time when we struck fish. A
week of this fishing, and we shall use up all our bait ; but then, it is seldom
fish stay in one place so long in Summer time.

It is now ten days since we got on the Bank, and, although we did not
keep the first "school" round us more than three or four days, we have been
fortunate enough to strike them again since, and have made a rousing trip,
after all— about 35,000 pounds weight of salt codfish and 4,000 pound weights
of halibut. The crew will make about fifty dollars apiece on an average —
not a bad fortnight's work. As the wind is fair, I think we may put her
head for Gloucester. Things don't always go so smoothly as they have this
trip, however ; and sometimes we beat about for days without meeting with
anything.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 175

Rob's First Cruise.

BY S. G. D.

It was an event of importance when John Wayne bought the Phillis with
the accumulated savings of many years, and began to go master of his own
vessel. He and his wife Margery had discussed the matter many times and
weighed the pros and cons carefully before the purchase was completed.
And when the bargain was fully concluded, and the Phillis was brought
round to the little cove before the cottage door, the repairing and painting
and outfitting of the Phillis was a topic of ever fresh and all-absorbing in-
terest to John and Margery, and Rob and little Ran ; and the fishermen at
the cove, and all the boys in the region roundabout came by twos and
threes to critically inspect and comment on John Wayne's craft.

Proudest of all was Rob. "Father '11 go skipper now," he remarked glee-
fully. "I'll tell you what, I shall be skipper a good part of the time
when I play with the cove boys, that is, if I play with them any more now.
I think I am big enough to leave school and go cook. Can't I go, father ?
I shall be thirteen next Spring, you know, and I have got to the Rule of
Three in arithmetic."

John Wayne thought, however, it would be wiser for Rob to keep on at
his ciphering awhile longer, and when the long Summer vacation came, he
should go two or three trips and see how he liked fishing. But he must
learn a little about cooking first. And with that Rob had to be content.

Did ever the weeks of a term of school before stretch out so endlessly ?
Long before vacation came Rob had become quite an adept in the making
of bread and molasses short-cake, and in the preparation of various dishes
adapted to the menu of a Galilee fisherman. But, as an end comes to all
terrestrial things, tedious howsoever they may be, so there came a blissful
day when Rob danced home with his books, too happy to walk soberly, now
that the vacation had really come. And for once he was in great luck ; for
the Phillis was in and would be ready to sail for the fishing ground the first
of the following week.

What a perfect Summer morning it was when Rob proudly sailed away on
his first cruise just as the rays of the rising sun illumined the sparkling sea.
Margery fondly looked after her boy so gaily swinging his hat, and her hus-
band standing at the tiller, till she could distinguish them no longer, and
then she watched the Phillis till it was a mere speck on the blue waters of
the bay. And when she turned to her morning tasks how still and lonely

176

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

GETTING THE "PHILLIS" READY FOR THE SEASON'S WORK.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 177

the house seemed now that her noisy boy was no longer in it. Little Ran
was still quietly sleeping, and it would be perhaps two or three hours before
he would wake and want his breakfast. Margery sat down to do a few rows
on her net, but the stillness was so oppressive that it presently became un-
bearable, and she arose and went out to work awhile in her garden, in the
dewy freshness and coolness of the morning.

Bye-and-bye she heard Ran's voice at the open window. "Where is Wob ? "
he asked.

" Rob has gone with papa in the Phillis. Don't you remember he carried
his clothes aboard last night ? He got up very early and went away while
you were fast asleep."

•'I want Wob !" was the response, with a gush of tears.

Margery's heart echoed the cry as she went in to console her little one
and to get him his breakfast of bread and milk. The day was long for
Margery, and long for little Ran, who missed his playmate. And when he
went to bed he asked, "Will Wob turn in the night?" And in the morning
the first question was, "Will Wob turn to-day?" And the questions were
daily asked, morning and night, during Rob's absence.

The days went by one after another, till a fortnight had passed, and it
was time to look for the Phillis. And Margery, sitting at her net, or chat-
ting with some neighbor who had come in, often looked out on the bay,
hoping to catch a glimpse of a white sail that was dearer to her than all the
other white sails flitting to and fro on the broad blue sea.

There came a day when the Summer sun shone fiercely down on a parched
earth. All the morning there was an ominous stillness in the air. There
was no note of bird or sound of insect, and even the waters for once seemed
hushed into absolute silence. When Margery had finished her midday
meal, she went to the door and sent a sweeping glance over the darkening
waters. She saw a sail — yes, it was the sail she longed to see. But what
a lurid light filled the air, and what threatening clouds were piling up in
great masses towards the zenith. "O if they were but here," she sighed.

The storm broke long before the craft Margery's eyes so eagerly watched
could reach a haven. How the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared,
and the wind swept round the little house on the headland ! How the rain
poured in a blinding sheet, that shut out from Margery's sight the vessel on
the tossing billows of the bay ! She drew back from the window, and clasp-
ing closely Ran in her arms, she waited for the power of the tempest to be
spent. Hours passed by, but still the wind blew a gale, and the rain fell in
torrents, when the shades of night gathered, and darkness covered the face
of the mighty deep.

A sleepless night it was for Margery Wayne, and when day dawned,
though the rain had ceased to fall, a turbulent, stormy sea was still lashed

178 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

and vexed by the wind. And as it grew lighter not a sail was to be seen on
the bay. Where was the Phillis and her crew ?

It was nearly noon, when one of the cove boys burst open the cottage
door, and cried out abruptly, " They've found the name of the Phillis over
there on the rocks, and they're bringing it up here."

Pale and speechless, Margery sank into the nearest seat. Ran felt that
something had happened. "What is it?" he asked; "Is Wob tummin and
my faver?"

"O Ranold, Ranold," cried his mother, "your father will never come
home any more, and Rob will never come back to us ! "

The sign was brought up and laid on the grass-plot before the door.
Yes, it was the very sign that John Wayne had painted with such patient
and loving care. In what fearful moment was it wrenched from its hold,
and where now were the timbers of the Phillis scattered, and where alas !
was the brave crew ?"

One, two, three days went by. It was a golden Summer afternoon, and
the sea was as gentle and placid as if it had never been storm-tossed. Mar-
gery, pale and listless sat, slowly drawing her netting-needle in and out
through the meshes of her net. She was stunned. It was not possible yet
to think of the future, and so she went on doing mechanically as she had
done. Ran, rosy, dimpled and dewy-eyed, scarcely awake from his after-
noon nap, stood looking out of the cottage door. His long silence attracted
Margery's attention. She turned her head wearily to see what he was doing.

"What is Rannie looking at?" she asked indifferenly.

"My faver's boat," said the little one sturdily. "My faver is tummin
some more, and Wob, too ! I sees 'em my own self."

Margery's heart gave a great throb. Another instant and she stood beside
Ran. Did her eyes deceive her, or was it a phantom craft that was round-
ing the headland and sailing so noiselessly into the little cove ? Was it
really her husband giving directions to his crew, and Rob himself waving
his hat as joyously as when he sailed away, or were her senses leaving her ?

Ah, yes, she notes now, with a sob of relief, that the name is gone from
the bow, but the vessel otherwise seems as staunch as ever.

The Phillis had been blown off shore and somewhat strained, but had
received no other injury save the loss of her name, which had been inse-
curely fastened and which the capricious waves must wash up on the cove
rocks, and so cause Margery Wayne such days and nights of anguish. The
vessel itself had been in a safe harbor before dark on the night of the storm.

Rob had come home in high feather. He had been all about the city
with his father while the Phillis was lying wind-bound. His father had
found a good market for his fish, and Rob had taken part of his earnings to
buy for himself a four-bladed knife, and for Ran a most wonderful gun,

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 179

that could be half cocked and wholly cocked, and that would make a great
noise.

Rob went three trips that Summer, and he was quite a hero among the
cove boys when he went back to school in the Fall. His knife was the
envy and admiration of all the other boys, and often while he was busy carv-
ing elder into fanciful shapes, he was wont to hold forth to an eager audi-
ence his narrative, invariably commencing, "When I went my first trip in
the Phillis—"

Lost in the Fog,

In the preceding pages are given many instances of fishermen lost in the
fog on the Banks, and of great sufferings caused thereby from hunger and
exposure. The above engraving did not reach us in season to be placed
in that chapter, so we insert it here. It illustrates an instance where two
poor fellows are thus adrift on the wide expanse of waters. One is stand-
ing up, pointing, seemingly, at some slight object which may be dimly dis-
cerned, to which the attention of his companion, who has stopped rowing
and is anxiously looking, is directed. Or it may be that they are holding a
consultation as to which dierction it would be best to pull, in order to meet
with some vessel or fall in with the land, and thus escape the perils which
surround them. It is a perilous position to be placed in, especially without
food or drink, and we do earnestly hope that each dory while on the grounds
will in future be well provided with these important articles..

i8o

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Crippled on the " Home Stretch."

BY DICK SKYLIGHT.

No branch of the fishery is so uncertain, as to the returns, as that for
halibut. One vessel may get a high price for her fish, while a second, a
few days or hours later, by striking an overstocked market, may receive not
more than half as much. As the success of the trip therefore depends very
much on the rapidity of the homeward passage, sail is crowded on, even to
the point of extreme danger, and the " home stretch " frequently becomes
the most exciting part of the whole trip, demanding the best seamanship
and skill on the part of the skipper and crew.

Fishermen as a class take especial pride in the sea-going qualities of the
vessel they sail in, and esteem most highly her ability to carry a crowd of
sail in a fresh breeze. This particular pride is often more forcibly exhib-
ited— perhaps recklessly so — by the men composing the crews than by the
skippers, since upon the latter rests the responsibility. It is sometimes
quite amusing to overhear some of the remarks of the men on deck in re-
lation to carrying sail. " I tell yer what 'tis/' says one to his watch-mate,
" the old critter's stiff 's a church." " Yes," replies the other, " the old gal
can wear her muslin 'bout 's long 's any of 'em. I don't believe them they
blow so much about can stand it much longer ; not if the old man's a mind
to lug it on her." This desire to " lug it on her " is expressed, too, when
the little schooner is probably buried all under water on the lee side, and
the spars and sails are strained to the utmost. On more than one occasion
I have, myself, barely escaped evil consequences from carrying a " taut
rag " when homeward bound.

One night in March, 1878, we left the Grand Bank just at the commence-

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 181

ment of a southeast storm, which rapidly augmented in fury. About 3
o'clock in the morning all hands were called to take in the staysail, after
which the dories were turned bottom up and lashed securely. This work
occupied about an hour, when all but myself and the watch went below.
The night was intensely dark, and all that it was possible to see was the
sparkle of the spray as it flew from the bow, and the luminous phosphores-
cent track behind our vessel, as, with her sheets well off, she rushed through
the waters and the darkness like a great black-winged spectre. A half hour
later I again called all hands : " Get on your oil clothes and stand by the
halyards," is the order. Hardly had this been done, when a squall struck
us almost with the force of a thunderbolt. Feeling the vessel settling, I
shouted to the man at the wheel, " Let her come to," and to his watch-
mate, " Let go the main-peak halyards." At the same time I sprang to the
main-throat halyards and tried to get them clear, but could not, owing to
the darkness, and the fact that they were not belayed as usual. In the
meantime our little vessel came near going to the bottom, for she was under
water from her cat-head to the taffrail, on the lee side. When the man at
the wheel first heard my order, he put the helm down, but, finding the ves-
sel was going so low, kept her off again (thinking that the safer thing to do),
at the same time climbing on top of the wheel-box to get out of the water.
His watch-mate, though floated off his feet on the lee side, let the peak hal-
yards go by the run. This reduced the sail considerably, and, the first fury
of the squall being past, the " old boat " shook off part of the water, and,
still running at an appalling rate, kept afloat until we could shorten sail
still more.

On another occasion, in the Spring of 1876, while running for home in a
northeast gale, our vessel was " sprawled out " by heavy seas twice in one
day, being knocked down so that her sails were in the water, and the lee
side completely buried. The night preceding the day on which we were
knocked down we had a tussle with the ice, immense floes of which, in the
Spring of 1876, were driven by a succession of northerly winds nearly to
the edge of the Gulf Stream. We were running under a double-reefed
mainsail, whole foresail and jib (with the bonnet out) — all the sail we could
stagger under — when, a little after midnight, the watch shouted down the
companion-way : " Hear the news there below I rouse out, here's ice close
aboard ! " It needed no second call to bring us out, for all realized the dan-
ger of meeting with ice while running at such a rate ; if the vessel struck a
heavy piece her bows would be crushed in like an egg shell. As for my-
self I hurried on deck in my shirt sleeves, and, jumping into the rigging,
climbed far enough above deck to get a good view, and clung there for
nearly two hours directing the wheelsman how to steer to avoid coming in
contact with either the floe or straggling pieces of ice. The latter, which

182 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

were of various sizes, were really the most dangerous, since they could not
be seen so quickly. It was bright moonlight, however, which was much in
our favor, and by taking in the foresail we reduced the speed of the vessel,,
so that we passed safely by hundreds of isolated ice cakes, any one of
which would have knocked in our vessel's bow had she struck it. With the
wind blowing a northeast gale and sweeping down from such a vast body of
pack ice as lay to windward, the air was keen and biting, as may easily be
surmised, and when at last we had cleared the last of the lolly-ice# which
strung out to the leeward of the main floe, and the increasing motion
of the vessel gave evidence of open water to windward, I crawled down out
of the rigging, but was so thoroughly chilled through that I could scarcely
stand.

As there was possible danger of meeting more ice, and the wind had in-
creased somewhat, I concluded not to set the foresail before daylight.
When we cleared the ice we were nearly a hundred miles south of the
latitude of Sable Island, and were therefore obliged to steer W. N. W.,
which brought us almost in the trough of the sea. Having warmed myself,
and ordered the watch to " call me if there were any indications of ice, or
increase in wind," I turned in. The sea increased very much towards
morning, and a little after daybreak we were tripped and knocked down ;
the mainboom went under nearly to the mast, parting the boom-tackle ; one
man in the forecastle was thrown from a weather into a lee bunk, and
another who was lying in a berth on the lee side was scalded by the con-
tents of the coffee pot which came tumbling on top of him from the stove
on the opposite side. Altogether there was quite a mixing up of things,
but almost before we had a chance to realize the situation, the vessel was
back on her bottom and tearing along on her course again. Not caring,
however, to repeat the performance, if we could avoid it, we set a double-
reefed foresail, took in the mainsail, and bent the riding sail in its stead.
Under this canvas we kept along on our course, though, such was the
danger of being sprawled out again, that I staid on deck all day directing
the man at the wheel how to steer to escape the ugly cross seas that quite
frequently came along. It was anything but pleasant, to be sure, to run a
vessel under such circumstances, but nevertheless we kept her going,
swinging off almost before it sometimes, and hauling to on our course again
when a chance offered. In this way we went along safely until about sun-
down, when, being very hungry, I went below for a lunch, first giving the
man at the wheel the order to " Watch her sharp j swing her off quick if

*Lolly-ice is the name given to the fine ice which generally extends to a greater or less dis-
tance to leeward of field ice. It is formed by the grinding together of the larger pieces, and
being of small size, and, of course, comparatively little under water, usually drifts to lee-
ward faster than heavy ice.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 183

you see a bad one* coming, and let her take it stern to." I had scarcely-
seated myself on the weather side oi the forecastle table, with a piece of
bread in one hand and a mug of tea in the other, when the vessel was
thrown completely on her beam ends. Dropping whatever I held, I sprang
for the companion-way the instant I felt her going over. But the water,
rushing over the top of the companion doors, met me as I gained the top
of the steps, and as the vessel was at that time lying flat on her side, the
prospect of her righting again before she filled looked rather dubious.
There was a strong probability, too, that the man at the wheel had been
washed overboard, or injured, and if such was the case the vessel (should
she right) would be in danger of broaching to and having another sea
sweep over her. Fortunately, as in the morning, she soon straightened up
again, and I jumped out on deck and ran for the wheel. By the time I
reached the main hatch, though it took scarcely an instant, the wind struck
into the sails, and the vessel, starting ahead with a rush, drew herself out
from beneath the water under which she was buried from the mainmast aft,
and which went dashing and splashing out over the stern and both rails as
our " old boat" onc.e more rose buoyant on top of the waves. So far under
water had the stern been that the wheelsman — a six footer — was entirely
submerged when the vessel righted, though he stood on his feet, still retain-
ing his grip of the wheel ; the men in the cabin were nearly smothered by
steam and gas which was driven from the cabin stove by a stream of water
which ran down the stove pipe on to the burning coal. Barefooted, bare-
headed, and panting for breath, they were glad enough to get out on top of
the house where they might get the fresh air.

Although we had met with little or no damage, from being sprawled out
twice, it was, nevertheless, a little more than we had advertised for, so we.
hove to for a few hours until the moon rose, when, the sea having gone
down somewhat, we started again on the home stretch.

" Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," it has been well said, and the
foregoing will show that the success and safety o£ the winter fisherman de-
mands almost as great watchfulness and circumspection, since the incidents
mentioned above are only two of hundreds that might be related.

*A sharp and heavy cross sea, which would be likely to break aboard and sweep the deck,
if nothing worse happened.

184

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

The December Gales of 1876.

The gales which swept over the fishing banks on the 9th and 16th of De-
cember, 1876, were terrific. All who were exposed to them and returned
to port affirmed that in all their experience nothing was ever encountered
which would compare with the fierceness of the winds and the waves and
the narrow chances which beset the fleet exposed to their fury. Herewith
we publish the accounts of our interviews with the skippers. These gales
swallowed up ten vessels, and ninety-eight men were buried beneath the
treacherous billows, the full particulars of which will be found under the
appropriate heading.

Experience of Sch. "Augusta H. Johnson" — Her Captain Obeys a
Premonition and Saves a Man's Life. — Capt. George A. Johnson of sch.
Augusta H Johnson, left Banquereau on the 7th of December for home.
Encountered the gale on the night of the 9th. A 7 o'clock came to anchor
thirty miles to the westward of Sable Island. The wind blew a perfect hur-
ricane with an ugly sea running. Parted at 11 o'clock; hove in the cable,
and at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 10th anchored again; parted again
at 7 o'clock ; a tremendous sea boarded her at 9 o'clock, which stove five
dories, broke fore-boom and fore-gaff in two places ; took three hundred
fathoms of cable from the weather side to leeward, when John McDonald,
one of the crew, got caught in the coil and received severe injuries. Run
her from 10 o'clock A. M., to 2 o'clock P. M., when the storm abated, and
put on sail for home. Was in Shelburne, N. S., 17th, and on the morning
of the 18th saw a disabled brig about thirty miles off Seal Island. A barque
was near by, and Capt. Johnson concluded that she would give all needed

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 185

assistance. Then a strong impression came over the captain to board the
brig, and he could not shake it off. He was extremely desirous to keep on
his passage home, but the impression weighed on his mind. He felt uneasy.
Go on board the brig ! was the mandate plainly given, and he could not
dispel it. Finally he obeyed the premonition, and with four of his men
he boarded the brig in the dory. It proved to be the Wildhorse, coal laden
and abandoned. (She afterwards went ashore at St. John's Island.) Capt.
Johnson got sail on her, and after she got well on her course he descried
an object as far ahead as he could see, which resembled a man on a cake
of ice. He at once called attention to it and signalled to the schooner.
With all speed they hastened to it in the dory, and on drawing near, what
was their surprise in finding a man clinging to the bottom of a boat which
was painted white, thus giving the appearance of an ice cake in the distance.
It proved to be Mr. Gottfried Frankfurt, mate of barque Seawood, who with
three men had boarded the brig, and upon their return the boat was cap-
sized alongside. Two of the men succeeded in getting on board, leaving
Frankfurt and a seaman named Peter Anderson, in the water. They both
succeeded in clinging to the boat's bottom ; the barque drifted away, and
ere the men on the vessel got their boat ready the two were out of sight.
They had cruised around, and not succeeding in finding them, had given
them up. The cold was most intense, with a heavy sea, and for two hours
Frankfurt had managed to hold on to the submerged boat, with the water
up to his breast, the sea beating over him and the cold piercing his vitals.
It was a terrible struggle for life, and his companion succumbed to the fear-
ful ordeal, and slipping off the boat disappeared beneath the waters ! The
suffering man was taken on board the Johnson, where kind hearts and will-
ing hands administered restoratives, and he escaped without any serious
illness. The probabilities are that if Capt. Johnson had kept on his course
and not heeded the premonition, the man would have been drowned, as he
could not possibly have held on but a few moments longer. Who can ac-
count for such a premonition ? Surely it was not of the captain's seeking,
as he was opposed to heeding it, supposing that the barque had rendered
all the necessary assistance, and he wanted to get home. The Seawood ar-
rived at Portland, where the mate joined her.

Loss of Sch. "Daniel A. Burnham." — Sch. Daniel A. Burnham, Capt.
James Nickerson, was capsized on Grand Bank in the gale of the 10th, car-
rying away both masts level with the deck. The crew remained on the
wreck five days, suffering great hardships, when they were taken off by a
steamer and carried into St. Johns. The wreck was in a sinking condition
when the men were rescued. They lost everything, and were more or less
injured from exposure.

186 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Experience of the "John Dove" — A Tough Time of It. — Sch. John
Dove was exposed to the full severity of the gale of Dec. 16th and 17 th, on
La Have Bank. On the 16th one of the crew named Augustus Brown fell
overboard, but being an expert swimmer, kicked off his heavy rubber boots
and struck out bravely for the vessel. Ropes and tubs were thrown over
from the vessel, but the tide was running strong and the current bore him
away from them. The cable was paid out until the vessel backed down to
where Brown was swimming, and he was taken on board, after having been
in the water about eight minutes. Early on the morning of the 17 th a tre-
mendous sea broke over the vessel, sweeping the decks, carrying away two
companion-ways, smashing dory, staving rail, breaking the wheel-box, de-
molishing the cooking stove, and doing other damage. But for the parting
of the cable the vessel must have foundered. One of the crew, Maurice Wi-
ley, was washed against the companion-way and had his face severely cut.
The Dove put into Halifax on the 23d for repairs. She had rough weather
all the time after leaving port, being three times blown off her fishing
grounds, once a distance of some seventy-five miles.

Experience of the "Ruth Groves." — Sch. Ruth Groves was knocked
nearly bottom upward by a heavy sea, her foremast carried away to the
deck, and lost mainsail, main-boom, and main-gaff. Two of her- crew, Chas.
Cook of Lockeport, N. S., and Joseph Teddy of Sydney, C. B., were swept
overboard and lost. The crew were obliged to pump and bail all night to
keep her free. Some sails were rigged and a drogue put out. They steered
for Liverpool, N. S., which they reached after a dangerous passage. Charles
McKinney, one of the crew, was thrown out of his berth upon the stove,
and was so severely burned that he was sent home in sch. Howard.

Sch. "Edwin C. Dolliver," Capt. John Thompson, from Western Bank,
reported the gales as very severe. Lost three anchors. On the nth of
December saw brig lucy in a disabled condition on the southern part of the
Bank j took off her crew of eight men and brought them to this port. The
vessel soon after sunk. She was commanded by Capt. James Irving, loaded
with coal and potatoes, and bound for Cuba.

Sch. "Riverdale," Capt. Forristall, while lying at anchor on LaHave
Bank, in the gale of the 9th of December, was struck by a heavy sea, which
swept the decks, smashed three dories and sent them adrift, and carried
away everything moveable. The vessel was hove on her beam ends, and
the cabin and forecastle filled with water. The cable parted, and the crew
shifted the salt and fish in the hold, and the vessel righted. The Riverdale
lost her other anchor and cable in the gale of the 16th, and was obliged to
put into Halifax for repairs.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 187

Fearful Experience on Board Schooner " Howard,"

BY J. W. COLLINS.

There are few, indeed, who have never experienced it, that can form any
adequate idea of what it is to ride out a gale — a regular "sneezer" — at an-
chor in mid-ocean, where even the staunchest ocean steamers are like play-
things of the mighty elements. As a rule, a fishing vessel rides like a sea-
gull, gallantly breasting the waves that go seething and swishing by, although
the violence of the wind often makes the little schooner tremble like an Au-
tumn leaf, as it rises on the top of a huge wave to plunge the next moment
down its opposite side. Nevertheless, an " unlucky sea " will occasionally
break on board, and, if the man on watch is not on the lookout for it, he is
likely to be injured if not washed overboard. But, whatever the danger to
individuals, a lookout must be kept, for in a gale many most serious perils
threaten, which can only be successfully met by utmost care and vigilance.

It frequently happens that after a long day (often eighteen or nineteen
hours) of fatiguing work at fishing, the weary crew, with the exception of the
watch, turn in for the much needed sleep. It may be scarcely an hour later,
when the watch goes below and, giving the skipper a shake to waken him,
says : " Cap'n, it's blowing again like great guns, and I think she needs
the rest of her cable ; you'd better turn out and look at it." Of course there
is no shirking this duty, and the skipper, knowing he is not called without
good reason, tumbles out of his bunk, puts on boots and sou'-wester, and
goes up in the companion-way, greeted, the moment he thrusts his face out-
side, by the full force of a nor'west snow-squall. The roaring of the waves
as they go rushing by, the dismal howling of the wind through the rigging,
added to the darkness of the night, intensified by the blinding effect of snow
and hurling spray, leave no choice but to order the watch to " call 'em out,
for'ard," while at the same time the shout, " Come ! rouse out here ! we've
got to give her the whole string," wakes the heavy slumberers in the cabin,
and the half-asleep and thoroughly disgusted men crawl on deck with many
objurgations and odd, but innocent remarks.

" What kind 'er weather d'ye call this ! " one growls out ; while another
exclaims, " If I had the job, and couldn't make any better, I'd give up the
contract and hire out to a farmer." The air with which the closing sen-
tence is uttered plainly tells that, in the mariner's estimation, the lowest
degradation one could possibly reach would be to " hire out to a farmer."

But this is only cheap talk, and, notwithstanding the danger from shipping
seas, the crew soon muster around the windlass, and sufficient cable is

1 88 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

veered out for the occasion, often amounting to three hundred and fifty or
four hundred fathoms, if there is a heavy gale, and the vessel is in deep
water, though on the shoal part of the Bank, in thirty to fifty fathoms, much
less cable is required.

In ordinary gales fishermen are rarely anxious for their safety, for, like
veteran soldiers, they come to think little of their perils, and while the
storm howls, the vessel rolls, staggers, rises and plunges again, the crew off
duty will frequently gather in the cabin and "pitch in for a sing," and at
such times groups of four often improvise a low table on the cabin floor,
and have a game of " Seven Up," or " Euchre." Exclamations of " Swing
for his Jack," "That makes us game," and the like, are sometimes inter-
rupted by a dash of water down the companion-way, which obliges every-
body to scramble to their feet to save themselves and the precious cards
from a wetting.

But furious hurricanes often sweep across the Banks with almost resistless
fury, carrying destruction and death with them, and appalling even the
stoutest hearts. Such was the terrific gale of Sept. 9th and 10th, 1876, in
which many staunch vessels succumbed to the power of the wind and waves,
carrying down with them the hardy and daring men who formed their crews.

The writer was then in command of the sch. Howard — one of the very
few, if not the only vessel, to hold on and ride out the gale at anchor. The
vessel was on Banquereau, and the following extract from a letter gives the
principal incidents of the occasion :

On the morning of the 9th of December we made sail* before daylight
and got all ready to set our trawls, but by the time it was fairly light it blew
up smart from the southeast and began to snow. We lay by for awhile
around the Andrew Leighton and her dories, some of which were out. After
an hour or two, finding the wind increasing fast, we ran in on the Bank un-
til we reached a depth of sixty fathoms, where we anchored and got all
ready for a gale. The southeaster blew heavy, but was of short duration,
being about what Winter southeasters generally are.

The night of the 9th the wind jumped in to west-northwest, and towards
morning of the 10th blew very heavy; so hard indeed that, fearing the rid-
ing-sail would go to pieces, we hauled it down. The riding-sail, which be-
longed to another vessel, and which we had taken temporarily, was a new
one which had no reef in it, as did our own. The latter had been left
ashore, as it was too old for a Winter trip.

The gale increased in fury, and after daylight blew extremely hard, while,
to make matters worse, the tide set out to run to the southward, hawsing
the vessel up in such a manner that she lay almost in the trough of the sea.

*Set mainsail and jib. We had been lying to during tbe previous night under a foresail.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 189

There was a fearful sea going, too, I think the worst I ever saw ; but we
did not ship any heavy water before eight o'clock, A. M. Just before that
hour I went up in the companion-way and spoke to the man who had the
watch, and who was busy aft by the wheel-box clearing the log-line, or some
other small gear which had been fouled up by the water washing it about
deck. He was standing with his back to the sea, totally unmindful of his
danger. As I went below I said to him, "Keep a good lookout for your-
self, George j keep your eye to wind'ard, for there are some nasty seas com-
ing along." "All right, skipper, I'll look out for myself," he replied in a
cheerful tone. His watch was just out, and the man who succeeded him was
nearly ready to go on deck as I went below.

I had not been in the cabin more than a minute, when a tremendous sea
broke on board abaft, or about the main rigging, swept aft with resistless
force, knocking the companion-way slide to as though it was struck with
a trip-hammer, ripping two boards off of it ; also the bait planks off the
house ; and last, and most appalling of all, sweeping the unsuspecting man
(George Miller) into the foaming and seething waters astern, so far away as
to be beyond the reach of all human aid. A feeling of horror, like an elec-
tric shock, passed through me as I heard the roar of the breaking waves
and the peculiar swishing sound of the waters rushing across the deck, and
I exclaimed to the man who was standing by the steps ready to go on deck,
"My God! Silas, I'm afraid that sea has washed George overboard."
Reaching up, Silas shoved the slide back, and we both sprang on deck.
But what a sight met our eyes ! More than a hundred feet astern and drift-
ing with the current, every moment still farther away, we saw the poor fel-
low rise to the surface, struggle for a few seconds, and then, buried beneath
a huge wave, disappear forever from mortal sight, while the shrieking and
howling winds sounded a requiem over his untimely grave. Sad, indeed,
were the faces of our crew when it became known that we had lost a man.

However, we had but little time to indulge in regrets or sorrow, for the
gale, which had then increased to a furious hurricane, compelled us to make
extra endeavors for the safety of the vessel and our own lives. She hawsed
up so badly soon after the event just described, that we were compelled to
set the riding-sail to keep her more nearly head to the sea. We reduced
the siz^ of the sail as much as was practicable, by making a "bag reef" in
it. This was done by tying up the clew and lashing the bottom hoops to-
gether, which being done, we hoisted it up a little before nine o'clock, A. M.

Shortly after the riding-sail was set, we had a succession of tremendously
heavy snow squalls, which blew with a fury I never saw equalled or even
approached during an experience of thirty years battling with the Atlantic
storms ; while the snow was so dense that, when we were in the hollow of
a sea, the top of it could hardly be seen. The Howard quivered and trem-

190 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

bled like a stricken dolphin, as she struggled with great apparent effort up
the steep sides of the mountainous waves, which threatened to bury her be-
neath their curling crests. Even with the small sail which we had set — a
mere rag in size — and lying nearly head to the wind, she buried her lee side
nearly to the hatches. To walk against the blast was out of the question,
and all one could do was to haul themselves along by the life-lines,* or cling
to the rigging for safety. She plunged so heavily into the waves that the
jib was soon washed loose from the bowsprit. While I was in the cabin af-
ter a rope to secure it, a second heavy sea boarded us, breaking over the
port bow, covering our little vessel nearly out of sight beneath a deluge of
rushing water and flying spray. When the men on deck saw it coming they
sprang for the rigging. Two of them, who got on to the fore-gaff, held on
to the peak halyards, clinging to the ropes with their hands and legs. The
sea broke so high that both of these men were nearly washed clear of their
hold, although they were eight to ten feet above the deck. The latter was
filled with water nearly to the tops of the rails, compelling us to knock off
some waist boards so that the vessel would clear herself.

