"2 rae a Seats eel eet a 5 phe doct, ‘ Rane a PRR ASO Shhh ie ¥ es Bie oe ary a x ie s sain Be kore oe zi o cies Eereae sf 43 i foes . a ite AR tees oy EAS PEt es bese Meg i a sy a Siac fe Sh x sroraeee uN Seen ~ ee aN DATE DUE terlibrary 10 GAYLORD PRINTEDINY-S.A. Cornell University The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924011943416 UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES SPENCER F. BAIRD, COMMISSIONER THE FISHERIES ‘ AND FISHERY INDUSTRIES OF THK UNITED STATES \ PREPARED THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE TENTH CENSUS BY GEORGE BROWN GOODE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION AND A STAFF OF ASSOCIATES SECTION V HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES IN TWO VOLUMES, WITH AN ATLAS OF TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE PLATES VOLUME TI WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOR 1387 ASSOOIATE AUTHORS. Jory. A. ALLEN .......2-0- dele weteiereionesceeibie civieaie were siete weleieieiceie's Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge. TARLETON H. BEAN.......--0--0--00+ wiv efeleeeiseeos ceiseaiae cae satis U.S. National Museum, Washington, JaMEs TEMPLE. DROWN...--.-----------+eeeee a aieisictats Meletelae eee EC's U. 8. National Museum, Washington. A. HOWARD CLARE ..---------- coos eee eee ee ee nnn cen eee eee eee U.S. National Museum, Washington. CAPTAIN JOSEPH W. COLLINS.....- 22-200 cone ence ne cece eee eee Gloucester, Massachusetts. R. EDWARD EARLL ........- iy Reels) ejeqete erera aicibe eae pie ieee) eisisisrate aiemicies U.S. Fish Commission, Washington. HENRY W. ELLIOTT ...... 2.2. .2-002 20 seemereseaseadaris cenit Cleveland, Ohio. ERNEST INGERSOLL .-...--..------+- wae ences teewes cece sacees cass New Haven, Connecticut. DAVID 8. JORDAN...-.. 02-222 enon eee cee eee cere ee ween wees welds Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. LUDWIG KUMLIEN .... -.-2 ceceee ene eee cone ne cece cree cen ene sennee Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MARSHALL MCDONALD ....- 2-0-2402 -- 20 een ee eee cone cee e eee cone U. 8. Fish Commission, Washington. FREDERICK MATHER ........-. 22-0 see oe nee cneee cnee cone eoeeeeesN, Y. Fish Commission, Cold Spring, New York. BARNET PHILLIPS .... 2. ..2-00 eee nee es cone eens ddisjeialeloieiotetteverian See's Brooklyn, New York. RICHARD RATHBUN sisescs wacswceeceee isewice oonevececrscecwsne cane U. S. National Museum, Washington, JOHN A. RYDER .. ------.---- 2-2-2 eee 2 cee eee eee eee ee ene ee ceeeeeU, 8, Fish Commission, Washington. CHARLES W. SMILEY ...... .---0- --0200 een ee concen cee eee rece cece U. §. Fish Commission, Washington. Suwas STEARNS....-. 000 ee eee cece ee ee eee sinusbie em eaetemsleteseeeuse Pensacola, Florida. FREDERICK W. TRUE ...---..022--22-ceceecee cen cee oie eesaisveinielnisisieta U. 8. National Museum, Washington. WILLIAM A, WILCOX .2cc ce cons cece secces ann coccce cone secces ones Gloucester, Massachusetts, ii LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. WASHINGTON, D. C., July 1, 1884. Siz: I have the honor to submit herewith a report on the HistoRY AND METHODS OF THE PRINCIPAL FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. This report constitutes Section V of the Special Report on the Food Fishes and Fishery In- dustries of the.United States, prepared through the co-operation of the Commission of Fish and Fisheries and the Superintendent of the Tenth Census. Section I, the Natural History of Useful Aquatic Animals; Section II, Geographical Review of the Fisheries and Fishing Communities; Section III, Fishing Grounds; and Section IV, Fishermen, have already been completed. This section is intended to be printed in two volumes, with an atlas of two hundred and fifty- five plates of illustrations. In the first volume are discussed the fisheries for food-fishes and in the second volume the fisheries for marine mammals and reptiles, mollusks and other inverte- brates. The following-named census agents and assistants of the United States Fish Commission have taken part in the preparation of the present section: Dr. Tarleton H. Bean, Mr. James Tem- pleman Brown, Mr. A. Howard Clark, Capt. Joseph W. Collins, Mr. R. Edward Earll, Mr. Henry W. Elliott, Mr. Charles H. Gilbert, Prof. G. Brown Goode, Mr. Ernest Ingersoll, Prof. David S. Jordan, Mr. Ludwig Kumlien, Col. Marshall McDonald, Mr. Newton P. Scudder, Mr. Silas Stearns, Mr. James G. Swan, Mr. Frederick W. True, and Mr. W. A. Wilcox. I regret to state that Mr. James Templeman Brown died before the completion of his report upon the apparatus and methods of the whale fishery; but the manuscript was in such condition that it could be made ready for the press by one of my assistants. Yours, very respectfully, a » BROWN GOODE. Prof. SPENCER F. BAIRD, Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, . TABLE OF CONTENTS. VouumeE I. Page. List of illustrations (see also Atlas of plates).........s00-see- eo vaeee dice sessica ewes occas conwes recnen cesere xI Part I.—THE HALIBUT FISHERIES: 1. The Fresh-Halibut Fishery. By G. BROWN GOODE and J. W. COLLINS ..---. cose enne ceeeee cecece 3-89 2. The Salt-Halibut Fishery. By N. P. SCUDDER ........---+ seceeeseeee NSseseniseins ees, pen saene ners 90-119 Part Il.—THE COD, HADDOCK, AND HAKE FISHERIES: 1. The Bank Hand-Line Cod Fishery By G. BROWN GOODE and J. W. COLLINS. .......-0ees-eeeee- 123-133 2. The Labrador and Gulf of St. Lawrence Cod Fisheries. By G. BRowN GoOoDE and J. W. COLLins. 133-147 3. The Bank Trawl-Line Cod Fishery. By G. BRown GoopE and J. W. COLLINS.....--.----------- 148-187 4. The George’s Bank Cod Fishery. By G. BROowN GoopE and J. W. COLLINS ..-.....------+--+ 000 187-198 5. The Cod Fishery of Alaska. By TARLETON H. BRAN ..--.. 2-2-2. 2020 cone cece ee cece ee cee e ee neeeee 198-224 6. The Gill-Net Cod Fishery. By J. W. COLLINS .... 212.2202 cee cne nce eee ee nee ne rece cee een tonnes 225-233 7 The Haddock Fishery of New England. By G. Brown Goons and J. W. COLLINS..............- 234-241 8. The Hake Fishery. By G. BROWN GoopE and J. W. COLLINS .... 2.22.2. 2222 eee ne pene ee cee e eee 241-243 Part III.—THE MACKEREL FISHERY. By G. BRowN GooDE and J. W. CoLuins: 1. The Mackerel Purse-Seine Fishery -..... .-.-2. cee eee cece ee cece cote cee cee nee cece cone cree ne nene 247-272 2. The Spring Southern Mackerel Fishery 2.2... 02-22. cee cee cone ween ne eee e ences teen ee neces cones 273-275 3.."Thé Mackerel Hook: Fishery’. . cc siccoie-sisisincs sisineiscis gcin'sis, eves win 'ninies slats eiviets dala cistcinigie gncin bse wne-ce ee 275-294 4, The Mackerel Gill-Net Fishery .... cee cece sesces cen ene cece ee cece ee conn es cone ee wenn cece iewinte Scie 294-298 5. Early Methods of the Mackerel Fishery ......-.2- .esee+seeeeecceees nated sieuidctna ne venlelec teen. ae 298-300 6. Legislation for the Protection of Mackerel............ +++ opis sins oidinielelne tin ples didloeweceaeeatewes 301-304 7. Statistics of the Mackerel Fishery ...........-.-- cjaqw alaealeiala wialeia Gialeiatatam pic anlayealensielse isis eieletlaeicaceis 304-313 Part IV.—THE SWORDFISH FISHERY. By G. BRowN GoopDE...... Neve Sectesea - 315-326 Part V.—THE MENHADEN FISHERY. By G. Brown GoopE and A. Howarp OLABRK 5 sissies aisieia/ <’e.e Ss inaieieeis' cieianw oe Saae's intact we eee iesiedew “927415 Part VI—THE HERRING FISHERY AND THE SARDINE INDUSTRY. By R. EDWARD HARLL: 1, The Herring Fishery of the United States .... 0.2.0. .ccee enone nen disco seieciineses cesar smeeue 419-439 2. The Frozen-Herring Industry .......-...--.+ diseia tiis sctcoisie Waleleisle eminie/euisewmne eit e ev eeinsisie eae tas 439-458 3. The Pickled-Herring Trade with Magdalen Islands, Anticosti, Newfoundland, and Labrador ..... 459-472 4, The Smoked-Herring Industry... 200 secon sees cee ee tenes meee cree nee sees eene nee conn senses 473-488 5. The Sardine Industry 202 ccc cene scones secs ceccescccces cece cece scenes ners cece sacessenasecsreen. 489-524 vii vill TABLE OF CONTENTS. Part VIL—THE SHORE FISHERIES OF SOUTHERN DELAWARE. By J. W. COLLINS: 1, The Squeteague or Trout Fishery. ---..- 222. eee eee ee cee eee cee e renee cece eens neee ceeces cee 2. ‘The Spot: Fishery sesecsa cc siarots ive aies oelsiciececisiasieawinisn eee vieceiee na c= ih sun idaxinrsaSaadmm arc eabuae noes 3. The Rock and Perch Fishery .-.-.. 0.2.22. cece cece cen eee cree cone tee wen cone cece teens ceceee eee 4. The Sturgeon Fishery of Delaware Bay ..---------- -- +2 eee cence cece en cece en cnc nee ceweeeenceres Part VIIL—THE SPANISH MACKEREL FISHERY. By R. EDWARD EARLL .... Part IX.—THE MULLET FISHERY. By R. EDWARD HARLL .-..-------0 cece eens Part X.—THE RED-SNAPPER AND HAVANA MARKET FISHERIES. By Srias STEARNS: 1. The Red-Snapper Fishery 2... 2.0.02. 2 2 cece ee cee eee cnn we cee n ns cnc ces cenene cecene temmenes veccee _ 2 The Havana Market Fishery of Key West, Florida... .....2.0 220-222 cere eee cee e cece ee eee en ee Part XIL—THE POUND-NET FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC STATES. By PREDERIO“N “Wo TRUB wc oe lite ccetas sin via seeeu waste tatcieecewigeiew eg cleee ee Part XII.—_THE RIVER FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIO STATES: . The Rivers of Eastern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. By MarsHaLL McDONALD . The Rivers and Sounds of North Carolina. By MarsHaLL MCDONALD ......---.----00 2-22 cone . The Fisheries of Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries. By MarsHaLi McDONALD . The Fisheries of the Delaware River. By MarsHaLL McDonaLp . The Fisheries of the Hudson River. By MARSHALL MCDONALD...-....---..----- eee ween eee eee . The Connecticut and Housatonic Rivers and Minor Tributaries of Long Island Sound. By Mar- mec et wee newer es cece an kr Ow 7. Rivers of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. By FREDERICK W. TRUE and W. A. WILCOX 8. The River Fisheries of Maine. By C. G. ATKINS Part XIJI—THE SALMON FISHING AND CANNING INTERESTS OF THE PACIFIC COAST. By D.S. JoRDAN and C. H. GILBERT Part XIV.—THE FISHERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES. By Lupwic KuMLIEN.. List of illustrations (see also Atlas of plates) Part XV.—THE WHALE FISHERY: 1. History and Present Condition of the Fishery. By A. HowarD CLARK 2, Whalemen, Vessels, Apparatus, and Methods of the Fishery. By JAMES TEMPLEMAN BROWN..«. Part XVI.—_THE BLACKFISH AND PORPOISE FISHERIES. By A. Howarp CLARK eis oi wieiss wieeew se oe cba .0aedene os Be ieteceuataeys ase taleavanete culmea sieisieeave Part XVIL—THE PACIFIO WALRUS FISHERY. By A. Howargp OLARK....... 595-610 613-625 625-637 637-654 654-657 658-659 659-667 667-673 673-728 729-753 755-769 771-808 295-310 311-318 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Part XVIII.—THE SEAL AND SEA-OTTER INDUSTRIES: 1, The Fur-Seal Industry of the Pribylov Islands, Alaska. By HENRY W. ELLIOTT -....------2--+- 2. The Fur-Seal Industry of Cape Flattery, Washington Territory. By Jamus G. SWAN.......----+ 3. The Antarctic Fur-Seal and Sea-Elephant Industries. By A. HOWARD CLARK ......---+--+-++-+- 4, The Sea-Lion Hunt. By HENRY W. ELLIOTT.......--.2. 22200 ceeene cnc een nec ene conc ee sencee nes 5. The North Atlantic Seal Fishery. By A. HOWARD CLARK .. cece cesses cone cecees coerce ceecen cece 6. The Sea-Otter Fishery. By Henry W. ELLIOTT...--..---.. 22-02-2000 pe neee cece eee cree ce eeee Part XIX.—_THE TURTLE AND TERRAPIN FISHERIES. By FREDERICK W. TUNES cra fiesteeessie so! sista eae ae eee cone avons ee a eigge wie eciele Se ee Hee ase elders Oa Part XX.—THE OYSTER, SCALLOP, CLAM, MUSSEL, AND ABALONE INDUS. TRIES. By ERNEST INGERSOLL: ‘ . The Oyster Industry - 22.22. 