Between the squalls we managed to secure the jib, though it was extreme-
ly hazardous going out on a bowsprit in such a gale. The squalls had the
most terrifying appearance that I ever witnessed, as they came tearing down
from to windward. Black as night and driving the white foam before them,
they were an awful sight, and enough to strike terror to the hearts of those
who never felt a sense of fear, and who, even then, when death was immi-
nent, bravely faced the storm, disdaining to flinch from the peril which duty
and self-preservation called them to meet.

Fearing the cable would part, and feeling sure that the vessel would be
knocked down on her beam ends if she fell off with any sail set, I stationed
myself at the mainmast, whenever the squalls came along, ready to let the
riding-sail run down if necessary. When the fourth squall was coming I
took my usual position, standing on the bit-head of the fife-rail with my
right foot, and grasping the riding-sail halyards with my right hand. While
I was standing in this position, and in the midst of a flurry of flying snow, a
ball of lightningf burst between the masts, and I was knocked insensible to
the deck. Others of the crew were slightly shocked. As soon they could,
the men who were on deck ran and picked me up, thinking I was dead, and
carried me below.

I would not speak of the intense suffering which I endured for four hours

♦During heavy gales life-lines are generally rigged by stretching, on each side of the ves-
sel, a rope from the fore-rigging to the main, and from that aft to the davit.

fThe men who saw it said it was like a ball of fire, and burst between the masts like a
rocket. It is probable that a fragment ran down the wet rope to which I was clinging, and
struck my arm.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 191

— hours of dreadful agony — while I was being resuscitated, were it not to
mention the conduct of my men, all of whom showed a devotion and noble-
ness of spirit rarely equalled and never excelled. Though in almost mo-
mentary expectation of death themselves, they continued their efforts for my
relief with extraordinary zeal and coolness. Fortunately I could speak soon
after being taken into the cabin, and was thus able to direct what should be
done both for myself and for the safety of the vessel.

We had only three more squalls after I was struck by lightning ; those
were not so heavy as the previous ones, and after they were past, the wind
soon subsided to an ordinary gale.

After recovering sufficiently to examine my injuries, I found that the light-
ning had ploughed along my right arm from the wrist to above the elbow,
scorching it severely ; while five smaller burns were on my right leg below
the knee, mostly about the ankle. My right side was paralyzed, and I could
not stand on my feet for several days.

We started for home as soon as the gale was over, but had a long, hard
passage. My burns were so painful that when we got as far as Liverpool,
N. S., we went in there for medical assistance, and arrived home the 23d
of December.

THACHER'S ISLAND.

BY THOMAS J. PARTRIDGE.

Hail, ye stately columns on that rock-bound isle,
That cast your lurid warnings far out for many a mile,
To warn the hardy mariner of the jagged rocks so dread, —
Who safely into harbor by your brilliant lights is led.

How sad to part from one who has proved a friend in heed,
Or wave adieu to loving ones who come to say, " God-speed;"
Thus must the sturdy fisher feel as he leaves thee far astern,
Bound off for Georges stormy Bank, perhaps ne'er to return.

Majestic forms ! you rear your lordly heads as if to emphasize
The great and glorious good that's done by thy two fiery eyes,
And when the golden sun is hid behind Bond's rocky sod,
You throw them far out o'er the sea, from Boon Island to Cape Cod.

"With what an anxious, beating heart have fishers watched for thee,
When almost home from the Grand Bank or Fundy's stormy sea ;
By signs, log, compass, and by chart and reckoning, they knew
That Thacher's welcome twin lights must soon come into view.

Watching as only mortals watch when they know the port is near
That holds within its sacred walls all they consider dear;
And when at last their eye doth rest upon thy garnished domes,
Then bubble up four English words— wife, children, rest and home.

192 FISHERMEN S OWN BOOK.

Foundering of Schooner Almon Bird,

Terrible Sufferings of Her Crew — Four of Them Die — Praiseworthy Self-
Sacrifice of Cape Ann Fishermen.

Sch. Almon Bird of Rockland, Me., for Alexandria, Va., loaded with plas-
ter, encountered a severe northeast gale off Monhegan, Sunday evening,
Jan. i, 1882. At two o'clock, Monday morning, the sea made a clean breach
over her. The vessel continued to ship heavy seas, all doing more or less
damage, and at seven o'clock, A. M., when about half way between Boon
Island and Thacher's Island, some thirty miles off shore, the after hatch
was stove in by a sea, and the vessel commenced to fill, and there was noth-
ing to do but to take to the boat and trust to the chances of being picked
up. One of the boats, containing the only pair of oars, had been washed
overboard.

Her crew list was as follows : C. A. Packard, master, of Rockland, Me.;
William H. Harriman, first mate, of Prospect, Me.; Charles Chaples, second
mate, of Rockland, Me.; A. B. Henderson, steward, of Friendship, Me.
Seamen — Allen Small and Horace Small, brothers, of Deer Isle, Me.; Fred.
Hamilton and Patrick Hogan, of Rockland, Me.

All were strong, able-bodied seamen, except Horace Small, who was a
frail lad of sixteen years, who had never been to sea in Winter time, and
who ran away from home to join his brother on this voyage. He had been
struck by a heavy sea, knocking him against a cask, breaking his wrist.
Mr. Harriman, the mate, was also injured in the groin while attempting to
save the oars. The hatchet was lost overboard in attempting to cut away
the jib-boom, and the axe shared the same fate while being used to cut away
the main rail to launch the boat, which was finally got afloat and hastily
manned, as the vessel was fast sinking. The injured lad was taken from
the forecastle and put into the boat, but he had no oil clothing, and there
was no time to get him properly dressed. A few bed clothes and an old
coat was thrown into the boat, and about a peck of hard bread in a small
barrel was put on board, with about a quart of rum and three or four quarts
of oatmeal. Water they had not, and they were without oars or tools except
a hand saw. In about ten minutes after taking to the boat the schooner
went to the bottom.

Before leaving the sinking craft, the mate constructed a drogue, and after
taking to the boat the barrel containing the ship bread was stove up, and
with the staves and a new thwart which happened to be in the boat, some
rude paddles were improvised. The boat lay to the drogue Monday and

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 193

Monday night. Tuesday morning a fishing schooner was descried in the
distance, but she passed out of sight. Tuesday afternoon a blanket was
fastened to the jib and the boat was under sail for a time, but at night it
breezed up, and fearing in their benumbed and exhausted state to attempt
to unship the mast and take in sail, the mast was sawn through just above
the thwarts. The icy spray dashed constantly over the boat, freezing as it
fell, and everything was covered with a coat of icy mail. The drogue kept
the boat's head to the sea, but the waves constantly deluged her, and the
exhausted men were employed all night in bailing. The uncooked oatmeal
was uneatable, the hard bread was at first so dry as to be swallowed with
difficulty without water, and afterwards so wet with the spray as to be unfit
to eat, and the sufferings of the men from cold, hunger and thirst were ex-
cruciating. Two of the number, Chaples and Hogan, though warned of the
consequences, endeavored to slake their thirst by eating salt-water ice, and
the presence of two maniacs was soon added to the other horrors of the sit-
uation. The quart of rum was carefully husbanded, by administering a tea-
spoonful at a time, and was made to last until the early part of Wednesday
evening.

On Wednesday morning a new step was made to the mast, and the boat
sailed westward all day and all night. In the afternoon another schooner
was sighted, but she did not see the boat. During the night a hermaph-
rodite brig passed close by and was hailed with weakened voices. The
cries were doubtless heard, as the brig showed a flash light two or three
times in the darkness, but kept on her course and was soon out of sight.
About ten o'clock in the evening, the sixteen-year old boy, who had suffered
greatly from his broken wrist and insufficient clothing, died in his brother's
arms. He was conscious within an hour of his death, when he said he was
not afraid to die, and left a loving message for his mother. He had left
home unbeknown to his parents, who did not know his whereabouts until
they received the telegraphic dispatch announcing his death. The young
Irishman, Patrick Hogan, died about an hour after the boy. He had been
delirious about six hours, talking constantly about something to eat. The
second mate, Chaples, was delirious about twelve hours, babbling incohe-
rently all the time. In his delirium he seized the saw, and before he could
be preverted, sawed his hands terribly with it, the blood spurting over the
boat. He died about three o'clock, Thursday morning, and his body was
committed to the deep.

At daylight on Thursday morning, three fishing vessels were descried at
no great distance. One of these proved to be the sch. Cora Lee, Capt.
George A. Saunders, of Pigeon Cove. Her crew consisted of John Hickey,
Scott Geyer, John Newman, Joseph Sears, Joseph Silva, William Grant,
Edward Saunders, Joseph Bushy, Joseph White, Joseph Muise, Charles R.

194 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Goodwin, James E. Tinker, Edward Griffin, and were engaged in setting
their trawls. When they discovered the unfortunate mariners they immedi-
ately went to their rescue, and towed the boat to the vessel. The sight was
one never to be forgotten. The mate, who alone was able to do anything,
was steering. In the bow lay two dead bodies, frozen stiff and covered with
ice, so that when the shore was reached they had to be cut out of the boat
with a hatchet. The captain was lying in the forward part of the boat, with
both feet frozen above the ankles (he had been thoroughly drenched before
abandoning the vessel and had no oil clothing excepting an oil-skin coat),
and the other survivors were half sitting, half reclining about the stern.
Hamilton's legs were frozen half way to his knees, and he died on Friday
evening. The steward and Allen Small suffered less from the frost, and
the mate had the tips of his fingers only, frozen. The boat was half full of
ice and covered with blood, and presented a ghastly spectacle.

The sufferers were speedily taken on board the Cora Lee, put in berths,
their clothing changed, and their frozen limbs wrapped in salt. The friend-
ly fishermen stripped off their own clothing to cover the frozen sailors, and
some of them came on shore with nothing on but a suit of oil clothes. Tea,
water and rice broth were administered to the rescued men in small quanti-
ties, and the vessel abandoned her trawls and started for home. The wind
was light and she was nearly all day coming in. When about eight miles
off, Capt. Saunders and two of his crew rowed ashore and made prepara-
tions for the comfort of the shipwrecked men. Several dories went out to
meet the Cora Lee and tow her in, taking on board Drs. Sanborn and Tup-
per, who ministered to the wants of the sufferers in the cabin, and when the
vessel arrived at 7 P. M., a team was waiting to take the men to Mrs. Ann
Pierce's house, where they received the kindest attention.

The captain and crew of the Cora Lee are entitled to much credit for
their prompt action. Despite the remonstrances of Capt. Packard they aban-
doned their trawls, of a value of $180, and lost their trip with a probable
profit of $200 or $300 more. An attempt was made to recover the trawls,
but in order to do so it was necessary to locate an unmarked spot two-thirds
of a mile in length, situated forty miles from shore, and the search proved
unavailing. A sum of money was subscribed, which partially compensated
for this loss.

The Almon Bird was valued at $16,000, and there was very little insur-
ance on her. Capt. Packard was also a heavy loser, losing his instruments,
charts, clothing, gold watch and chain, etc., of a value of $600 or $700; and
after arriving home he suffered amputation of portions of his feet.

In this sad recital of suffering, one thing is prominent — the generous out-
pouring of volunteered kindness, offered from all sides, by scores of persons,
eager to help the distressed mariners. To mention all the helpers would

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

*95

be to call the roll of almost the entire community of Pigeon Cove. First
of all, special credit is due to the brave captain and men of the Cora Lee,
who, at risk and great personal loss, rescued the men from their perilous
condition ; then to Mrs. Pierce, who freely opened her entire house to the
wrecked men and their numerous attendants. Mrs. Corrinna H. Bishop
made welcome donations of clothing to every man, and added other contri-
butions ; Mrs. Levi Robinson assisted freely, and numerous noble women
acted as nurses many weary hours during the first night and day. All along
most efficient aid was rendered by Messrs. Leroy Goldsmith, Joseph M.
Reed, George Cross, Elbridge Witham, William Pike, and very many oth-
ers. No braver sailors, no kindlier men and women than those of Pigeon
Cove. Beside all the rest, subscription papers were early passed for money
to defray the numerous immediate expenses, and the amount on both pa-
pers reached some $170.

* THE HARBOR BAR

BY CHARLES BURR TODD.

A ship has crossed the harbor bar,
The sunlight glinting on sail and spar :
Whither she goes, who knows? who knows?
She carries pearls of lustrous hue,
Costly fabrics from far Hindoo,
A tender maid to her lover true.

The wind has crossed the harbor bar,
All armed and panoplied for war :
Whither it goes, who knows? who knows?

It darts on the ship far out at sea,

It tears and rends her with savage glee,

And, lo ! a wreck drifts wild and free.

The sea has crossed the harbor bar,

It hears a potent voice from afar :

Whither it goes, who knows? who knows?

Eising upon a land of palms,

It throws a wreck to sea-walled farms,

And a lifeless maid to her lover's arms.

196

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Ninety-Three Voyages to Surinam.

A Remarkable Record.

Capt. William Tucker of this city has made nine-
ty-three voyages to Surinam, and has well earned
the title of the "Veteran Master" in this branch of
maritime business. He commenced going in 1843,
and made his last voyage in 1881. He never had
occasion to call upon the underwriters for a cent of
damage to his vessel, or cargo. The only disasters
he ever met with was the carrying away a jib-boom,
the loss of a man and a main-topmast. Allowing
fifty days for an average passage to and from that
port, Capt. Tucker has passed four thousand six
hundred and fifty days of his life on the water, or
nearly thirteen years.
What an experience has been his, sailing smoothly over tropical seas,
'neath Summer skies, now and then interspersed with the sudden squalls so
prevalent in those latitudes, running along the low coast of South America,
looking out for the lightship off the Surinam river, running in and anchor-
ing off the city, receiving the congratulations of friends, visiting plantations
and enjoying the many pleasures of that country. Then, on the other hand,
coming home on a Winter's coast, experiencing all the hardships connected
therewith ; oftentimes being blown off for a week after sighting the land,
beating about in the bay, 'mid storm and cold, with anxious hours by day
and night, longing to get into port and come safely to anchor.

The Surinam trade, once the pride of old Gloucester, has long since de-
parted, and there are but few American vessels now engaged therein. The
old captains who were wont to walk these streets and whose presence was
so warmly welcomed, have also, for the most part, gone their last voyage
and found a haven beyond. We call to mind among these, the brothers
Foster, Thomas, Jere., Benjamin and Joseph; the Say ward brothers, John
and Samuel ; the brothers Center, Solomon and Loami ; Capts. William
Grover, James Rowe, Solomon H. Davis, Francis Procter, David S. Day,
John Corliss, William H. Herrick and his son William E. Herrick, Averil
Rowe, Joseph Procter, Edward Babson, Charles Fitz and Eben Higgins.
Among those living are, Capts. John Hawson, Nehemiah D. Cunningham,
John A. Pulcifer, Charles A. Homans and others.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 197

Eecollections of a Veteran Fisherman.

BY S. B. BROWN.

When I first went to Gloucester, in 1832, John Wonson, of the Point,
owned five small vessels, viz. — the Confidence, Lucy, Jane, Luanda, and Benev-
olence. Edward Wonson, his son, was master of the Benevolence, and another
son, John, was master of the Lucinda. I made one trip with Edward Won-
son in August, 1832. Our crew consisted of old Charlie Wonson of Rocky
Neck, Reuben Rich of Cape Cod, Joseph Wonson and James Green of the
Point, and myself. We had bad luck, so we made but one trip. The next
year I went to Gloucester, hunted up my old skipper, who was still master
of the same boat, and went with him that season.

I recollect well the great school of mackerel that struck Middle Bank
that year. Sept. 22d, at ten o'clock at night, there were some two hundred
sail at anchor, twenty-five miles southeast of Eastern Point light, in a dead
calm, when our skipper sang out, " Here they are, boys ! " At the same
moment every vessel in the fleet commenced the catch. We fished for three
days and filled everything, even our boat, and struck on deck until we were
in fish knee-deep. Then, a breeze springing up, we ran in and packed out
two hundred and eighty barrels, and returned to the Bank just as the wind
left us. We fished three days more, when they struck off as suddenly as
they had come.

Now, just as I have got a range of memory overhauled and am picking up
a few incidents, the "Advertiser" comes in. I stop writing and open the
dear old sheet, when the first article that meets my eyes is, " Around the
Wharves of old Old Gloucester Half a Century Ago," in which I find much
that I was familiar with, as vessels belonging to S. W. Brown, the Lapwing,
John Edgar, master, Henrietta, Reform, etc., etc., and others belonging to
Epes Merchant & Son. I knew John and Harry Pew, when in the Volant
and Romeo, and John Hammond of the Brilliant, afterwards of the Warrior,
of same owners.

In April, 1837, I came on the coast in the brig Oak of Baltimore, from
Smyrna, for Boston. When on Georges we ran into the fleet of fishermen
at anchor, just at daybreak. Spoke sch. Fair America, John Wonson, mas-
ter, wind blowing heavy from south-southwest, with snow. Capt. WTonson
informed us, in language peculiar to himself, that he would not heave up
his anchor, but would sink her first. It was generally supposed that he did
go down, as he was never known to be spoken afterwards. We ran in com-
pany with the smack Ben. Franklin, Ben. Norwood, master, which went

198

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

down in the same gale. She was owned by S. W. Brown. She and the sch.
Canton came out new that Spring, and were rivals ; they both left the Bank
at the same time, and both carried sail heavily ; but, as both captains were
much censured at the time for carrying sail so heavily, I will only say we
saw the Franklin come up in the wind, evidently to shake the snow from
her sails in a heavy snow squall, after which we saw no more of her. After
it cleared somewhat, we saw the Canton under snug sail. I went to Glouc-
ester that Summer and sailed in sch. Clarion, Capt. James Elwell.

Since I left Gloucester I have visited a great many ports of the world,
and in whatever place I found a Cape Ann man, if in want, he had half of
my pile, if necessary, and so it would be to-day.

The place then called the "Farms," between the old Farm Ledge and
the stone barn once belonging to Mr. Manning, always had a great attrac-
tion for me. If I could talk with you I could tell you much of old Glouces-
ter. I used to know every point of interest between Kettle Cove (now
Magnolia) down to Sandy Bay (now Rockpoft).

But I will not put any more thoughts on paper, but will say in conclusion,
whatever fate may be mine, there are friends in old Gloucester that I shall
cherish while I am conscious, although they have lost all knowledge of me
for over forty years. They are still held in the same esteem as if they were
friends of yesterday. Those days are remembered as the happiest of my
life, and my last dying wish will be — God bless and prosper old Gloucester
and all her children and interests. I am no writer, only an old wornout
sailor, waiting the word to cross over to a higher life.

I was well acquainted with Edward Wonson, Chester Marr, Sr., Nathan-
iel Webster, Sr., James Hibbard, James Elwell, Ben. Elwell, Albert Mar-
chant, Simeon Burnham, James Marchant, each of the elder Peabodys, Ad-
dison Merchant, James Pattillo, and hundreds of others. Most of the old
stock are probably dead, say — Phil. Priestly, Capt. Charles Wood, and Capt.
George Brown of the sloop Henry, which ran forty-five years ago as a
freighter to Boston.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 199

Making a Harbor in a Snow Storm.

BY J. W. COLLINS.

No incident in the passage home, in Winter, causes greater anxiety than
that of approaching the land during an easterly wind, which is almost always
a stormy one on our coast. The fisherman, anxious to reach home, piles on
the canvas, and if there is sufficient wind the little schooner is driven to her
utmost. As long as the weather remains clear all is well ; but it frequently
happens that snow storms come on suddenly just at that critical period when
the vessel is nearing the land. The result of this is that she is often caught
on a lee shore, with a fast increasing gale, while the snow is so dense that
even the most daring will scarcely venture the attempt to make the land,
knowing full well that it would be almost madness to do so. The only al-
ternative is to come to anchor or " haul off" and try to keep off the rocks.

The following ext'ract may serve to give an idea of the difficulties of ap-
proaching the coast in a storm, even in comparatively moderate weather.
These difficulties are much increased when the wind blows a gale, and many
thrilling adventures have been encountered in Massachusetts Bay by the
Gloucester fishermen while endeavoring to make a harbor :

On Thursday, Jan. 16, 1879, at four o'clock in the morning, Thacher's
Island lights were in sight from deck. At this time there was a slight breeze
from the southeast, but it soon died out, and we lay becalmed with the
exception of occasional cat's paws, which came from all points of the com-
pass. There were indications of a storm, which gave me much uneasiness.
My anticipations were soon realized, for it began to snow before daylight,
and in a few minutes the air was full of the soft feathery flakes, which effect-
ually shut out from view every object at a greater distance than one or two
hundred fathoms. All hands were called out to pound the ice off of our
cable and running rigging, since it is of the highest importance to have
everything ready for anchoring or taking in sail when approaching the land,
especially in thick weather. Although it continued calm during the early
part of the forenoon, the barometer fell very rapidly, giving indications of
an approaching gale, which might be expected in a few hours ; consequently
I determined to make the land if possible. One of the most unpleasant and
dangerous positions that one can be in is to be caught on a lee shore in
Winter when an easterly gale is accompanied — as it generally is — by a
blinding snow storm.

About ten o'clock in the forenoon the wind breezed up from the southeast
and increased quite fast. We ran for Eastern Point as nearly as I could

2oo FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

judge, the various courses and distances which we had steered during the
morning, in consequence of the baffling winds, rendering it somewhat uncer-
tain in what direction the Point lay from us. Soon after the wind came,
the snow cleared up so that objects could be seen about a mile distant.
We saw a shore fishing vessel — a haddock catcher — coming astern, and
wishing to speak with her we hauled our sheets aft and let her run up on
us. She proved to be the David F. Low, bound to Gloucester, having run
across from Cape Cod. She ran ahead of us a little way, and just before
we saw the land the snow came down so thick that we lost sight of her.

Knowing that we were close in and fast approaching the shore, all hands
were on deck and on the alert to do any duty which circumstances might
demand. A dozen pairs of eyes peered out ahead, anxiously watching to
catch a glimpse of the land or breakers. A few minutes later the thrilling
cry of, "Land ho ! breakers ahead ! " came from a half dozen at once, and
a line of white foam and the snow-covered shore above it were indistinctly
seen to leeward. "Hard down! hard down the helm!" was the order
shouted to the wheelsman, for so close in were we that any delay in chang-
ing the course of the vessel must have resulted in piling her up on the
rocks. As the wheel was put down and the vessel came to the wind, most
of the men, in obedience to orders, quickly pulled in the sheets, while the
rest of us strained our eyes to make out some familiar object on the shore
whereby we might be certain of our position.

We made the land a little to the westward of Bass Rocks. When we first
saw it we were running in with the sails on the port side, the wind at that
time blowing a smart breeze from south-southeast, and as we hauled to, just
clearing the surf on the shore, we fortunately saw and recognized the Sum-
mer houses which are only a short distance from the water. As soon as I
was sure of our "land fall," we tacked and ran for Eastern Point, following
the line of breakers along the shore as near as safety permitted. Every eye
was now on the watch for well-known land-marks, and soon the spray dash-
ing over Brace's Cove Rock was seen, and a few minutes later we went
sweeping in by the Point, near enough to it to catch a momentary glimpse
of the white tower of the lighthouse, and to hear the hoarse-toned fog-bell
which rang out its notes of warning.

We could now laugh at the storm, and the broad grin which appeared on
the bronzed faces of many of our crew and the shrugging and chuckling of
others gave ample evidence of the general feeling of satisfaction among all
hands.

After anchoring, I went ashore and sold the trip of fish, but, as there
were strong indications of a coming gale, and the wind already blew strong,
we decided to let the vessel remain in the stream until the next day. Before
the men went home we let go the second anchor and made all necessary

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

20I

preparations for the safety of the vessel. As soon as the work was com-
pleted we went ashore, some going to their boarding houses and others to
their homes. The increasing wind whirled and blustered the fast falling
snow in a manner that was anything but pleasant to the wayfarers who were
obliged, as we were, to meet and face the storm.

My family, the members of which had been picturing me as struggling
with the tempest at sea, received an unexpected and pleasant surprise when,
with my rubber suit on and covered with snow, I opened the kitchen door
and suddenly entered the room. One general exclamation of, "O ! father,"
came from my children, as they sprang with open arms to greet me. The
joy of such meetings can, however, be better imagined than described ; suf-
fice it to say that such are the brightest spots, the oases, so to speak, in a
fisherman's life, and none but those who have been separated under similar
circumstances from those they love can realize the pleasure of such home
comings :

" It scatters sunshine o'er our way,
And turns our thorns to roses ;
It changes weary night to day,
And hope and love discloses."

AN OLD BOAT.

I passed a boat, to-day, on the shore,
That will be launched on the sea no more.

Worn and battered — the straight keel bent,
The side, like a ruined rampart, rent.

Left alone, with no covering,

For who would steal such a useless thing?

It was shapely once, when the shipwright's

hand
Had laid each plank as the master planned ;

And it danced for joy on the curling wave,
When first the sea's broad breast it clave.

And it felt the pulse of the well-timed stroke

That rang on the thole-pin of tuneful oak.

Oft it has carried home the spoil
Of fishers, tired with night-long toil;

And often, in Summer days, it knew
The laugh of a pleasure-seeking crew ;

Or, launched by night on the blinding waves,
It has rescued a life from the sea's dark
graves.

It is useless now as it lies on the beach,
Drawn high beyond the billow's reach ;

And none of all it has served in stress
Remember it now in its loneliness.

202 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Hand-Line Mackerel Fishing.

BY AARON LIGHTFOOT.

The amount of moral courage and Christian fortitude required for a lands-
man to get up out of a comfortable bed and struggle up on a cold, wet,
cheerless deck to handle cold, wet lines and colder, wetter fish, all for the
"experience," will never be known except by those who have allowed them-
selves to be deluded into the thing. It is diabolical. Now the mainsail is
up, the jib down, and the captain is throwing bait. It is not yet quite light,
but we hear other mainsails going up all around us. A cold, drizzling rain
does not add to the comfort of the situation, and we stand around shivering,
half asleep, with our sore hands in our wet pockets, about as "demmed,
moist, uncomfortable bodies," as ever dear old Mantilini saw, and all wish-
ing we were home, and had never heard of a mackerel. The skipper, how-
ever, is holding his lines over the rail with an air which clearly intimates
that the slightest kind of a nibble will be quite sufficient this morning to seal
the doom of the unfortunate mack.

"There, by Jove ! the captain's hauling back — I told you so ! Skipper's
got him — no — ah, captain, you haul back too savagely ! "

With the first movement of the captain's arm indicating the presence of
fish, everybody rushes madly to the rail, and jigs are heard on all sides
plashing into the water, and eager hands and arms are stretched at their
full length over the side, feeling anxiously for a nibble.

" Sh — hish ! " there's something just passed my fly — I felt him," says an
old man standing alongside of me. " Yes, and I've got him," triumphantly
shouts out the next man on the other side of him, hauling in, as he speaks,
a fine mackerel and striking him off into the parrel in the most approved
style.

Z-z-z-zip goes my line through and deep into my poor fingers, as a huge
fellow rushes savagely away with what he finds is not so great a prize as he
fondly supposed. I get greatly flurried, miss stroke half a dozen times in
as many fathoms of line, and at length succeed in landing my first fish safe-
ly in my barrel, where he lies floundering, "melancholy and melodious," as
my next neighbor styles it.

Daylight soon dawns, and the rain, which has been threatening very
moistly all night, begins to pour down in dead earnest j and as the big drops
patter in the sea the fish begin to bite furiously.

" Shorten up ! " says the skipper, and we shorten in our lines to about

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 203

eight feet from the rail to the hooks, when we can fork them in just as fast
as .we can move our hands and arms. "Keep your lines clear !" is now the
word, as the doomed fish flip faster and faster into the barrels. Every face
wears an expression of anxious determination. Everybody moves as though
he had a full set of very elastic springs within him ; every heart beats loud
with excitement, and every hand hauls in fish and throws out hooks with a
method ; cool precision, a kind of slow haste, which unites the greatest
speed with the utmost security against foul lines.

The rain momentarily increases. We hear jibs rattling down j and glanc-
ing up hastily I am surprised to find our vessel surrounded on all sides by
the fleet, which has already become aware that we have fish alongside.

Meantime the wind rises, the sea struggles against the rain, which is en-
deavoring with its steady patter to quiet the turmoil of old ocean. We are
already on our third barrel of fish, each, and still they come as fast as ever,
and the business (sport it ceased to be some time ago) continues with undi-
minished vigor. Streams of perspiration course down our faces. Jackets,
caps, and even our shirts are thrown off to give greater freedom to limbs
that are worked to their utmost.

"Hello! where are the fish?" calls out somebody; and sure enough, all
at once the whole business comes to a standstill — the fish have apparently
"shut up shop" and gone home, for not the faintest nibble does one fisher-
man get. The mackerel, which a moment ago were fairly rushing on board,
have in that moment disappeared so completely that not a sign of one is left.
The vessel next under our lee holds them a little longer than we, but they
finally also disappear from her side. And so on all around us.

And now we have time to look around us ; to compare notes on each
other's success ; to straighten our backbones, nearly broken and aching hor-
ribly with constantly reaching over ; to examine our fingers, cut to pieces
and grown as sensatiorless as a piece of salt junk, with the perpetual drag-
ging of small lines across them.

2o4 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

"Setting TJnder Sail."

BY DICK SKYLIGHT.

The term, "set under sail," or " flying set," implies that the vessel, instead
of being anchored, as is the most common way on the Banks when trawls are
to be set, is kept under way, the performance taking place as follows :

If a "set under sail" is decided upon, the depth of the water is first as-
certained by sounding where the skipper intends to set his apparatus and
begin his fishing. He then directs the dories to be made ready. This sets
all hands on the alert, especially the crews of the top dories, who quickly
arrange in them the buoys, buoy-lines, etc., that are required. Having
rigged their " black-balls " and prepared the lines for running, the dories
are hoisted over the rail, where they are left to hang until the next are ready,
when they are lowered into the water. Dropping aft on the quarter, they
are held there while one of the two men who form the crew leaps in and re-
ceives the complement of trawls — an operation requiring no little skill and
confidence in one's sea-legs when the water is at all rough. This done, his
mate also gets in, and the boat is paid astern, the painter being fastened to
the davit. Meanwhile, the two middle and the bottom dories are being pre-
pared and hoisted out in a similar way.

When the six dories are ready, and the proper time has arrived, the skip-
per shouts to one of the men in the first boat, " Heave out your buoy ! "
This buoy, remember, marks the position of one end of the trawl, for to it
is attached the anchor which holds the ground line in its place. As the buoy-
line is running out and the boat is about to be cast off, the skipper instructs
the men in which direction to row while setting the trawl. This is gener-
ally to leeward and in a straight line at right angles to the course of the
vessel. A moment later the same orders are given to the next dory's crew
for setting the second trawl at a suitable distance from the first, and so on
until the whole six have been set out. Spread along in this way, a "gang"
of trawls will generally cover two or three square miles.

The act of setting the trawl is performed in the following manner : * Be-
fore the buoy-line is all out, one of the men lifts a skate of trawl on to the
after thwart and attaches the end of the trawl to the anchor, which he
throws overboard. Then, while his mate rows away, he lets the trawls go
out, throwing hook after hook, so that they shall not become fouled. When

♦This description of setting a halibut trawl will answer equally well for a cod or haddock
trawl, the only difference being that the latter are stowed in tubs instead of skates, and the
hooks are closer together.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 205

one skate is out another is knotted to it, and the performance goes on until
all of the trawl is disposed of. When the end of it is reached it is bent to
the last anchor and buoy, these also being thrown, the process is completed.

The first crew are usually nearly done with their work by the time the ves-
sel has let go her sixth dory, so she immediately turns back and picks up this
and the other boats in succession. This done, she lies by until it is time to
haul, when the vessel is run along from buoy to buoy, dropping each dory
near its own trawl. The holding up of an oar is a signal that the men have
finished hauling their trawl or want help, seeing which the vessel runs down
and receives the cargo or takes the boat in tow.