2222. cee cee ne cee cece ee ener ee a cee eee anne cece ee ne cece nn eeee « he: Scallop Bishery® 2g sec vices wie's seraie Se 'oe ais be so Sete e ee dis ho eval diejeleicls Kwiece wae deaborme Gaees tp meiaise « The: Clam Fisheries’ TM Shrimp and Prawn Fisheries s000 ccc. os os s2 seeswoeeemenvssciss se cc we sees ue enecus ee ce ee se om 09 tom Part XXIIL—THE LEECH INDUSTRY AND TREPANG FISHERY. By RIcHArRD PRATER UN als oie odieecce caus avereisiere wave eie oes is By oyctadetes vce wae avebe saieta avevanelavevave Gree Part XXIII.—THE SPONGE FISHERY AND TRADE WHOOX sseesacies se tassee se sorsteeins sate spans ccs SMe eie txeicie teins Wis oss oie cia divinseéiwlevelersiciansis cokes Seid eninisneeee, Page. 320-393 393-400 400-467 467-474 474-483 483-491 493-504 507-565 565-581 581-615 615-622 622-626 629-658 658-794 794-797 798-799 799-810 811-816 817-841 843-881 = 10. 11 12, 13. 14, LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. [Engraved by the Photo-Engraving Company of New York City.] (Page references to Volumes I and II of text.) THE FRESH HALIBUT FISHERY. Halibut schooner under jib, foresail, and double-reefed mainsail; nests of dories on deck amid- ships; rigged for fall and winter fishing ..... oy Meee edelamewebite eeeeeesy sot cecanane cess Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins, Halibut schooner in summer rig, two topmasts up and all sails spread ..... wiaiawetanes aloes siete Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. (Engraved by Photo-Electrotype Company.) . Fig. 1. Sectional plan of halibut schooner. (See page opposite plate for explanation) ......... r Fig. 2. Deck plan of halibut schooner. (See page opposite plate for explanation) ..... weseece ss Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. . Sectional plan of well-smack employed in the fresh halibut fishery on George’s Bank, 1836 to 1845, * (See page opposite plate for explanation) ............. dspasnsp sods Wace ssiesoteniniececee Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Fig. 1. Bait chopper ...... 2-2 .-cece cece ence cece nen e cee ne cone ee nen es cone cee eee meee cecwes Fig. 2. Bait slivering knife .... 2... 2.2.2. cone cee n ee cece eee cece cence Wicisteicidialste Senrbwaimarsiesciercieraie Fig. 3. Halibut killer and gob stick ..... . Fig; 4. Woolen hand nip perccssn..- scccisees socteie wececccecaeeeincs seve sete eseets cescleee ee ceeees Fig. 5. Halibut gaff....- pineeisictiemiciewis Seemthe eidee eee sees eteeciewiasuenicis acest SHEET Cicisicimieisic cies Fig. 6. Trawl buoy and black ball..-... niiersaaletis an Sie sicneeeae Seeneues tec ces ede auaedeate.ceuis Fig. 7. Canvas skate for section of trawl......--- abe alalraar eta srmleyeiaivSains Sumi GES eee ek eee Leis Fig. 8. Dory scoop ....---. ---- seeee- eee ote ee nee cane cree cee eee tang en cence secnee tem mas cccns é Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. Fig. 1. Hurdy-gurdy to haul trawls in deep water...-2. 22-22. eee ee nee wees eee Seiaraiaie.oeiciareieie'e Fig. 2. Dory showing mode of attaching and using the hurdy-gurdy..-.-. .----- 2.2. .--02+ see eee Fig. 3. Trawl roller attached to dory gunwale for hauling trawls in shoal water.........--.--.. Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. Cutting bait and baiting trawls on halibut schooner at anchor on the fishing grounds.........-. a Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Dories and crew on the way to haul the trawls; the schooner at anchor under riding sail....... Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. . Halibut dory and crew hauling the trawl, gaffing and clubbing the halibut ..--- samaastersicia aieyaeinte Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Dory and crew caught to leeward in a storm while hauling the trawl; trawl-buoy and line drifted astern of the vessel for their rescue....-...--.. 22-020 eeenee seeeieoeaeneewaseaeiea’s wisecer Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Halibut schooner at anchor on the Grand Bank in winter, riding out a gale....-. iid vintou area ewioe ss 3 Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Halibut schooner “lying-to” in a gale on the Bank, under riding sail and double-reefed foresail. Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Halibut schooner tripped by a heavy sea. ...... 2.222. eee e ee ween te pico eiceciace eee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Halibut schooner in winter, head-reaching under short sail...... 22.200 sccane cccesce caccce scccce Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. . xi Vol. ve Log pe on Do Bo oo a) Page. 10, 11, 16 10, 11, 16 10 12 13-16 16 16, 80 84 77 71 20 | no LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. 15. Old-style halibut schooner, hand-line fishing from deck, 1840 to 1850....--..--.-----------e0 eee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. 16. Dressing halibut on deck of schooner for icing in the hold -.....--....---0 eee eee een ee cee ee eee _ From photograph by T. W. Smillie. 17. Fie. 1. Halibut cutting knife....2. 02222. eee ek cee eee teen Suvpmaten ence ee cee cece eee eee tees Fig. 2. Scraping knife to remove muscle and flesh from backbone after cutting ..--.-...-------- Fic. 3. Squillgee for pushing ice in pen.......... Scebbeis scsedicnided eetess vecoen acer eeeaane Fig. 4. Oak mallet for breaking ice... 2.2.22. ee cee e ee cece cee cece cece cece ee tenner cen ceee Fie. 5. Oak broom for scrubbing halibut Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. 18, General view of schooner discharging fare of fresh halibut at Gloucester, Mass........-------+--- Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. 19. Hoisting halibut from hold of schooner at Gloucester, Mass.......-- wiels gieiswi tetra enbrtieeaienieseomine From photograph by T. W. Smillie. 20. Weighing and selling halibut on deck of George’s Bank hand-line cod schooner........---.------ Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. 21. Handling fresh halibut at Gloucester, Mass.; weighing, unheading, and packing in ice for ship- 22, 30. 31 . Newfoundland fishermen catching squid for sale as cod bait to United States vessels Mont by Tailscee occ acopesensicureccs cscd cewse recess cescer. cee woueeneee: wii tia gavsioraleialsis Drawing by H. W. Elliott. Packing fresh halibut at Gloucester, Mass.; preparing ice with pick and grinding machine; nail- ing covers on the boxes; use of devil’s claw ....- dia nin Aisioacoinjelniaicnieisie’s seovarwnsinheese eau Drawings by H. W. Elliott. THE BANK HAND-LINE AND TRAWL COD FISHERIES. . Old style Grand Bank cod schooner; crew at rails hand-line fishing ....-....-...-0----0.-----+-- Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. . Hand-line dory cod fishing on the Grand Bank ......-. 2-2-2. scenes cee eee eee cee eee ce eee eeee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Deck plan of schooner Centennial, of Gloucester ........-22- eee ee ee eee eee ee cee ne cece ee ceee Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. . Dory and crew setting cod trawls on the Bank .... 2.2.22. .200 eee teen cence cee cece ener cone cee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Underrunning cod trawls; two methods of setting trawl for underrunning...-....--....--...... Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Dory crew of cod fishermen catching birds for bait..... end ielaleiaiciniainionnisintenclalat tami gisinieiee caick eed aos Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. (For illustration of cod schooners discharging cargoes see Section on Preparation of Fishery Prod- ucts. ) THE GEORGE'S BANK COD FISHERY. Gloucester schooner at anchor on George’s Bank in winter; hand-line fishing for cod; rigged with- out topmasts for rough weather./.........----. tedes gssiesitituscesetinwactediow emacieewe saeis From painting by Paul E. Collins, Boston, Mass. Cod hand-line gear... 2.0. 1.222. cee cece ee cee ne eee cece teens ie cinin Veintainiais/seieteesieSecieicials cate ciemee Fig. 1. Lead sinker with brass horse and swivels. Fic. 2. George’s Bank gear with sling-ding, &c, Fig. 3, Hand-line gear for shoal water. Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. . George’s Bank crew hand-line fishing, gaffing fish over the rail, cutting out tongues....2. ces seee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. . Dressing cod on deck of fishing schooner...... .... 22-220. sees cee e eens cane cece sees cece ee enen cues Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. 34. Discharging fare of George’s Bank cod at Gloucester wharf......... Abiniotbie: Sinitiein Slesaeee wes awee's Drawing by H. W. Elliott, 1882. 35. Splitting and washing George’s Bank cod at Wonson’s wharf, Gloucester, Mass........-.0- evens Drawing by H. W. Elliott, 1982. THE COD FISHERY OF ALASKA. 36. Natives in boats fishing with hand-lines................-.. sieislsaioaisieicorseeciedacetueeseadocsiacews 22 125, 126 126 149 152, 176 177 152, 184 152 190-193 192 194 156, 180, 195 195 195 220 37. 38. 39 40. 41, 42. 43. 44, = > 47, 48. 49, LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION Y. THE GILL-NET COD FISHERY. Method of hanging cod gill-nets in Norway. (Explanation with plate) ...... ieomeNee pees ani From Bulletis U. S. Fish Commission, Vol.I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Fic. 1. Method of attaching glass floats to top of nets....-..---.- .----+-- eee Swit arecrarcesiaieininivie Fig. 2. Methad of fastening sinkers to foot of nets. (Explanation on plate)........--.0+---+-ee+ From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol. I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Norwegian method of setting gill-nets at bottom. (Explanation on plate) .........--.------ iss From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol. I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Norwegian methods of setting nets to get position of fish. (Explanation on plate) ......---.---- From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol. I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Norwegian method of attaching stone anchors and buoy lines to end of gangs of nets. (Explana- tion on plate) 22.2.2 eek eee ce cee cee ne rece nce es cere e ne ce ee cere cw enen ewes ones From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, VoLI. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Way in which cod gill-nets are set at the bottom on the east coast of Newfoundland. (Explana- tiomson’ plate) csi a casenewicgicieinreins cmica eves aitciieciee ects ae seeiesinwee Riuicinreie wieteratore paieiera From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol. I. Drawing i Capt. J. W. Collins. The ordinary way in which cod gill-nets are set floating at Newfoundland. (Explanation on PALE)! saitararwiarerciercininis eiesninia'e siateceiearsraistersleimeien sleie ee sie aici elaine esiciecsimaisminedelnness weed eaaeaid From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol. I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Way in which cod gill-nets are set for underrunning in Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts. (Explava- tion on plate) ........- 22. eens eee ee eee ei acheiSjetaletsipibis fois ble x eiaicletsioiniorefnie sida pace nya aioe, WOvedhidio From Bulletin U.S. Fish Commission, Vol.I. Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. Underrunning cod gill-nets in Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts. ........--- disiaiole sis ateiniclew base eivrsersrei 5 Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. THE INSHORE COD FISHERY. Block Island boat and crew hand-lining for cod..........- ssn bara viaslaaiecuisineesioeeete we biieevaiate cic 2 Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Pink stern schooner and boats hand-line fishing off Cape Ann, Massachusetts. ...--...-.-..----0 From photograph by T. W. Smillie. THE HADDOCK FISHERY. Baiting trawls on deck of Gloucester haddock schooner Mystic, Captain McKinnon..........