The act of "picking up" a dory while under sail is a manoeuvre requiring
considerable skill, and it occasionally happens that the boat is struck by the
vessel and the occupants are thrown into the water. An accident of this
kind happened in my own experience in the Summer of 1879. Running
the vessel to leeward of one of our dories, I put the wheel down, intending
to tack short of her and lay to with the jib to windward while she came
alongside. The vessel ranged further ahead than usual, and struck the dory
a glancing blow with her bow. I should have righted the wheel and cleared
her, but a man sang out that she was all right, and, as I could not see her
myself, I supposed she was, until another exclaimed, " My God ! she's hit
the dory, and there's three men overboard."

The jib had caught aback at this time, and as the wheel was rolled hard
down, I shouted, " Heave out that lee dory as quick as you can and pick
them up." Running to assist in getting the dory out, I saw two of the
men climbing over the vessel's bow. They came to help us, exclaiming,
"Sank's* in the water; let's hurry up." Although we made all possible
haste, by the time the dory was well clear of the vessel's side with two men
pulling their utmost, I saw the )ther dory uninjured on our weather quarter
and "Sank" standing in her dripping wet, his face streaming with blood.
Like the others, he had attempted to jump and catch the bowsprit rigging,
but the vessel's bow was falling, and something struck his head, cutting a
gash more than an inch long, and knocking him backward into the water.
Fortunately he was not stunned, and when he rose to the surface he grasped
the gunwale of the dory and hauled himself into her. Nothing daunted by
his mishap, his first words to his shipmates were: "I'm the proper lad to
go haddocking ;f it don't bother me much to be run down." The words
were uttered with a carelessness of tone, and a quiet laugh that showed an
utter disregard of such dangers.

*A young man whom, on account of his proficiency in singing hymns, we nicknamed
M Sankey," and this had become abbreviated into " Sank."

fYessels employed in the "Winter haddock fisheries almost always set under sail, and their
men are therefore more liable than any others to this particular accident.

206

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

In a Fog on the Banks.

The accompanying engraving gives
a vivid illustration of one of the dan-
gers incident to the fisheries — that of
being run down in the fog while at
anchor. We have heard of numerous
narrow escapes from this danger, where
a slight deviation from the course of
the vessel under sail, or a moment's
delay in changing the position of the
vessel at anchor, by paying out the ca-
ble, would have added another to the
list of lost fishermen. It is supposed
that the Guy Cunningham was run
down by a steamer; and no doubt
many others of whom no tidings have
been heard, have shared the same fate.
During the night a light is kept in the
rigging, and fog-horns are frequently blown during the day. The utmost
precaution is necessary to avoid the dangers which a thick fog engenders,
and the lookout's position on board all vessels crossing the Banks, as well
as on board the fishermen, is one of great responsibility.

Lines on the Loss of Schooner " Guy Cunningham," and in Memory of Her
Master, Captain Daniel O'Brien.

'Twas July thirty, eighty-one, a beauteous Summer day;

The schooner staunch, Guy Cunningham, for Grand Bank sailed away,

Manned by a crew of hardy men — none braver ere set sail

To haul the trawl in Summer's calm, or meet the Wintry gale.

Eight fearless men of the thirteen were free from marriage ties ;
One's darling bairns were far away, beneath the Swedish skies ;
And four in Gloucester had their homes, with wives and children dear,
"When for the Banks they sailed away, nor thought that death was near.

No storms arose the sea to vex; no angry billows' roar
Disturbed the seamen's hour of rest, when the day's toil was o'er ;
Each morn the laden trawls were hauled, the finny treasures stored ;
The time drew nigh when safe at home their vessel should be moored.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

207

Alas ! that such a peaceful scene should hide so dread a foe !

Alas I that no precaution can guard against the blow !

Alas ! that sailors brave must drown, and wives and children weep,

Though winds are soft, and seas are smooth, and crews their vigils keep!

No fear of ill their dreams disturb — no dread of danger near —
By gentle billows rocked, their thoughts are with their loved ones dear.
Out from the mist a sail gleams forth — a mammoth hull draws nigh —
A shock 1 a crash 1 the crew go down with one despairing cry 1

At home their dear ones watch and wait, and wait and watch in vain ;
The sailor-husbands, dearly loved, will never come again.
No sturdier crew than sailed the " Guy" e'er manned a fishing boat,
None braver than her skipper bold e'er trod the deck afloat.

An aged mother mourns the son she soon will meet above ;
A sister mourns a brother dear whose every look was love ;
A widow mourns a husband true, the wreck of prospects fair,
And children three are left behind without a father's care.

The five days' babe he left behind when bidding home good-bye,
Will never know how great a loss that deadly hour brought nigh.
But God is good, and he has power the balm of peace to pour
On bleeding hearts, and comfort bring from out his bounteous store.

2o8 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Around the Wharves of Old Gloucester Half
a Century Ago.

Names of Those Then Engaged in the Fisheries, with the Names of Most of
the Fleet and Their Skippers.

As we thought of the large and important fishing interests of Gloucester
the current year of 1882, with the fleet of first-class schooners, employing
at sea and on land nearly six thousand men, with their annual product ex-
ceeding four millions of dollars, we had a strong desire to give a pen picture
of the appearance of the wharves, and recall to mind the fishing owners and
some of the skippers and vessels which constituted the fishing interest of
the town of Gloucester half a century ago.

To this end we held pleasant interviews with Messrs. William Babson,
George Merchant, Gorham Parsons, Epes W. Merchant, Stephen J. Martin,
B. H. Corliss and George W. Plumer, and from them have gained the fol-
lowing facts. There may possibly be a few trifling discrepancies, but the
account in the main will be found correct.

In imagination, reader, let us take a walk about the wharves, see who
was carrying on the business, look at the vessels and have a chat with some
of the skippers of 1830-31-32. Commencing near the Fort, we find the
remains of a cob and ballast wharf, on the site of Messrs. Cunningham &
Thompson's premises, then owned by Gorham Parsons and occupied by
John W. Lowe and Joseph Johnson Procter, which was in rather a dilapi-
dated condition and but little used. Then came a graving dock occupied
by the Gaffney Brothers, where vessels were hauled up for repairs, and for
caulking and graving.

The wharf of Messrs. Maddocks & Co., which, of course, has been
greatly improved since those days, was then occupied by Matthew Gaffney
and William Ellery, who carried on the fishing business under the firm name
of Ellery & Gaffney. Their vessels were as follows : Schs. Harvey Birch,
Capt. J. M. Parsons ; Sevo, Rising Empire, and Ida, the latter commanded
by Capt. Job Rowe, and the Charles. The Amazon also fitted with them
and was owned by Daniel Gaffney.

Joseph Johnson Procter and John W. Lowe also occupied the wharf then
known as Mechanics' wharf, now owned by Messrs. Swett & Co. Their
vessels were : Sarah, Tarn O'Shanter, Metamora, Euphrates, Triumph, Supe-
rior, and perhaps others.

Samuel Gilbert then carried on the fisheries at the wharf next to the

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 209

Town Landing, then and now known as Gilbert's wharf, occupied at pres-
ent by Francis W. Homans. His fleet comprised the Phoenix ; Economy,
Capt. Jonathan Gilbert ; Sea Serpent, Capt. Nathaniel Thurston ; Addison,
Arab ; and Shamrock, William Marshall, skipper.

James Mansfield & Sons' came next. Wharf now occupied and the busi-
ness continued by successors under the same style. The wharf extended
far out into the harbor on account of the flats. They owned and fitted
schs. Susan and Eliza, Capt. Elias H. Day ; Abigail, Capt. William Shackel-
ford ; Arm and Mary, Capt. John M. Parsons. The last-named schooner
was scuttled inside of Rocky Neck during the war of 1812, to preserve her
from the English cruisers. The rigging and materials were stored in the
barn of the old Low mansion house in Town Parish. After the war, Mr.
William Pew went master of her, and in three Grand Bank trips in one year
stocked $10,000, without bounty and oil. Their other vessels were: Dili-
gent, Mary Elizabeth; Industry, Capt. George Gerring ; Active ; Leader, Capt.
Samuel Curtis ; Friendship, Capt. Gorham Riggs ; and Hornet.

Next to the Mansfields' came the wharf then owned by Zachariah Stevens,
where the Riggs Brothers subsequently carried on the fishing business.

The wharf now owned by Charles H. Boynton was then owned by Charles
L. Roberts, who had the schs. Frances and Elizabeth, Mary, and perhaps
others. •

Dr. Coffin's adjoined this. It was a small wharf and a noted resort, where
Town Meeting orators, waxing warm with each other in the discussion of
local affairs, would adjourn to and fight it out. It was the scene of many a
hotly contested rough-and-tumble fight over questions which agitated the
minds of those who were interested in town affairs — and perhaps had im-
bibed too much of the famous New England rum of that period. There
was not much business done at this wharf, as it served more for a landing
place for small boats. Mr. Gorham Burnham commenced his blacksmith-
ing business at this wharf.

Next to Dr. Coffin's was the Central Wharf, now owned by Charles H.
Boynton. For many years it was occupied by David Pearce, who was largely
engaged in the West India trade. William Pearce & Sons had a distillery
on this wharf, which was destroyed in the great fire of 1830. Cargoes of
Surinam molasses were here landed and made into rum. There were also
two small wharves adjoining, owned respectively by Abraham Sawyer and
Daniel Gaffney.

William Parsons, Jr., had the wharf now owned by George Steele. He
owned and fitted schs. Peacock, Capt. Benjamin Rowe ; Hussah, Capt. John
Blatchford ; Herald; Amaranth, Capt. George Blatchford ; Mariner, Capt.
Charles Wood ; Henrietta, Capt. William Dolliver ; William, Capt. William
Blatchford ; Six Brothers, and the Illinois.

2io FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Then came the wharf of Joseph Smith,"now part of the property of Messrs.
Clark & Somes.

Frederick G. Low had a large wharf on the site known as the Sargent
wharf, now occupied by Mr. John G. Bennett. He was largely engaged in
the wood and coal business.

John Honnors' wharf was a portion of the wharf property now owned by
Mr. Robert Fears on Duncan street. He owned and fitted schs. Nymph,
Glide, Favorite, Yarico, Ariel, Myrrh, and Ospray.

Where the gas wharf, now is was a stone wharf occupied by Mr. Calvin
Swift, engaged in the fish oil business.

Sargent's wharf then occupied the premises now known as Andrew Leigh-
ton's wharf. There was also a small wharf adjoining, known as Caswell's
wharf, used for the graving business.

The Col. Pearce wharf occupied the site of the wharf property of Michael
Walen & Son. This property has been greatly changed and improved. It
was a great wharf in those times, where foreign commerce was carried on,
and was the scene of great business activity.

In Vincent's Cove there was a small wharf, the premises now owned by
B. F. Cook. It was then owned by Samuel Caswell. Then came a little
wharf, now owned by John Nelson, and Capt. Israel Trask's wharf, where
Chresten Nelson is now engaged in business.

At Vincent's Point, Messrs. Caswell & Leighton carried on the fisheries,
now known as William H. Friend's wharf. They owned schs. Ontario, Is-
aac Day, master; Volant, Benjamin Rowe, master; Lady of the Lake, Cyrus
Story, master ; Decatur, Monroe, Robert Rantoul, and a freighter commanded
by Capt. Benjamin Brooks, of Rockport.

Brown & Woodbury's wharf, since purchased by John Pew & Son, form-
ing one of their four wharves at Rowe's Bank, came next. Among the ves-
sels which they owned and fitted, were schs. Lapwing, Reform, Antelope ;
Enterprise, Capt. Jonathan Burnham ; Henrietta, Capt. Gorham Riggs ; Ol-
ive Branch, Capt. Samuel Dowle j Falcon, and Independence.

Where George Todd's coal wharf now is was at that time occupied by
Richard Friend & Sons, who owned and fitted schs. Monticello, Capt. Joseph
Herrick ; Martha Washington, Capt. George Watson ; Cion, Capt. John
Blatchford ; Laurel, Capt. George Blatchford ; Columbus, Capt. Lemuel
Friend ; Three Sisters, Capt. Josiah Norwood ; President, Capt. William S.
Friend ; Branch, Capt. Simeon Burnham ; Splendid, a freighter, Capt. Fred-
eric Norwood ; Four Sisters, a freighter commanded by Capt. Simeon Burn-
ham ; Emerald, Capt. James Norwood ; and Olinda.

Epes Merchant & Son carried on business at the wharf now owned by
Sylvanus Smith. The vessels they owned and fitted were the Wasp, Capt.
Charles Merchant ; Emblem, Capt. Elisha Smith ; Orontes, Capt. Henry

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 211

Merchant ; Brilliant, Capt. John Hammond ; Volant, Capt. John Pew ; Ro-
meo, Capt. Henry Pew ; Paragon, Capt. William Tarr.

William Parkhurst had a small wharf near the premises now owned by
Messrs. Shute & Merchant. He owned and fitted schs. Fair American, Capt.
John Wonson ; Ida, of which he was master ; and the Science, owned and.
commanded by Capt. David Parkhurst.

At Deacon Andrew Parker's wharf, now owned by Charles Harriman, was
the sch. Brainard, of which he was master and owner ; also the Good Intent-,,
Capt. Charles Brown.

On the premises now occupied by Sayward Brothers was a small wharf
or landing where two vessels were owned and fitted by Daniel Sayward &
Sons — schs. Helen Marr and Delegate.

There was not a building or wharf on the Plain, or at Clay Cove, with, the
exception of a small landing belonging to Daniel Norwood, at the foot of
what is now Hammond street.

At East Gloucester, Benjamin Parsons had a small wharf at what is now
the premises of William Parsons, 2d, & Co. He owned and fitted schs. Su-
san Eliza, B. Parsons, Jr., master ; Protector, Martha Eliza, and others.

John Wonson's wharf was on the site of that now occupied by William
C. Wonson & Co. He owned and fitted schs. Benevolence, Licandas,, Essex,
Conjtdence, boat Lucy, and others.

Giles & Wonson, on the premises now occupied by Wonson^ Brothers, and
previously by George F. Wonson & Co., owned and fitted schs.. Nautilus, J.
F. Wonson, master ; Forest, Capt. Stephen Rich ; Good Hope, Augusta, Mt.
Vernon, Eagle, llger, and others.

There was also a small landing near the premises now occupied by the
Ferry Landing, owned by Benjamin Smith. There was no> wharf at Rocky
Neck.

This, so far as we have learned, comprises the names of those engaged in
the fisheries half a century ago, and the vessels of the fleet. But few square-
sterners were among them ; but nearly all were pinkeys of about forty tons
burthen, with three sails, and valued at about $1,500 each. In 1840 the
catch of mackerel for the season was only about 8,ooo>barrels,. and the total
product of the fisheries for the year was only $500,000. The fishing busi-
ness at this port was at its lowest ebb of depression ;, but in 1843 and '44
there began to be a great improvement. The old class of vessels were sold
to go "Down East," where some of them are still running, and the shipyards
of Essex were busily employed for years in furnishing a superior class of
vessels which the vigorous prosecution of the new branches of the fisheries
— Georges and Grand Bank for halibut, and Bay of St. Lawrence for mack-
erel— required.

Let the reader commence his walk at the Fort and proceed to Rocky

2i2 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Neck with this list of wharves, and notice the great improvements which the
last half-century has made, and the surprise will be great. The entire wa-
ter front to the Neck is mostly occupied by substantial wharves and fine
buildings thereon, representing business energy and a determination to im-
prove the natural facilities which have been so lavishly bestowed. The
march of improvement must continue. Rocky Neck has many valuable
wharf lots, and in the course of time we predict that the coves and shores
on the southeasterly side of the harbor will be converted into wharf prop-
erty; for Gloucester's edvance the next fifty years will, undoubtedly, be
fully as rapid as that which has characterized her past half-century.

THE JOLLY YACHTSMAN.

BY ZIP.

Who would not a jolly yachtsman be,

Upon a Summer's day,
Dressed in a nobby suit of blue,

Go dancing o'er the bay?

In his natty yacht so neat and trim,

His comfort and his pride,
Freed from city's noise and dust,

He enjoys the ocean ride.

He cares not for strolls upon the beach,
Or drives o'er hill and dale —

His pleasures lie in the speedy craft
With flowing sheet and bellying sail

Filled by balmy winds of June

From off our western shore,
Laden with odors from blossoming trees —

Give him this, and he asks no more.

To while away his leisure hours

And rest his weary limbs,
The yacht to him is an easy chair,

As o'er the wave she skims.

With hull as smooth as polished steel,

Sails white as drifting snow,
With lockers stocked with goodies —

Who would not a yachting go?

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 213

The Haddock Fisheries— Then and Now.

Marked Changes within a Half -Century.

BY CAPT. STEPHEN J. MARTIN.

My recollection of the haddock fishery extends back to the days of my
boyhood at East Gloucester, in 1832. From 1832 to about 1838 Amos
Story and Jefferson Rowe would go out at daylight and be back at 8 A. M.
with a dory full of haddock, dress them, and go out in the afternoon, catch
another dory load, and be back at 4 P. M. in season to dress their fare be-
fore nightfall. They would go no farther than the Old Pine Tree. I have
known them to load their dories on a ledge between Ten Pound Island and
Niles' Wharf.

In the years 1838 and 1839 I went fishing from Eastern Point in a boat
called the Eastern Star. When the haddock came on the coast in April we
tended Boston market with haddock, and would be on the fishing ground
at daylight, catch what we could ourselves and buy all we wanted from the
dories at one cent per fish, and start for market. The Eastern Star was four-
teen tons, with no bowsprit. If we got two cents apiece for our fish we
thought we were doing well.

The haddock remained inshore and were caught in the harbor until 185 1.
In 185 1 James Coas and myself loaded a fifteen-foot dory twice in one day,
within two miles of the mouth of the harbor. From that time until 1864
the boats caught their haddock from three to four miles from the shore.
From 1832 to 1845 the haddock were taken with hand-lines.

In the year 1864 Capt. Daniel Douglass fitted out the schooner Ro7np for
haddocking. There was a good deal of talk at the time because he went
haddocking in so large a vessel, her measurement being 66 tons. He car-
ried four dories, five hundred hooks to a dory, and fished on the Inner
Bank. Some days he would catch 40,000 lbs., and sell them for 75 cents
a hundred, by count. Now the haddock vessels carry six dories, 1,200
hooks to a dory.

Since 1866 the haddock have been working off shore. For the past fif-
teen years the small vessels, 45, 50 and 60 tons, have fished on the off-shore
grounds, on Jeffries, Tilley's, and sometimes on Middle Bank, some twenty
or twenty-five miles off, and but few haddock have been taken in-shore in
the Winter months during the last ten years.

Now the haddock fleet go to Georges and LaHave Banks, and some of
them go as far as the Western Bank. They go in the largest fishing vessels,

2i4 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

some of them of 120 tons burthen, and carry six dories, from 1,000 to 1,500
hooks to a dory. There are two vessels that carry eight dories each.

The haddock fishery commences, as a general thing, about the first of
November. Some vessels go earlier. It is nothing unusual for a vessel to
be gone ten days and return with 75,000, 80,000 and sometimes 90,000 lbs.
The price of haddock has been high all this Winter (188 1-2). In years
gone by, when there were twenty-five sail of vessels tending the market, the
market would sometimes be overstocked. Now there is a haddock fleet of
one hundred and fifty sail, carrying their catch to market — not to Gloucester
alone, but to Portland, Portsmouth and Boston — and all the haddock find a
ready sale. There has been but once this Winter when the market was
overstocked and the haddock were sold to be split and dried at $1.35 per
cwt. Twenty years ago that was considered a good price.

Thirty years ago haddock were very scarce on Georges, and the vessels
used to carry them there for halibut-bait. Now a vessel. will catch 1 50,000
lbs. there in one day. The haddock generally come on Georges the first of
February ; before that time the fleet go to Cape Negro and LaHave Bank.
The Georges haddock vessels, the large ones, discontinue that fishery about
the first of April.

Sch. Martha C, Capt. Charles Martin, of this port, arrived in Boston
Feb. 17, 1882, with the largest trip of haddock and best stock ever reported
in the haddock fishery. She weighed off 93,000 lbs., stocking $1,943, the
crew sharing $91 each. This was1 the result of two and a half days' fishing ;
time absent, ten days. On her next trip she landed 55,000 lbs. on a good
market, and stocked $1,513, giving her a stock of $3,456 on the two trips.

Mr. George Steele's new schooner Dido, Capt. William N. Wells, made
eight haddock trips in nine and a half weeks, the present year (1882), stock-
ing $7,060. On one trip she was absent ninety-four hours, and stocked
$1,404.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

215

A Mackerel Catcher Dressing Her Fare by Moonlight.

The accompanying engraving illus-
trates a mackerel catcher whose crew
were so fortunate as to strike a school
of fine, fat mackerel, just before sun-
down. The boys were all alive for
such sport, and handled the seine-boat
and net lively, securing "heavy decks."
The steward had plenty of hot coffee
and "Joe floggers" on hand for just
such a lucky strike, and kept the crew
well supplied with these refreshments.
The moon had risen just as they got
their catch- on deck, and with a will
they turned to and dressed all night.
It was a lively time, splitting, gibbing,
soaking them out, salting and barrel-
ling, and the vessel, with a light wind,
pursued her course for old Gloucester, where they got a quick pack out, and
replenishing with salt and stores, were soon off again, as every day in the
mackereling season counts, and the fishermen like to make the most of it.

Frightened by the Moon.

BY DICK SKYLIGHT.

Friday, May 16, 1879, we were running across the Bay of Fundy, bound
to Nova Scotia for bait. It was foggy, but not very thick, the first of the
morning, and at three o'clock the man on the lookout sang out, "Light
ahead!" The man at the wheel shouted back the inquiry, "What shall I
do — luff or keep off?" "Luff! luff hard!!" came the answer from the
lookout.

By this time I was out of my bunk, and had jumped into the companion-
way just as the lookout ran aft, exclaiming, "Give me the horn ! " I stepped
back into the cabin to get it, and giving him one horn, took another with
me on deck, blowing a blast myself before I stopped to look. The lookout
said, "I think it's a steamer's masthead light."

2l6

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

I now could see what looked like a bright light glimmering through the
fog, about the height a steamer's light would be, half a mile distant, the fog
being quite thin). After taking a good look, I said I thought it was a star,
and told the man at the wheel to keep the vessel on her course, but a mo-
ment later it showed plainer, and the lookout exclaimed, "I'm d — d if 'taint
the moon I" I could not help laughing at the fright it had given him, and
told him to blow the horn loud, and if the " man in the moon " heard it he
would probably keep off and let us go along.

Such mistakes occur quite often. I have been called out many a time,
when running for the land on a clear night, to see a star rising, that the
watch had mistaken for a light on the land. This is not so much to be
wondered at, since the appearance of a bright star near the horizon so
closely resembles a fixed light on shore, that almost any one is liable to be
misled.

GLOUCESTER HARBOR.

BY WILLIS G. BURNHAM.

,AM«*C"

How oft, like some fond mother-bird,

Who, when the clouds foretell the storm,
Gathers her little trembling ones

Beneath the shelter of her form,
Do thy bright waters, when the wind

Sweeps mournfully across the sea,
Gather the white-winged, wave-tossed craft

From storm and wreck protectingly.

How beautiful beneath the rays
Of a bright sun, or fair full moon,

Thy surface shines with pleasant light,
At midnight, or at dav's full noon :

Like some dear friend whose kindly smile
Has cheered us both in storm and calm,

And for our hearts' deep, secret wounds
Has been a healing, welcome balm.

Alas ! that as we look far out

Beyond thy peace, we watch in vain
The schooners coming from the sea,

Which will not meet our gaze again ;
When, long ago, each sunlit sail

Went down below the horizon's blue,
How little, ah! how little then

We of time's hastening changes knew.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 217

Adventures of Captain Richard Murphy,

BY J. W. COLLINS.

"Cease, rude Boreas, blustering railer; list, ye landsmen all, to me;
Messmates, hear a brother sailor tell the dangers of the sea." — Old Song.

There are few, even among the hardy fishermen sailing from Gloucester,
who have had so many wonderful escapes from imminent death as "Dick"
Murphy, as he is familiarly called by those who know him. Born in Guys-
boro, N. S., he shipped at an early age on a Gloucester mackerel schooner,
and since that time (a period of twenty-nine years) he has followed the fish-
eries from this port.

From an interview with Captain Murphy the following facts have been
obtained relative to his experience :

The first incident of any note was his falling overboard in the Bay of St.
Lawrence, while "skylarking" with a youthful companion on the deck of a
mackerel schooner. Fortunately it was moderate, and Murphy, then a
young lad, succeeded in grasping the rope which was thrown him, and was
soon hauled in, dripping wet, to be sure, but otherwise none the worse for
his involuntary bath.

His second experience in falling overboard occurred during a March gale
on Gesrges, in 1855. At that time he was one of the crew of the sch. Ty-
phoo7i, and, the vessel having struck adrift in the midst of a furious snow
squall, Murphy jumped on to the fore-gaff to take down the signal lantern.
Just as the lashings of the lantern had been cast off, the vessel took a heavy
lurch ; the fore-boom came out of the crotch and swung suddenly out to lee-
ward, throwing Murphy into the water. But he clung to the lantern — one
of the old-fashioned box-like affairs — which, he says, "made a good life
buoy," and adds : "As the vessel rolled to leeward the next time, I put one
hand on the lantern to partially raise myself from the water, and grasping
the rail with the other hand, was half way over it before any of my shipmates
knew of my mishap. Some three or four of them then ran to my assistance
and hauled me in."

In August, 1857, he was in the sch. Queen of Clippers, bound home from
the Bay of St. Lawrence. When the vessel was nearing Cape Ann, Mur-
phy climbed up nearly to the jaws of the main-gaff — about forty or fifty feet
from the deck — on the mast hoops. When he got high enough so that his
feet rested on the second hoop below the gaff, and his hand grasped the
next one above, he stopped to have a look for the land. While standing in
this position, the seizing of the upper hoop parted and being thus instanfly

218 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

deprived of support he fell to the deck, striking his back and shoulders on
the head of an upright water barrel. The blow broke in the head of the
barrel, and the back of the unfortunate man was completely flayed and the
skin turned up in strips and rolls on his shoulders. In addition to this, his
ankle, which had struck on the house when he fell, was out of joint, and
altogether his condition was most deplorable. It is easier to imagine than
to tell of the dreadful agony endured for twenty-four long hours before the
light winds carried the vessel to port, where medical treatment could be
obtained.

While engaged in bending the mainsail on a new schooner, the J. G.
Dennis, he fell from the taffrail and struck on the wheel, receiving a severe
injury. So great was the force with which he fell, that the spoke of the
wheel, striking between the hip and lower rib, fractured the skin, and his
right side was paralyzed for more than a week.

While in the Dennis, in February, 1862, Murphy assisted in the rescue of
the crew of the water-logged sch. Life Buoy, of Shelburne, N. S., an event
which illustrated in a striking manner the readiness with which our fisher-
men frequently apply means to ends in times of emergency and danger.
The former vessel had lost her boat and most of her sails in a severe gale
on Georges, and the boat of the Life Buoy had also been swept away. How
could the fishermen, without a boat, and with their vessel in a disabled con-
dition— having for sails only the foresail below the third reef and a jib bent
for a mainsail — render any aid ? The question was how to improvise some
sort of a boat. Having decided to construct a boat of one of the gurry-
pens, which fortunately still remained intact, the skipper of the Dennis ran
close by the Life Buoy, and hailing her crew desired them to throw over-
board some of the planks which formed the latter vessel's deck load. By
skilful manoeuvring these planks were picked up by the crew of the former
vessel, and a bottom was soon made for the gurry-pen and tightly caulked.
The fishermen then ran near enough to the wreck to throw a rope on board,
and the gurry-pen boat was got afloat and was hauled back and forth be-
tween the two vessels, making two trips. Before leaving the wreck her crew
sent on board of the Dennis a jib and gaff-topsail, so that the latter might
have sufficient canvas to reach the land. Four men were rescued ; the
mate had been washed overboard and drowned during the gale.

In March of the following year, and while still in the same schooner,
Murphy had another fall from aloft. While lying to in a gale on Georges,
the vessel plunged so heavily into the sea that the spring-stay became de-
tached from the foremast-head, leaving the mainmast without support on the
forward side, and liable to fall unless something could be done to stay it
up. This could only be effected by some one taking the risk of going aloft
oh the mainmast, which, as stated, might break at any minute. But we will

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 219

let Murphy tell the story in his own words : "The skipper told me to take
the end of the ' net-warp ' "—a three inch manila rope, usually about fifty fath-
oms long — "aloft with me and bend it around the mainmast with a running
bowline as high above the gaff of the three-reefed sail as I could reach'
Making a loop in the end of the rope, I threw it over my head and climbed
up on the mast hoops till I reached the gaff, which I got astride of, and
proceeded to execute my task. This I accomplished in a few moments,
and having shoved the rope up as high as I could, again sat down on the
gaff, unconsciously throwing both legs on the weather side instead of sitting
astride of it, as one almost always will. This seemingly trifling circumstance
probably saved my life. It was the intention of the skipper, as soon as I
got the end of the warp fast, to take the other end to the windlass and heave
taut on it. But before this could be done, and while I was intently watch-
ing the movements on deck, the vessel took a heavy plunge, and as her bow
rose again and her stern dropped suddenly into the hollow of the sea, the
mainmast broke under me and fell with a crash over the stern, breaking
again where it struck on the taffrail. Just how I escaped I can hardly tell,
the whole thing was done so quickly. I only know that, feeling the mast go-
ing, I threw myself from the gaff and fell all in a heap in the corner formed
by the taffrail and lee-quarter rail. At the same instant the mast struck on
the taffrail, above my head, as I lay on deck. Had I fallen a few inches far-
ther aft I should have struck in the water, and rescue would have been im-
possible. As it was, I received no injury beyond a little shaking up, a few
bruises, etc., and was soon able to resume duty."