-.. = From photograph by T. W. Smillie. Baiting trawls at night in hold of haddock schooner ....0. seeece -nne cece ee teen eee cece cee e cee Drawing by H. W. Elliott, 1882. Setting haddock trawls from schooner under‘sail; set at right angles to course of the vessol..... Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. THE HAKE FISHERY. 51. Fishermen’s dories on the rocks at Folly Cove, Cape Ann, Massachusetits...... Sdeesaatias mene Drawing by H. W. Elliott. : 52. Fishermen in dory hauling trawl; a dogfish caught .........0c20 ene e ee cece eens cece ee sewene cone From photograph by T. W. Smillie. 53. Overhauling trawls in fish-house at Rockport, Mass .........see--+ e+ Sciaw os esaie saints aisiersiaie Drawing by H. W. Elliott. THE MACKEREL PURSE-SEINE FISHERY. 54, Mackerel schooner under full sail, bound out ....-.... mie nrelaisienciezelevasinictestere mia ma seidin Sieyeereneie yews Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. 55. The cabin of mackerel schooner John D. Long of Gloucester, Mass... ...... ..2----0------- eee eee Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 56. Deck plan of mackerel schooner. (Explanation on plate) ..... sanlaenionaecekeaekeets pssatepete-ietor Drawing by Capt. J. W. Collins. 57. Seine boat; purse davit and blocks; oar-rests; purse weight and purse blocks; bow fittings... 58. Seine boats in winter quarters at Gloucester, Mass..........--- ee ivewee Deaseaswnces admpeimarents From photograph by T. W. Smillie. 59. Fig. 1, Diagram showing the different sections of a purse-seine.......-..---- soviiaate siviaiamieaci aimee Fig. 2.. Diagram showing the form of a purse-seine when spread in the water.........----+-+- sie Drawings by Capt. J. W. Collins. a Vol. L I I, I, Xili Page. 227, 228 228 228 228 228 228 230 230 232 232 xiv LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. 60. 61 62. 63. 64, 65. 66. 67. 68 69, 70. 71. 72. 73. 7A, 75. 76. 77, 78. 79. 80. 81. Mackerel schooner cruising in Massachusetts Bay; lookout at foretop on the watch for schools .. From photograph by T. W. Smillie. Lookouts aloft on schooner on the watch for mackerel.-... etsinisiviers sisiwsioieiwid owe suinie sents pesisamie cee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel seine-boat and crew ‘‘paying out the seine”..... seaeee gsieicicseyeiies atsewee 2 eee tennesee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel scine-boat and crew pursing the seine ..---. --eeee cece ee eee ee ceeee avewaiwieiets: sjsinsiecsjaniee . Drawing by H. W. Elhott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel schooner with crew at work bailing mackerel from the pursé-seine-......--..----- mais Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel schooner with pocket or spiller shipped at sea -. 22.22. ..ccee cee eee cence e nee cece ceee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel schooner just arrived from cruise ; crew dressing and salting the fish........---..---- rs From photograph bv T. W. Smillie. Culling and packing mackerel at Portland, Me...... .--.2. eee eee = cece ee coe cee cone cocees eee cnce From photograph by T. W. Smillie. THE MACKEREL HOOK FISHERY. Surf-fishing in boats for mackerel...--.....22...2--- 00+ a6 baie ieee eee eee Reece eee te ccee coee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel jigs and jig molds. (Explanation on plate) ..222. 0. sec. cee nee cece ee cence cee cece eee . Jigging- mackerel over the vessel’s rail...--. 222.22 = eee eee ce eee cece cece eee ne neeee Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J W. Collins. Gatling mackerel Over the vessel's: Tail 2.0.06. .2cicissieciciciieinios 6a¥U vee s cca cicis scigicinie spe cewieeige sees Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W, Collins. Fig. 1. The old method of chopping mackerel bait .......--22. 0.0202 ee eeee cee n ee cee ee ance ieee BiG: 2. Ghermodernsmachkere! bai tema’ x s:c100ccreniciel nin econ ecin nee vaciece seinenwemeeiseaesioss wens ss Drawings by I. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Throwing bait to toll mackerel alongside the vessel. ...... SVReRiR swears REESE EM Mais ree eiedie wpe Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Deck scene on mackerel hand-line schooner; jigging mackerel, slatting in the barrel, throwing WOM bait we caewets mectowe mee ee cers nani cinincitisie eS EUSlaie eb EMD TE SD wiee vieieleie cimmrnewincaiscaiwcemmcs Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Mackerel-packing on shipboard ........-..--.-+.e---- zoos Swiwisiela’e tS aaa aevaisiocietieseine Sia teielataie sisi Fic. 1. Splitting, cleaning, and washing. Fig. 2. Pitching, salting, aud plowing. Drawings by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. THE MACKEREL GILL-NET FISHERY. Mackerel drag-nets set at night off coast of Maine... .... 2... ceeeee eee e cee nceen ccc nes cece eees Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins, Cape Cod mackerel drag-boat lying to at night................ * From sketch by J. S. Ryder. Dory fishermen picking mackerel gill-nets ........020-0 scceee cocecee From photograph by T. W. Smillie. : THE MACKEREL FISHERY—EARLY METHODS. Old style Chebacco boats drailiug for mackerel ............ Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. Angling with poles for mackerel from an old Noank, Conn., Drawing by H. W. Elliott and Capt. J. W. Collins. MOOD we seceds owes scwsmeceseysecesces . STATISTICS OF THE MACKEREL FISHERY. Diagram showing the catch of mackerel by citizens of Massachusetts between the years 1804 and 1881, inclusive ..-... 22.22. cee ene cece ee cecnes From Report U.S. Fish Commission, Part LX, 1881, dm ewes ceeces cece ceeees crease seeeestecases I,- I, 267 267 275 287 294 294 299 $12 82. 83, 90. LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. THE SWORDFISH FISHERY. Sword fishermen in position for action ...... 2.2.00 .eecee ceence coerce cee aiS eisleisivisinis seein oie peices From Report Y.S. Fish Commission, Part VII, 1880. Methods of swordfish capture in the Mediterranean Sea...... seve eee cecceseeeees leceeecenaee -- From Report U.S. Fish Commission, Part VIII, 1880. THE MENHADEN FISHERY. . Map illustrating geographical distribution and periodical movements of the menhaden; also the locations of the fishing grounds and oil and guano factories in the year 1878. (No factories now in Maine; many in Chesapeake Bay)....-..-.--00 20 cee cee coer ee ee cece cone From Report U.S. Fish Commission, Part VI, 1878. . Menhaden steamer Joseph Church approaching oil and guano factory at Tiverton, R.I.....-... From photograph by T. W. Smillie. . Menhaden steamer William Floyd cruising for fish 1... 2... .-222. so-so cone cee w ee cone cone ee cnee From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. Lookouts at mast-head of menhaden steamer watching for schools of fish........----.20-----006 From sketch by J. S. Ryder. . Fleet of menhaden steamers en roule to fishing grounds on south side of Long Island, N. Y...-.- From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. . Fleet of menhaden steamers on the fishing grounds; seining crews at work...-.....--..---.---- From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. Crew of menhaden steamer surronnding a school with purse-seine ....0. 2-0-5. eee ne eee eens From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. . Parsing the seine around a school of menhaden...-.. 2.20 cecces cece cece ee cece cee cone cone cee eee From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. . Menhaden crew at work; pursing of the seine nearly completed ...... 2-22. seee eens cenene ence From sketch by H. W. Elliott, 1878. . School of menhaden surrounded with purse-seine and fish striking the net ..........----------- From sketch by Capt. B. F Conklin. . Bailing menhaden from purse-seine into steamer’s hold ...... 22. see ee cee ee cece ee cee ee cence From sketch by J. S. Ryder. . Menhaden steamer bailing in the catch..........-.. 0-206 Jeebaciaeciss eilaiGiaiaialsie s wistercismaicnatnajeveniare From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. . Haul-seine fishing for menhaden at Long Island, 1790 to 1850. Setting the seine............-6. From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. . Haul-seine fishing for menhaden at Long Island, 1790 to 1850. Hauling thes eine on the beach Dy HOPSE=POW EF. .cicicieis ie viesiscc sciscinigoicisen sevicenyseesmnesion Sie nines eicioe crete dewde ce sivieceese From sketch by Capt. B. ¥. Conklin. 98. Haul-seine fishing for menhaden at Long Island, 1790 to 1850. Taking out the fish............. ag From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. 99. Menhaden purse and mate boats and two carry-away boats starting for the fishing grounds.... From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. 100. Menhaden purse and mate boats..--....--.- ..--ee cence wsisicSalseSe reine -Sieawens Seauiccsiore ajeisiieae Fia. 1. Going down to the fish. Fic. 2. Working to windward of the fish. From sketches by Capt. B. F. Cenklin. 101. Purse and mate boats encircling a school of menhaden; carry-away boats in waiting .......... From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. 102. Menhaden boats and crew pursing the seine; the fish striking the net ..........------00- siewetws From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. = 103. Menhaden sloops cruising for fish. One of the sloops is for the crew to live on and to tow the seine-boats; the others to carry fish to the factory... 22. cece cece ee cee n ne ween eens cnccee From sketch by Capt. B. I’. Conklin. 104, Menhaden sloops and steamers in Gardiner’s Bay, Long Island...... i Siulisis eible'cwiSle/a aieiareain ese Saisicin ‘ From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. 105. Menhaden carry-away sloops bailing in the catch...... 22-0. 0. eee ene cee nee tec eee sae cnewee From sketch by Capt. B. F. Conklin. 106. Menhaden fishermen signaling to shore-crews the approach of a school of fish ..... eqese es eeeeus Vol. I, I, XV Page. 318 318 331, 343 334 334 338 338 338 337-339 337-339 339 339 337, 340 340 341, 368, a71 341, 368, 371 341, 368, 371 334, 368 334, 368 334, 368 334, 368 334, 368, 375, 376 399 376, 377 367 Xvi LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. 107. Crew of menhaden schooner, in old style scine-boat, throwing the purse-seine .........--- r, Massachusetts..........0-2. 0-2. eee I, 601 From Report U. S. Fish Commission, Part II, 1872-73. THE RIVER FISHERIES OF THE ATLANTIC STATES. 154, Fishing with hack and square traps in the Savannah River....-. 2.22. ---eee cee e eee cee cee cee 5 I, 620 Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 155. Shad gill-nets in the Edisto River, South Carolina. ...........2.. 022200222. eee eee cee ee eee I, 623 Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 156. Fish-nets in the Pedee River ...-.....--. 02-22. ee ees Feiniciesnadain eine lnainn Himmsmihat sEsmiceccis Ss 7 I, 624 From a photograph. 157, A sturgeon camp on Winyah Bay, South Carolina; catching sturgeon in gill-nets; the pound for : keeping fish alive; unheading; saving roe for caviare...-.... 222222222 eee ee eee eee I, 625 Drawing by H. W. Elliott. , 158. Drag-net fishing in the Neuse River, North Carolina; “ footing up the net” ...... 2.2.22. .2.0e I, 628 Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 159. Skim-net fishing for shad in the Neuse River, North Carolina.......-..- 22.000 .0--ee cece eeeeeee I, 629 al Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 160. Haul-seine fishing at Sutton Beach, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina; boating the seine ...... I, 636 From a photograph. ‘ 161. Haul-seine fishing at Sutton Beach, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina; a large haul of alewives. I, 636 From a photograph. 162, Shad-fishing in Albemarle Sound; laying out the NOUN saree x pret over ewe Wit aicse\ein exh eps e.comnaioymedeaiaials IL, 636 Drawing by H. W. Elliott. 