The next remarkable adventure that he had occurred in the Fall of
1869, while he was with me in the sch. Glenwood. Toward the close of a
disagreeable drizzly day in October, we ran into Port Hood, C. B., where
a large fleet had collected in anticipation of a storm. All of the best an-
choring grounds were occupied, and we were obliged to take a berth not far
from the long sand bar which extends nearly two-thirds of the distance
across the southern side of the harbor, leaving a comparatively narrow chan-
nel between that and the sand spits off the eastern shore. That night and
the next day the weather was only what might be expected — raw, breezy
and unpleasant. About nine o'clock on the second night the wind backed
to north-northeast and began to pipe in good earnest with occasional "spits "
of snow. We let go the second anchor, paid out a good scope on both ca-
bles, and having set an anchor watch, turned in. All hands were called
again at midnight to pay out more cable, though, on account of the Lizzie
A. Tarr lying directly astern of us, and very close, there was not room
enough for so long a scope as we wished to have out. At this time it was
intensely dark, the air was filled with snow and sleet, and the gale had in-
creased to almost a hurricane. The tide, too, had risen to an almost unpre-

220 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,

cedented height, and there was a sharp choppy sea in the harbor. After
we had veered out the cable, but while the men were still on deck, we saw a
vessel* driving jlown directly for us, broadside to the wind. We made an
attempt to sheer our vessel out of her path, but were only partially successful.
She struck us on the port bow, and her starboard anchor, which hung at the
cat-head, caught over our port cable. This brought the strain of both ves-
sels on our anchors, which gave way, and down we went under the bow of
the Lizzie Tarr, broadside on, the bowsprit of the latter vessel coming in
over our quarter-rail, and passing between the starboard main rigging and
the mainmast, while the Lizzie Cook lay on our port side, pounding away at
us as she rose and fell with the sea. For a time it seemed that our vessel
would be ground up between the other two, or that the whole three of us
would be driven together in a pile on the bar, not more than three hundred
fathoms to leeward, over which the sea was breaking masthead high. For-
tunately the Tarr's anchors held on, and gave us time to extricate our ves-
sel from her dangerous position. In less time than it takes to write it, I
had jumped on board of the Cook and requested her skipper to pay out
more cable so that his vessel would drop aft on our quarter. This he did,
and, watching for the right moment, the lanyards of our starboard main rig-
ging were cut away, freeing the bowsprit of the Tarr ; our vessel swung head
to the wind, and we paid out on our cables, dropping down between the
other two vessels, and astern of them, where we held on, thinking we would
be safe. But in this we were disappointed, for before we had a chance to
reeve off new lanyards for our rigging, we were startled by the cry that our
starboard cable had been cut by the crew of one of the vessels we had been
in collision with. The first thing to be done was to rig the stock in the
"spare anchor" which we had on deck. We had just completed this job
and were about to bend the cable to the anchor, when some one shouted
out in a dismayed tone, "We're all adrift! they've cut our other cable."
Not a moment could be wasted, for the foaming and roaring breakers on the
bar were right to leeward. Luckily our vessel fell off head to the eastward,
and I instantly determined to run out of the harbor, though the darkness
of the night, intensified by the blinding snow, rendered the attempt to pass
between the southern bars an extremely hazardous undertaking. As I ran
aft to clear the wheel, I shouted, " Bear a hand on the foresail ; be lively,
now, and get it on her ! " It was soon up about as high as if it was single-
reefed, when I righted the wheel, the sail filled, and our little vessel started
off with the speed of a race-horse, dragging behind her the port cable, which,
stretching out in the wake, and glistening with phosphorescence, looked like
an immense fiery sea serpent. " Hard up ! keep her off ! " shouted the look-

* The Lizzie Cook of Newburyport.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 221

out. Up went the wheel, the vessel swinging quickly off until a light was
dimly seen on the weather bow, and the cry of, " Steady ! so," assured me
that we were heading all right. The next instant we went rushing by the
stern of one of the fleet, just clearing her main-boom. Hardly had we
passed that one, when a voice cried out again, " Luff ! luff hard ! " and we
swept by another schooner, almost scraping the end of her bowsprit with
our lee rigging. These were the outside vessels of the fleet, and having
kept a mental calculation of the distance run, I judged soon after passing
them that we were far enough to keep off and run out of the channel.
When out by the bar we jibed the foresail and hauled to on the starboard
tack. In jibing, the gaff was broken, and the peak-halyards caught over
the horns of the cross-trees. Notwithstanding this, we were able to range
ahead slowly up under the lee of the bar, close enough to it to make compar-
atively smooth water. Probably not more than fifteen minutes had passed
from the time our second cable was cut until we hove to outside of the bar.
At this time the anchor was bent, with the exception of the last seizing, which
was soon put on. We then took hold of the anchor and threw it over the bow,
but, in our hurry, did not lift the bight of the cable clear of the cat-head.
The result was that the anchor fetched up with the stock just under water,
and, as we were drifting off shore, it was important that it should be cleared
from this awkward predicament with as little delay as possible. The quick-
est way, of course, was to reeve the cat-stopper and cut the anchor ; but
this could only be done at considerable risk. But, without waiting for or-
ders, and only saying to the men about the windlass, "Look out that the
cable don't slip," Murphy slid down on the hawser, rove off the cat-stopper,
and was soon on deck again ; not, however, before he had been soused un-
der water several times. Having cleared the cable, we paid out sixty or
seventy fathoms, and rode out the gale. The following day we were almost
compelled to part with our last anchor. The high tide had floated off the
beach at the head of the harbor an old vessel which had been hauled up
there. Once afloat she went driving on down through the fleet and brought
up on the bar. When the tide rose about noon she floated off and came
drifting down straight for us. We made all possible preparations to clear
her, but when she neared us the current or untertow changed her course
somewhat, so that she passed by a little distance off, and driving ashore on
the cliff astern of us soon went to pieces. That afternoon we ran to Can-
so, where we refitted.

In 1870 Murphy shipped with Capt. James Lunderkin, in the sch. William
F. Poole, but backed out. The vessel was lost on Georges with all hands.

The same Winter, Murphy had another tumble overboard. He was then
in the Hiawatha, which lay at anchor on Georges. He says : " I went on
the house to cast off the fall of the main-boom topinglift, when, just as I

222 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

had grasped the rope, our vessel gave a tremendous lurch, throwing me
over the rail into the water. I clung to the rope, however, which was of
considerable length, and hauled myself alongside by it, when my shipmates
reached down, grabbed me by the arms and assisted me to climb over the
rail." Had he lost his grip of the rope his rescue would have been im-
possible.

In the Summer of 1873, when returning home from the Grand Bank in
the sch. B. D. Haskins, Murphy encountered the terrific hurricane of Aug.
24 and 25, which wrought such awful havoc among our fishing fleets. The
little vessel, deeply laden with salt codfish, slowly pursued her way towards
home until she neared Sable Island, where she was overtaken by the storm.
An attempt was made to carry reefed sails and gain an offing from the Isl-
and, but so rapidly did the gale increase that the vessel was soon hove to
under close-reefed foresail, and even with this small sail her lee side was
buried j while to make matters worse, it was ascertained by sounding that
she was drifting into shoal water. It was night, intensely dark, and every
wave looked like a breaker. The little schooner was continually swept by
the seas which ran sharp and high j everything moveable on deck was car-
ried away ; the waist-boards stripped off j and it seemed impossible for her
to outlive the hurricane. Finding the water constantly shoaling, and de-
spairing of escape under sail, the anchor was let go, but the storm was so
violent that it would not hold. About midnight the wind, which had been
blowing from southeast changed suddenly to north-northeast, and for a
while kept jumping from one point to another, howling fiercely from which-
ever direction it came, and knocking the sea all up in heaps. About this
time the men on the Hastens, who scarcely expected to see the light of
another day, were startled and terrified by a most remarkable phenomenon.
"Driven swiftly along by the hurricane," says Murphy, "came a dense black
cloud, bearing on its eastern end a huge fiery pillar." The cloud, resem-
bling an unearthly spectre, carrying with it phosphorescent fires, passed
close by the vessel and swept out of sight to leeward. " So appalling was
its appearance that four of the men, overcome by their superstitious fears,
as well as the terror inspired by their fearful situation, went into convul-
sions."* In the meantime the vessel was drifting, and a depth of only six-
teen fathoms having been reached, it was determined to cut away the masts,
in hopes that the schooner might fetch up. The only tools available for
this purpose were two dull hatchets. It was slow work to cut in sufficiently
on one side of the masts, especially as the workers had to be constantly on
the alert to save themselves from being washed overboard. After a while,
however, the job was accomplished, the lanyards cut away, and, after stand-

♦Murphy.

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK. 223

ing for a roll or two, the masts went crashing over the side into the water.
The next thing was to clear away the lee rigging and head-stays which still
held the spars alongside, bumping and pounding, and threatening to knock
a hole in the vessel. This was the most dangerous task of all, but was suc-
cessfully accomplished without any one meeting with serious injury.* But
even after the masts were gone, and the little vessel lay a dismantled wreck on
the water, the anchor would not hold steadily. In the meantime, somewhere
about an hour after the spars were cut away, a huge wave swept over and
across the bow, tearing off the cutwater and head, and also carrying away
the bowsprit. At last, when even the bravest were almost ready to despair,
the anchor took a firm hold of the bottom, and the hull of the little schooner,
stripped bare for the fight, rose more buoyantly on top of the waves. The
sounding line showed a depth of ten fathoms when she brought up. But
notwithstanding the dangerous character of the sea caused by the shallow-
ness of the water and the fury of the gale, the gallant little craft rode it out
in safety. Toward the close of the 25th the storm abated. As soon as
practicable, jury-masts were rigged, and sufficient sail (the sails had been
saved when the spars were cut away) was set upon these to work the vessel
in near Cape Canso, where she was fallen in with by the sch. Frank of
Charlottetown> P. E. I., and towed to Port Hawkesbury. Lying at the
wharf, with jury-spars lashed to the stumps of the masts, the naked stanch-
ions sticking up along her sides, and with deck polished to immaculate
whiteness by the sand that had swept over it in the gale,t the Haskins pre-
sented a scene sufficiently desolate looking to convince any one of the ter-
rible ordeal through which she had passed.

A short time afterwards Murphy met with another adventure, from which
his escape with life was as remarkable as in the previous instance. This was
on the 14th of January, 1874, at which time he and I were shipmates on the
sch. Eastern Queen, engaged in the haddock fishery, under command of
Capt. William Corliss. On the evening of the 13th we hauled out of Com-
mercial dock and started down Boston harbor, beating out against a mod-
erate southeast wind. The night was dark, with an overcast sky and some
indications of snow, but, nevertheless, we worked slowly along. The skip-
per staid on deck directing the movements of the vessel until one o'clock
on the morning of the 14th, by which time we were down off Nahant. My-
self and watchmate were then called to relieve the watch on deck. I had

*The skipper of the B. D. Haskins told me, soon after the gale, and while the vessel
lay in Canso waiting for repairs, that the preservation of the schooner and the lives on
board of her, was largely due to the coolness and pluck of Murphy during the storm. He
particularly distinguished himself in cutting away the spars and clearing the wreck.

fThe water is often thick with sand during heavy gales, even in a depth of twenty to
twenty-five fathoms.

224 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

scarcely taken the wheel when I noticed that Long Island light, which was
almost directly astern, was "shutting in," and could barely be seen. I im-
mediately notified the skipper, but when I looked the second time, to ascer-
tain the correct bearings of the light, it could not be seen. Almost at the
same instant we had a snow-puff, and the wind veered to the eastward a
couple of points. We tacked and ran back for Broad Sound. After tack-
ing, a bright lookout was kept, the skipper himself being forward, anxiously
watching to catch a glimpse of Long Island light. After a while, the skip-
per shouted, "How do you head ?" "Southwest by west," I replied. "Let
her luff, then," he sang out again. I began to roll the wheel down as
quickly as possible, but before the vessel had swung to more than two points
she struck on bottom, jumping, bumping and pounding, until at last she
stopped still ; heeling down considerably, the speed with which she was run-
ning having carried her into somewhat less water than she drew. A dark
object could now be indistinctly seen on our weather bow, which we knew
to be Faun Bar Beacon. Four of us started for the city in a dory to secure
the services of a steam tug, the skipper being one of the party. Almost as
soon as we left the side of the vessel we found ourselves among breakers ;
the dory was half filled with water, and we began to realize the difficulties
and dangers that lay before us in threading the tortuous channels of Boston
harbor at night in a frail boat during a wild wintry snow storm. But there
was no thought of backing out, and having got clear of the breakers and
freed our boat from her waterlogged condition, we started again. At last,
and much to our joy, we made Long Island light, its rays looming dimly
through the snow almost over our heads. Rowing past the fleet anchored
in the Roads, we soon after came to Spectacle Island, and in due time
reached the Castle. Bye-and-bye we came to a long pier, at the head of
which lay a large schooner, while a short distance off could be seen the
ruddy reflection of light from some sort of blasting furnace.* We started
again, and after a hard pull against the wind, which was then about east-
northeast and blowing strong, we reached " T " dock, where we found, and
went on board of, the steam tug C. M. Winch, which lay there with banked
fires. Notwithstanding the oil clothes we all had on, we were drenched to
the skin, and the skipper, who had sat in the stern of the boat looking out,
not having had any exercise like the rest of us, was so thoroughly chilled
when we reached the steamer that he could not speak coherently, and could
scarcely stand. We soon made known our wants to the captain of the tug,
but the weather was so thick that he did not dare to start before daybreak.
At last the anxiously watched-for daylight began to appear ; the steamboat
men bustled around, casting off lines, and shortly the puff, puff of the engines

*The South Boston Iron Works.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 225

assured us that the much wished-for start was being made. But so in-
tensely thick was the misty fog, that in the gray light of the early morning
that it was impossible to discern anything a hundred yards distant. Reach-
ing Deer Island Beacon, we headed out into Broad Sound. A little later
we saw a vessel on our port beam that had evidently just anchored. We
slowed up, thinking it might be ours, but deciding it was not, we started
on again. But now we began to meet with the ocean swell, and the little
steamer plunged and rolled terribly, sending showers of spray over the
top of the pilot-house. Down off the Faun Bar buoy the sea almost broke
from the bottom, and considering it too risky to venture on the back side of
the bar, the captain of the tug turned her around, and ran back again for
the schooner we had seen on our way out, and which, much to our surprise
and pleasure, proved to be the Eastern Queen. We now gave her a towing
warp, and, the anchor having been weighed, towed her to Commercial
dock, where, at last, we could hear the story of the escape, which before we
could only conjecture. After we left the vessel in the dory the tide rose
slowly, the wind and sea increasing at the same time, causing her to pound
very heavily. The men on board, one of whom was Murphy, deeming it
unsafe to stick by any longer, if they could leave in the boats, hoisted out a
dory, by way of experiment, and paid her down to leeward of the vessel.
But it was soon evident that the attempt to row a boat through the breakers
would be absolute madness, for the dory had been but a few moments out
when she was struck by a wave, rolled over and over, and knocked about
like an egg shell in the yeasty waters that were then foaming all about the
apparently doomed Queen. Failing in this scheme, and knowing that the
vessel would soon pound her bottom out unless something more was done,
since, every time she fell, the grinding of planks and cracking of timbers
could be distinctly heard, the men determined to put her head on. They
therefore hoisted the foresail and jib, and slipping the cable, drove her on
as fast as the tide came ; whenever she rose on a sea she gained a little
ahead. The case with them was now absolutely desperate. There would
not be, even at full flood, as much water on the bar as the Queen drew by
nearly two feet.* The wind blew almost a gale, and the sea broke over her
in all directions. There was every reason to suppose that she might bilge
and break up. If this happened every soul on board must perish. But
Murphy resolutely clung to the wheel and headed her on the bar. At last
she rose on a wave, started ahead, kept going! while the joyful shout of,
"We're off! we're afloat I" was raised by every one. Owing to the density

*When we returned to the place at low tide on the next day, to secure the cable and an-
chor that had been slipped, the bar was dry; and a deep track, like a furrow, marked the
point where the Eastern Queen had ploughed her way through a mass oi rocks varying in
size from a water pail to a large cask.

226

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

of the fog they ran only a short distance, and having made the buoy on the
Inner Faun, came to anchor, where, shortly after, we saw them. The fact
that the forefoot and after part of the keel of the vessel was ground off into
the wood ends, and six or seven bilge planks were cut through, or nearly
through, causing a leak of 2,500 strokes an hour, tells how narrow an escape
from death those had who remained on board.

Such are some, though by no means all, of the adventures through which
Capt. Murphy has passed ; and the fact that he still lives to brave the per-
ils of the deep, and is as vigorous, "hale and hearty as any on 'em," might
be cited as proof that

" There's a sweet little cherub sits up aloft
To watch over the life of poor Jack."

THE OPEN SEA.

BY C. W. J.

Far out at sea,

Where tossing billows mock the sky
And shrill winds whistle free

And fleecy clouds go hurrying by.
What care we for the land

Except to keep it far away?
For here no rocks or whelming sand

Along our free course lay.

Along the land lie shoals,
Treacherous bar and cruel reef,

Where the curling breaker rolls
With mournful moan of woe and grief.

On the land is guile

Fraud and treachery, vile and base,
Where the coward lurks with stealthy wile

And smooth, deceitful face.

Here is no deceit !

The Storm King warns ere he makes attack ;
Swift heralds, with white hurrying feet,

Tell the approach of the tempest black.
Man struggles 'gainst wind and wave
' In an honest fight that is fair and free,
And God alone can save.

Hurrah for the open sea 1

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 227

Gloucester's Exhibition at the Centennial.

The Fishery Exhibit made by this city at the Centennial, at Philadelphia,
in 1876, gave much satisfaction to the thousands who witnessed it, and
this, together with the distribution of the five thousand copies of the Cen-
tennial Pamphlet giving a full description of the fishing industry and the
relation which Gloucester sustained as the largest fishing port in the United;
States, undoubtedly resulted beneficially in a business point of view. Mr.
Edward King, the able and interesting Centennial correspondent of the
Boston "Journal," wrote the following account of the Gloucester exhibit,
which was published in the columns of that paper, and we are pleased to
reproduce it in the pages of "The Fishermen's Own Book":

" In the vicinity of the Aquarial Department in the Agricultural Hall the
city of Gloucester has erected a tank 23 by 12 feet, filled' with water, in
which correct models of the fishing fleet of the old and new times are afloat,
illustrating the different branches of the fisheries. In one corner is the old
'cob wharf of Revolutionary years, with its primitive appliances, and the
odd, quaint 'pinkies' lying beside it. Opposite it is a model of the massive
and durable pile wharves, such as are built in Gloucester in 1876, ten times
as large as the old ones. On this the fishermen are shown at work packing
mackerel. All the appliances of fishing wharves are exhibited. Ranged
about in the little harbor are models of all the various improvements in fish-
ing craft, from 1800 down to the present time. The old Manchester, a fa-
mous fisher in her day, built about the beginning of this century, is exhibited
in model. The Manchester is still in existence, and is now in the carrying
trade somewhere 'down East.' The 'bankers' that go to Georges Bank,
the 'seiners' and the 'market boats' are all shown, and a practical model
gives a very correct idea of the setting of a mackerel seine.

" In addition to the exhibit in this tank there is a fine collection of objects
belonging to the fisheries, or of curiosities collected during the voyages.
The quadrant, made in 1761, and used by Capt. Isaac Day over a century
ago, is shown ; near it stands an hour-glass still older. There is also a cu-
rious substance resembling branch coral, which is said to have been fished
up in one hundred and fifty fathoms of water by a 'banker.' Here, too, are
seen all the appliances which make the fishing vessel of to-day a palace
compared with its rude prototype of a century ago.

" Gloucester maintains her position as first among fishing ports proudly.
Every year more and more direct trade comes to her ; and she still controls
her market even on the Pacific coast, sending great quantities of fish to

228

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,

Sacramento. It is not a little curious, also, that this very year she has be-
gun exporting fish to Sweden. One would have thought that like carrying
coals to Newcastle. But even stranger things may happen.

"The exhibit of the Gloucester fisheries is, however, the most interesting
one of its kind in the Exhibition. It is by far the most complete, as it gives
an accurate idea of the growth from very small proportions to their present
gigantic status of the fisheries of the largest fishing port in the world.
Brave old Gloucester ! There is almost poetry in these toy sails and mimic
wharves, and imitation seas spread out before the eyes of visitors to the
Exhibition, for they recall the many pathetic stories which we have heard
of the losses of good fishermen and their ships on the gloomy and treacher-
ous 'banks.'"

THE WIDOW'S APPEAL TO THE WINDS AND SEA.

BY GEORGE H. PROCTER.

Winds, to your charge I give

My bonnie fisher lad ;
A treasure very dear to me,

Whose absence makes me sad.
He toils that we may live,

His mother, sisters three,
Widowed and fatherless,

Made so by thee.

Blow steady — let no gales

Their fury burst upon
The craft which holds my boy,

This darling, only son.
Gently the snowy sails

Fill with thy wondrous breath,
And waft him back to me,

And not to death.

O sea, a boon I crave,

Thou, too, must guard my boy ;
Do not his graceful form

To thy embrace decoy ;
But bear him safely o'er

Thy pathless, billowy space,
That we may gladsome be

At sight of that dear face.

Buoy up his vessel well,

Ye waves, your force subdue ;
No sullen humors take,

But to your charge be true.
Around the schooner's prow

In tiny wavelets break,
O treacherous, heaving sea,

For his dear sake.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 229

Picking the Nets and Trawls,

Wherein We Find Good Hauls of Facts, Incidents, Off-Hand Sketches, and
Items of Interest Concerning the Fishermen and Their Calling.

Important to Fishermen. — The Direct United States Cable Company
have charts for the guidance and information of fishermen, showing the lo-
cation of the company's cables, with the depths of water, and request cap-
tains to give them a wide berth. Should any vessel, however, lose her
anchor or cable by reason of coming in contact with the telegraph cable,
and will use every endeavor to save the same from damage, the company
will reimburse the loss, subject to adjustment, upon being satisfied that the
claim is a just one. On the fourth page of the advertising department may
be found full particulars, and it being of great public interest, we thus call
attention to it.

The sum of $100 was received by Collector Babson in March, 1881, from
the Direct United States Cable Co., as compensation for the loss of anchor
by sch. Oliver Eldridge, Capt. John Scott. The schooner was at anchor on
Brown's Bank, and had drifted during a high wind and fouled the telegraph
cable. Upon ascertaining the fact, Capt. Scott cut his cable and reported
the case to Collector Babson, who sent on the evidence, and the company
promptly paid the damages. The honorable manner in which the company
proposes to deal with our fishermen should entitle it to the most careful
consideration when they are fishing in the vicinity of the cable, by using
every precaution to avoid fouling it, and when fouling, to cut at once rather
than run the risk of injuring the cable.

,-;--; " #* Interesting Statistics Gleaned from Exper-

H^ iments of the U. S. Fish Commission in Glouc-
ester.— The loss of weight of codfish from the
round to the market-dried fish is from 54*^ to 65^
per cent., the average loss being about .6023, dis-
tributed as follows : Loss in splitting, .4044 ; loss
in pickle, .1496 ; loss on flakes, .0483. The shrink-
age in length from the round to the split fish is from 6^ to 11 ^ inches.
By extra drying, in the warmest weather, the average loss in weight is about
a half per cent. more. The loss of weight of Georges cod in curing, after
being split and salted on board the vessel, averages about 11^ percent.
The average loss in weight of market-dried fish in boning is nearly 22 per

23o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

cent (.219). Pollock, from the round to the market-dried fish lose on an
average 59 8-10 per cent., and shrink in length from 8 to 12 inches. Had-
dock shrink in length from the round to the marked-dried fish from 4 to 5^
inches, and lose in weight 62 3-10 per cent. The loss of weight in hake
from the round to the market-dried fish averages 55^ per cent., the loss
in length from 4^ to 10 inches. Cusk lose from the round to the market-
dried fish 50^ per cent, in weight and from 4^ to 7^ inches in length.

Protecting Trawl and Net Fishermen. — The following is the full
text of the bill approved March 11, 1882, to take effect forty days thereafter,
for the protection of the rights of lobster, net and trawl fishermen :

" Any person who shall take any fish or lobster from any trap, trawl or
seine set for catching fish or lobsters, except by consent of the owner there-
of, and any person who shall wilfully molest or interfere with such trap,
trawl or seine, shall for the first offence be punished by a fine of not less
than five nor more than twenty-five dollars, or by both fine and imprison-
ment ; and for any subsequent offence by a fine of not less than twenty nor
more than fifty dollars, or by imprisonment for sixty days, or both fine and
imprisonment."

Some Mackerel Trips Forty-five Years Ago. — A blue-covered pass
book preserved among the papers of Messrs. James Mansfield & Sons, gives
an account of the outfits of a schooner commanded by Capt. Ignatius Syl-
vester of Riverdale, on half a dozen or more mackerel trips in the Summer
and Fall of 1837.' The book is in the handwriting of Capt. George W.
Plumer, with occasional entries in the writing of Mr. James Mansfield, then
the head of the firm, both of whom are still living, and indicates that besides
Capt. Sylvester the crew consisted of George Stanwood, Addison Griffin,
Tristram Griffin, Henry Stanwood, John Parsons and Issac Babson, all of
whom with the exception of the two last named are still among the living.
Three of the number, Messrs. Sylvester, Henry Stanwood and George Stan-
wood commanded vessels in the employ of the Messrs. Mansfield for an
aggregate of one hundred years. The accounts are made out in the form
of "Great General" and "Small General," the- former covering salt, fuel
and lights, bait and use of bait mill ($2), and the latter including provisions,
hooks, lines, leads, sawing wood, etc. The time covered by the pass book
was from June 30 to Nov. 16. The fuel consisted of wood, a cord and five
feet being required for the season, at $7 per cord. For light four gallons
and a quart of oil at $1.10 per gallon, and six pounds of candles at 15 cents
per pound, were required. We find only 3 bbls. of bait charged, 2 at $2.25
and 1 at $2.75. Salt was billed at $3.30 and $3.37^ per hhd., all but 9
hhds. at the higher rate, and 37 hhds. were taken on board, of which a por-
tion was returned.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 231

The meat provided, excepting 53 cents worth of veal, consisted of 142
lbs. beef at 8 cents per lb., and 170^ lbs. pork, from 12 to 14 cts. per lb.;
203 lbs. flour were supplied at 6% cts. per lb., 4 pecks meal at 34 cts. per
peck, 445 lbs. bread from 7^ to 2>x/2 cts. per lb., 5^ bush, potatoes from
40 to 67 cts. per bush., 59 gals, molasses at 34 and 36 cts. per gal., 33 lbs.
rice at 5 and 6 cts. per lb., 3 bush, beans at 8 cts. per qt., 2 gals, vinegar at
20 cts. per gal., a can of mustard, a pound of saleratus and a bottle of pep-
per sauce. For drink there were 35 lbs. coffee at ten cents per pound, and
1 lb. chocolate at 22 cents. 34^ lbs. of lard were used at 10 cts. per lb.,
and the butter and cheese bill was very moderate, IdF'only 72 cts.

^ A Singular Circumstance. — Dec. 15, 1865, sch.

jfi^L^ Live Yankee, then owned at this port by Daniel Sayward,
^^^^mWaKl^i while anchored on Georges during a heavy sea, un-
JP^^M f / r shipped her bowsprit shroud, which was lost overboard?
^a|^ug and when she returned to port a new one was furnished
^^^mhBB^^ by Mr. Addison Witham, rigger. The next Spring, while
the crew were engaged in fishing on Georges, one of them caught something
on his hook, and pulling up, was surprised to find a bowsprit shroud at-
tached. Supposing themselves to be anchored over the wreck of some
Georgesman, they brought the shroud in, and called some of the riggers to
examine it for the purpose of identification, and thus to gain information of
a lost vessel. Among them was Mr. Witham, who at once pronounced it
the one lost by the Live Yankee the December previous. He was positive
of this, as it had a very peculiar long-shanked hook, different from any other
in our fleet, and it corresponded exactly with the other one which is still in
use on the vessel. It was in good condition, with the exception of some
parts of it being covered with small barnacles. It was indeed singular that
it should be hooked up in the manner it was, by one of the crew of the ves-
sel from which it was lost.

The Isinglass Industry. — The first establishment in this country for
the manufacture of isinglass from fish sounds was set up in Rockport, Mass.,
in 1822, by a Mr. Hall, an Englishman, who came to the town for that pur-
pose, because he could best buy here the hake sounds he wished to use.
His shop was out near the end of the neck, the same building Mr. Addison
Gott now uses as a fish house. He first used wooden rollers, which had the
disadvantage of warmth and adhesiveness. Besides, his rollers were turned
by hand power, two men to a roller, making very unsteady work ; it is said
the wages of this human power was from thirty to forty cents a day. After
some years, iron rollers were introduced, and the next improvement was
horse power, using a treadmill. Mr. Hall, within a few years after he start-

232 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

ed here, took in Jabez Rowe as partner, and they continued together some
years. After some twelve years here Mr. Hall died, and tradition says was
quite poor. In the course of time Deacon Gott, Messrs. William Burns and
William Norwood became interested in the dawning enterprise, and they
built the now old Rockport Sound Factory on Dock Square. They had in-
troduced steam power and many other later improvements. The price at
first paid for sounds was usually five or six cents a pound. One year, when
the price was held as high as eight cents, they thought of abandoning the
business on account of the enormous cost of sounds. This seems singular
to us, who in our time have known sounds to bring over $1,50 a pound.

Two Old Jokers. — Among the fishermen of Maine who formerly sailed
from Gloucester was Captain Ezra T — , a great wit in his way, and always
ready with a joke or repartee. On one occasion, while engaged in the mack-
erel fishery, he had as one of his crew Hiram S — , who was noted among
his compeers for having a remarkably large head. The last-named individ-
ual being employed one day in stowing mackerel barrels in the hold of the
vessel, a discussion arose as to whether a barrel would go in a certain place
or not. Captain T — , who was on deck, happening to overhear the remarks,
pro and con, of the men in the hold, leaned over the hatchway and, speak-
ing to S — , said, " Shove your head in there," Hi. (an abbreviation for Hi-
ram)— "if your head will go, a barrel will/"

But Captain T — met his match on one occasion in his friend and neigh-
bor, Captain R — . As the story was told, the former, who was sometimes
addicted to convivial habits, crooked his elbow rather too frequently one
evening, and having to pass through a growth of woods on his way home,
got astray. After struggling through underbrush and other obstructions,
and losing his hat, he finally reached the house of his friend R — , who, of
course, supplied him with a hat, and started him on the right track for home.
A few months later Captain T — was engaged in trading along the coast of
Maine in his vessel, and, among other things, had some furniture to sell.
One day he called at the house of Captain R — , and tried to induce the lat-
ter to buy something. After enumerating the various kinds of goods he
had for sale, a thought struck him, and he asked, " Don't you want to buy a
table, R — ?" R — , who had a large family, replied, "Dod blast it, no ! I've
more tables now than I can fill with grub." "I believe that," said T — ,
"but, at least, you ought to have one respectable table on which to put gen-
tlemen's hats, when any, like me, for instance, comes to see you." "Oh,
yes, that's so," exclaimed R — , "but when gentlemen like you come to see
me, they generally come drunk and bareheaded"

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

233

Every Part of the fish is now
utilized, the skin being the last to^
find its place among merchantable
articles. This is used for the man-
ufacture of fish glue and cement,
and the product is ranked among
the best in the world. There are
^p" two companies in Gloucester en-
gaged in its manufacture, and their business is constantly increasing. The
raw material is held at $12 per ton, at which price it finds a ready sale.
The skins are also used in the manufacture of guano, and now that the bone-
less fish industry has assumed such large proportions these skins form a
large source of profit to the fish dealers.

The First Trawl Fisherman of whom we have any record was Mr.
Coleman Manning of Rockport, whose unexampled success in fishing was
long a mystery to his fellow fishermen, until the secret was discovered, caus-
ing considerable- indignation at the method pursued, as it was thought it
would damage the fisheries. This was about 1852, and the trawl roll used
by Mr. Manning, an uncouth-looking affair, has been presented to the Na-
tional Museum of the United States. Mr. John Rowe, of East Gloucester,
claims to have set a trawl across Brace's Cove, in May, 1820, but the prac-
tice was not then followed up.

Menhaden Factories. — The number of menhaden factories in operation
last year, 188 1, was 97, employing 73 steamers and 286 sailing vessels, with
2,805 men, who caught 457,192,000 fish, from which were made 1,266,549
gallons of oil and 27,592 tons of crude or 15,027 tons of dried guano.

The Materials of Which Fish Are Composed.
— Considered from the standpoint of the food, fish,
as we buy them in the market, consist of flesh, or
edible portion, and refuse — bones, skin, entrails, etc.
The proportions of refuse in different samples of
the same kind, in different conditions, vary widely.
Thus a sample of flounder contained 68 per cent,
of refuse and only 32 per cent, of flesh, while one
of halibut steak had only 18 per cent, of refuse and 82 per cent, of edible
materials. Among those with the most refuse and least edible flesh are the
flounder, porgy, bass and perch. Among those with the least refuse are fat
shad, fat mackerel, salmon, and dried and salt fish. The edible portions
consist of water and solids, actual nutrients. The proportion of water and

234

FISHERMEN'S O WN BOOK.

solids in the flesh of various kinds of fish is much more variable than most
people would suppose. Thus the flesh of flounders had 85 per cent, of wa-
ter and only 15 per cent, of solids, while that of salmon contained 36^ per
cent, solids and 63% per cent, water, and the flesh of dried, smoked and
salt fish have still less water. Lean beef contains, on the average, 25 per
cent, or one-quarter its weight of solids, the other three-quarters being wa-
ter, while fat pork has one-half solids. Ordinary fresh meats are from one-
half to three-fourths water, while the water in the fresh fish varies from
three-fifths to six-sevenths of the whole. To find the actual nutritive mate-
rials of a sample of fish, we must first subtract the refuse — the entrails,
bones, etc. — which leaves the flesh. Then we must allow for the water in
the flesh. What remains will be the total edible solids, the actual nutritive
material. The per centages of edible solids in the different samples of fish
were more varied than those of refuse and water. Thus 100 pounds of
flounders contained only 5 pounds of actual nutrients; 100 pounds of had-
dock, 9 pounds; of bluefish, 11 pounds; of cod, 12 pounds; salt mackerel,
16 pounds ; shad, 16 pounds ; salt cod, 20 pounds ; salmon, 27 pounds; and
smoked herring 28 pounds. — Sea World.

Georges Bank. — For the benefit of many who will peruse this volume
we will state that Georges Bank is 190 miles east-southeast from Cape Ann,
and about a twenty hours' run in a good breeze for one of our fishermen.
There is shoal water fishing and deep water fishing — the latter requiring
from 100 to 150 fathoms of line, and is comparatively new, the first season
of its success being in 1876. LaHave Bank is 100 miles east of Georges,
and fishing thereon has been commenced by our fleet within the past five
years.

The Old Man's Yarn. — An Of-fish-al Narra-
tive.— 'Twas in the Summer of 'seventeen, as fine
an August day as you have ever seen. Our Sary
Ann, upon the beach, set up a most unearthly
screech, and in a fit she fell. From cot and wind-
mill near at hand, alarmed to hear her yell, quick
out upon the glistening sand the neighbors rushed
pell-mell. No need of words from Sary Ann,
what startled her to tell, for every maid and every
man, who to the beach so quickly ran, soon saw a
sight that caused a fright, and made them feel
from head to heel as limp as this umb'rel. For
there, two hundred yards from shore, a monster
none had seen before, upreared its hideous head ;
with fork-ed tongue and eyes of flame, and looks of menace, on it came, as

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 235

if to strike them dead j the waters half a mile away were lashed with fury
into spray each time it moved its tail, and all the way between rose hump
on hump of olive green, like huge waves in a gale. Glad hearts were theirs
who watched that day — to apprehension dire a prey — to see the monster
turn aside and from the harbor quickly glide. Horse mackerel and porpoise
schools will do to talk about to fools ; but we who lived in 'seventeen know
that the sea serpent was seen.

Veteran Craft.— Pinkey Senator, 32.67 tons, built at Essex in 183 1, is
still owned at this port. Sch. Ann Parker, built at Wells, Me., in 1850, is
owned at Pigeon Cove. Pinkey Albatross, of Castine, Me., built in 1829,
was at this port with a load of barrels in the Summer of 1881. The whaler
Mt. Wallaston, whose wreck was discovered in the ice of the Arctic ocean in
188 1, formerly hailed from Gloucester at a time when it was proposed to
establish the whaling business from this port. She sailed on her first voy-
age Jan. 9, 1834. Four months out she was spoken with 250 bbls. of oil ;
Oct. 20, 1834, with 750 bbls.; Dec. 14, with 1,200 bbls. She arrived home
May 17, 1835, with 1,600 bbls., 150 sperm, and 13,000 lbs. bone. The
voyage did not prove so successful as had been anticipated, but she was
again fitted out, and sailed on her second voyage in July, 1835. In August
she was spoken, having taken four whales. Jan. 13, 1836, she was again
spoken, and reported 2,200 bbls. March 29 she arrived home with 1,600
bbls. whale, 550 sperm, and 16,000 lbs. bone. This would now be consid-
ered a successful voyage, but on account of the low price of oil it was not
then regarded as satisfactory, and the ship was sold at auction for $4,510
to J. B. Osgood of Salem, from which port she made several voyages.

Something about Lobsters. — It has often been stated
that "in general lobsters change their shell once a year,
and it is a painful operation." A friend of ours in this
city, who has an aquarium, states that he has a lobster
which changed his shell three times within a year. He is also of opinion
that when in the sea where they get a full supply of such food as they re-
quire, that they change their shells even oftener than this, as it is necessary
for them to do so, in order to grow. Can any one give us any more light
on this subject ?

There is no doubt that the blasting of Hell Gate destroyed immense
quantities of lobsters ; so great a dread have lobsters of thunder that they
will cast off their big claws when a loud clap occurs or when a gun is fired.
In olden times captains of vessels often extorted blackmail from lobster
fishermen by threatening to fire cannon over the fishing grounds, knowing

236

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

full well that the concussion would cause the lobsters to cast their claws,
thereby destroying their value.

Lobster spearing is pursued in the Indian fashion, by torchlights. A
dark, calm night and a falling tide are the first requisites, and the crew of
the canoe must consist of three — one to row, one to hold the torch so that
its light will fall through the shallow water and light up the bottom to show
the lobsters crouched among the seaweed ; and last, but not least, the spear-
er, armed with a long wooden spear, which it requires considerable skill and
practice to drive down, so that the two prongs will close over the lobster's
back, capturing him firmly, leaving the body uninjured. It is a sport both
exciting and picturesque, as the boat creeps along under the shadow of the
bank and the torch casts a Rembrandtish light on the occupants and on the
overhanging trees. The captive lobsters sometimes make very unpleasant
occupiers of a boat, and it requires great equanimity to feel them crawling
about one's feet.

A Faithful Beacon Light. — It is a very
tender story of faithfulness in humble places,
which Jean Ingelow relates. It was in one of
the Orkney Islands, far beyond the north of
Scotland. On the coast of this island there
stood a rock called Lonely Rock, very danger-
ous to mariners. On a night, long ago, a young
girl was kneeling at the window in her chamber
in a fisherman's cottage, looking out upon the
dark and driving clouds, and listening anxious-
ly to the wind and sea. At last the morning
came, and one boat that should have been rid-
ing on the waves was missing. It was her fa-
ther's boat, and half a mile from the cottage
her father's body was found washed upon the
sand. He had been wrecked against the Lone-
ly Rock. The girl watched her father's body,
according to the customs of her people, till it was laid in the grave, then
she lay down on her bed and slept. When the night came she arose and
set a candle in her casement. All night she sat by the candle, trimmed it
when it flickered down, and spun. So many hanks of yarn as she had spun
before for her daily bread, she spun still, and one hank over for her nightly
candle. And from that time to the time of telling this story — for fifty years,
through youth, maturity, into old age — she has turned night into day. And
in the snowstorms of winter, in the serene calms of Summer, through driv-
ing mists, deceptive moonlight and solemn darkness, that northern harbor

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 237

has never once been without the light of that small candle. However far
the fisherman might be standing out to sea, he had only to bear down
straight for that lighted window, and he was sure of a safe entrance. And
so for all these fifty years that tiny light, flaming thus out of devotion and
self-sacrifice, has helped, and cheered, and saved.

Rare Fish. — Sch. Laura Nelson, Capt. Roderic Morrison, arrived from
Grand Bank in July, 1881, bringing in a very curious fish taken from the
stomach of a halibut caught on the western end of the Bank. It measured
three feet, one inch, in length, and about two inches through, and was of a
silvery color, having a sharp-pointed head, with a projecting flexible under
jaw, and a small fan-shaped tail. It was presented to Capt. Martin, local
representative of the U. S. Fish Commission, by whom it was forwarded to
Prof. Baird at Woods Holl. The professor is of the opinion that it is of a
new genus and new species, closely allied to the scabbard fish, of which two
or three specimens have been received from the Banks.

Look Out for the Raw Material. — It is a mistake for any community
to allow its raw material to be carried away, to have its value increased by
labor somewhere else. Gloucester is learning this to some extent, and the
preparation of boneless fish, the canning of mackerel, and the manufacture
of fish glue and fertilizers are all steps in the right direction, making labor
for many hands, and enhancing the value of our fish products. The prac-
tice of selling mackerel out of pickle, on the other hand, which has grown
up of late years, is a step in the wrong direction, as the profits of packing
and inspection might just as well be kept at home. Selling from pickle all
the early part of the season, and thus giving to other markets the profits of
handling the catch, and compelling purchasers to seek their supplies else-
where than at the producing headquarters, will, ere long, cause Gloucester
to lose its prestige as a mackerel market, and the later catch of home in-
spection will have to seek a market through second hands. Gloucester is a
loser by many thousands of dollars, from the practice of selling out of pickle,
which we hope to see done away with another season.

The Talking Codfish. — Recently two chaps,
whom we shall call Bill and Joe, went out back of
the Point in a dory to try their luck fishing. Bill
possessed good powers of ventriloquism, which Joe
was not aware of. They spent a couple of hours
in fishing, and had good luck, when Joe hauled in
a large-sized cod, and when he came up alongside,
imagine his surprise when there issued from the cod's mouth, in words as

238

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

plain as human lips could speak, " Halloo, Joe, so you've got me, after all ! "
To say that Joe was frightened does not express it. He was fairly stunned
—so much so that he couldn't get the fish on board the dory, and he went
down again the length of the line. Bill, also, showed signs of agitation, but
endeavored to make Joe think that he was mistaken, and commenced pull-
ing the fish in. When he again reached the surface, Joe was amazed to
hear from the fish's throat, as distinct as could be, "Bill, you hurt! Pull
out the hook and let me go." That was too much for Joe. He cut the
line, hauled up the anchor and commenced rowing home, vowing that it was
the d — l's own work, and he was afraid that it was a forerunner of ill-luck.
Bill was scared, of course, and the affair formed the theme of conversation
among their circle of acquaintances for several days. Soon after, the cat
was let out of the bag, and Bill gave some good tests of his powers, which
carried conviction with them. Joe treated all hands to birch beer, and the
talking codfish was no longer a mystery.

What the Old Blubber Man Said. — "It may
smell a little fishy, but you soon get used to it," said
an old man who was trying out blubber on one of our
wharves to a young dandy-looking chap, who thought
the effluvia was "perfwectly horwid." "And then,"
continued the old man, "it brings in the crispy green-
backs, you know, and your father was one of the best
blubber b'ilers I ever knew." The young man fidget-
ted a little with his kid gloves and cane, and then quick-
ly passed up off the wharf. He didn't care about hear-
ing the old "blubber and ile" man give him any further
reminiscences of his family. It's the case with a good
many now-a-days. They like to spend the old man's
money, but don't care to remember that the old gent
ever went fishing or followed any of the honest occupa-
tions connected therewith. A great pity it is that many of the young men
of to-day are not obliged to commence life as their fathers did. The expe-
rience would be the means of making good business men of them, as they
would then know the value of money by being obliged to work hard in order
to obtain it.

The First Shipment of Herring from Gloucester to Germany. —
As Mr. Addison G. Procter, of this city, senior member of the firm of Proc-
ter, Trask & Co., was cashing a Swedish draft in Boston, Feb. 15, 1877, the
banker remarked, "Why don't you ship herring to Germany as well as to
Sweden, as the people of that country are large consumers of that fish ? "

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

239

One remark led to another, and the conversation concluded by the banker's
giving him the address of a party in Hamburg, arid becoming responsible
for a shipment of fifty barrels, which were sent per steamer. They were
put up with extra care and handsomely stenciled, "Procter, Trask & Co.,
Cape Ann Herring," on the barrel head. While the herring were lying in
New York, a German merchant saw them and obtained permission to open
one of the barrels. He was so well pleased with the fish that he immedi-
ately telegraphed on for the price of 200 barrels of the same kind. The
price was given and the order at once received. They were immediately
packed and went on the steamer. Procter, Trask & Co. therefore have the
honor of shipping the first lot of herring from Gloucester to Germany.

The Worth of Oysters and Fish
for Food. — The researches of Prof.
W. O. Atwater of Wesleyan University
of Middletown, Conn., in getting at
the facts of the worth of fish and oys-
ters as food are worthy of the attention
bestowed upon it. Exceedingly inter-
esting have been the determinations
of the nutritive values of some of the
invertebrates, as oysters, scallops, lob-
sters and crayfish, which are to be found in these investigations. It is well
known that in the mollusks water forms the largest proportion. So in
Stony Creek oysters we find 90.47 of water ; in Blue Points, 80.76 ; in Nor-
folks, 91.45 ; in scallops, 80.32 ; in clams, 86.20 ; in lobsters, 82.73, an<^ m
crayfish, 81.22. The fat in oysters finds its maximum in 2 per cent., though
about 1.25 is a fair average. In the albuminoids they are fairly rich, the
Blue Points having 8.20, but the scallop, the muscular part, of course, only
being considered, has as much as 14.75 Per cent- *n lobsters the fat is
1.97, the albuminoids 13.57, and the nutritive value is 62, about the same
as flounder. These considerations about the nutritive values of oysters
only regard the edible portions, but Prof. Atwater has studied the relations
of shell to meat, and we find that in 100 pounds of Norfolk oysters, shell
and all, there is really only one pound of nutritive material. The highest in
the list is the Blue Point, which for every 100 pounds of weight of shell
holds 3^ per cent, of meat. But when Long Island clams are examined,
there is an increase in nutrients, for in the 100 pounds of shell and all there
is 7.77, and in lobsters 6.80. In general, Prof. Atwater's tables seem to
show that the Northern oysters are the richer and the Southern the poorer
in nutritive elements. When relative nutritive values are studied, the worth
of fish food will be thoroughly appreciated.

240 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Capture of a Trunk Turtle. — Sch. Herman JBabson, Capt. Williams,
captured a rare reptile for these parts in the shape of a trunk turtle, Oct. 3,
1877, ten miles off Cape Elizabeth. In getting it on board the vessel it
was injured so badly that it survived but two days, having bled to death
from one of its flippers. It measured seven feet across the back and was
six feet in length, and its estimated weight was six hundred pounds. It
differs from other species of turtle in having the carapace overlaid by a
leathery skin instead or horny plates, and this skin is easily punctured by a
sharp instrument. The head is large, narrowed in front of the eyes, with
small circular nostrils and large eyes, with lids opening nearly vertically ;
jaws apparently very strong and sharp edged ; neck short and thick, and
the anterior limbs are twice as large as the hind ones. It was a great curi-
osity in this section, and hundreds availed themselves of the opportunity of
seeing it. Its flesh is said to be of no value. It is found on both sides of
the Atlantic, especially in the tropics, coming north as far as Massachusetts
Bay.

"Right arter Robert." — Years ago there were two brothers following
fishing from this port, both of whom were skippers, owning crafts of their
own. Robert was the elder, and William used to follow in his wake as near
as he could, when on his fishing trips. One day they both started out to-
gether, William following and Robert taking the lead, as usual. When Wil-
liam went down to supper, the man at the helm asked him how he should
steer. "Right arter Rober," was the reply. It so happened that William's
vessel was a little faster than Robert's, in a light breeze, and the wind mod-
erating suddenly and the helmsman not being first-class at the business, let
her get too near, and ere he could avoid it the vessels collided. The shock
brought skipper William on deck, who sang out, as he came up the compan-
ion-way, " How are you steering ? " " Right arter Robert, sir, just as you
told me to," was the reply. Fortunately there was but little damage done,
but "Right arter Robert" served as a by-word on board the crafts during
the entire season.

The Norwegian Flounder has been added to the list of edible fishes
taken off our coast. Quite large quantities were secured on the dredging
expeditions of the steamer Speedwell, about one hundred pounds being taken
at one dredging in 1878. Through the courtesy of Prof. Baird a liberal
supply was sent to Taft's at Point Shirley, and Parker's, Boston, where they
were served up and pronounced excellent eating. These deep-sea flounders
are some fifteen or eighteen inches long, resembling a small chicken halibut
in form, and of a dull white color underneath and a light slate-colored back,
with some peculiar markings about the head. Their presence in our waters

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 241

was unsuspected until brought to light by the investigations of the Fish
Commission.

How the News of His Wife's Death Was Told Him. — One of our
fishermen sailed on a mackereling trip, leaving his wife in her usual health,
with no thought that the messenger of death was hovering so near. After
a few days the wife died, and telegrams were sent to the husband along the
coast, to such ports as it was likely the vessel might put in. But he never
received them, and the vessel came home in about four weeks' time, arriv-
ing at two o'clock in the morning. The skipper and crew came ashore, and
on reaching the wharf the watchman asked the name of their vessel, and
upon being informed took the skipper one side and told him the sad news
and asked him to break it to the husband, as he had not the heart to. The
skipper's heart failed him also, as he walked alongside the man up the
wharf, into the familiar streets. Their houses lay in the same direction, the
skipper's being the farthest off. Finally they reached the man's home, and
as he stooped down to pick up a little stone to throw against the window
of the chamber, to awaken his wife, as was his custom when arriving in the
night, the skipper could no longer hesitate, but calling him by name, said :
"Your wife will never awaken on earth again, as she died three days after

you left home, and this was what Mr. told me when he took me one side

on the wharf ; but I couldn't find heart to tell you before." The terrible
news almost paralyzed the poor fellow, and he could not realize that the
wife whom he had left and whom he had hoped so soon to meet again, was
gone from his sight forever. The family were soon awakened, and he was
made acquainted with the full details of the event which cast a shadow over
his life which time will never fully efface.

Off for Georges. — The regular February appearance of large schools
of codfish on Georges Bank, which are used by the fish for their spawning
grounds, insures a large catch for the early fleet, and the temptation of big
trips, and the consequent realization of good returns, cannot be resisted by
men who have been lying idle and whose funds have run low, or to express
it as they do, more emphatically, "We haven't a shot in the locker; the fish
are there and we're just going for 'em ! " And who can blame them ? It
is their business. They know its excitements and its dangers. Old ocean
has been their cradle for many a year. They have been rocked to sleep by
it in its calmer moods, as well as when in anger it has tossed their little
crafts up and down on the billows, and the stormy blast has shrieked through
the rigging, 'mid the gale. Georges may be their grave ; but this thought
does not deter them from going. And no wonder they are anxious to start
when they remember the big trips they have shared in ; quickly earned, too.

242 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

An India Rubber Stomach. — The Chiasmodes Niger, brought in by sch.
Bessie W. Somes, July 30, 1880, proved a rare specimen indeed, since it is a
fish that can swallow fishes twice as large and four times as heavy as itself.
This it can do because its mouth is very deeply cleft, its teeth bent, and its
stomach elastic like india rubber. This is the third specimen known to
science, the first having been found off the island of Madeira, and the sec-
ond in the Dominican Sea. The specimen brought in by the Somes was
ten inches long, and had in its stomach a codfish eighteen inches in length.

Eccentricities of the Swordfish. — The swordfish is found here and
there from Spring to Fall in the ocean on our coast, lying "asleep," the
fishermen call it, on the very surface of the water. Nobody on the Ameri-
ican coast, so far as reported, ever saw a little swordfish. The smallest
recorded by a correspondent of the "Forest and Stream" weighed forty-six
pounds. Their only known breeding ground is in the Mediterranean Sea.
There the same fish is found weighing half a pound ; from that they go up
to very heavy measurement. It is naturally inferred from this that all our
swordfish are Mediterranean products. What mysterious ocean current
guides them over here ? Or is it instinct that teaches them that here they
will find the mackerel and the menhaden that they feed on ? One can al-
most imagine that the game of flight and pursuit kept up by these two spe-
cies starts at Gibralter and is run to Block Island every year. The sword-
fish darts upon a school of its prey and by skilful use of its sword wounds
those that it afterwards captures and eats. Until within a few years nobody
ever thought of catching it except by harpoons. Recently, however, it has
taken the bait of the trawls of our cod fishermen, and many swordfish have
been caught in that novel way. What they come up and "sleep "'for is one
of the puzzles of their nature. They come and go as the mackerel and
menhaden do, and from that it is naturally concluded that they spend their
time chasing these small fish. What with sharks, swordfish, porpoises, blue-
fish, sea-gulls, eagles and seines, and all the rest after them, the fish of the
herring tribe have led such lives of fright and terror that it is no longer a
wonder that the movements of any school of them seem guided by an inher-
ent idiocy. It is even less strange that they are all the while victims than
that, being caught by millions yearly, they should steadily increase.

Why the Red Sea Is Red. — Geographers were not able to determine
why the Red Sea was so named until Ehrenberg, sailing over a part of it,
observed that the water of the whole Gulf of Tor was colored a blood red.
Drawing up some of the water, and examining it with a microscope, he
found that the color was due to a minute, thread-like oscillatoria or alga.
The same alga was observed by Dupont twenty years afterwards, giving rise

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 243

to the same appearance even on extent of 556 nautical miles. A similar
plant was noticed by Darwin, in his voyage around the world, covering the
water near Abrolhos Island, off the coast of Brazil. Oersted, in 1845, no~
ticed that the water near Maderia had a peculiar obscurity, which was occa-
sioned by numerous minute tufts of oscillatoria waving in the mass. These
plants are found all the way to the West Indies, sometimes thick enough to
give a color to the water, but never wholly wanting. In other cases the sea
is colored red by animals, of different kinds, by minute crustaceans or infu-
soria?, or eggs. The name red or vermilion sea has been given to two dif-
ferent microscopic infusoriae. One of the coloring animals is irritating to
the skin, and produces blisters and sores on the bodies of those who come
in contact with it.

ubstitute for Cod Liver Oil. — It is claimed by a
writer in "Nature" that the oil of the "oolachen " or
"ulikou," the candlefish of Alaska, possesses all the
medicinal qualities of cod liver oil. This fish has long
been an ichthyological curiosity, and has been noticed
by almost every traveler who has visited the coasts of
British Columbia and Southern Alaska. It is a small
silvery fish, averaging about fourteen inches long, in
general appearance much resembling a smelt. It is
the fattest of all known fish, affording a very superior oil when tried out.
Dried, the fish serve as torches. When a light is needed the tail is touched
to the fire, and they will burn with a bright light for some time. No de-
scription can give an adequate idea of their numbers when ascending the
rivers from the sea. The water is literally alive with them and appears to
be boiling. These fisheries appear not to have been hitherto utilized except
by the natives, who esteem the ulikon as a great delicacy. The oil at pres-
ent is said to be gaining a high reputation in this country and has recently
been introduced into England, where it will probably take a prominent place
as an important medicine.

Habits of Eels. — The habits of the eel are very different from those of
any other fish, and are as yet but little understood. " This, so far as we
know," writes Prof. Baird, " is the only fish the young of which ascend from
the sea to attain maturity, instead of descending from the fresh to the salt
water. Its natural history has been a matter of considerable inquiry within
a few years, although even now we are far from having that information
concerning it that would be desirable, in view of its enormous abundance
and its great value as a food fish. The eggs of the eel are for the most
part laid in the sea, and in early Spring, the period varying with the latitude,
the young fish may be seen ascending the river in vast numbers, and when

244 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

arrested by an apparently impassable barrier, natural or artificial, they will
leave the water and make their way above the obstruction, in endeavoring
to reach the point at which they aim. Here they bury themselves in the
mud and feed on any kind of animal substance, the spawn of fish, the roes
of shad, small fish, etc. At the end of their sojourn in the ponds or streams
they return to the sea, and are then captured in immense numbers in many
rivers in what are called fish-baskets. A V-shaped fence is made, with the
opening down stream into the basket, into which the eels fall, and from
which they cannot easily escape. This same device, it may be incidentally
stated, captures also great numbers of other fish, such as shad, salmon, and
other anadromous fish, to their grievous destruction. As might be expected,
however, the Falls of Niagara constitute an impassable barrier to their as-
cent. The fish is very abundant in Lake Ontario, and until artificially intro-
duced was unknown in Lake Erie. At the present time, in the Spring and
Summer, the visitor who enters under the sheet of water at the foot of the
falls will be astonished at the enormous number of young eels crawling over
the slippery rocks and squirming in the seething whirlpools. An estimate
of hundreds of wagon-loads, as seen in the course of the perilous journey
referred to, would hardly be considered excessive by those who have visited
the spot at a suitable season of the year."

The Men Who Man the Fishing Fleets. — From carefully prepared
statistics we learn that the number of men engaged on board the Gloucester
fishing fleets the past year (1881) was 4,142, divided as follows : Georges fleet,
1,460; Western Bank, 284 ; Grand Bank, 360 ; fresh halibut, 330 ; mackerel-
ing, 1,120; shore fishing, 430; dory fishing, 125; trap fishing, 24. This
does not include the crews of vessels from other ports who fit from here.

The Alaska Codfish. — Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, who was on the U. S.
Fish Commission Corps in this city in 1878, and who was sent to Alaska by
Prof. Baird in the Summer of 1880, to investigate the codfishery of that
country, reports that the Alaska cod is the same as that of New England
and Europe, the Gadus morrhua, with the same occasional variations. He
says that Golden cod, red cod and other algae forms are as well known at
the Shumagin Islands as they are around Cape Cod and Cape Ann ; the
beautiful lemon-yellow fish, which occasionally are found in Ipswich Bay
schools, are duplicated in Alaskan waters. The habits and food of the cod
are similar to those on our coast. The shore fish about Kodiak make their
appearance in schools similar to ours — first the "herring school," next the
"lant school," then the "capelin school," followed by the "squid school,"
and the "winter school." Besides these there is an abundance of bank fish,
which are always larger than those previously named. The cod come on

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 245

the rocks in twenty-five to thirty fathoms about Kodiak to spawn in Novem-
ber and December, just as they do in the East, and these spawning fish will
at times be perfectly still on the bottom and refuse to take the hook. Young
cod swarm near the shores, just as they were observed to do in Gloucester
Harbor after the experiments of the U. S. Fish Commission with artificial
propagation. The Pacific waters have also a genuine pollock, weaker than
its Eastern relative, and halibut also abound, but the cusk and haddock
have not yet been found in Alaskan waters.

What One Fishing District Does for
the Farmer and Planter. — To one who has
given the subject no thought, the extent to
which the fishing industry is a patron of agri-
culture is a matter of surprise. The jealousy
with which the people of the West and South
have regarded the protection extended by the
government in times past to the fisheries, and
which it now inadequately provides in certain concessions in regard to the
duty on salt, has been ill-judged and unreasonable, since equal protection
has been afforded to other producing interests, and the fishing business is
an important customer for the products of the plantation and field. A care-
ful investigation shows that the fishing fleet of Gloucester consumes annu-
ally the following products of the farmer and planter :

Cotton, in fishing lines, seines and nets, 530,000 lbs.; in sails (yearly wear),
225,000 lbs.; rice, 24,300 lbs.; butter, 198,450 lbs.; lard, 182,250 lbs.; dried
apples, 61,560 lbs.; mustard, 1,215 lbs.; saSe> IIQ lbs.; squashes, 26,550
lbs.; fresh meat, 126,765 lbs.; flour, 7,985 bbls.; beef, 4,455 bbls.; pork
shoulders, 1,721 bbls.; pork, 1,215 bbls.; beans, 1,822 bush.; peas, 810 bush.;
potatoes, 33,615 bush.; onions, 2,430 bush.; beets, 1,215 bush.; turnips,
1,620 bush.; meal, 1,280 bush.; cabbages, 4,560 doz.; vinegar, 1,620 gals.;
pepper sauce, 1,315 bottles; milk, 38,400 cans.

To the above add the amount consumed by those employed in the fishing
business ashore, together with the necessary provisions for their families and
the families of those at sea, and it makes the fishing business one of great
pecuniary interest to the planter, farmer and stock-raiser.

The Highest Price ever received for mackerel was in 1879, when sch.
Crest of the Wave, Capt. David Melanson, took 80 bbls. off Thacher's Isl-
and, of which 25 bbls. were the largest and fattest ever brought to this
port, eighty mackerel filling a barrel, and selling for $40. Sch. Mary Ode/l,
Capt. McClain, took 20 bbls. of the same quality, which were sold in Bos-
ton, also for $40 per bbl.

246 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Veteran Fishermen. — Mr. George Merchant, 74 years of age, was en-
gaged in the mackerel fishery from May 4 to Sept. 1, 1881, and helped to
take care of a catch of 1,200 barrels of mackerel ; he has been engaged in
fishing some part of the season ever since he was ten years of age.

Mr. George Gerring of East Gloucester, 72 years of age, was engaged in
the Georges fishery in the Spring of 1881 on board sch. Light Wing, and
caught an average share ; he commenced fishing when thirteen years of age.

Mr. Charles A. Furgerson of Robinstown, Me., 50 years of age, has fol-
lowed fishing from this port for thirty-four years, and for twenty-one years
was on Georges every season regularly. His first trip was in sch. Cherokee.
Mr. Furgerson was one of the original subscribers to "Procters' Able
Sheet." When he was in the Pioneer he hauled one pair of halibut weigh-
ing 300 pounds, which sold for $42.62. He is now on board the Charles
H. Hildreth. He states that he never saw good luck on board a vessel
when a land bird flies on board.

The New England Codfish Catch for 188 1. — The New England catch
of cod and other ground fish is reported at 775,627 qtls., against 647,426
qtls. the previous year. The Massachusetts catch alone was 548,640 qtls.,
Gloucester taking the lead with 431,800 qtls. (nearly 55^ per cent, of the
New England catch, and nearly 77 per cent, of the Massachusetts catch),
and Provincetown coming next with 86,317 qtls. The Portland catch was
78,000 qtls., Eastport, 28,000, Boothbay, 19,071, Vinalhaven, 14,175, Bev-
erly, 10,400, and no other New England port exceeded 10,000 qtls.

Catching Cod around Newfoundland. — There are two ways in which
the people around the Newfoundland coast and on that of Labrador engage
in catching cod. Fish are caught in boats about the size of small schoon-
ers, decked in and provided with comfortable " cuddies," which is where the
fishermen cook, eat and sleep, or rest after the immediate toil is ended ;
and they are caught in little open boats or skiffs, having two masts and
sometimes a saucy little jib-boom, and these little boats they sail when there
is wind, and row when it is calm. The large boats sometimes go a hundred
miles from home around the coast to fish, and the fishermen live in them
through the Summer, but the small boats go only a few miles from home,
seldom stay out all night, but getting their loads, return to land. The for-
mer belong to the towns and harbors, or large villages ; the latter to the
coves, we might say the crevices, around the coast. About the first of June
the fishery commences, and in the first gray of the morning flocks of little"
boats with barked sails may be seen putting out from the rocks. At this
time of the year the cod is usually hungry, for it has just come in from the
banks of Newfoundland, meeting perhaps but few fish to prey on on its way.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 247

When it reaches the coast it finds the herring there before it, and has a
feast for its late fast. It is with the herring that the fisherman now catches
the cod, for the caplin has not come, and it is too early for seines or nets,
and fish being hungry, the hook and line and "bull-tow" train are in de-
mand. The boat is a quarter of a mile out from the rocks, and on the
Atlantic waters. There are two men in the boat, and having reached the
spot where they intend to "try," they take down their sails and both stand
up, one in the fore part of the boat, the other aft. Each has a pair of lines,
and to each line a hook is set in a piece of lead, made in the shape of a fish,
to make it sink. Each line is fastened to the boat. A sheath-knife is in
the fisherman's belt, and with this he cuts his herring into bait sizes, puts a
piece on the hook, which he throws to his right a distance of about twenty
feet. He does the same with the line on his left, and his companion in the
other end of the boat does the same thing. Thus each man has two lines
out; he stands erect and "saws" his lines till he gets a bite — the sawing
being a sudden long jerk, now to the right line, and now to the left, in reg-
ular time. He starts. There is a sudden tug, and a thrill of life comes up
the line to his hand. He lets go the other and hauls away, and the greater

the weight the more gleefully does he haul, till the cod "breaks water,"
when, seizing a gaff — a contrivance with a wooden handle two feet long, to
which is affixed a large iron hook — he sticks it into the body of the fish and
jerks it in over the gunwale. While the hook seized by the fish serves to
draw the fish to the surface, it would not be sufficient to lift it from the sur-
face to the boat. The process of unhooking the fish to the novice is not
an easy one, but to the expert it is not a matter of two seconds. Some-
times a "spurt" comes on, which means that a school of hungry fish is pass-
ing under the boat, and then the rapidity with which two practiced fishermen
can haul in, unhook, bait, throw out and haul in again is certainly marvelous.