163. Shad-fishing at night on the Susquehanna River; laying out the gill-net........2....2....2000. Y, 652 From a photograph. 164. Diagram of salmon weirs in Penobscot River, MAUR iosieec wai seeetate “cae ar dicte levis y.cienearabatnace) dole eistoaeewees I, 680 From Report U. S. Fish Commission, Part II, 1872-73. ‘i 165. Plan of salmon-net, Penobscot Bay, Maine .- 22. 222... cee cece ee cence cece ee eeeeesnceeee seceee I, 682 From Report U.S. Fish Commission, Part IT, 1872-'73. 166. Ideal perspective of salmon-net in Penobscot Bay, Maine.......... 200.200 eee cece cee cece cece I, 682 From Report U. 8. Fish Commission, Part II, 1872-'73. 167. Diagram of shad weir, Kennebec River, Maine. (Explanation on page opposite plate)......... I, 684 168. Bag-net fishing for smelts under the ice, Penobscot River, Maiue. (Full explanation on page . OPPOsite PAG) «vie disloriciccicmeusise saaeteeeeeericccdee emeccesesesvednacnuns Sisidacd ariel I 691 From sketch by C. G. Atkins. t THE PACIFIC COAST SALMON FISHERY. 169, Salmon cannery at Astoria, Oreg.......2-...2222.-eceececee Sitive adc teesmmeatecres were wien I TA5 From a*photograph. . THE FISHERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES. 170, Kelley’s pound-net near Carpenter’s Point, Lake Erie, for capture of whitefish, herring, &c, (For description of parts see plate)... 22.02.22. cee ee eee cee cece es wee eee earclanians lL 758 Drawingby H.W. Eliott ‘ 171. Lifting the pot at Kelley’s pound-net, Lake Erie......- Pee eeiSec cian ewwinae eis ce wme I Drawing by H. W. Elliott, ear , a0 172, Green Bay pound-net off Ingersoll’s Fishery ...........2.0ccee cece ceca veceee coc I 758 ital Winralar aiatetoesie 5 Drawing by L. Kumlien. 173. “Driving the pound.” Stake-boat and crew off Marblehead, Lake Erie, driving stakes for pound- uet. At close of season the other end of the same boat pulls the stakes ....... I - 96 Drawing by H. W. Elliott ER se : . 174, Deck plan of stake-boat. Stake-puller of Lake Erie. (For description of parts see pl ] 175, Pound-net at Detroit River... ... 2.2.22 2.e cece oes cece cece ce eeee cece cee y 2 ecieenass 2 ie FromsketchbyL.Kumlien, a Ss : a 176. Bailing out the pot of pound-net at Detroit River..... 2.2... 0..0 cece cece ccee cece ee. I 75 : From sketch by L.Kumlien, eS . i ' 177, 178, 179. 180. 181. 182. 183, 184. _ Fie 185, 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. LIST OF PLATES TO SECTION V. Camp at South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, Fishing-boats; gill-nets on reel; shanty for ClOADING NBD seo e ue cas eaateaseiemareneleens aisew sis aie waned eleteciteteaieleiels ices ocaetes Soe Sis emis From a photograph. Gill=net drying on PEO] oa si ces pete nie einnsn acieiciac ccesntiedewiessdeesdeimae Shad Suet tecereersa eee. From a photograph. Type of fishermen’s summer house. Seine shed, tarring-box annexed ....-...---------+ e020 --0- Drawing by H. W. Elliott, 1882. Hauling in herring-seine at Herbert’s Fishery, Detroit River. Inclosure for keeping fish alive.. Sketch by L. Kumlien. : Pond fishery, Detroit River; inclosure for keeping fish alive .........- ne cenmne caneae cone cecces Photograph by U.S. Fish Commission. Overhauling the seine at Grassy Island Fishery, Detroié River... 2... ---- eee - cence ere se cere Photograph by U.S. Fish Commission. THE WHALE FISHERY. Map of the world on Mercator’s projection, showing the extent and distribution of the present and abandoned whaling grounds. (Prepared by A. Howard Clark in 1880) ........----- The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The California gray whale (Rhachianectes glaucus).- The North Pacific humpback whale (Megaptera versabilis). The sulphur-bottom whale (Sibbaldius sulfureus). Fig. 1. 3. 4. 5. The finback or Oregon finner (Balenoptera velifera). 6. 7. Fie. 2 Fig. Fic, The Pacific right whale (Hubalena cullamach). The bowhead whale (Balena mysticetus). From Report U.S. Fish Commission, 1876. Natural History in Section I of this report. Whaling vessels fitting out at New Bedford wharves.......-.. cscceesececs cennce coes cecccc cece From photograph by T. W. Smillie. . Whaling schooner Amelia, of New Bedford, Mass...... 22-05 cece ence cone cece on cece cece neceee Drawing by C.S. Raleigh. Steam whaling-bark Mary & Helen, of New Bedford, Mass. (afterwards the Rodgers, of the Jean- Nettesearch Gx peditiOn) sescsecccccsnceincic naeniesicis tac Baece cd cesiced Sabet Kaos wTwedinee eae Drawing by C. S. Raleigh. Deck plan and side and interior plan of whaling-schooner Amelia, of New Bedford, Mass. (Ex- planation on page opposite plate) .... 2.2... one cece cece ee cee ne ene meee e cee e ee cece cnee Drawings by:C. S. Raleigh. Deck plan and side and interior plan of whaling-bark Alice Knowles, of New Bedford, Mass. (Explanation on page opposite plate) ...20. 2.222. eee eee ee ce eee cece ce eee eee eens Drawings by C. 8. Raleigh. Starboard-quarter of a whale-ship, showing the manner of transporting the captain’s boat and the spare boats. (Explanation on page opposite plate) ...-...----..202-- eee ee eee eee Deck view of whale-boat equipped with apparatus of capture and boat gear. (Explanation on PAPe- opposite Plate)). ccic sees sesinccconicnisie snes siceicchcnseeduneacs seeces acessneeesse Drawing by C. ‘S. Raleigh. ‘ Side and interior plan of whale-boat equipped with apparatus of capture, &c. (Explanation on page opposite plate) .--.00. 20-220 cen ne een ee neces wane cece ee ce neee ce ccee meee ceeees Drawing by C. S. Raleigh. 5 Articles of whale-boat gar. ...... 2.220 ceccee ceen ee cee eee nnccee sennee canecsceeces cones covees Fig. 1. Lantern keg containing matches, bread, &c. Fig. 2. Boat compass. Fie. 3. Water keg. Fig. 4. Piggin for bailing water. Fia. 5. Waif for signaling. 6. 7 8 Fie. Fig. Fig. 6, Tub oar crotch. Fig. 7. Double oar-lock. Fig. 8 Large line in line-tub. Fig. 9. Knife to cut line when foul. Fic. 10. Row-lock. Fig. 1). Hatchet to cut line when fout. Fig. 12. Grapnel to catch line. Fig. 13. Drag or drug to retard whale. Fig. 14. Canvas nipper to protect hands from running line, II, II, Il, I, II, II, II, II, II, II, 7-23 232 232 236 234 234 243, 244 241, 258 241, 258 240, 252 xx LIST OF PLATES TO SEOTION V. 194, Whalemen’s harpoons.........-------e0- +++ Seeanieagenmaaticeenas se sigcets cewens ceecenee saesreaiee Fia. 1. Improved harpoon or toggle-iron now in geveral use. Fias, 2, 3. First form of toggle-iron made by Lewia Temple. Fig. 4. One-flued harpoon with hinged toggle. Fia. 5. One-flued harpoon. Fig. 6, Two-flued harpoon. _ Fig. 7. Toggle-iron invented by Provincetown whaleman; not in use. 195, English harpoons. «-s 8. DISPOSITION OF THE CATCH. UNLOADING AND PACKING FOR SHIPMENT.—On the arrival of a halibut vessel at Gloucester, she is anchored in the harbor, and the skipper, having gone ashore, visits the offices of the several halibut companies, taking offers for his fish at so much per pound for white, so much for gray, and so much for sour. It often happens, though, that the fish are sold “right through,” that is, for a fixed price for all sweet fish, and occasionally the halibut are bought so that the dealers take all at one price per pound, and assume the risk of any being unfit for market. Sometimes there is a competition between the buyers, and then the cargo is sold to the highest bidder. At other times, however, the companies pool their interests and fix a price which the fishermen must accept, since, in such eases, nothing can be dove but to submit to the dictation of the combination. Formerly, the “hawkers,” as the halibut buyers are called, when anxious to buy a vessel’s cargo, were accus- tomed to go off in boats and meet the schooners as they came in the harbor; at present this is rarely done. The cargo having been sold the vessel is hauled up to the wharf. The unlading of a halibut vessel is a very interesting operation to any one to whom it is novel. The schooner having been hauled up to the wharf of one of the halibut companies, the hatches are opened and a strong tackle is attached to the fore and main staysail-halyards and adjusted over one of the hatches. Two or three men are stationed in the hold. The fish are “ broken out of the pens” and dragged beneath the hatch, and each one has a “strap” of buoy line fastened around the slender part of its tail. This strap is about 3 feet long, with the ends spliced together to form a ring. This is dexterously fastened to the tail in a kind of slip-noose ; by passing one bight through the other and into the loose part a hook from the hoisting tackle is easily caught. Three or four, or even more, fish are thus attached to the same hook, and then the pendant, slimy group is hoisted. Now a similar hook attached to another rope on the wharf, called an “outhauler,” is thrown down and fastened into the eye of one of the fishes, which are both hoisted and hauled on to the wharf at the same time. As the fish are lifted and pulled to the wharf thghoisters suddenly let go and the halibut fall sprawling over the floor of the fish-house. Here a sturdy gang armed with gaff-hooks are waiting. The fish are culled into grades, and either the white or gray ones, as the case may be, are tossed into a tray pendant from a pair of large-steelyards. Their weight ascer- tained, they are dumped again on the floor, their heads eut off, and then they are ready for pack- 22 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. ing. Other men with gaffs seize them and drag them over the slippery floor to the end of the building. Here a stout spruce or pine box is waiting, standing on platform scales. One by one the fish are lifted into the box, and a shovelful of ice is poured into the abdominal cavity. The box is filled, its weight noted and marked in large figures in one corner, and then it is transferred to wooden rollers and handed over to the carpenter, who nails the cover on, using a peculiar instru- ment, very appropriately called a ‘‘devil’s claw,” if we accept the idea that the devil has an unyielding clutch. If, as frequently happens, the fish are taken from the vessel, weighed, and beheaded faster than they can be boxed, they are dragged aside and thrown in heaps according to the several grades. It is not an uncofmmon thing to see 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of halibut piled up on the floor of a large packing establishment, and in some instances a much larger quantity is heaped together. When taking out halibut the average rate of progress is from 7,000 to 10,000 pounds an hour; the speed depends somewhat on the height of the tide. “The best, time we ever made,” says Mr. John F. Bickford, foreman of the Atlantic Halibut Company, “ was in the summer of 1878 when we took a-trip of 103,000 pounds of halibut out of the schooner William Thompson in 9 hours and 15 minutes, and had an hour’s nooning out of the time. The actual time at work was a little more than 8hours.” These fish were bought “right through,” and, being in good order, needed no culling, and consequently could be handled very rapidly. A fall working gang in the building is eleven men, all told. These are divided as follows, namely: A weigher (who is usually the foreman), the culler and assistant at the scale, the header, a man to haul the fish away, three men boxing and weighing the fish, two men nailing the boxes and wheeling them away, and one man grinding ice. One of the “ boxers” assists the “ ice-grinder” in dragging away the baskets of ice, &c. With a gang like this at work boxing, the fish can be put up ready for shipment nearly as fast as they are usually taken out of a vessel. The boxes hold an average of 425 pounds of halibut. | Mr. B. W. Griffin, culler at the New England Halibut Company’s establishment, and Mr. Thomas Tarr, foreman of the same, gave the following information : “We take out anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of halibut an hour, under ordinary circumstances; generally more if the chance is favorable. The best we ever did was in 1878, when we took a trip of 42,000 pounds out of the George P. Whitman in an hour and three-quarters. With a full gang at boxing, which includes six men—three boxers, two nailers, and one ice-grinder— we can box, ready for shipment, 40,000 pounds of halibut in four hours, but in some instances we do even better than this. Some years ago, the schooner Wm. T. Merchant came in with a trip of halibut that had been sold to arrive, at a high price, and we were anxious to get the fish on the market. She hauled alongside of the wharf at 5 o’clock p. n., and at 9 p. m. we had her trip of 50,000 pounds boxed and all on the steamboat wharf, ready for shipment.” It seems appropriate in this place to allude to the system of “ culling fish” which is in practice among the merchants of Gloucester who buy fresh halibut from the fishermen. They have estab- lished three grades of halibut, known as “ white,” “ gray,” and “sour”; the white halibut are those which have their under sides immaculate, the gray halibut are those whose under sides are more or less tinged with gray,pr drab, while the sour halibut are those which are slightly tainted in the vicinity of the abdominal cavity. The largest halibut are almost invariably gray. The price allowed to the fishermen for gray halibut is considerably less than that for ‘‘ white,” frequently not more than one-half. The price of sour halibut, again, is considerably less than that of gray. For instance, when white halibut sell for 5 cents per pound, gray will sell for from 3 to 34 cents per pound, FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 238 and sour for from 13 to 2 cents per pound. The distinction between sour halibut and that which is not sour is doubtless a valid one, but that between white and gray is of little importance, since, in the hands of the retail dealers, there is seldom, if ever, any difference in price. There is no reason why the gray halibut, as they are called, should not be exactly as firm in flesh and deli- vate in flavor as the white. The distinction was first made by the Gloucester Halibut Com- pany, established in 1848, in order to avoid the carrying out to the letter of their coutracts with the fishermen, and since that time it has uniformly been made use of, to the disadvantage of the fishermen. It is not our intention to criticise’ the motives of the halibut merchants in this respect, but simply to call attention to the fact that the existence of an arbitrary distinction of this sort is extremely unfortunate, since it gives to the capitalists the opportunity of treating the fishermen with great injustice. The cullings are made entirely by the purchaser and the fishermen have no right to criticise their judgment, and no right to appeal. The manner of culling is varied arbitra- rily, from time to time, in accordance with the necessities of the buyers. At times a very large percentage of the catch of a vessel will be counted as gray, or even as sour, and paid for at reduced rates. Ifthe terms of the bargain previously made with the fishermen were justly carried out, the value would be very much greater tlian that which was actually paid for the fish. We do not deny that the buyers feel some necessity for some such safety-valve as this in the present condi- tion of the halibut fishery, since sometimes eight or ten large cargoes of fish are brought in at one time, glutting the market to an uncontrollable extent;* at the same time some more equitable means of regulating the price in accordance with the supply is very much to be desired. Under exist- ing circumstances, perhaps the most desirable remedy would be the appointment of some inspector who would cull the fish in accordance with some uniform rule, thus doing away with the feeling of injustice which is constantly felt by the fishermen. In the winter of 1878 the feeling against this system of culling was so strong among the owners and masters of the Massachusetts halibut ves- sels in Gloucester, that an attempt was made to organize a company of fishing firms, which should take the matter of handling the fresh halibut into its own hands. This, however, was unsuccessful, owing to the lack of unanimity among the fishing capitalists. The manner of weighing the halibut is also open to objection of the same kind. Fish are bought from the vessels with their heads on and weighed, and 14 per cent. of the total weight is deducted, this being supposed to represent the weight of the heads. This percentage, however, is considerably too large; then, too, the weighing is done by the purchaser with beam scales, and the fishermen complain that undue advan- tage is taken by the weighers. The employment of some impartial person as weigher would do much to allay the dissatisfaction felt and expressed by the halibut fishermen. 9. FINANCIAL PROFITS AND EXTENT OF THE FISHERY. THE LAY.—The “Jay,” or division of the proceeds of the voyage, is given in detail in the chapter on “ Lays and Outfits.” Briefly stated it is as follows: From the gross receipts of money ‘obtained from the sale of the fish are deducted certain “stock ” charges, these embracing expense for ice, bait, towing by steam-tug, woolen nippers, &c. The balance is called the “net” stock, and this is equally divided, the vessel receiving one-half, while the other half, after charges for splitting wood, filling water, medicine chest, tarring rigging, painting spars, and one-half of 1 per cent. for widows’ and orphans’ fund, are deducted, is divided equally between the members of the crew, the captain and cook included. In addition to his share obtained by this division he captain receives a percentage on the net stock, this being usually 4 per cent., though in some cases a *This statement applies more particularly to the fishery previous to 1881, at which time a larger fleet was employed and more fish were taken than at present (1885); nevertheless what is said of the method of culling and Pmeighing halibut applies equally well now, and it is not less objectionable now than in former years. 24 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. higher rate is paid to favorite skippers. The cook also generally makes extra pay, since he is entitled to half of any fish he may catch on a hand-line, or short trawl set from the vessel, and also, in some instances, has been permitted to save and sell for his own benefit the swim-bladders of the hake ( Phycis) captured on the trawl-lines set for halibut. This latter privilege is now, how- ever, rarely accorded. The owners of the vessel must fit her with all material for the proper prosecution of the voyage, including food, gear, &c., their profit being the difference between the expense so incurred and their half of the proceeds of the voyage. Tue “sToCck” OF THE GLOUCESTER HALIBUT FLEET IN 1880.—The following list shows the net stock-of the vessels composing the fresh-halibut fleet of Gloucester in 1880: Vessels in the Gloucester halibut fleet in 1880, with a statement of the net stock of each. Name of vessel. Net stock, Name of vessel. Net stock. Augusta H. Johnson. ........0--- essence ee eee ce ceeeeee $14, 650 00 || Laura Neleon........-..---2eeeee rece ee eeeee ene eeeeee $19, 700 00 Alice M. Williams ...... 2.0222 2-0-0e cece eee e eee eeeeeeee 16, 600 00 || Lizzie ..........-- IE Oe ers Scots 11, 300 00 Bessie Somes .....-- 22-2. ecnnee cceececcecsencencenesens 16,116 38 || Mary F. Chisholm 11, 033 78 Chester R. Lawrence ..-.2.--0-02-ccene sees eee nnceceeee 11, 413 76 || Nathaniel Webster .....-.......c0eseecceenceccnenereee 12,000 00 David A. Story ......-s0sseceeeeeeee iain 18, 708 84 || Notice. ... 222.20... eee ene n eee eee e tenn e nese eeeeees 10, 000 00 Epes Tarr .......2.0-.2000 Seeersearccetetecteasnnes 13, 800 50 || Plymouth Rock. ate . 10, 900 00 Frederic Gerring ...... z socio eo ceepens 14,487 24 || Polar Wave ....-.-.-2-----s00--eeeeeeeeeenere er eeeeee 14, 322 00 Gatherer....-.....-- ceeseeulenceatiown 17, 234 00 || Procter Brothers 9, 821 14 G. P. Whitman .. - 10, 003 84 || Thresher ‘i 8,136 73 Grace L, Fears ....--......02-c0ece0 i 12,155 26 || Wachusett....-...-.....2- 0. eee e cence eee ene nee enna 15,110 23 Guy Cunningham.... .............. wee ane 16, 500 00 || Willie M. Stevens *........-.....cee cece seen ee erences ~ 20,959 06 Isaac A, Chapman...........-sscenescnenen sense ceeree 19, 846 45 * The gross stock of the last-named vessel, the amount her fish sold for, was $22,107.35; the crew shared to each man $706.06. As will pe seen, the Gloucester halibut fleet was much smaller in 1880 than in 1879, numbering only twenty-three vessels against forty-eight schooners in the latter year. An addition of about $1,000 to $1,200 to the net stocks given will show approximately the amount obtained for each vessel’s catch. The Procter Brothers and Thresher made only six trips each for halibut, being employed elsewhere or hauled up the remainder of the year. The stock given is that realized from the sale of halibut. ° RECEIPTS OF “HALIBUT IN 1878.—The following detailed statement of the amount of fresh halibut landed at Gloucester, Mass., for the year 1878, by vessels engaged in the fishery from that place, will give a fair idea of the catch and value of halibut during the several months of the year: Month. Gross weight. pe tae aS er Total value. pound. Pounds. Pounds. January ....-....eee ee eee 847, 694 299, 017 $. 0905 $27, 166 05 MODPOREY cvecevascscreenes 1, 359, 0380 1, 168, 766 - 0226 26,475 82 Moreh jcccesccscnsecesss. 1, 531, 258 1, 316, 882 - 0287 37, 820 08 April .... o 1, 817, 916 1, 563, 408 . 0203 D1, 474 62 May ..... aah a 817, 075 702, 685 . 0323 22, 687 36 J Utiesezswesseneexes awe 1, 081, 022 929, 679 . 0285 26,505 32 DOLY cxsenareasevswer. se 1, 261, 330 1, 084, 744 . 0228 24, 685 24 AMBOR onsnccscncaccncases 821, 902 706, 836 0257 18,173 08 September ...............- 894, 080 768, 909 . 0261 20, 047 52 October. ... Bs 718, 186 617, 640 . 0317 19, 582 48 November ...........-.... 278, 872 235, 530 - 0648 15, 266 46 December ..........--.-+- 818, 852 274, 213 . 0526 14, 418 10 DOU ei vadaecctd one 11, 242, 218 9, 668, 307 . 0294 284, 302 13 Add to the above quantity the halibut landed at Boston by Gloucester vessels, estimated at 1,125,000 pounds gross weight, and valued at about $28,500, and we have the total catch of the © FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 25 Gloucester fleet 12,367,218 pounds, gross, valued at $312,802.13. The market weight is found by deducting 14 per cent. for the heads. HALIBUT PURCHASED, BY THE New ENGLAND FisH Company, 1873 To 1878.—The fol- lowing statement of the amount of fresh halibut bought, during a series of years, at Gloucester, Mazss., by one firm, the New England Fish Company, from vessels engaged in the fishery from that place, is of interest in this connection: Net weight, after deduct-| Average Year. Gross weight.| ing 14 per value Total value. cent. for per pound. heads. Pounds. Pounds. : 1873 ....2ecceeee------| 8, 647,142 8, 136, 542 0612 | $192,141 94 1874.....--.---- vémnees 3, 473, 995 2, 987, 636 - 059 176, 226 19 : Wi vessawwacemaere nese 3, 368, 696 2 897,079 «0512 148, 519 59 1816 ecnenw encoun conics 3, 988, 811 8, 430, 378 044 152,148 27 W877 ..eee-.eeeeeeeeeee-| 3,302,112 2, 839, 817 0415 | 117, 906 70 W818 seacsseccasseeceers 6, 216, 492 5, 346, 184 0302 | 161, 514 60 Each year ends March 1. This firm represented seventeen wholesale Boston firms and seven at New York in the year ending March 1, 1878; previously Boston firms alone. Seventy-five per cent. of the above shipments from Gloucester in 1877~’78 were to Boston and 25 per cent. to New York. The shipments in fhe preceding year were mostly to Boston. In 1878, 2,112,581 pounds of fresh halibut were sold by the New England Company to “cutters” in Gloucester for smoking. LARGEST STOCK.