An Important Discovery. — Mr. Robert E. Earle, who for some months
was connected with the artificial propagation of deep sea fish experiments
in this city, is credited with the discovery of the important fact that Spanish
mackerel are vastly more productive than cod or shad, and that they can be
artificially hatched in much less time. Mr. Earle learned from the Chesa-
peake fishermen that large numbers of these fish annually frequented the

248 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

waters of that bay, and on reporting that fact to Prof. Baird, was detailed
to make experiments for their reproduction. On getting to work, he was
surprised to find that the fish were hatched within eighteen hours from the
time the milk and spawn were brought together, whereas it requires five
days to hatch shad and eight to twelve days to hatch codfish. The number
of eggs operated upon at a single time is between 200,000 and 300,000,
while only 20,000 to 30,000 shad eggs are treated at once. The season for
operations with the spawn of this fish is toward the last of June and first of
July, after the shad hatching is over and before that of codfish commences.

The First Wholesale Fish Store in Boston was established on Long
Wharf by Mr. Ebenezer Nickerson in 1807. The first wholesale fresh fish
store in Boston was opened on Long Wharf in 1835 by Messrs. Holbrook,
Smith & Co. The mackerel purse seine dates from 1855. The canning of
fish dates from 1845, m Maine. Vessels first began to carry ice to sea in
1845, and dealers began to use it in shipping fish the same year; 20,000,000
lbs. are now annually consumed by vessels and fish dealers. Nets were
home-made until 1842, when the first net factory was established in Boston ;
they were hand-made until 1865, when machinery was introduced in their
manufacture. The earliest importations of mackerel were seven barrels in
182 1. — From Records of Boston Fish Bureau.

The Best Halibut Fare received at this port for several years was land-
ed March 22, 1882, by sch. Grace L. Fears, Capt. Nathaniel Greenleaf.
Her fare was taken by the New England and Atlantic Halibut Companies,
and she weighed off 98,825 lbs. halibut and 3,000 lbs. codfish, 101,825 l°s-
in all, stocking $6086.50. Her crew shared $206.30. The cook's share was
$253.05. She was gone five weeks and one day, during which time she was
frozen up for eight days at Canso. This is the largest stock ever made on
a halibut trip, although larger fares have been received several years ago.

The Codfish — Its Value as Food — How the Grand Bank Was Formed. —
What a marvelous influence upon civilization and human progress the hum-
ble but nutritious codfish has had. He has been a mine of wealth to a vast
population. It seems as though good Mother Nature, foreseeing the needs
of humanity, had made special preparations for a good supply of this very
necessary article of food for body and brain. She floated her icebergs,
which were filled with the sandy bottom of northern seas, down to the Gulf
Stream, where they melted and, depositing their debris, formed the Grand
Bank of Newfoundland. It was the work, the slow and toilsome work, of
ages. Every Spring thousands of these bergs, one-third above water and
two-thirds below, the upper part clear, sparkling and translucent, reflecting

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 249

the sunshine and giving it back to the enraptured eye with that prodigality
and brilliancy of coloring which only nature can afford, the lower part mixed
with the coast bottom of Greenland or Labrador to the extent of thousands
of cart-loads, came floating down majestically through Davis' Strait, and
meeting the warm air and warm water of the Gulf Stream, melted and de-
posited their contribution, until at last those immense shoals were formed
where the cod and haddock swarm. And it is said that these sand banks
have huge depressions, like vast valleys, which serve as aquaria, and that
when a fishing vessel is lucky enough to anchor over one of them, it can fill
its hold and deck with as many as it can carry. For generations the inhab-
itants of Newfoundland, and the venturesome folk who live all along the
New England coast, get their daily bread, or lay up a competency from this
never-failing source of wealth. What a vast number of people on the globe
get their living out of and subsist principally on the invaluable cod, and
what vast quantities have been landed by the fishing fleet of Gloucester,
since her fishermen first engaged in the business.

The Iceland Cod Fishery. — It is not generally known that next to
Newfoundland, Iceland is the rendezvous for the vessels engaged in cod
fishing. Large numbers of French smacks choose the latter ground. Dur-
ing the season of 188 1, owing to the large quantity of dried fish remaining
unsold from the take of the previous season, there was a marked reduction
in the number of fishing craft, but 193 having started for Iceland. The
Norwegians engaged in the trade are improving their fishing apparatus
every year, and they are extending their markets also. They have estab-
lished herring fisheries all along the Icelandic coast, and not long since a
large company was formed for the prosecution of this industry on a large
scale ; but the results this season, we are told, have been discouraging for
almost everybody engaged in it. Time and money have been lost for want
of accurate information as to the weather, and, with a view to remedying
defeat, telegraphic communication between the coast of Scotland and Reik-
iawick, the capital of Iceland, is now spoken of.

A Mermaid Captured. — A fisherman, a resident of As-
pinwall, is reported to have recently captured a mermaid.
There is silky blonde hair on the head ; the features of the
face are perfectly even to the teeth, the arms are the same as human beings',
with claws resembling an eagle's talons in place of finger nails. From the
waist up the resemblance to a human being is unmistakable, and from the
waist down the body is exactly the same as an ordinary mullet, with scales,
fins and tails perfect.

250 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Net Codfishing has been practically a failure the past season. In the
Winter of 1 880-81 the netting fleet in Ipswich Bay took large fares, while
the trawlers met with much poorer success. On a recent trip in the same
waters the sch. Magellan Cloud, with twenty-four nets set, took only about
1,000 pounds codfish, while in four days fishing there a trawler took 20,000
pounds.

Helping Themselves. — One of the peculiarities of the white fish trade
of the lakes is the traffic between the fishermen and the lake craft engaged
in the carrying and passenger trade. These boats as they pass up and
down the lakes frequently stop and take up the fishermen's nets and help
themselves to what they want. The fish taken are weighed and the money
to pay for them is attached to the nets, which are again let down to the bot-
tom of the lake. So it often happens that the fishermen in lifting their nets"
take in considerable money as well as fish. The lake captains are very
honorable in this matter, and it has come to be an understood arrangement,
satisfactory all around.

The French Sardine Fishery. — Not less than 30,000 persons are en-
gaged in the sardine fishery in France, and fully as many find occupation
in "preserving" this fish. A writer in the Journal of the Society of Arts
says that in taking the sardine the bait, which is called roe, plays an im-
portant part. This lure is a kind of caviare made from the eggs of the cod
preserved in brine, 35,000 barrels of which are imported from Norway every
year. When the position of a shoal is ascertained the nets are let down
and the master of the boat throws the bait, mixed with sand to cause it to
sink, into the water. Emerald green flashes on the surface of the water
denote the rise of some of the fish. Then the bait is liberally cast out, and
soon the whole shoal rises into the nets. At one time a boat could take
20,000 sardines, but now it is a rare thing to bring in more than from 5,000
to 6,000 at a trip. When the boats land, the sardines are taken to the fac-
tories in hampers containing about 500 apiece. There women cut off the
heads of the fish, open and clean the bodies, and place each fish one by
one on stone or marble slabs previously strewed with salt. While this pre-
liminary drying is going on, the fires are lighted and the purest olive oil is
put into immense caldrons. When the oil is boiling, the sardines are laid
in layers in iron wire baskets provided with handles. These baskets are
plunged into the oil and then placed on shelves covered with zinc to drain.
When they are moderately dry they are taken to the large drying house,
exposed to the sea breeze, and there they remain until fit to be stored and
put into boxes. The largest are considered the finest, and the small ones
are frequently passed off as anchovies.

FISHERMEN" S OWN BOOK.

251

Steam Whalers. — Steam vessels for whaling have proved highly profita-
ble. The first one ever sent out from the Pacific coast was the Mary &*
Helen, which cleared in 1881 enough to pay her entire cost and $40,000 be-
sides. The second venture, that of the Belvidere, came back from a voyage
of only six months with $100,000 worth of oil above the investment. The
great success of these- steamers is likely to revive the business of whaling.

P. E. I. Fisheries. — The Prince Edward Island mackerel catch for 1881
was 36,083 bbls., about one-half the catch of 1880. 228,593 pound cans of
lobsters were put up, double the quantity of the previous year. The codfish
catch was 16,934 qtls., against 28,045 m 1880; hake, 10,023 qtls.; halibut,
4,575 lbs.; haddock, 72,600 lbs.; herring, 28,545 bbls.; alewives, 1,917 bbls.;
oysters, 20,815 bbls.

Dangers of the Sea. — The dif-
ference between handling a ship
so that she escapes a danger, and
in a way to plunge her headlong
upon it, was doubly illustrated on
a passage by the Algeria, which
runs between New York and Liv-
erpool, England. On her sixth day out, in February, 1881, the Algeria
found herself in a heavy fog on the Banks of Newfoundland. The ship was
feeling her way cautiously along, all eyes and ears, so to say, when from
over the port bow there sounded a fog bell. It seemed some distance off ;
but Capt. Gill, swift as light, ordered a reversal of the engines. The screw
flew round, the great ship paused, slowly backed, and none too soon. In a
trice there loomed up through the fog a huge three-masted schooner rushing
forward under full sail. Had the course of the Algeria been kept, had she
failed to retreat at the moment she did, a collision would have been inevi-
table. The schooner flew on her way straight across the foaming wake of
the steamship, and a terrible calamity that might have cost hundreds of lives
was happily averted. Very nearly the same thing happened again on the
same evening, the dangerous craft that approached the Algeria in this in-
stance being another large steamer. This time the stranger was not seen
through the dense mist, but the voices of persons on the decks were heard
with startling distinctness, and the case was apparently as narrow as in the
case of the schooner. Eternal vigilance is as clearly the price of safety at
sea as it is of liberty everywhere. Undoubtedly many of the fishing vessels
which disappear so mysteriously, with no heavy gale to account for their
loss, are run down by steamers or other large vessels, while at anchor on
the Banks.

252 FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Fishing in Lapland. — The water is very clear at Hamerfest, in Lapland,
and one may see everything that goes on among the fish. A few feet down
you can see the young cod snapping at your hook ; a little lower down the
coalfish, and the huge plaice and the halibut on the white sand at the bot-
tom ; in other places the starfish, as large as a plate, and purple and green
shellfish of all sizes. The plaice is taken in the following manner : In
calm weather the fisherman takes a strong, fine cord, to which he has fast-
ened a heavy spear-head, like a whale harpoon. This he holds ready over
the bow of the boat, while another person paddles it forward slowly. When
the fish is seen at the bottom, the boat is stopped and the harpoon is
suddenly dropped upon him, and thus the fish is caught. In two hours the
fishermen will get a boat load. The halibut are caught with hooks. They
sometimes weigh 500 pounds, and if drawn up carelessly will overturn the
boat. In many of the mountainous districts the rivers swarm with trout,
the habit of which is to conceal themselves beneath the bowlder rocks in
the bed of the stream, venturing out to feed only at night. Men, each with
a heavy hammer, will enter these waters and strike one or two blows on the
stones, when the fish run from their lurking place, partly stunned, and are
easily caught.

The Sea Cucumber, one of the curious jelly bodies that inhabit the
ocean, can practically efface himself when in danger, by squeezing the water
out of his body and forcing himself into a narrow crack — so narrow as not
to be visible to the naked eye. He can throw out nearly the whole of his
inside and yet live and grow it again.

Swedish Popular Beliefs. — The teeth of large fish should be burnt, in
order to be lucky in fishing.

One ought to tell no one when one goes out to fish, and not mention
whether one has caught many or few.

Nor should any stranger see how many fish one has taken.

When one rows out from land to fish, one must not run the boat against
the sun.

Pins found in a church and made into fish hooks catch the best.

If a woman passes over the rod, no fish will bite.

Stolen fishing tackle is lucky, but the person robbed loses his luck. —
Thorpe's Northern Mythology.

Salted Herring. — The art of salting and packing herring was discov-
ered in the fourteenth century by Beukels, of Biervliet, in Flanders, who,
after introducing it into his own country, went to Finland and established
it there, whence it spread to all the Baltic provinces. In 1856, Alexander

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 253

II, Emperor of Russia, in his visit to Finland, after leaving Helsingfors,
went to the little town of Borgo, and laid with great ceremony the first stone
of a monument to the memory of the fisherman Beukels, who died in 1397,
in his native village, where his tomb was once visited by the Emperor
Charles V; and Peter the Great, in recognition of the importance of his
discovery, gave a pension to one of his descendants.

A Valuable Nautical Contrivance. — An extremely simple but inval-
uable aid to navigation has recently been proposed by an experienced Brit-
ish master mariner, by which he is confident the largest steamship in an
ocean gale can be hove to with safety. His contrivance, as described in the
London "Shipping Gazette," is on the drogue system, and the advantages
he has experienced from it in emergency are " too great to express." His
sea anchor or drogue is made of stout canvas in the shape of a bag, with a
strong wire hoop at the top, to which the lanyard is fastened — the latter
being shackled to a spar thirty feet long. The spar, fitted with three iron
bands, is kept square by two wire guys, and fastened to a riding hawser
made of wire or manila. The drogue, when in use, is about four fathoms
beneath the surface of the agitated sea, thus escaping its force, and when
full of water proves a great resistance, keeping the ship's head to the sea
when driving to leeward in a heavy gale. This simple, cheap and quickly
improvised contrivance would undoubtedly be useful to vessels thrown on
their beam ends, or experiencing that ofttimes fatal accident — shifting of the
cargo in the presence of a severe storm. It would also, in many cases, by
enabling a disabled steamer to avoid drifting out of her course, or helping
her to keep out of the central path of an advancing cyclone, prove a timely
safeguard to life and property at sea.

A Novel Experiment has been tried at the port of Peterhead in Scot-
land, where the waves of the North Sea have an unchecked sweep from the
wild coast of Norway, and break so furiously at the harbor mouth that warn-
ing signals are given against attempting to enter the harbor. A wooden
shed was erected and iron and lead piping carried down the beach a dis-
tance of nearly one hundred yards. Then a strong gutta-percha pipe with
three openings seventy-five yards apart was laid across the entrance to the
harbor. A force pump in the shed supplies this tubing with oil to allay the
waves. Recently the waves were running twenty feet high at the mouth of
Peterhead harbor, and the pump was put at work. The oil was forced
through the pipes and out of the valves. It spread over the bottom, rose to
the top of the water, and in a short time the seething foam was gone. Not
a white cap remained within reach of the calming fluid. Although the swell
continued, the surface of the sea was quite smooth, so that " a small boat

254

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

could have entered the dock without the slightest danger." The ship mas-
ters who witnessed the experiment were satisfied with the result.

Why would it not be well for our fishermen on the Banks, or elsewhere,
in some of the terrible gales, to try this experiment ? It has the same effect
when poured upon the troubled waters as if pumped or otherwise placed
thereon.

A Remarkable Spectacle. — The steamer Victoria, at New York from
Glasgow, reported witnessing a remarkable spectacle on the eastern edge of
Grand Bank, December 18, 1876. During the height of a gale of unusual
severity there appeared on the trucks, yards and stays, large balls of fire
or phosphorus, strung on the stays or yards at intervals of a foot or two,
giving the ship the appearance of being decorated with Chinese lanterns,
only more brilliant ; they settled on the vessel like a shower of meteors, and
disappeared almost as suddenly as they appeared, an occasional one drop-
ping from the yards, bursting with a loud report ; one of them fell and burst
almost in the face of the chief officer, making a noise like a small piece of
artillery, but causing no more inconvenience than dazzling him for the
moment.

[CHINESE HOUSE-BOAT.]

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

255

A Fishing Party.

A bright Summer day, with a good bieeze stirring, can be used most en-
joyably on a fishing party, similar to that depicted above. They are bound
out on the grounds, and are having a good run off. Let us in imagination
follow them. In about an hour they will reach one of the many spots where
fish do congregate off Cape Ann's rugged shore, when down will go the
anchor and sails ; the lines will be in readiness, and all will "chip in" a sil-
ver coin, the whole of which will be given to the lucky individual who shall
pull in the first fish. Now all is excitement. The hooks are baited and
the lines with their heavy leaden sinkers lowered until the bottom is felt,
then pulled up a couple of feet, all ready for some hungry cod to snap at
the bait and get hooked on by the dexterous jerk which will follow the first
nibble. There's one around your line ! Careful, now ! Ah, you've got him !
And up he comes, a six-pounder, and the fish for the chowder is secured,
and you also have earned the prize money.

256

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

The fun now commences, and there is rare sport bringing in the thrifty
fish. It is most exciting, and a generous rivalry prevails as to who will catch
the most fish. Bye-and-bye they slack up biting, and the " inner man " calls
loudly for something to appease that terrible appetite which the exercise and
cool sea breezes have provoked. A savory odor pervades the atmosphere,
which indicates that the chowder is underway, and soon it is served up
smoking hot, and receives that attention which it so well deserves. The
day passes merrily by, with song and story and good cheer, when, late in
the afternoon the return is made, and all agree that the day has proved a
"red one" in the calendar.

This party, as will be observed, is composed of the male gender entirely,
and is an impromptu affair; but oftentimes large yachts are used, with
finely fitted up cabins, having accommodations suitable for the fair sex, and
in company with the ladies the enjoyments of a fishing party are greatly
enhanced. This is one of the many pleasures of the sea coast in the pleas-
ant Summer months, and once participated in there is a desire to repeat it.

NOT A BENE."

BY JUNIPER.

A ship, once crossing over the sea —
I tell the story as 'twas told to me —
Made a hundred miles or so from shore,
When a craft was one day seen that bore
Her flag reversed, while 'gainst the mast
The torn sails fluttered as the wind rushed
past.

"Out with the boat!" the captain cried,
And the seamen darted over the side ;
Their oars fell in with a regular dip,
As they rapidly neared the silent ship.
When they reached the deck a sight met their

eyes
Which made them start with fearful surprise.

All around on the deck the crew were lying,

And groaning aloud as tho' they were dying ;
The captain alone on a hen-coop sat,
With his face in hands and a weed on his hat ;
He gazed on them all with a bloodshot eye,
And the crew looked up with a heart-rend-
ing sigh.

" Say, why do you raise the flag of distress,

And sit around deck in idleness?

Are you out of food? Have you used up

your water?
Have you got the plague? Or what is the

matter?"
" We came from Beverly, and the flag you

have seen
Is because for three days we have been out

of beans!"

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 257

The Mackerel Pocket, or "Spiller."

Among the improvements in fishing apparatus there are none, perhaps,
that appear to be more important than one patented by H. E. Willard, of
Portland, Me. — an article long needed in the mackerel seine fishery, and
which has received from the fishermen the name of " Mackerel Pocket," or
"Spiller." It was first used by the patentee in 1878, and Capt. George
Merchant, Jr., of this city, subsequently invented and put into practical
operation an improved "spiller."

The apparatus is a large net bag, 36 feet long, 15 feet wide and 30 feet
deep. It is made of stout, coarse twine, and is attached to the side of the
vessel, where it is kept in position, when in use, by wooden poles or " out-
riggers," which extend out a distance of fifteen feet from the schooner's
rail. When distended in this manner a spiller will hold over 200 barrels
of mackerel, which can thus be kept alive, as in the well of a smack, until
the crew have time to cure their catch. As is well known, it frequently
happens that several hundred barrels of mackerel are taken at a single haul.
Heretofore, when such a large quantity of fish were caught, but a compar-
atively small portion of them could be cured by the crew of the vessel to
which the seine belonged. The result was that when a large catch was
made, a considerable percentage of the fish were generally "given away" to
some other vessel, since if only a part of them were removed from the seine
to the vessel's deck, the remainder being left in the net until the first lot
were cured, the chances were nine to one that the fine twine of which the
purse-seines are made would be bitten in many places by the swarming dog-
fish. In addition ^to the injury of the net, the inclosed body of fish were
thus allowed to escape, robbing the fisherman of a large portion of the fruit
of his labors.

The spiller being made of coarse twine, though not entirely exempt from
the ravages of the dogfish and sharks, is rarely injured by them. And now
when a large school of mackerel are caught in a seine, the fish are turned
into the bag, from which they are bailed out on the schooner's deck only as
fast as they can be dressed, and in this way it frequently happens that a full
fare may now be secured from a single set of the seine.

258

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

On the Loss of the " Royal George."

Written when the news arrived, 1782.

BY WILLIAM COWPER.

Toll for the brave—

The brave that are no more !
All sunk beneath the wave,

Fast by their native shore.

Eight hundred of the brave,
Whose courage well was tried,

Had made the vessel heel,
And laid her on her side.

A land-breeze shook the shrouds,

And she was overset ;
Down went the Royal George,

With all her crew complete.

Toll for the brave !

Brave Kempenf elt is gone ;
His last sea-fight is fought,

His work of glory done.

It was not in the battle ;
No tempest gave the shock ;

She sprang no fatal leak;
She ran upon no rock.

His sword was in its sheath;

His fingers held the pen,
When Kempenfelt went down

With twice four hundred men.

Weigh the vessel up,
Once dreaded by our foes !

And mingle with tho cup
The tear that England owes.

Her timbers yet are sound,

And she may float again,
Full charged with England's thunder,

And plough the distant main.

But Kempenfelt is gone,

His victories are o'er ;
And he and his eight hundred

Shall plough the wave no more.

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

259

A Banker Discharging Her Fare.

Here we give a familiar scene to the Winter fisherman and the many who
congregate at this busy spot — a Banker getting ready to discharge her fare
of halibut at the Atlantic Halibut Company's wharf. She has had a hard
time of it on the passage home, as it was cold and stormy, and got badly
iced up. But she is all safe now, with her halibut in prime order, a quick
market and good prices. This compensates for the hardships endured, and
the fishermen are feeling jubilant at the prospect of a pile of crisp bank
notes when they take their check up to the bank to be cashed. The
square-rigger is a salt vessel at the head of Parkhurst's wharf, which gives
a commercial aspect pleasing to look upon.

A Good Answer. — At the hearing before the Fishery Committee at the
State House, not long since, a veteran fisherman from this city was asked
by one of the lawyers what he knew about fishing. "What don't I know,
would be a better question to ask. 'Squire," was the reply. "Why, I've fol-
lowed it forty years and caught everything that swims, from a whale to a
shrimp." There was a hum of subdued merriment, and he was not further
interrogated.

26o FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,

Loss of Life and Vessel Property from January 1 to
April 1, 1882.

Since our report was made up at the beginning of the year and put in type
for this volume, there have been lost from this port 102 lives, and 9 vessels
valued with their outfits and one cargo of herring at $52,000, as follows :

Sch. WATER SPIRIT, 60.28 tons, owned by George Garland, engaged
in the Winter shore fishery, went ashore on Rye Beach during a thick snow
storm, on the night of Jan. 31, and proved a total loss. Crew saved. Val-
ue, $3,000 ; insured for $2,200, with $400 additional on outfits.

Sch. BUNKER HILL, 100.77 tons, owned by Michael Walen & Son and
Capt. John McDonald, on the passage home from Fortune Bay, N. F., Jan.
25, with frozen herring, went ashore during a heavy snow storm, on Bemo
Ledge, Eastern Point, and became a total wreck. Value, with outfits, $7,500 ;
insurance, $5,017, and $1,000 on outfits. The cargo was valued at $4,000,
and uninsured.

Sch. EDITH M. PEW, 62.75 tons, owned by John Pew & Son, engaged
in the Georges haddocking fishery, left port Jan. 18. Was reported in a
Nova Scotian port, and last seen on Georges by sch. Noonday, Capt. Edward
Trevoy, Feb. 3, two days before the gale in which it is supposed she was
lost. Crew list— William Corliss, master; Martin Moran, Samuel Byers,
Murdock White, Andrew Conley, Michael Norton, Charles Lawson, Keaton
Roderick, John Taylor, John LeeVanance, Martin Lewis, Bartholomew
Ryan, William Davis, Hugh Phalen. Value, $5,500 ; insurance, $3,000, in
the Gloucester Fire Insurance office.

Sch. PAUL REVERE, 64.90 tons, owned by Capt. Andrew Leighton,
another of the Georges haddocking fleet, sailed Jan. 24, and was last seen
by Capt. John Ryan of sch. David A. Story on Georges, Feb. 4, the day
before the heavy gale, in which it is supposed she was lost. By many
it is thought that this vessel and the Edith M. Pew collided during the
storm and went down together. Crew list — John Bentley, master ; Martin
Thomas, Henry Lufkin, Fred Scott, Patrick Durant, Patrick Kennedy,
Martin Costello (father-in-law to Capt. Bentley), James Fitzgerald, Martin
Conley, John Francis, Joseph Simmons, Patrick Nye, Michael Naughton,
Michael King. Value, $5,000; insurance, $4,034, and $1,100 on outfits, in
the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance office.

Sch. BESSIE W. SOMES, 92.56 tons, owned by George Clark & Co.,
sailed for Grand Bank Jan. 2, and was last seen Feb. 2 by a returned Bank-
er, when she was ready to come home with her trip. She was probably lost

FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 261

in the gale of Feb. 5. Crew list — Merrill Wright, master; Felix Gallant,
Peter Scanling, Albert Gardner, Augustus Morine, James Burbank, Daniel
Hiltz, William Davidson, Henry McLaughlin, Edward Butt, James Johnson,
William Parsons, John McPherson, William Wyman. Value, $6,000 ; in-
surance, $5,598 and $1,200 on outfits, in the Gloucester Mutual Fishing
Insurance office.

Sch. CHARLES CARROLL. 58.64 tons, owned by Benjamin Montgom-
ery & Son, left on a Georges trip Jan. 12, and was last seen the day of the
gale. Crew list — John Publicover, master ; Albion Robinson, Herbert Nor-
ton (brother-in-law to master), Charles Deimon, W. J. Louder, Robert Wil-
kinson, John Hayden, John O'Hara, Fred. Watts, Paul McDonald, John
Noland. Value, $2,700; insurance, $2,200, in the Gloucester Fishing In-
surance office.

Sch. BELLEROPHON, 85.65 tons, owned by Michael Walen & Son, left
port, Jan. 23, on a Bank halibut trip. She was out in the severe gale of
Feb. 5, and it was reported that she was seen previous to this gale with her
windlass broken. Crew list — Alfred Wyman, master; James E. Mullen,
Lee F. Gilpatrick, Andrew J. Olson, George Rudolf Liledahl, William W.
Marshall, Frank Long, Alexander McCloud, Joseph A. Campbell, James
McNair, Francis A. Harding, William H. Cook, Samuel Hayes, H. P. Pe-
terson. Value, $6,000, and outfits, $1,200; insurance, $4,300, and $1,200
on outfits, in Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance office.

Sch. NORTHERNER, 65 tons, owned by Sylvanus Smith & Co., left
port Feb. 28 for a Georges trip, and is supposed to have been lost in the ter-
rible gale of March 17th. Crew list — Isaac H. Goodwin, master; Israel
Goodwin, Amos Goodwin, Robert Lennox, Foster Grayton, George Larken,
Daniel McConneskey, Thomas J. Morris, Robert Lennox, James Malone,
Thomas Wilson ; Edward A. Gilson, steward. Value, $3,000 ; insurance,
$2,200 and $400 on outfits, in the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance
office.

Sch. VICTOR, 70.91 tons, owned by J. O. Procter, Jr., also of the Georges
fleet, left port March 3, and no tidings were heard from her after the terri-
ble gale of the 17th. Crew list — Patrick J. Fanning, also known as Charles
Whalen, master ; George Powers, John Callanan, John Welch, Frank Dixon,
Dennis Hessian, Thomas Eylward, John Ryan, Martin Simmons, William
H. Perrill, James Murphy, Michael Tohey. Value, $4,500; insurance,
$3,871, and $500 on outfits, in the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance
office.

Lost Overboard. — George Devine fell from the main-boom of sch. Etta
Gott on the passage from Georges Jan. 31 ; John B. Nelson, from sch. Her-
man Babson, on the passage to Fortune Bay, N. F., Jan. 2 ; Manuel Re-
pose, from sch. Anna D., on Georges, March 17 ; Michael Savage from sch.

262 FISHERMEN S O WN BOOK.

Smuggler, on Georges, March 20; Capt. George Bearse from sch. Jonas H.
French, in the mackereling fishery, March 26.

Lost in Dories. — Jeremiah Haley and James Dunphy from sch. M. A.
Baston, Feb. 3. James McGrath, Peter Christian, Charles Rosmuson and
Fred, Keamp, from sch. Corrinna H. Bishop, Feb. 5.

With these additions the aggregate losses in the fishing business from
Gloucester since 1830, the year the Georges fishery commenced, are 2,351
lives, and 428 vessels valued at $1,862,710.

The following are the details of the losses from Oct. 1, 1873 to Jan. 1,
1874. The aggregate is given in the table, but the details were overlooked
in making up the account on page 66 ; we therefore insert here.

Sch. CONNAUGHT RANGER, 21. 11 tons, owned by Capt. Nicholas
Murphy, was wrecked at Fresh Water Cove Oct. 20. Crew saved. Value,
$1,000; insurance, $500, in the Gloucester Fire Insurance office.

Sch. JOHN P. HALE, 38.59 tons, owned by J. F. Wonson & Co., drove
out of the harbor on the night of Nov. 17, and was totally wrecked near
Old House Cove. Crew saved. Value, $2,000; insurance, $1,800, in the
Gloucester Fire Insurance office.

Sch. EXCELSIOR, 38.30 tons, owned by Capt. George Merchant, Jr., and
others, sunk at her anchors in Marblehead harbor, on the night of Nov. 17.
Crew saved. Value, $1,000; insurance, $875. Abandoned to the under-
writers.

Lost Overboard. — George Farrance from sch. Fanny Fern, Oct. 5 ; Wil-
liam Colwell from sch. Noonday, Oct. 7.

Lost in Dories. — George Cook and Jesse Oliver from sch. Tubal Cain,
Oct. 14; Charles Reynolds and Patrick Phalen from sch. Mary E., Oct. 18 ;
Moses Cahoon and William Reeves from sch. Sultana, Nov 4 ; Daniel Man-
ning and John Donnelly from sch. William 2y. Smith, Nov. 19.

LIST OF VESSELS.

The following list comprises the vessels owned in the District of Glou-
cester, April 15, 1882, together with the tonnage, the year built, and the
fitters' or principal owners' names. All are schooners with the exception

of those otherwise designated.

GLOUCESTER HARBOR.

Name of Vessel. Tons.

Abbie Dodge, 59.61
Abbott Coffin (stm lighter) , 68.80

Aberdeen, 70.12

A. C. Newhali, 37.31

Active, (sloop,) 73.62

Ada R. Terrv, 69.29

Addie Emma\ 37.10

AddieM. Story, 61.36

Addison Center, 74.94

Addison G. Procter, 89.15

Adelia Hartwell, 60.29

Admiral, 77.42

Alaska, 63.87

Albert H. Harding, 64.33

Alfaretta, 55.32

Alfred Walen, 66.77

Alice, 72.18

Alice, (boat,) 8.11

Alice G. Wonson, 64.18

Alice M. Williams, 82.06

A. Lincoln, 46.76

Amos Cutter, 60.35

Anable, (boat,) 16.27

A. N. Clark, 51.46

AnneD., 67.67

Anne & Mary, 72.29

Anna H. Frye, 67.40

Anna H. Mason, 30.64

Annie W. Hodgdon, 25.24

Annie E. Lane, 50.85

Ann Eliza, 58.43

Apollo, (boat,) 12.24

Aqua Pura, (boat,) 11.23

Arequipa, 71.95

Arethusa, (boat,) 17.32

Argonaut, 74.