—The Cape Ann Advertiser of March 24, 1882, contains the following account of the largest halibut trip ever made, so far as financial results are concerned. It says: “The best halibut fare received at this port for several years was landed Wednesday (March 22) by schooner Grace L. Fears, Capt. Nathaniel Greenleaf. Her fare was taken by the Atlantic Halibut Company, and she weighed off 98,825 pounds halibut and 3,000 pounds codfish, 101,825 pounds in all, stock- ing $6,016.60. Her crew shared $206.30. The cook’s share was $253.94. 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.” SUCCESSFUL TRIPS IN 1874~’75.—We are indebted to Messrs. Clark & Somes, of Gloucester, for the following detailed account of some of the most successful years’ work accomplished by, schooners employed by them in the Bank halibut fishery: ° SCHOONER F. W. HOMANS. Gross Gross Gross Gross 1874. weight. | stock. 1874. weight. | stock. Pounds. | Dollars. Pounds. | Dollars. PADOEEY Bh cn cee nnnreesenenesenieenenanieens® 20,364.) 1,845 60 |) September 23 sine smcriwiwed.cccrnnnnesennvesns 21, 982 1,456 94 MaGChS wwienaccemusansndinns wuanactiorennesies ovens 61,859 | 2,846 90 || November 6 ..s.ccciswexsusnwis ewewenaennne ads 50, 998 2,589 19 MATCH 27 icaecae citindsie dansiaiaieiat-sicimin areca sinsinsatss 73, 820 2,856 82 || December 12 .............eeee eee eee e ne cen ees 22, 475 1, 802 37 55,023 | 2, 836.72 62,500 |- 1,225 06 39,603 | 1,293 28 Total. 0 cc occcsussuwseveessiwenveseeenens 399, 214 18, 702 88 SCHOONER LIZZIE K. CLARK. SONUALY 22) < nesses seme sieeyeaiswrineneeeeaneanines 23, 551 DOC -18 || AMSUBE WD cca ncrsmarein cawtrnsnccmncnescee swans 41, 786 1,187 91 PODLWALY 27 cis sicicinis ts ccia ve cece swccoececsee cece 55, 087 8,493 74 || September 15 ---| 40,199 3,340 20 PASEO TE, con cdcacienn Kona opanees eaaaadtaeee 85, 810 4,726 50 || November 3 .icsicwicicseccnwvsedasastarseniasna 26, 363 1,414 70 AW Tl oon ceenarena vices cavGensunkicrnece reds 53, 733 2,259 05 || November 28 11, 809 379 93 MOY: 20 eso iaia'sicisie's srcteiirereisteistansiaaicie sinteeleaisiaecroree aaisie 4 y slid (seed AD dacs ncnacenea ciara matoaastdcesnne 418,111 | 19, 088 82 FURS BOs. sasardniicacurtdasiessebacivarwcoamutcicd 50,364 | 1,623 99 26 HISTORY AND. METITODS OF THE FISHERIES. SCHUONER JOHN S. PRESSON. Gross Gross Gross 1875. a stouk. 1875. weight. stock. Pounds. | Dollars. Pounds. | Dollars. 62,210 | 4,144 99 || August 27...... 191, 206 5,814 90 97, 313 3,138 58 || November 22 *141,113 3,735 67 74,189 | 2,703 89 Pokal je Owls Oe AO eas 651,731 | 21, 785 99 85,700 | 2,247 96 - SCHOONER LIZZIE K. CLARK. 24,178 | 1,709 56 || August—......-....c2scecelesececeecneeeceeee 43,348 | 8,481 98 18,135 | 1,573 70 || September 27............-ceseeeeeeeeeeeeeceeee 43,606 | 4,469 49 40,957 | 2,953 64 || November 5.........22..00e-ceceeeceneseeseees 7, 970 708 47 20,418 | 1,022 43 Motel otto Aer eas 260,316 | 18,186 48 19, 14 561 27 i 42,190} 2,410 94 SCHOONER GERTIE E. FOSTER. 38, 110 8,302 18 |) Septet ber 10..ss-avenressascrswesneeee anewee 86, 051 2,912 37 118, 646 3, 937 66 || October 7 ...... 102, 906 3,496 59 39, 965 1, 667 40 || November 16... 29, 826 1, 331 03 64,626 | 2,241 06 || December 9 ........22.02ceeeeeseeeceeeeeeeeeee 24,036 | 2, 860 36 83,614 | 2, 883 78 Ma bale cela rede tigate levee ot 666,168 | 27,470 53 83,888 | 2, 767 10 4 SCHOONER CHESTER R. LAWRENCE. 21,722 | 2,230 96 |] November 5 .....-..cecseceeecccccceececeeeceee 96,556 | 3, 094 66 130,046 | 4,708 29 |] December 1] .......-----.eeeee--ceeeeeeecceees 24,090} 41, 893 12 .--| 129,688 | 3, 633 71 .| *138,887 | 3, 824 97 *170,144 | 4,738 45 624,090} 24,124 16 *Cod. HALIBUT FARES FROM 1831 TO 1877.—The following items are quoted from Cape Ann news- papers of various issues during the last half century: 1831.— Good Luck.—The schooner Nautilus, Wonson, of this port, in one week caught and sold 136 halibut. Time occupied in taking them, twelve hours.”—(G@loucester Telegraph, March 12, 1831.) 1839.—* The schooner Majestic, Edgar, of this port, returned on Saturday evening from a cruise to the George’s with upwards of 100 halibut. This is believed to be the first successful trip ever made to the Banks, within the month of February, by any vessel belonging to Gloucester. Since Sunday some dozen or more vessels have sailed and others are ready and actively preparing for the spring business. Owing to the poor success which has attended the mackerel fishery for several years past, it is probable that fewer vessels will be engaged in that pursuit the coming season than Gloucester has had employed in it for the last quarter of a century.”—(Gloucester Telegraph, February 27, 1839.) 1846.— Three vessels, schooners Mount Vernon, Oregon, and Clarissa Story, sailed on Thursday for George’s Bank after halibut. They are the first this season.”—(Gloucester Telegraph, January 17, 1846.) 1848.—“ Fresh Halibut.—The first trip of halibut this season arrived on Monday from George’s Bank in the schooner Centurion, Captain Bailey. Captain B. was absent ten days, and obtained about 100 halibut and a quantity of fish (codfish). No vessel has ever been after halibut at so early a period previous to this.” — (Gloucester Telegraph, January 5, 1848,) FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 27 The remarkable increase in the importance of this fishery during the past eighteen years may perhaps best be illustrated by quoting the following paragraph from the Cape Ann Advertiser of January 16, 1863, and cowparing it with what follows: ‘The schooner Marengo, from Western Banks, arrived at Gloucester with 17,000 pounds of halibut, which sold for $1,300. The schooner William Parkman, with 11,000 pounds, selling for $900, and the Madame Rolland, with a trip amounting to $600, making a gross amount of $2,800 for the three trips. This,” remarks the editor, “‘is what we call doing the thing up brown.” We will now compare the big trips above mentioned with the following references to other large fares during the last twelve years, as recorded in the Cape Ann Advertiser: “The schooner Daniel McFee arrived at Gloucester May 4, 1860, with 45,000 pounds of halibut, which sold for $1,125. “ The schooner Cyniska arrived May 10, 1860, finn Western Banks, with 40,000 pounds. “The schooner Mohenie arrived February 3, 1860, from George’s Bank with 13,000 pounds of halibut, which sold for $1,240,” In April, 1867, schooner Aphrodite arrived at Gloucester from Western Bank and landed one of the most profitable trips ever made by a Gloucester vessel. She was absent twenty days, and brought in 41,000 pounds of halibut and 2,000 pounds of codfish, the gross stock amounting to $4,246.37. Net stock, $4,126.72. The crew shared $171.51 apiece. There had been larger fares brought in up to this time, but never so large an amount of money realized from the sales, halibut then being very scarce and commanding a good price. A trip of’ 80,000 pounds of halibut was brought to Gloucester in May, 1867, by schooner Flying Fish. The schooner James G. Tarr arrived at Gloucester in July, 1867, from the Grand Bank with 140,000 weight of halibut and codfish. There were upward of 100,000 pounds of halibut weighed off, the largest amount up to that time ever landed from a single fare. The vessel stocked about $4,000. ' The Cape Ann Advertiser of May 29, 1868, says: “Schooner Mary G. Dennis, which arrived from Western Banks last week, brought in 75,395 pounds of halibut, and 9,950 pounds of codfish. Her net stock amounted to $3,604.85, and the crew shared $143.85 eacl. Time absent, four weeks.” The same paper for June 19, 1868, says: ‘“ Schooner Montana, Welsh, arrived from a four weeks’ cruise to the Grand Banks last week, with 95;773 pounds of halibut and 2,250 pounds of codfish, the net stock amounting to $3,265. The Montana, in her two trips to the Grand Banks, has stocked $6,000.” And the Advertiser of July 24, in the same year, says: “Schooner Montana arrived from her third trip to the Grand Banks on Friday last, with 65,227 pounds of halibut and 2,100 pounds of codfish, her net stock amounting to $2,329.02. The Montana has stocked in her five trips $10,311.02, which is the highest net stock made this season by any Gloucester vessel.” ' The Cape Ann Advertiser of September 24, 1869, says: “Schooner C. B. Manning, of this port, which arrived from the Grand Banks on Sunday, brought in 49,000 pounds of halibut and 14,000 pounds of codfish, having been absent but four weeks. The halibut were sold for $12 and $8 per hundred-weight, her net stock amounting to $4,033.44. Crew shared $116.06 each. In 1869, the ‘schooner Sarah P. Ayer, Captain Thurlow, owned by Dennis & Ayre, stocked $4,251 from a trip of thirty-five days. This was one of the biggest trips of that time. In five ‘trips that year she stocked $12,000. In 1871 the schooner Mary G. Dennis, owned by Dennis & Ayre, brought in 116,000 pounds of halibut, which sold for $2,400. The schooner Lizzie K. Clark, of Gloucester, Capt. Edwin Morris, arrived in March, 1874, 28 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. with 85,810 pounds of halibut, and stocked $4,676. The time of the trip was seventeen days, the shortest ever made to the Grand Bank. The schooner Ossipee, Captain O’Brien, arrived at Gloucester from the Grand Bank April 6, 1874, with 90,628 pounds of halibut, the largest cargo of the season. Prices were low, and the stock, which amounted to $2,533, was not so large as some made during the previous months. Schooner Gertie E. Foster, Captain Morris, which arrived from her first trip to the Grand Banks on Monday, September 14, 1874, brought 40,199 pounds of halibut, and sold for 124 cents; stocked $3,340.20. The Cape Ann Advertiser, December 4, 1874, states that Capt. Edward Morris, who has fol- lowed the Grand Bank halibut fishery in the Lizzie K. Clark and Gertie E. Foster, has stocked $20,000, the largest stock but one ever made from this port. The largest was made by the Racer, Capt. Walter M. Falt, who in 1866 stocked $22,000. In the three years 1873 to 1875, inclusive, Captain Morris stocked $64,996.78 in the halibut fishery. ~The Forest and Stream, March 18, 1875, prints the following: “ Schooner Edward Grover, Captain Wheeler, arrived from the Grand Banks on Wednesday with 45,000 pounds halibut, having made the trip in three weeks, a remarkably short time consid- ering the rough weather.” The Forest and Stream, March 25, 1875, states as follows: “Schooner Chester R. Lawrence, Capt. Thomas F. Hodgdon, which arrived at Gloucester from the Grand Banks on Monday, weighed off 126,566 pounds of halibut and 5,480 pounds of codfish, the largest fresh fare ever landed up to that time at this port, and stocked $4,708.20, the fish sell- ing for $63 and $3 per hundred-weight for white and gray. On both trips he bas brought in 147,946 pounds of halibut and stocked $6,892.22.” The record of the Centennial while under the command of Captain Murphy is a very remark- able one. She sailed from Gloucester on her first trip February 15, 1876, and between that time and August 28 made six voyages to the Grand Bank, bringing home about 600,000 pounds or fish, caught in from 60 to 150 fathoms of water. She then stopped halibut fishing and went with a load of herring to Gottenberg, Sweden. February 25, 1877, she again started halibut fishing, and between that time and October made four trips, with the average fares of 100,000 pounds. The Cape Ann Advertiser of March 3, 1876, thus records the largest halibut trip from George’s Bank: “Schooner Pioneer, Captain Osier, from George’s on Monday, February 27, 1876, weighed off 65,000 pounds of halibut, stocking $2,960.12, which is the largest trip of halibut ever landed from George’s. On her former trip she landed 30,000 pounds, stocking $1,107, making an aggregate of $4,067.12 for the two trips. These halibut were caught on hand-lines in what is known as deep- water George’s fishing, which is from 100 to 150 fathoms in depth, and this is the first season in which this kind of fishing has been pursued with any marked success. The cook’s share was $167; high-line, $181. Time absent, three weeks.” The Advertiser of April 28, 1876, says: ‘“‘ Schooner Epes Tarr, Robert Grant master, left Glou- cester, March 28, 1876, put into Halifax, March 31, and sailed April 1 for the Grand Banks. She returned Wednesday, April 19, and landed 54,500 pounds of white halibut and 24,442 pounds gray, the stock aggregating $3,161. The crew will clear $120 toa man. All her fish were caught in four days, and had it not been for the moderate wind on her homeward voyage, which occupied nine days, she would have made the quickest trip on record.” The same paper of March 28, 1876, records the following: “(Week ending April 28, 1876, FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 29 halibut trips from the Banks: Carrie P. Morton, 114,540 pounds; Davy Crockett, 99,950 pounds; Edwin C. Dolliver, 95,000 pounds; Notice, 70,000 pounds; Howard, 95,000 pounds.” May 22, 1877, the schgoner G. P. Whitman, Capt. Jerome McDonald, of Gloucester, arrived from the “Gully,” after four weeks’ absence, with 137,510 pounds of halibut, which sold for $3,254.54, With the exception of the above, the largest cargo of fresb halibut ever brought into Glou- cester, and without doubt the largest ever taken, was that brought in by the schooner Centennial, Capt. D. C. Murphy, in 1877. The.fare amounted to 137,000 pounds, over 100,000 pounds of which were white halibut. These fish were taken on the Grand Bank in latitude 43° 30/ north, longi- tude 52° 04’ west, at a depth of 87 fathoms. In 1868, schooner William T. Merchant, Capt. Nelson A. McKenney, stocked $4,200 on a fare of 48,310 pounds of halibut, caught on a trip of twenty-six days. The same year the Merchant caught a fare at Miquelon Beach of 103,450 pounds of halibut, being absent from home twenty- five days. , The schooner Mary Carlisle, Capt. William Thompson, made nine trips to the Banks in 1871. Her catch was 350,188 pounds of halibut and 58,759 pounds of codfish; her net stock amounted to $17,275.53 for about eleven months’ work, from December 27, 1870, to November 21, 1871. On one trip in the spring she brought in 58,553 pounds of halibut and 6,900 pounds of codfish, her net stock reaching the sum of $4,738.75, and her crew sharing $236.25 each from a voyage of thirty-four days. She had ten men in her crew, each of whom during the season shared $858.62. In three years this vessel stocked a total of $46,871.53, divided as follows: 1869, $17,549; 1870, $12,047; 1871, $17,275.53. The highest stock ever made from a single trip of fresh halibut, until recently, was that of schooner N. H. Phillips, Capt. William McDonald, in the fall of 1871. She secured a fare of 47,650 pounds of halibut and 9,370 pounds of codfish. The gross stock amounted to $5,361. She was absent five weeks, and the crew shared $213.42 each. In two trips, both occupying nine weeks, she stocked a total of $9,142, and the men shared $363.42 each. “The largest amount of halibut ever received in Gloucester in a single week was for the week ending February 10, 1881, when the receipts were 740,000 pounds from the Banks and 122,509 pounds from George’s, 862,500 pounds.” * 10. HISTORY OF THE FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. THE EARLY HALIBUT FISHERY ON GEORGE’s.—In the early part of the present century halibut were exceedingly abundant in Massachusetts Bay, and were considered by the fishermen to be troublesome pests, as are dogfish at the present time. Their abundance, even as late as 1837, may be judged from the following account of a fishing trip in the bay quoted from the Newburyport Herald by the Gloucester Telegraph of June 3, 1837: “Four men went out fishing from Marblehead a few days since, and returned, after an absence of two days, with four hundred halibut, for which they obtained $1.50 each, or nearly $600.” The Gloucester Telegraph of March 22, 1837, contains the following, which is additional evidence of the occasional abundance of halibut near the coast: ‘Our hardy fishermen,” says the account, “have been unusually successful in their pursuit of this noble fish [halibut] within the past week or two. One boat, we are informed, during an absence of only two days, took 15,000 weight.” The fishing vessels of Cape Ann at that period were mostly pinkies, or “jiggers,” and chebacco boats, or “dog-bodies,” as they were then called; and it was the practice of the fishermen, when *Fisherman’s Own Book, p. 30, 30 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. halibut were troublesome, to string them on a line and hang them over the stern of the vessel. Halibut were occasionally brought home, but they were generally thrown away. Before 1825, however, a considerable demand for halibut sprang up in Boston, and small vesséls were accus- tomed to carry cargoes to that market. The supply of fish on the inshore grounds slowly dimin- ished, and about 1830 the announcement that halibut were abundant on George’s Bank led several vessels to make trips thither in their pursuit. The present George’s cod fishery sprang up in connection with the halibut fishery, the latter being the original inducement for vessels to visit that region; and in early days, at the season when halibut occurred on the Bank, it is stated that it was often impossible to catch many codfish, if desired, on account of the great abundance and voracity of the halibut. The following account of the inception of the halibut fishery on George’s is taken from the Fisherman’s Record Book, pages 77 and 78: “It is claimed by a large majority of those interested in the fisheries that the schooner Nautilus was the first vessel which ever ventured to George’s on a halibut trip. There are others who assert that the schooner Remeo is entitled to the claim of being the pioneer schooner in this branch of the fisheries. We have made the most careful inquiries, and from one of the crew of the Nautilus we obtain the date of her sailing, and several interesting particulars of the trip. We could not obtain any date of the sailing of the Romeo, although we interviewed one of her crew. He felt confident that there was not many days’ difference in their time of sailing, and was rather inclined to the opinion that the Nautilus was the first. Our informant is positive that he is correct in his dates, and as he is a man of undoubted veracity, and in the absence of any contradictory statements, we publish his narrative. The vessel was commanded by Capt. John Fletcher Wonson, recently deceased, one of the most able and careful skippers among those of the olden time. “In 1828, while coming home in the Nautilus from Wilmington, N. C., he noticed on the chart used on board the vessel a picture of a halibut, under which were printed the words, ‘Good halibut grounds here.’ This he remembered, and two years after concluded to give the halibut catching a trial. On the 5th of March, 1830, the vessel started out of the harbor on her trip for halibut. Among her crew were the following persons, all of whom but the last named are now living: John W. Wonson, Nathan F. Wonson, Samuel G. Wonson, Daniel Douglass, and Benjamin Marble. The result of this trip was twenty halibut, which were landed, but met with a dull sale. The schooner Romeo, Capt. Henry Pew, sailed soon after, and brought in a trip of upwards of 3,000 pounds, which were sold for 3 cents per pound. Other vessels soon followed, but the business did not amount to much until it had been prosecuted five or six years, when it began to assume consid- erable importance and became established as a regular branch of the fisheries. “This first trip of the Nautilus came very near being the last of one of her crew, Mr. Marble, and gave a little foretaste of the dangers accompanying the vocation. The vessel was lying to, the crew having succeeded in finding some halibut, when Mr. Marble launched the dory, and, throwing over his anchor, commenced fishing by himself. It was quite moderate, and fhe vessel, drifting with the current, was soon some distance off. This was thought nothing of in the excite- ment attending fishing, until one of the crew remarked that Marble was about out of sight, and he thought it queer that he didn’t row for the vessel, especially as night was coming on and there were indications of a storm. All hands then began to talk it over, and thought that something must have happened to him. A man was sent aloft to keep the dory in sight, aud a little breeze springing up, the vessel was got under way, and they succeeded in reaching him just before the darkness and storm came on. It seems that in the hurry of launching the dory he forgot the oars, and this accounted for his not attempting to regain the vessel. There lay the oars on the vessel’s deck, and not one on board had observed them. If they had, the mystery of Marble’s not FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. bl attempting to regain the vessel would soon have been solved. Soon after he had been picked up, the storm came on in all its fury, a regular George’s blow, with all the accompaniments, which would have proved certain death ta any one exposed to its fury in a dory.” The above paragraphs are supplemented by the following reminiscences of Mr, Samuel G. Wonson: “ Before this time (1830) a good many halibut were taken between Gloucester and Cape Cod, especially on the southeastern part of Middle Bank. They were taken to Charlestown, Mass., and traded off to the farmers for produce. Mr. George Wonson, father of Samuel G. Wonson, used to take a good many in those early times. During the first of the season, before it was time for the herring to come in, all fresh fish (halibut were sold fresh then) were taken to Charlestown and traded off, alewives being brought back for bait; but later, when herring were plenty and they were not obliged to go to Charlestown for alewives, the halibut were cut away, not being landed at all, as there was no market nearer than Charlestown. After the first trip of the Nautilus to George’s, finding halibut scarce, she made two or three trips off Nausett (Cape Cod), and at times found halibut plenty, the fish being sold, as before, to Mr. John Hareling, of Charlestown. Went to George’s again in June for cod, but found halibut so plenty that they took a trip of about 130 fish and run into Salem, where they disposed of part; another portion was sold to parties to take to Marblehead, and the remainder thrown overboard, as they could not sell them. They fished in from 20 to 50 fathoms, generally on bottom, but at times could take them up in the water. “The first smack for bringing in halibut alive was owned by John F. Wonson, and went first about 1835 or 1836. ‘These smacks used to carry seven men and average a round trip a week, a trip being what the vessel would carry alive, or about 12,000 pounds.” The quickest time of tak- ing a trip that he recalls was by anchoring at 10 a. m., and getting under way at sundown with 14,000 pounds (about 300 fish in number). “About 1838,” according to Mr. Wonson, “a little ice was taken by the smack Mount Vernon to put in the napes of such fish as might be accidentally killed.” The following additional facts concerning the early George’s fisheries have been obtained from interviews with Captains William Tarr and John Pew, of Gloucester. These gentlemen, who were formerly actively employed as fishermen, were two of the crew of the pinkey Romeo on her first trip to George’s Bank in the spring of 1830. This trip of the Romeo was the second made to