When Built.
1868

1882
1874
1858
1869
1877
1866
1867
1875
1876
1869
1877
1867
1870
1858
1870
1882
1878
1870
1877
1865
1865

1853

1882
1881
1866
1875
1880
1870
1860

1877
1865
1880
1876

Owners' or Fitters' Names.
Sjivanus Smith & Co.
Francis Locke.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
Atlantic Halibut Co.
Lanesville Granite Co.
D. C. & H. Babson.
George Garland.
Oakes & Foster.
D. C. &. H. Babson.
Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
D. C. & H. Babson.
Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
George Norwood & Son.
George Norwood & Son.
Eli Jackman & Co.
Cunningham & Thompson.
John Pew & Son.
George H. Oakes.
William H. Perkins, Jr.

D; C. & H. Babson.
John Pew & Son. '

James G. Tarr & Bro.
Master.

Atlantic Halibut Co.

John Pew & Son.

Michael Murray.

John F. Wonson & Co.

James Lyle.

William Wiley.

George Dennis.

John Pew & Son.

Daniel Smith.

Peter Hamlin.

Rowe & Jordan.

Master.

James G. Tarr & Bro.

264

LIST OF VESSELS.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Arizona,

48.95

1857

Augusta H. Johnson,

65.71

1874

Avon, (boat,)

6.91

Azalia,

13.22

B. A. Kimball, (boat,)

11.62

Barracouta,

68.57

1870

Belleview,

15.61

B. B. Gangloff, (steamer,)

13.65

1869

B. D. Haskins,

56.69

1860

B. F. Somes,

59.22

1868

Blanche Creamer, (boat,)

15.90

Bloomer,

50.64

1851

Blue Jay,

29.10

1865

Bounding Billow,

57.18

1860

Capitola, (boat,)

6.61

Carleton,

63.08

1869

Carl Schurz,

72.60

1872

Carl W. Baxter,

69.38

1882

Carrie C,

75.47

1882

Carrie E. Say ward,

62.18

1870

Carthage,

65.94

1877

C. B. Manning,

72.25

1866

Centennial,

115.96

1876

Challenge,

56.27

1852

Champion,

68.41

1876

Champion, (boat,)

19.32

Charger,

53.91

1859

Charles C. Warren,

108.87

1866

Charles S. Tappan,

71.79

1881

Charles Haskell,

65.62

1869

Charles H. Hildreth,

58.20

1867

Charles P. Barrett,

47.89

1867

Charles P. Thompson,

73.53

1866

Chester R. Lawrence,

90.97

1874

Chocorua,

62.87

1869

Christina L.,

44.33

Clara D. Swett, (boat,)

14.47

Clara F. Friend,

64.93

1867

Clyde,

28.08

1876

Clytie,

72.17

1873

Col. Cook,

64.75

1866

Col. J. H. French,

83.19

1879

Colorado,

58.26

1858

Com. Foote,

63.80

1862

Commonwealth,

85.51

1877

Concord,

98.56

1875

Conductor,

73.66

1877

Constitution,

28.21

1850

Coral, (boat,)

13.99

Corrinna H. Bishop,

81.61

1875

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Andrew Leighton.
George A. Johnson.
Master.
Master.
Michael Kelly.
Rowe & Jordan.
Master.
Master.

James G. Tarr & Bro.
Samuel Haskell.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
John F. Wonson & Co.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Shute & Merchant.
James Bates.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Rowe & Jordan.
Pettengill & Cunningham.
Dennis & Ayer.
Say ward Bros.
George Steele.
Dennis & Ayer.
D. C. &H.Babson.
George J. Tarr & Co.
John Pew & Son.
William C. Wonson & Co.
John Chisholm.
Amos Rackliffe.
Andrew Leighton.
Samuel Haskell.
Wonson Bros.
McKenzie, Hardy & Co.
Benjamin Low.
George Clark & Co.
John Pew & Son.
Frank W. Miller.
Frank Douglass.
Benjamin Montgomery.
Robert Robinson.
Rowe & Jordan.
Andrew Leighton.
Benjamin Low.
Benjamin Montgomery.
Cunningham & Thompson.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
John Pew & Son.
Samuel Haskell.
Wonson Bros.
Herman B. Brown.
George Dennis.

LIST OF VESSELS.

265

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Cottage,

30.39

1846

Crest of the Wave,

71.38

1877

C. Taylor, 3d,

33.71

1853

Dacotah,

60.44

1858

David A. Stoiy,

91.47

1876

David F. Low,

60.77

1872

David J. Adams,

69.86

1867

David M. Hilton,

66.50

1868

David Sherman,

71.36

1873

Dav3r Crockett,

84.97

1876

Defiance, (boat,)

18.97

1876

Delia, (boat,)

10.34

Delia Maria,

55.75

1864

Dictator,

63.18

1872

Dido,

81.88

1882

Dixie, (boat,)

14.98

1881

Dragon, (boat,)

9.49

Eastern Light,

70.29

1866

Eastern Queen,

60.11

1860

Eben B. Phillips,

66.91

1866

Eben Parsons,

91.48

1875

Edward, (boat,)

9.83

1876

Edward A. Horton,

66.46

1870

Edward Everett,

57.84

1860

Edward E. Webster,

98.80

1875

Edward G rover,

77.26

1874

E. K. Kane,

52.29

1857

Electric Flash,

82.19

1859

Elisha Crowell,

67.78

1869

Eliza Abb}',

49.29

1854

Eliza K. Parker,

57.05

1857

Ella F. Bartlett,

56.86

1860

Ellen H. Powers, (boat,)

18.03

1860

Ellen M., (boat,)

6.43

Ellen M. Adams,

90.33

1876

E. L. Rowe,

68.78

1871

Emma, (boat,)

13.23

Emma S. Osier,

23.91

1878

Enola C,

65.28

1869

Epes Tarr,

70.06

1873

Equal, (boat,)

10.89

Ernest F. Norwood,

74.50

1871

Esther Ward,

62.23

1868

Etta E. Tanner,

66.32

1867

Etta Gott,

59.10

1868

Ethel,

71.73

1881

Eureka,

51.96

1866

Eva May,

27.50

1871

Everett Pierce,

67.94

1881

Everett Steele,

70.54

1863

Owners' or Fitters' Names.
James Parker.
William B. Coombs.
Eli O. Cleaves.
Shute & Merchant.
Benjamin Low.
Benjamin Low.
Jesse Lewis.

Pettingell & Cunningham.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
Elisha C. Wheeler.
William M. Lane.
Chresten Nelson.
John Pew & Son.
George Steele.
John Foster.
Master.

Maddocks & Co.
John Pew & Son.
Michael Walen & Son.
Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.
Master.

Daniel Allen & Son.
Cunningham & Thompson.
Solomon Jacobs.
Dennis & Ajer.
Michael Walen & Son.
T. A. Langsford & Son.
Daniel Allen & Son.
James Parker.
Leonard Walen.
John Pew & Son.
Patrick Powers.
Master.

George Norwood & Son.
Samuel Lane & Bro.
Atlantic Halibut Co.
David A. Osier.
Andrew Leighton.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
Eben Brazier.
George Norwood & Son.
Oakes & Foster.
Samuel Haskell.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
Benjamin Low.
Howard A. Wonson.
J. F. Wonson & Co.
B. H. Spinney.

266

LIST OF VESSELS.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

E. W. Merchant,

47.84

1850

Excelsior,

38.30

1847

Falcon,

71.67

1873

Fanny Fern,

48.39

1858

Farragut,

50.85

1867

F. A. Smith,

77.10

1869

Finance,

67.58

1869

Fitz J. Bab son,

69.25

1871

Flash,

73.37

1875

Fleetwing,

59.29

1859

Fleur de Lis, (boat,)

15.40

1879

Flora Temple,

52.59

1858

Ftying Scud,

65.88

1870

Frank A. Williams,

66.49

1869

Frederic Gerring, Jr.,

70.88

1870

Fred P. Frye,

85.37

1870

Fred L. Webb,

54.92

1867

F. W. Homans,

66.21

1870

Gardner W. Tarr,

66.07

1875

Garnet, (sloop,)

27.03

1866

Garibaldi,

51.99

1859

Gatherer,

95.70

1876

Gazel,

37.62

1846

George A. Upton,

56.29

1875

George Clark, Jr.,

65.25

1866

George H. Pierson,

68.11

1867

George J. Tarr,

59.85

1869

George 0. Hove}', '

63.85

1864

George P. Rust,

65.05

1867

George P. Trigg,

123.56

1868

George S. Bout well,

66.87

1869

George W. Stetson,

74.32

1869

Georgianna,

52.01

1851

Gertie E. Foster,

88.28

1874

Gleaner,

63.52

1871

Golden Hind,

74.60

1877

Goldsmith Maid,

51.24

1872

Good Templar,

57.07

1867

G. P. Whitman,

94.39

1874

Grace C. Hadle3T,

67.03

1873

Grace L. Fears,

88.94

1874

Gracie Smith, (boat,)

12.63

1880

Gussie Blaisdell,

89.05

1876

H. A. Duncan,

87.70

1876

H. A. Johnson,

60.65

1867

Hannah, (boat,)

8.59

Harvest Home,

56.88

1856

Hattie B. West,

56.36

1866

Hattie Chester,

73.82

1878

Hattie L. Newman,

98.34

1875

Owners' or Fitters' Names.
George J. Tarr & Co.
J. J. Burns & Co.
Andrew Leighton.
George Garland.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Joseph Friend.
Shute & Merchant.
James Mansfield & Sons.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
Wonson Bros.
Master.
Harry Hardy.
Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
William C. Wonson & Co.
Edward Morris.
John S. McQuin & Co.
Michael Walen & Son.
George Clark & Co.
James G. Tarr & Bro.
Francis Locke.
George J. Tarr & Co.
Rowe & Jordan.
T. A. Langsford & Son.
Andrew Leighton.
George Clark & Co.
Cunningham & Thompson.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Benjamin Low.
George Clark.
Benjamin Haskell & Sons.
McKenzie, Hardy & Co.
Joseph O. Procter, Jr.
Stockbridge & Co.
George Clark & Co.
William C. Wonson & Co.
Rowe & Jordan.
Rowe & Jordan.
Samuel Lane & Bro.
Andrew Leighton.
Pettingell & Cunningham.
Atlantic Halibut Co.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
George Steele.
Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.
James McGrath.
John Knowles.
Shute & Merchant.
George Steele.
Michael Walen & Son.

LIST OF VESSELS. 26

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Hattie N. Gove, (3 ni'st,

) 347.62

1873

Shute & Merchant.

Hattie N. Reed,

48.04

1867

Michael Walen & Son.

Hattie S. Clark,

70.63

1866

Joseph O. Procter, Jr.

Haze, (boat,)

8.04

William Remby.

Hector,

31.78

1854

Thomas Douglass.

H. B. Griffin,

123.. 93

1875

Daniel Allen & Son.

Helen M. Crosby,

66.62.

1865

Rowe & Jordan.

Helen M. Dennis,

68.10

1868

George Dennis.

Helen R. Low,

59.25

1881

Benjamin Low.

Henrietta, (sloop,)

44.45

1869

Master.

Henry Ellsworth,

59.33

1865

Say ward Bros.

Henry Friend,

67.39

1875

Joseph Friend.

Henry L. Phillips,

80.04

1868

George Dennis.

Henry Stanberry,

59.42

1868

William C. Wonson & Co.

Henr3T Wilson,

93.31

1876

Pettingell & Cunningham.

Herald of the Morning,

71.63

1874

John Pew & Son.

Herbert M. Rogers,

77.65

1875

Rowe & Jordan.

Here ward,

90.11

1874

James Mansfield & Sons.

Herman Babson,

10*0.52

1876

D. C. & H. Babson.

Hildegarde,

71.39

1876

Rowe & Jordan.

Hope, (boat,)

8.85

1878

Henry Dennis.

Hope, (boat,)

5.90

Master.

Horace Albert,

68.70

1880

S}dvanus Smith & Co.

Howard,

74.80

1874

Sylvanus Smith & Co.

Howard Holbrook,

97.47

1877

Oakes & Foster.

Hyperion,

68.59

1875

Cunningham & Thompson

Ida A. Mayhue, (boat,)

12.05

1867

John Shean.

Ida Chase, (boat,)

6.04

Master.

Ida May,

45.17

1855

James Mansfield & Sons.

Ida May, (boat,)

7.79

Master.

Ida May, (boat,)

8.96

Albert O. Wonson.

Isaac A. Chapman,

85.06

1879

D. C. & H. Babson.

Isaac Patch,

72.80

1867

Atlantic Halibut Co.

Island Belle, (boat,)

5.51

Master.

Island Home,

43.32

1860

Albert R. Duley.

Ivanhoe,

75.85

1879

Cunningham & Thompson

James Bliss,

62.63

1868

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

James A. Garfield,

73.58

1881

Rowe & Jordan.

Jamestown,

69.

1876

George Steele.

Jennie B. Thomas,

50.95

1867

Joseph Friend.

J. H. G. Perkins,

59.23

1867

Burnham & Winter.

J. J. Clark,

69.68

1870

Rowe & Jordan.

Joe Hooker,

62.

1864

Shute & Merchant.

John D. Griffen,

104.02

1863

Master.

John D. Long,

66.35

1880

Andrew Leighton.

John F. Wonson,

58.03

1868

John F. Wonson & Co.

John S. McQuin,

81.76

1877

John S. McQuin & Co.

John Smith,

65.51

1868

Oakes & Foster.

John S. Presson,

92.82

1874

George Clark & Co.

John W. Bray,

83.41

1875

John F. Wonson & Co.

268

LIST OF VESSELS.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Joseph Garland,

51.44

1866

Master.

Joseph 0.,

65.12

1867

Joseph O. Procter, Jr.

Joseph Story,

55.32

1860

Charles Dagle.

Josie M. Calderwood,

90.69

1875

Dennis & Ayer.

J. S. Lamprey, (3 m'sts,)

306.10

1872

Master.

J. W. Campbell,

83.21

1881 .

Benjamin Low.

Knight Templar,

73.26

187-0

George Steele.

Knutsford,

83.64

1882

John Pew & Son.

Landseer,

98.99

1875

Michael Walen & Son.

Laughing Water,

49.01

1858

Master.

Laughing Waters,

31.

1866

Master.

Laura Nelson,

89.35

1874

Atlantic Halibut Co.

Laura Say ward,

68.05

1866

Say ward Bros.

Legal Tender,

51.03

1868

Shute & Merchant.

Leone,

100.56

1871

W. G. Pool.

Levanter,

50.08

1869

George Norwood & Son.

Light Wing,

33.84

B. H. Spinney.

Little Antie, (boat,)

5.42

1877

Master.

Little Giant, (steamer,)

26.14

1878

Douglass Bros.

Lizzie,

72.47

1875

Daniel Allen & Son.

Lizzie J. Jones,

63.95

1875

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

Lizzie Myrtle, (boat,)

5.27

1875

Master.

Lizzie W. Hannum,

75.12

1868

John Collins.

Lottie K. Friend (3 m'st) ,

367.09

1873

Master.

Lottie S. Morton,

67.61

1882

J. F. Wonson & Co.

Lucy, (boat,)

11.56

Master.

Lucy Ann,

46.54

1849

Samuel Haskell.

M. A. Baston,

47.46

1878

Master.

Mabel Dillaway,

81.88

1882

Michael, Walen & Son.

Madame Roland,

62.39

1860

Burnham & Winter.

Madawaska Maid,

63.06

1868

John S. McQuin & Co.

Magellan Cloud, (boat,)

19.97

Alex. McCloud.

Magic,

67.83

1871

John F. Wonson & Co.

Marathon,

68.43

1874

George Steele.

Margaret,

46.55

1866

Benjamin H. Spinney.

Margie Smith,

61.13

1875

Sylvanus Smith & Co.

Marion,

82.25

1877

Sylvanus Smith & Co.

Marion Grimes,

61.36

1868

D. C. & H. Babson.

Martha and Susan,

70.73

1878

Dennis & Ayer.

Martha C,

79.16

1875

Leonard Walen.

Martha Jane, (boat,)

16.89

Simeon McCloud.

Mary A. Brown, (boat,)

15.65

John Guthrie.

Mary E.,

67.22

1871

Shute & Merchant.

Mary F. Chisholm,

73.93

1875

Benjamin Low.

Mary E. Daniels,

67.68

1868

Leonard Walen.

Mary Elizabeth,

22.51

1852

George Norwood & Son.

Mary Fernald,

80.27

1875

Dennis & A}rer.

Mary Story,

64.09

1875

Say ward Bros.

Massasoit,

73.63

1868

McKenzie, Hardy & Co.

Massena,

59.54

1860

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co

LIST OF VESSELS.

269

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Matthew Keany,

69.80

1882

Maddocks & Co.

Maud F. Leighton,

72.55

1882

Andrew Leighton.

Maud Gertrude, (boat,)

15.01

Daniel Gill.

Metacom, (boat,)

11.31

Master.

M. H. Perkins,

76.14

1876

George Dennis.

Midnight,

69.48

1865

Maddocks & Co.

Minnehaha, (boat.)

10.18

Master.

Minnie Dell, (boat,)

8.27

Master.

Mist,

72.39

1875

James G. Tarr & Bro.

M. L. Wetherell,

69.42

1865

Shute & Merchant.

Monmouth,

71.68

1876

George Steele.

Moro Castle,

88.85

1874

McKenzie, Hardy & Co.

Morrill Boy, (boat,)

17.08

1878

B. D. Haskins.

Mountain King,

54.58

Benjamin G erring.

Mystic,

83.09

1879

John McKinnon.

M. G. 0. B., (boat,)

6.38

Master.

Napoleon, (boat,)

7.01

Master.

Nelson Wells,

63.20

1853

Michael Walen & Son.

Nevada,

62.06

1868

Michael Walen & Son.

New England,

86.29

1877

John Pew & Son.

Newsboy, (boat,)^

12.67

1877

Master.

Noonda}T,

75.25

1873

Maddocks & Co.

Northern Eagle,

36.97

1857

George H. Martin.

Northern Star,

56.16

1860

Joseph O. Procter, Jr.

Notice,

66.50

1868

Master.

Nellie Burkett, (boat,)

6.97

Master.

Nelson Y. McFarland,

69.15

1881

Samuel Lane & Bro.

Nellie N. Rowe,

83.22

1882

Rowe & Jordan.

Ocean King,

79.79

1877

Maddocks & Co.

Ocean Ranger,

57.20

1858

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

Oceanus,

47.44

1870

William Gibbs.

Oliver Eldridge,

65.86

1870

George Steele.

Ontario,

91.29

1873

John Pew & Son.

Onward,

45.47

1852

James G. Tarr & Bro.

Optimates, (boat,)

6.65

1866

George Won son.

Orient,

93.76

1875

Charles Lee.

Ossipee,

72.58

1872

Cunningham & Thompson

Otis P. Lord,

75.63

1876

Dennis & Ayer.

Pathfinder,

67.26

1871

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

Percy,

72.27

1878

Dennis & Ayer.

Peter D. Smith,

69.49

1868

Oakes & Foster.

Phantom, (yacht,)

72.56

1865

Henry S. Hovey.

Phantom,

30.05

1875

David Lyle.

Phaselus, (boat,)

14.30

Master.

Phoenix,

60.33

1869

George Clark & Co.

Pioneer,

66.19

1872

James G. Tarr & Bro.

Piscataqua,

61.51

1866

John F. Wonson & Co.

Planet,

32.24

1845

Master.

Pluribustah,

20.39

1865

Master.

Polar Wave,

90.93

1875

Andrew Leighton.

270

LIST OF VESSELS.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Procter Brothers,

77.05

1876

Daniel Allen & Son.

Plymouth Rock,

96.94

1876

George Steele.

Racer, .

53.95

1852

Walter M. Fait.

Ralph E. Eaton,

68.96

1877

James G. Tarr & Bro.

Rambler,

66.91

1865

D. C. & H. Babson.

Rattler,

82.72

1859

Andrew Leighton.

R. D. Litchfield, Jr.,(st.,;

) 5.45

1871

Master.

Rebecca Bartlett,

67.01

1869

Oakes & Foster.

Reporter,

83.61

1874

John F. Wonson & Co.

Restless,

66.47

1870

George Clark & Co.

Rising Star,

29.48

1871

Jesse McCloud.

Richard Lester,

72.72

1881

James G. Tarr & Bro.

Rough & Ready,

39.21

1847

John Carter.

Royal Oak,

84.58

1846

D. C. & H. Babson.

Rushlight,

66.98

1863

John F. Wonson & Co.

Rutherford B. Hayes,

71.84

1877

Dennis & Ayer.

Ruth Groves,

68.82

1867

James Mansfield & Sons.

S. A. Parkhurst,

53.35

1861

Eli Jackman & Co.

Sarah C. Pyle,

52.62

1869

Joseph Friend.

Sarah C. Wharff>

51.43

1871

George Clark & Co.

Sarah E. Wetherell, (st.,)

22.48

1872

Dennis & Ayer.

Sarah M. Jacobs,

80.04

1878

Samuel Lane & Bro.

Sarah P. Aj'er,

71.38

1869

Dennis & A}Ter.

Schuyler Colfax,

62.82

1868

Joseph O. Procter, Jr.

Sea Foam,

57.88

1853

Walter M. Fait.

Sea Witch, (boat,)

7.77

Master.

Seth Stockbridge,

89.94

1875

George Norwood & Son.

Shiloh,

85.98

1874

John Pew & Son.

Shooting Star, (boat,)

14.96

Master.

Sigfrid,

76.54

1882

Cunningham & Thompson.

Smuggler,

67.92

1877

Andrew Leighton.

Solomon Poole,

86.20

1876

Cunningham & Thompson,

Sophronia,

57.03

1860

Benjamin Low.

S. P. Greenleaf, (boat,)

11.07

Master.

S. R. Lane,

72.

1873

Samuel Lane & Bro.

Star of the East,

56.13

1867

Master.

Starry Flag,

59.50

1871

Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.

Sterling,

63.62

1868

John Pew & Son.

St. Michael,

28.24

1865

Michael Curon.

St. Patrick, (boat,)

17.79

1859

Peter Conley.

Sultana,

69.84

1869

Andrew Leighton.

Sunshine,

66.29

1866

John Pew & Son.

Samuel B. Jones, (st.,)

33.54

1872

Master.

Senator, (pinkey,)

32.67

1831

John Parker.

Susie Hooper,

76.91

1882

Daniel Allen & Son.

Thomas W. Knight,

66.26

1881

Andrew Leighton.

Teddie, (boat,)

10.57

1878

Master.

Telephone,

20.25

1878

Joseph Lj'le.

Tidal Wave,

70.28

1871

John Pew & Son.

T. L. Mayo,

62.46

1866

James G. Tarr & Bro.

LIST OF VESSELS.

271

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Tragabigzanda,

68.03

1870

Triton,

71.51

1875

Tubal Cain,

63.39

1871

U. S. Grant, (boat,)

7.19

Undine,

10.34

Veteran,

63.64

1865

Vidette,

58.07

1867

Viking,

73.63

1875

Vision,

50.37

Volunteer,

69.58

1863

Wacbusett,

79.14

1874

Waldo Irving,

64.35

1880

Wanderer, (sloop,)

13.66

1881

Webster Sanborn,

99.89

1876

Welcome,

61.26

1877

W. E. Terry,

63.

1869

Wildfire,

108.90

1866

Wild Pigeon,

46.87

1852

William A. Pew,

70.19

1866

William H. Raymond,

.70.

1867

William H. Oakes,

70.89

1878

William M. Gaffney,

74.65

1877

William S. Baker,

103.95

1860

William V. Hutchings,

62.68

1866

Willie M. Stevens,

80.56

1877

William E. McDonald,

98.37

1875

William H. Foye,

70.45

1871

William Parsons,' 2d,

64.41

1870

Willie,

91.58

1880

Winged Arrow,

58.85

1866

Witchcraft,

57.73

1859

Z. S. Wallingford, (boat,) 9.86

Zenobia,

78.73

1881

Owners' or Fitters' Names.
Wonson Bros.
Say ward Bros.
Wm. C. Wonson & Co.
Nehemiah Adams.
Henry Smith.
Benjamin Montgomery.
McKenzie, Hardy & Co.
James Mansfield & Sons.
Master.
Joseph Smith.
Cunningham & Thompson.
John F. Wonson & Co.
Master.

Macldocks & Co.
John Pew & Son.
J. O. Procter, Jr.
Andrew Leighton.
Daniel Allen & Son.
James Mansfield & Sons.
Dennis & Ajer.
Atlantic Halibut Co.
Joseph Smith.
Joseph Friend.
George Friend & Son.
George Dennis.
Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.
Sylvanus Smith & Co.
Wm. Parsons, 2d, & Co.
Master.

Sylvanus Smith & Co.
William B. Coombs.
John Cadwallader.
George Steele.

ROCKPORT.

Name of Vessel.

Active, (sloop,)

Alfred A., (sloop,)

America, (sloop,)

Anna M., (boat,)

Ann Parker,

Belle of Cape Ann, (sloop,)

C. E. Trumbull,

Charlie Boy, (boat,)

Charlie Stedman,

Cock of the Walk, (sloop,)

Cora Lee,

Corinna M.,

Tons.

When Built.

73.62

1869

76.47

1874

91.46

1869

11.49

54.02

1850

78.22

1860

99.80

1870

8.51

1880

84.78

1872

55.08

1853

47.30

1867

39.61

1857

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Lanesville Granite Co.
Rockport Granite Co.
Jeremiah Pettingell.
Henry L. Story.
Pigeon Hill Granite Co.
Rockport Granite Co.
C. E. Trumbull.
Howard H. Paul.
Lanesville Granite Co.
Rockport Granite Co.
John Story, Jr.
Master.

272

LIST OF VESSELS.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names

Daniel Webster, (sloop,)

46.11

1853

Pigeon Hill Granite Co.

Edith Bean,

17.22

Francis Tarr, Jr.

Edith L. Conley,

58.90

1876

Master.

Fanny R.,

55.37

1859

Master.

Franklin S. Schenck,

46.03

1869

Bradley & Co.

Glide, (boat,)

7.81

Henry W. Colburn.

Golden Rule,

41.67

1862

Zenas Brown.

Hard Chance, (sloop,)

64.60

1855

Lanesville Granite Co.

Ida May, (sloop,)

63.05

1855

Rockport Granite Co.

Isabella,

50.61

1851

C. C. Pool.

Jenny Lind, (boat,)

15.96

Master.

John P. Ober,

55.72

1873

Josephine,

38.68

1868

John Story, Jr.

Joseph M. Lane,

53.73

1852

Eben Blatchford.

J. Y. Baker,

55.69

1849

Master.

Lad}7 Lincoln,

26.42

1861

Joshua Tarr.

Lizzie D. Saunders,

43.54

1867

John Story, Jr.

L. Snow, Jr.,

41.90

1851

Master.

Lodowick Bill,

59.93

1866

A. C. Pierce.

Mary Ellen,

54.11

1855

John Stoiy, Jr.

Minnie, (boat,)

6.60

Master.

Nellie Florence, (boat,)

7.13

Master.

Nellie T. Gaskell, (boat,)

15.12

Joshua Tarr.

New Era, (sloop,)

62.54

1853

Rockport Granite Co.

Parnet,

21.19

1838

Master.

Pinafore, (boat,)

10.65

Loring Grimes.

Queen of the Sea, (boat,)

11.73

A. B. Seaborn.

Quickstep,

29.08

1856

Master.

School Girl, (boat,)

9.08

Master.

Screamer, (sloop,)

63.93

1873

Pigeon Hill Granite Co.

Shooting Star, (boat.)

10.70

Master.

Sina Shore,

12.64

Master.

Theresa, (3 mast,)

226.68

1874

George J. Tarr & Co.

Waverty,

52.09

1853

J. Story, Jr.

MANCHESTER.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Mary A. Downes, (boat,)

12.24

1878

George A. Jones.

Ranter, (boat,)

5.07

Gorham Morse.

A NNIS Q UA M.

Name of Vessel.

Tons.

When Built.

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

America, (yacht,)

89.59

1849

Jonas H. French.

Belle Gilmore,

46.08

1853

Master.

Bonita, (boat,)

18.67

Master.

Eva Ma}r,

27.50

1871

Master.

I Am Here, (boat,)

11.06

Master.

LIST OF VESSELS.

273

Name of Vessel.
Island Home, (boat,)
John Met tier,
May 8. Roundy, (boat,)
Sardiua, (boat,)
Venus, (boat,)
Vesper, (boat,)
Wide Awake,

Tons. When Built.

12.02
62.83
11.16
9.11
12.44
17.10
63.41

1848

1878

1859

Owners' or Fitters' Names.

Master.

Master.

Geo. W. Langsford.

Bartlett Morgan.

Master.

Master.

Master.

The aggregate number of vessels and tonnage enrolled in this district
when this list was made up, April 15, 1882, comprised 483 vessels, with a
tonnage of 27,809.75. Of this number, 423 belong to Gloucester Harbor,
of a tonnage of 25,254.90 : 353 schooners, 4 sloops, 1 yacht, 6 steamers,
59 boats. Rockport has 2,156.57 tonnage, 46 vessels: 25 schooners, 10
sloops, 11 boats. Annisquam, 380.97 tonnage, 12 vessels: 4 schooners, 1
yacht, 7 boats. Manchester, 17.31 tonnage, comprising 2 boats.

FISHING FIRMS AND FITTING-OUT ESTABLISHMENTS.

The number of fishing firms and fitting-out establishments in Gloucester
Harbor at this date, April 15, 1882, is 46, which fit out 302 schooners and
boats. The balance of the fleet is composed of vessels whose masters are
owners, and they fit where they please. Messrs. John Pew & Son are the
largest fitters, having 19 vessels; James G. Tarr & Bro. come next, with
16, and J. F. Wonson & Co. are third on the list, with 15 ; Andrew Leigh-
ton fits 14 ; Rowe & Jordan, 13 ; two, 12 each, two, 11 ; two 10, four, 9 ;
one, 8; three, 7; five, 6; five, 5; two, 4; four, 3; eight, 2; three, 1.
The following is the list of the Gloucester Harbor fishing firms and fitting-
out establishments, with their number of vessels :

Atlantic Halibut Co., 7 '

Burnham & Winter, 2

Daniel Allen & Son, 7

D. C. & H. Babson, 11

J. J. Burns & Co., 1

Cunningham & Thompson, 10

George Clark & Co., 9

William B. Coombs, 2

Dennis & Ayer, 12

George Dennis, 6

Joseph Friend, 5

Walter M. Fait, 2

George Garland, 2

Samuel Haskell, 6

B. Haskell & Sons, 1

Eli Jackman & Co., 2

Samuel Lane & Bro.,* 5

Andrew Leighton, 14

T. A. Langsford & Son, 2

Benjamin Low, 9

Benjamin Montgomerj', 4

James Mansfield & Sons, 6

John S. McQuin & Co., 3

McKenzie, Hardy & Co., 5

Maddocks & Co., 6

George Norwood & Son, 7

Oakes & Foster, 6

John Pew & Son, 19

274

LIST OF VESSELS.

J. O. Procter, Jr.,
William Parsons, 2d, & Co.,
Pettingell & Cunningham,
Rowe & Jordan,
Sylvanus Smith & Co.,
George Steele,
Say ward Bros.,
Shute & Merchant,
B. H. Spinney,

9

Joseph Smith,

2

10

Seth Stockbridge & Co.,

1

4

James G. Tarr & Bro.,

16

13

George J. Tarr,

3

12

J. F. Wonson & Co.,

15

11

Leonard Walen,

3

5

Wonson Bros.,

3

9

William C. Wonson & Co.,

5

2

Michael Walen & Son,

8

m Wm Hill

MANUFACTURER OP

\ I I*

TEE

Sou' Westers,

Grand Bank Hats,

Beverly Hats,

Carter's Home -Made Drawers,

SHIRTS, JUMPERS, OVERALLS, <$c.
. «♦♦♦» .

4arter^ $d larlt & J(m:feettl 1 00$,

ALSO, WHOLESALE AND EETAIL DEALEK IE

FISHERMEN'S OUTFITS,

OF EVERY DESCRIPTION.

Principal Manufactory at BEVERLY, Mass.

BRANCH STORE AT

GLOUCESTER, Mass., cor. Rogers and Duncan Streets.

&

Manufacturers of

li

SAIL BOATS, SEINE BOATS,

ROW BOATS, PILOT CANOES,

YAWL BOATS, LAUNCHES,

QUARTER BOATS, DINKEYS, and

DORIES.

NEW AND SECOND-HAND

Seine Boats, Dories and
Ya-wl Boats,

Constantly on Hand. Also,

DE^IiE^S IJi mn^ SWINGS

REFERENCES .—Most any fitter in Gloucester or New England.

P. 0. Box, No. 130, GLOUCESTER, Mass.

Send for Price List.

Highest prices paid for

Mackerel and all kinds of Dry or

Green Fish from vessels.

COMMERCIAL ST., near the Fort.

FIRST-CLASS

CLOTHING STORE!

The largest and best selected stock of

FINE HATS and GENTS' FURNISHINGS

insr the city.

A GOOD ASSORTMENT OF

Custom &n<3 f(ekdy-^kde CJlot^irtg

ALWAYS ON HAND.

newest St ylee, Fopwlas' IPfieea.

No. 168 Main St., - - Gloucester.

BillisuxcL Parlors,

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|^ ^.^3^- 86 MAIN ST"' Gloucester.

^^g^if^iLizi^rzz:1 1 gi I izzi^nzz ija ' Ope?i day and evening. Everything
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MASON'S DRY GOODS STORE

UsTo- 311 ILvdlairL Street,

Is the place for BARGAINS.

Full stock of Goods in the various departments, and the lowest prices of
any store in the city. Call and prove this assertion.

C. A. MA SOW, Proprietor.

SAMUEL LANE & BROTHER,

Producers and Wholesale Dealers in

Wharf at Vincent's Point,

GLOUCESTER, Mass.

O-IEOIEeGhlE] TODD,

zce-a-idess xasr

COAL AND WOOD.

Locust Mi, Suffolk, Lorberry and Lincoln of Lykens Valley Coals,

— ^SOLE AGENTS FOR 5—

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h^d wd js0f1? w66d prep^ed.

393 Main street, - Gloucester, Mass.

M, %, f iiiiii,

327 Main St., Gloucester.

Drugs and Chemicals

Toilet an6 Fancy Articles,

Patent Medicines, &c.

Prescriptions Carefully Compounded.

New and Second-Hand Medicine Chests fur-
nished and replenished at short notice.

Gloucester, Mass.

>X*c

Sails made to order and satisfaction guaranteed.

M. B. JACKMAN & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS OF

,ui%MA

ilBi

Best Quality, All Sizes.

A specialty of Tarred Lines of the various
sizes required for sea fishing.

LINE-WALK AND FACTORY AT

Newburyport, Mass.

Moses B. Jackman, Leonard a. Burniiam,

Newburyport.

Gloucester.

Chas. H. Boynton,

IDIE^ZjIEIE^ XIIiT

Wood and Coal

Gloucester, Mass.

Office Rear Cape Ann Savings Bank.

N. BOYNTON & CO.,

87 & 89 Commercial Street, BOSTON,

MANUFACTURERS OF

OTfON + DUCK I

ZES-CTSSIEIjILj iSvdIIXjILjS,
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SOLE AGENTS FOR THE

b. bunting oomfant.

AND IMPORTERS OF

HOTH'S RUSSIA BOLTROPE.

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]Wj3$j3Eipj3,

Tarred and Eepaired.
OVER CALL'S SPAR SHOP,

VINCENT SPRING,
Rear John Pew <f Sons, Gloucester, Mass.

4®= NETS, SEINES, TWINE and FISHING
NETTINGS, of every description, furnished to
order, all work guaranteed.

Joseph Simpson,

MANUFACTURER OF

Seta and!

OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS.

49- TARRING and REPAIRING done in the
best manner.

PARKHURST'S WHARF, Foot of Duncan St.,
P. O. Box 702. GLOUCESTER, MASS.

BOSTON & GLOUCESTER
Por Freight and Passengers,

Making Connections with nil* Railroad and

Steamship Lines out of Boston.

Through Rates and Bills of Lading given.

Leaves Boston Daily (Sundays excepted) :it
2 P. M. and 10.15 A. M. Leaves Gloucester
Daily at 3 and 7 A. M.

-A-BBOTT COFPIIT, uSug-en-t,
Gloucester, Mass.

Central Wharf, Boston, Mass.

YOU CAN FIND

The Genuine Annisquam Boot,

And all other styles for sea or shore wear. Pri-
ces always the LOVVEST.

4ST REPAIRING done at short notice. Call
and see your old shipmate,

JAMES A. DAVID,

2v£a,i:rL St.,

Foot of Sliort.

M. F. WHITON & CO.,

-A.G-E31TTS lE^OIES

HINGHAM CORDAGE COMP'Y

■ AlTD-

LAWRENCE MILLS COTTON DUCK.

X>E^^XjE^.S 33ST

Wire Rope, Chains, Anchors, Bolt Rope, Oakum, Bunting, &c.

Cables a Specialty.

31 <S2 33 COn^EJ^EISCI^.Xj ST.,

The Fishermen's Memorial & Record Book,

A Companion Volume to "THE FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK,"

Gives you interesting facts relative to the fisheries. How fish are caught, and where they are
caught, olden time and modern time fishing, Off Hand Sketches, Big Trips, Statistics of
the Fisheries, Tales of Narrow Escapes, Fearful Gales, Maritime Poetry, and other
matters of interest concerning this important industry. Very handsomely illustrated with original
engravings. Price $1.00 in Paper Covers; $1.50 finely hound in Cloth. Sent anywhere on receipt
of price. Agents wanted to whom exclusive territory will be given. Liberal commissions. Write
for particulars.

PROCTER BROS., Publishers, Advertiser Office, Gloucester, Mass.

Wm. R. Call,
House and Sign Painter

Graining, Paper Hanging, Kalsomining,
Whitewashing, &c.

ALSO DEALER IN

Eoom Paper, Borders and Cur-
tain Goods,
42 Washington Street, Corner of Granite,
6Ii6UCE?3FE^, jafflSjS.

GRIFFIN, COOK & CO.,

PAINTING, GRAINING,

Coloring, Glazing, Paper Hanging.

House and Vessel work prompt-
ly attended to.
Sashes and Blinds constantly on hand.
Sign Painting and Decorating a Specialty.

Thaddeus Griffin, H. A. Cook, E. L. Cook.

H. L. FEARING & CO.,

AGENTS OF

jlew Sedfofd CWdk^e Company,

AND ■

Wi!2iffitt©a Wtoi lif© Wills

OF LIVERPOOL, England.

Proprietors of STANDARD CHAIN CABLE WORKS,

SI & 93 Commercial Street, and 33 Mercantile Street, BOSTON.

CEO. E. HALL,

SIGN AND ORNAMENTAL

Signs and Show Cards of all descriptions,
Gilding, Wayside Advertising, Orna-
menting, and Furniture Painting
done with neatness, cheapness
and dispatch.

Cor. Chestnut & Main Sts., over Perry's
Picture Store,

G-lovLcester, - Mass.

ALL ORDERS RECEIVE PROMPT ATTENTION AT
SHOP, ENTRANCE ON CHESTNUT ST.

John S. Carter,

DEALER IN

Beef. Pork, Mutton,

HAM, POULTRY,

Vegetables, Butter, Cheese, Lard, Canned
Goods, &c,

A few doors east of Atlantic House,

31 MAIN ST., GLOUCESTER.

Joseph C. Shepherd,

— DEALER IN

BEEF, PORK, MUTTON,

Ham, Poultry, Vegetables, &c.

BUTTER, CHEESE, LARD, EGGS, &c.
Nos. 2 and 4 Main Street,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

JAS. CUNNINGHAM,

HOUSE, SHIP & SIGN PAINTER,

PAINTS, OILS, PUKE COPPEK PAINT
GLASS AND PUTTY.

Special attention paid to GRAINING in all
colors.

Orders for Paper Hanging, Whitewashing,
Kalsomining and Glazing promptly attended to.

SHOP AT CITY LANDING, COMMERCIAL ST.,

QLOUGE8TEM, » - MA9B.

ACHIM JOHNSON,

SUCCESSOR TO

^®1 & mm,

Cor, Myrtle and Bedford Aves,, Brooklyn, N. Y.

.M.^anriE'.A-C'nrsaEiEa op-

Best Cast Steel Wire, General Hardware,

■A-STID

Different Kinds of Patent, and all other descriptions of Fish Hooks,
Sail Needles, Pack and Bag Needles, Mattress Needles,
Upholsterers' Needles, Surgeons' Needles, Spaying
Needles, Scarf Needles , Dissecting Needles, Dis-
secting Hooks, Plain and Swiveled Sail
Hooks, Sailors' & Sail- Makers' Palms.

Straight Rod or Tortional Door Springs. Automatic Gate Hardware, Bur-
glar Proof Blind and Shutter Fastenings, The Universal Clothes
Line Holder, and all descriptions of Steel Wire
Goods, Machinery, Springs, etc., etc.

JV. (B. — (Particular Attention paid to Tempering and
Finishing all kinds of Steel Wire Goods.

AOnn£ Tomsrsonsrs

GREAT AMERICAN AUTOMATIC

GATE HARDWARE,

^stteaa-tedL, Sept. 2«7tli, ie'70.

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THIS AUTOMATIC GATE HARDWARE,

While marvelously ingenious in construction, is hardly possible to get out
of repair. If the gate sags by frost or otherwise, the owner can adjust or
correct it by screwing the upper Hinge into the Post. It admits the Gate
to swing either or both ways — is sure to close the Gate — and the Latch
sure to fasten itself. Is made for both Iron and Wood Gates.

To GATE MAKERS and GATE USERS, look at the ar-
ticle and judge for yourselves.

Their application to use is so simple, that a compara-
tive Child may apply them.

The entire Hardware for the use of the Gate, embracing this Patent
AUTOMATIC GATE LATCH AND HINGES, are packed
all together, in a strong paper box, with a circular attached thereto, ex-
plaining the whole matter of their application and use — then six of the
above boxes are placed in a large box which is properly labeled and marked,
and so sold to the Market, in boxes of half dozen full sets of Gate Hard-
ware, with screws complete.

SOLD AT ALL HARDWARE STORES.

TO

We are prepared to furnish Cornet Players with instruments of the best foreign and
Amekican manufacture, which have been pronounced by first-class artists to be the best
and most perfect instruments manufactured.

This is a branch of the world-renowned house of OLIVER HIT SON & CO., where
special bargains in MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF ALL KINDS and makes, are constant-
ly being ottered. All our instruments are MADE ESPECIALLY FOR OUR TRADE, by
slvilled workmen, have been thoroughly tested, AND ARE WARRANTED as first-class in
every respect. We always keep in stock a complete assortment of BAND AND ORCHES-
TRAL INSTRUMENTS, GUITARS, MUSIC BOXES, VIOLINS, BANJOS, SHEET Music and MUSIC

Books, and general Musical Merchandise. Send for Illustrated Catalogue to

JOH1T C. H-^-^TXTE]S cSs CO.,

33 Court Street, (directly opposite Court House,) BOSTON, Mass.

Ifcv£a,:n.-u.£a,ct-v3.rers cf

Patent Inside Iron Strapped Blocks, Oars, &c,

Dealers in WOODEN AND IRON SHIP CHANDLERY.

Steam Factory, Duncan Street, Between Custom House
and Marine Railways.

Carving and Gilding, and Kepairing Blocks of all kinds

jp^za^L^rrXj-z" iLTTEiroED to.

G. H. BLATCHFORD

216 Main St., corner Chestnut,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

Drugs, Chemicals, Fancy Articles,
Perfumery, &c.

Fine Wines and Liquors for Medi-
cinal purposes.

PKESCRIPTIONS accurately com-
pounded.

ADDISON WITHAM,

LOFT AT

BDRNHAM BROS.'

RAILWAY,

Water St., Gloucester,

3WIASS.

All Work Warranted.

Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Howard's Dining Rooms,

No. 55 Main St., Gloucester, Mass.,

Is the place for a good meal at any hour of the day or evening. The room over the Dining Estab-
lishment has been fitted up as

"TIEIIE!

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99

Where all are invited to spend a social hour. Fishermen are cordially invited to visit " THE HUB,

and all will be welcome.

GEO. W. HOWARD,

Proprietor.

The Oldest Hardware Store in the City!
76 P7HN g^EET.

HARDWABE,

Building Materials,

Dry and Tarred Sheathing Paper,

Carpenters' Tools,

Nails, Brushes, Cutlery, Rubber Moul-
ding, Garden and Farming Tools, etc.

76 Main Street,

GE6^GE STEELE,

Insurance Agent

AND BROKER,

Will take risks in the BOSTON MARINE IN-
SURANCE COMPANY,

NORTH BRITISH and MERCANTILE, of

London and Edinburgh,

CITY of LONDON FIRE INSURANCE COM-
PANY, of London, England, (Limited,)

METROPOLE INSURANCE COMPANY, of

Paris,

And- the DORCHESTER MUTUAL FIRE IN-
SURANCE COMPANY.

Office in Rooms of GLOUCESTER MUTUAL
FISHING INSURANCE CO.,

Opp. the Post Office, Main Street,

All wishing Insurance of any kind are invi-
ted to call and learn rates.

SAIL MAKER

And Ship Chandler.

Hemp, Manila and Wire Cordage of all
Kinds, constantly on hand.

Also FLAGS and FLIES.

Loft on Duncan Street,

On Georges in a Storm I

This BEAUTIFULPAINTING

Has been Photographed, and copies may be ob-
tained of Procter Brothers. It is a fine pict-
ure, showing two schooners riding at anchor
and another jogging under a double-reefed fore-
sail. Just such a picture as everybody wants.

Copyright secured according to law.

Send 75 cents to

PROCTER BROS., . . Gloucester, Mass.,

and receive by return mail one of the above
pictures.

RANGES and STOVES.

IPallas ZKem-gres a,re all tla.e O-o I

100,000 ALREADY SOLD.

I have a large assortment of the best Ranges and Stoves in the Market, and think I can suit all in
want of anything in this line. I have now in store,

Pallas, Welcome, Revere, Hudson, Lyra, Morden, Our Choice,
Supreme, Concord, Temple and Active Ranges,

at prices ranging from $15 to $60; and a choice variety of PARLOR STOVES from $5 to $35. I
have also on hand 25 Second-hand Parlor Cooking Stoves, which will be sold very cheap. A

full assortment of CROCKERY WARE selling cheap,
elsewhere.

Call and see my stock before purchasing

A. F. HARVEY, 59 Washington St., Gloucester.

THOMAS RENTON,

DEALER IX—

STOVES.

A good assortment of TIN WARE, PUMPS,

and SINKS of all sizes.

NEXT DO OB TO POST OFFICE,
EAST GLOUCESTER.

4®= Low Prices, Cash Sales, First-class Goods

CHRESTEN NELSON, Prop.

Nelsons Pat. Duck Preserver

Warranted to protect Ships' Sails, Awnings,
Tents, and all kinds of Hemp and Cot-
ton Canvas from Mildew and Decay.

SAILS, &c, saturated in this PRESERVER, will
keep free from mildew and mould till worn out,
and remain white as when new, as shown by num-
erous Testimonials, after a test of two years.

MANUFACTURED AT

No. 307 Main St., Gloucester, Mass.

SEND FOR CIRCULAR.

IELHAM'8 ^

i Warerooms9

Nos. 139 FRIEND & 46 CANAL STREETS,
BOB VOSF.

You can a/ways find a full assortment of the
latest styles of Furniture at fair prices. When
in Boston please give me a call.

BILLIARD PARLOR,

FITZ E. MCINTOSH,

PROPRIETOR

THE above Parlor is fitted up in a neat style, and parties wishing to play a
-£— w- d cosy game of Billiards are invited to call. The best of order preserved, and
_ L~- everything first-class, including Bailey's New Patent Cushion Tables.

TiToToets' :£Te"w IB-ULUd-lug-,

mm*

Trusses & Supporters,

A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF

Hard Rubber & Leather Trusses,

Made by the best manufacturers and of
the best materials.

My experience for over twenty years in this
line of business warrants me in garanteeing to
give AS PERFECT A FITTING TRUSS as
can be procured in Boston or New York, and I
am selling them at about ONE-HALF THE
PRICE usually charged for such goods.

Price from $1.00 to $6.00,

and a perfect fit warranted in every case. The
money returned for every truss that is not satis-
factory. Those needing goods of this kind will
find it for their interest to give me a call. I also
make a specialty of

Supporters, Belts, Elastic Stock-
ings, Suspensory Bandages & Rub-
ber Goods.

^±. E- PBIOB,
Cor. MAIN & HANCOCK Sis., Gloucester, Mass.

James Davis,
JUSTICE of the PEACE,

NOTARY PUBLIC,

ATJCTIONEER,

aio>

COKTOYAKCBB.

*®-PROBATE BUSINESS ATTENDED TO.
BERGENGREN'S BLOCK,

132 Main St., - Gloucester.

C. F. DOEBLE,

Manufacturer of and Sealer in all kinds of

Domestic & Imported CIGARS,

Tobacco, Pipes, &c.

Largest Stock, Lowest J Who|esa|e ^ RiW|§

No. 230 MAIN STREET,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

PHCENIX BILLIARD PARLOR

£l

Jh

UT^^ZbTT'..

l©Illf 1BOWR, P^@>p^tet@i*f

Takes pleasure in announcing that the above
establishment, near the head of Duncan street,
in the new brick building, is now open to the pub-
lic, and is fitted up in the best style with all the
modern conveniences, lighted with gas through-
out, and fully equal to any in the country.

There are eight of Bailey's Patent Billiard
Tables, four in the upper hall and four in the
lower, with all the late improvements, and per-
sons wishing to enjoy a game of billiards in good
company, and where courtesy and good order is maintained, will find this the place. Everything
done for the pleasure and convenience of its patrons. In connection is a First- Class RES-
TAURANT, where anything desired on the Bill of Fare, which includes all the good things, may
be obtained at short notice, cooked in excellent style, and served on either floor.

Fishermen and landsmen will find this a cozy retreat to while away an evening or any spare
hours of the day at their disposal, in good company. Come in and inspect the premises. All will
be welcome.

M. HILTON,
Teaming and Boarding Stable,

Ste^redore.

All kinds of Heavy and Light Trucking and Teaming

PMQMFmY ATTENDED TQt

Orders for Hauling Fish or Ballast entrusted to me
will meet with prompt personal attention.

Vessels Discharged and Satisfaction Guaranteed.

OIF IE7 ICES:

Bear 152 Main Street, and)
Main cor. of Pearce St., J

Gloucester, Mass

n flWIDS0JslEL¥ POINTED JSflEET 0F ¥jni^F¥-TO@ C0MJIN&

Each issue has all the Local News of Cape Ann, together with all the Fishing Items, a reliable
Fish Market, good Story and choice Miscellaneous Reading Matter, making it emphatically

THE PEOPLE'S P^iPER.

T'h@ Best ActYQUtUiug Ms&iuwi qm the 0ap@.

CIRCULATION, 3,800 COPIES. Terms, $2.65 per year, which includes postage, strictly in
advance. Sent to any part of the country on receipt of price. $2.50 within Essex County.
Subscribe for it if you wish to peruse a Live Local Newspaper. Address

PROCTER BROTHERS,

AnAi'wrtetors, Gloucester, Mass.

Ilrocier |{oom flayer parlor

»

"Old Corner," HO Main Street, Gloucester,

tastefully fitted up, with ceiling and walls elegantly decorated, showing the modern style of art in
Paper Hanging. This room is filled with the largest stock of

Room Paper, Borders, Decorations, Win-
dow Shades and Curtain Goods,

this side of Boston, and is well patronized.

FINE GOODS, LOW PRICES.

■WIXOX/ES-A-XjE IDE-AJIjE^S i^t

Dry and Picklefl Fisli,

GLOTJOESTER, :MI-AJ3S.

Boneless and Prepared Fish a Specialty

JOHNS03STS

DYEING & CLEANSING

ESTABLISHMEUT,

251 & 253 Main St., Gloucester, Mass.

Ladies' and Gents' Garments and Wearing
Apparel of all kinds dyed in a superior style.

Gents' Garments $2.00 a suit. Good work, low
prices. Save money and give us a trial.

Agency for the best LAUNDRY in New Eng-
land.

EBEN Jl. MIEKIR

BLACKSMITH

Morse Shoeing, Carriage
Work and' Jobbing

Promptly attended to.

SHOP 78 WESTERN AVENUE,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

PUBLISHED BY-

PROCTER BROTHERS, Gloucester, Mass.

By Hon. John

$2.00.
Paper, $1.00;

HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER.

J. Babson, $10.00.
GLOUCESTER DIRECTORY.
FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK.

Cloth, $1.50.
FISHERMEN'S MEMORIAL AND RECORD

BOOK. Paper, 50 cts. ; Cloth, $1.00.
THE FISHERIES OF GLOUCESTER FROM
1623 TO 1876. Paper, 50 cts. ; Cloth, 75 cts.
FISHERMEN'S BALLADS, or, Songs of the Sea. 50 cts.
NORA RAY, THE CHILD MEDIUM. Paper, 50 cts.
GEORGES' FISHING SCHOONER IN A STORM. Large Photograph ;

75 cts.
MAP OF GLOUCESTER AND CAPE ANN. 50 cts.
STEREOSCOPIC VIEWS OF THE ROMANTIC SCENERY OF CAPE
ANN. 1000 subjects. 20 cts. each ; $2.00 per doz. Send for Catalogue.

All the above sent by Mail, to any part of the World.

FRANCIS PROCTER.

GEORGE H. PROCTER.

^TTSTIlSr IB. BIS.A^2\

COtOVCBSTKBt »I£l88.

Office and Wharf,

Rogers Street.

FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,

First National Bank Block,

OPP. POST OFFICE, - - MAIN ST., GLOUCESTEK.

Fire and Marine Risks effected at lowest market rates.
ROBERT R. FEARS, President. JOHN CUNNINGHAM, Sec.

CLARK & PRESSON

PACKERS m WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
31 ROGERS STREET,

a-iLjO-crciESTEile, - - 2v£^_ss.

WILLIAM H. OKOSS,

Sailmaker and Ship Chandler,

Constantly on hand a full assortment of

CORDAGE used in the Fisheries

COMPRISING

Hoth's Best Russia Hemp Bolt
Rope for Purse Lines, Bunt-
ing, Flags, Flys, &c, at

Tarr's Wharf, Rock7 Neck, East Gloucester.

Moses Merlett,

Rigger & Mast Setter

Loft at Lemuel Friend's "Wharf,
Vincent Point, Near Sam'l Lane & Bro's.

Tarring Rigging and Planing Masts done at
short notice.

Second-hand Rigging and Red Stock of all
kinds. Stock furnished if required.

Good warranted work and low prices.

US

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^ISIXT'T'EIS OJ^T "WOOD.

BONELESS & PREPARED FISH

-&. sesecx.a-Xj,x,-s- B-sr

ROWE & WONSON

Also, Dealers in and Curers of Dry and Pickled Fish.

Every variety of Fish handled I T ^ri rr r*mr un
in their season. 7 BOX 140'

Walter L. Rowe.
Ernest C. Wonson.

EAST GLOUCESTER, Mass.

EL C FISH-BjIvi,

Commission Merchant in Codfish, Mackerel, Oil, &c, 42 WATER ST., NEW YORK.

B. L. ROWE,

saxlmabbr

AND DEALER IN

Duck and Cordage.

Hoth's Best Russia Hemp Bolt Hope

For PURSE LINES; also, BUNTING, FLAGS,
and SIGNALS, for sale at

33 WHARF ST., foot of Water.

m- TENTS, AWNINGS, WAGON COVERS
and WINDOW SHADES made to order.

GEO. MERCHANT, Jr.,

Net & Seine Repairer,

SHUTE & MERCHANT'S WHARF,

GLOUCESTER, MASS.

Nets, Seines, Twine and Fishing Nettings of
every description, furnished to order.

Parties wishing Nets and Seines will please
give the longest notice possible.

Agent for H. E. Willard's Mackerel Pocket.

Nets stored in winter free of charge.

JWNew York Office, 165 MAIDEN LANE.

WHOLESALE

Fish Dealer,

GLOUCESTER, Mass.

Washington St. Bottling Works.

JAMES H. JOYCE, Proprietor, 39 Washington Street,

Gloucester, Mass.

Manufacturer of SODA and MINERAL WATERS, GIN-
GER ALE, TONIC BEER, &c. Bottler of ALE,
LAGER BEER, CIDER and PORTER.

Fishermen's Ballads

And SONGS OF THE SEA.

A book of 184 pages, containing choice Ballads and
Sea Songs, many of which were written expressly for
the book by the Fishermen themselves. It has the real
salt water flavor all through, and is just the book to have
on board the vessel or in a person's pocket, to while
away the leisure hours.

--„*;--

PRICE £>Q OEINTTS.

Very handsomely illustrated.
Ushers,

For sale by the pub-

PROCTER BROS., Gloucester, Mass,

Mailed anywhere on receipt of price. Postage stamps
taken.

. C- TOILET,

— DEALER IN-

142 MAIN ST., GLOUCESTER.
The BEST FIVE CENT CIGAR in the City,

4®= Fishermen and all others will find this the place to get CHOICE
ARTICLES in this line. Come in and see us.

IRA ANDREWS, JR.,

JOB PRINTER,

Tappan Block,

114 Main St., Gloucester.

COnSTHTZECTEID "WITH TELEPHOITB.

G. W. PLUMER,
Ship Broker, &c,

Gloucester, Mass.
Also in Boston, 214 State St.

VESSELS of all descriptions Bought,
Sold and Chartered.

4®~FISH Bought and Sold on Commission.

F. T. Hall & Son,

Bool & Shoe Dealers,

232 Main St., Gloucester.

Constantly on hand a full assortment of First-
Class Goods at Low Cash Prices.

Rubber Boots a Sbecialty.

House Lots on Bellevue Heights.

Young men or any one desiring to make a safe investment, cannot do better than to look
over the

CBOICS BOV8B I*OT«

delightfully situated on Bellevue, Beacon, Conant, Blynman and Centennial avenues, and
thus secure good homesteads. Best location, best neighborhood, best water view in the
city; within ten minutes walk of the post office, schools, churches, etc.
Interview the subscribers, and they will tell you all about them.

PROCTER BROTHERS.

M. L. WETHERELL, DruMist & Cliemist.

ESTABLISHED I3ST 18SO.

The most Reliable PHARMACIST in Essex County. Employs none but
Efficient and Courteous Assistants.

All Pharmaceutical Preparations manufactured from the best materials, and in strict accord-
ance with the revised Pharmacopoeias, and standard works. Family Medicines and compounding
Physicians' Prescriptions a specialty. One of the largest Proprietary Manufacturers in the United
States of America. So, if you are desirous of using Proprietary Medicines, he sure to use none
hut are put up by, and have the signature of M. L. Wetherell to the same.

Use WETHERELL'S WINE OF CALISAYA BARK to strengthen and tone up the system.

Use WETHERELL'S SARSAPARILLA AND IRON to purify and enrich the blood.

Use WETHERELL'S BUCHU AND HOPS for all diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs
in male or female.

Use WETHERELL'S ROSE LOTION for all cutaneous diseases, and all eruptions whatever
that require a soothing and pleasant wash.

Use WETHERELL'S DANDELION AND MANDRAKE LIVER PILLS for chronic affections
of the liver and bowels, constipation in all its forms, headache, giddiness, dyspepsia, biliousness, &c.
Be sure to buy a bottle of these pills, and you will use no other. None genuine unless signed M.
L. Wetherell.

If you want the genuine BED-BUG POWDER, be sure to procure it at M. L. Wetherell's, 178
Main St., as all other kinds are worthless imitations of the genuine article, which is imported by
M. L. Wetherell from Trieste, Austria. Every bottle warranted.

Use WETHERELL'S EUREKA LINIMENT for rheumatics, sprains, bruises, fish bone sores,
colds, colic pains, or cramps in the stomach, and for pingents (caused generally by the oil jacket
chafing the wrist), etc. It is the strongest liniment made.

Try WETHERELL'S EXTRACT JAMAICA GINGER ROOT, manufactured from the pure
Jamaica Ginger Root. It is one-third stronger than any other ginger in the market. It is guaran-
teed to contain all the medicinal qualities of that drug in a concentrated form. Be sure that you
procure none but M. L. Wetherell's, and take no other.

WETHERELL'S EXTRACT OF WITCH HAZEL, or HAMAMELIS, is the people's remedy
or balm for every wound. It is a most efficacious remedy for catarrh or cold in the head, burns,
bruises, piles, sore eyes, all humors of the scalp, and wounds of every description.

The hest plaster ever offered to the public is WETHERELL'S BUCHU and HOPS STRENGTH-
ENING PLASTER, manufactured by M. L. Wetherell, at 178 Main St. Every plaster is made of
the best materials, selected by him, is freshly made, and thus none of the virtues of the ingredi-
ents are lost. Every plaster contains the valuable medicinal qualities of Buchu and Hops, care-
fully combined, so that for a lame back, weak back, pain in the side, or pain across the kidneys,
in the loins, across the chest, weak kidneys, contusions, bruises, etc., and as a general strengthen-
ing plaster, it has no equal. Use Wetherell's Buchu and Hops Strengthening Plasters, and be
convinced they are the best plaster in the market.

Use WETHERELL'S TOOTHACHE DROPS. Cure in one minute. Try them.

Use WETHERELL'S PURE COD LIVER OIL, with PHOSPHATE OF LIME.

Use WETHERELL'S COLD-PRESSED COD LIVER OIL. This oil is made from fresh,
healthy livers, and is guaranteed to be the best in the market.

Use WETHERELL'S HORSE POWDERS for horse ail, hide bound, heaves, bots, etc.

Try WETHERELL'S WINE OF BEEF AND IRON, prepared from fresh beef, iron and sherry
wine. It is carefully prepared, and for children,, delicate persons, nervous and fastidious pa-
tients, it will be found very estimable.

Use WETHERELL'S COMPOUND SYRUP OF HYPOPHOSPHITES, made from the formula
of Dr. Churchill, of Paris, for the prevention and cure of consumption.

Use WETHERELL'S SALVE for gurry sores, salt rheum, burns, ringworms and old sores.

Try WETHERELL'S CHLORA.TE POTASS A LOZENGES for Diphtheria, Croup, Coughs,
Colds and Hoarseness.

Try WETHERELL'S ROLL SALVE for corns, cuts, cracked hands and gurry sores.

WETHERELL'S FLAXSEED COUGH SYRUP is the best for coughs, colds on the lungs,
bronchitis, hoarseness and spitting of blood.

WETHERELL'S NEW WHITE ROSE COLOGNE— superb, fragrant and lasting. As a toilet
article it has no superior.

Use WETHERELL'S CELEBRATED EYE WATER, for the relief of inflamed and sore eyes.

Use WETHERELL'S HOOF OINTMENT for scratches, thrush, quarter cracks, hard and brit-
tle hoofs.

Use WETHERELL'S COMPOUND SYRUP OF BLACKBERRY ROOT, a sure cure for chol-
era morbus, dysentery, diarrhoea, colic, cramps, and summer complaints of children. This has
been found to be a very beneficial medicine. A large stock constantly on hand.

Try WETHERELL'S CAMPHORATED SAPONACEOUS DENTRIFICE for beautifying the
teeth and cleansing the gums. It is a very pleasant dentrifice, entirely harmless to the teeth, in-
stantly rendering them pearl white and glassy smooth.

GENERAL LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA— BERKELEY

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