George’s for halibut by a Gloucester vessel, that of the Nautilus being the first. While going out of the harbor the former met the latter vessel coming in, having on board only a few halibut. The Romeo caught a good fare, and may therefore be given the credit of making the first success- ful voyage to George’s for halibut. During the first five or six years of the George’s halibut fishery, that is to say, previous to 1836, the vessels never anchored on the Bank, but “ fished at a drift,” the men fearing the tide would run them under if they should be unwise enough to anchor. When halibut were found abundant, as was generally the case at that time, it was a common occurrence for a vessel’s crew to catch a full fare—12,000 to 15,000 pounds—in one day’s fishing. In some cases, when the fish could be caught “pair and pair,” a part of the men would not put out any lines, finding enough to do in assisting their shipmates to gaff in the halibut which were hauled up. It often happened, too, that halibut which were free would follow those which were hooked to the surface of the water, and the fishermen with their gaffs frequently succeeded in catching them. Indeed, it is stated by some of the old fishermen that it was not unusual for one-half of the fish to be taken in this manner. After the day’s fishing was over the halibut were eviscerated, washed out, but not blooded or scrubbed. They were then thrown into the hold on top of the stone ballast, where th 17 remained until the vessel reached a market. Sometimes, owing to bad weather, the fisherm-n 32 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. were unable to dress their catch, but had to throw the fish in the hold just as they came from the water. Mr. Pew relates an instance of this kind that happened on board of the pinkey Paul Pry, which he commanded, in the spring of 1837. The vessel lay at anchor on George’s Bank. Early in the morning halibut were found to be very abundant, and, notwithstanding the prevalence ofa strong easterly wind and a thick snow storm, the men kept on fishing. The weather was so rough that the fish were thrown in the hold as fast as they were caught. After the day’s fishing was over, a full fare having been secured, the vessel started for the land. The wind was free for the little pinkey, and she was driven along at her utmost speed. Since it continued, however, to blow nearly a gale while the passage was being made, the fishermen were unable to take the halibut on deck, and consequently carried the fish into Boston without being dressed. From 1828, for a period of twenty years, the halibut fishery was carried on almost exclusively upon George’s Bank, but after the immense captures of 1847 and 1848, which resulted in the establishment of the Gloucester Fishing Company, and its collapse on account of the great over- supply of fish, the quantity of halibut on George’s began to fall off rapidly, and after 1850 or 1852 the fishery ceased to be remunerative. From this time to 1861 the fisheries were prosecuted chiefly on the shallow parts of the Seal Island Ground, Brown’s Bank, and Western Bank. More or less halibut have, however, always been taken on George’s by the hand-line cod fishermen from Glouces- ter, even up to the present time, and’this bank has been resorted to in the spring by the halibut trawlers from the ports on Long Island Sound. The general character of the fishery upon George’s Bank during the first decade of its exist- ence may be appreciated from the following account of what was at the time considered a very remarkable trip, as well as from others previously quoted: “In March, 1833, Capt. Chester Marr went to George’s Bank in the schooner Clarion. "He left Gloucester Harbor on Friday at 1 p. m., and on Sunday at 1 p. m. was again at anchor in the harbor, with a fare of 17,000 pounds of fish. From this trip he realized about $500. Two years later he brought in a cargo consisting of 17,000 pounds of fresh halibut and 5,000 weight of salted flitches, which he sold for $38. Captain Marr began halibut fishing on George’s in 1832. “We have succeeded,” writes Mr. George H. Procter in 1873, “in obtaining a carefully compiled statement of the doings of the winter fishing fleet on George’s during the season of 1846. There is such a contrast between the business then and now that we feel assured the details will be of interest to the reader. “The entire fleet which followed winter fishing at that time comprised twenty-nine vessels, a8 follows: Schooners Mount Vernon, Clarissa Story, Oregon, Hosea Ballou, Huntress, Columbia, Ade- line, Champion, Union, William Wallace, Hannibal, Clarion, Alabama, Concordia, H. A. Holbrook, Canton, Centurion, Constitution, Clinton, Pilot, Richmond, Sarah, Napoleon, Zanoni, William Penn, Emerald, Revenue, Cinderella, and Science. Their average measurement was 62 tons [old measure- ment]; average value, $2,800, and were considered the staunchest vessels belonging to the port. The greater number of these vessels have either been lost or sold from this district. The first ten of the above list left for George’s January 5, and averaged five trips each during the season. Their net stock amouuted to [a total of] $11,870, and the average net earnings of the vessels were $151.50. The largest fares brought in were the first two trips of the William Wallace, Capt. James Pattillo, amounting, respectively, to $500 and $610. The arrival of these trips produced quite a sensation, and was the theme of conversation in the stores, on the wharves, and on the street. The William Wallace was the lucky craft, and to her captain and crew was accorded the honor of being high liners of the Georgesmen. She stocked $2,135 for her season’s work. ‘“‘ The next eleven vessels of the list did not go so early in the season, but deferred their departure FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 33 till February 6. Their stock was $8,844, and each vessel averaged $128.36 net earnings. The remaining eight started March 2 and netted $110 each. The total stock of the fleet to April 15 amounted to $25,106, and the average share of each man was $62.16. “In those days halibut comprised the principal fish caught on George’s, and the amount of codfish caught was small. Now it is reversed, and codfish are the most plentiful.” * The following additional notes on the early halibut fishery may be of interest: “¢ The schooner Alabama, of Gloucester, arrived at this port this morning from George’s Bank, with 140 live halibut. —(Gloucester Telegraph, June 16, 1841.) “A quick halibut trip—A subscriber informs us that in 1848 the schooner Huntress, Capt. Arthur Cain, made a much quicker trip than the one reported in our last issue. She left port on Thursday at 11 o’clock, arriving in Boston on the following Monday morning, with 330 halibut, having accomplished the trip in less than four days.”—-(Cape Ann Advertiser, July 6, 1866.) HALIBUT FISHING IN MASSACHUSETTS Bay.—The following notes on halibut fishing in Mas- sachusetts Bay were obtained from Captain N. E. Atwood, of Provincetown: Captain Atwood was the first to undertake fishing for halibut in the gully between Race . Point and the Middle Bank. This was in 1840, and many very large fish were taken there. On the first trip there were ten fishermen on the schooner. It was not good fishing weather, but they tried for a short time, one man getting three, one getting two and several getting one fish apiece. Altogether, in an hour they took 13 halibut, and finding they could fish no longer bore up and went to Boston, where they found they had 2,043 pounds of the largest ever seen. In 1843 they began setting trawls. These were 60 fathoms long and had only about a dozen hooks. The “scrawl-body,” or ground line, was of 6-thread manila line, such as is called worm line, not much larger than cod line, and the hooks were placed 4 or 5 fathoms apart on snoods 4 or 5 feet long. One anchor was used at the farthest end of the trawl, while the end nearest at hand was kept down by a heavy stone. In 1843 and 1844 Captain Atwood went in his little sloop-smack, the Mars, on Nantucket Shoals after halibut. There were many New London smacks there at that time. The New London fishermen were very careful to keep the halibut alive and handled them with the greatest delicacy. When they had pulled them on deck they would throw a canvas over them, and, lying down on them to hold them still, would carefully work the hooks out from their mouths and then throw them into the well. When they were fishing in a skiff they would care- fully reeve a rope through the gill of each fish they caught and tow them astern of the vessel until they were placed alive in the well. It was not convenient to do this way, so Captain Atwood and his men killed the halibut, as they supposed, with their clubs and threw them into the well, and when they came.to dress them they were all alive. Always after that, when fishing in a well- smack, they were in the habit of stunning the fish so that they were apparently limp, and dead, but found that they never failed to come to life after they had remained for a time in the water. Capt. Epes W. Merchant tells us that at the time of his first acquaintance with the fisheries of Massachusetts Bay, from 1810 to 1830, halibut were so plenty that they were considered to be an annoyauce. Vessels lying in the bay or on the Middle Bank, fishing for codfish, would often string up on a rope, at the stern, all the halibut caught on hooks and keep them there until they were ready to go home, in order to prevent them from annoying the fishermen again. They were never carried home except as a favor to friends on shore who wanted them.t They first came into * Fisherman’s Memorial and Record Book, 1873, p. 69. +At the present time, and, indeed, for many years past, halibut have generally been so scarce on the New Eng- land coast, more particularly in Massachusetts Bay, that the capture of one or two has been considered a sufficient : novelty for the fact to be chronicled in the newspapers, 8EC V——3 34 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. demand about 1830. Capt. Harry Pew, in the pinkey Romeo, and Capt. John F. Wonson, in the Nautilus, went in the same year (1830), but he is uncertain which went first. At that time halibut were beginning to be scarce in Massachusetts Bay, and as there was always a small demand for them in the Boston markets, vessels began to go to George’s after them. The first adventurers went in March, but others soon began to go in January. Quite a fleet grew up after two or three years, and in 1848 there were sixty-five vessels which brought halibut to the Gloucester Halibut Company, which was started in January of that year, and continued in business until the last of April, when it suspended operations, the supply exceeding the demand a hundred fold. Sometimes there would be twenty vessels, each with 30,000 or 60,000 pounds of halibut in its hold lying at the halibut company’s wharf, waiting to unload, while there was no possible sale for any. In warm weather the whole fleet went after mackerel, starting about the 4th of July for the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. There were certain favorite grounds for the halibut fishing. They used first to make the shoals of George’s and then run southeast until they struck the southern slope of the Bank sounding, and “trying” as they went. Captain Marr is of the opinion that the first trips to George’s after halibut were made in 1828, Capt. John F. Wonson, he says, went in March of that year, and Capt. Harry Pew went at about the same time. Captain Marr first went in March and April, 1832. As early as 1834, vessels were accustomed to make their first trips to the Banks after halibut about the 1st of January. For bait they used herring, which they caught in gill-nets on the Banks. EARLY HALIBUT FISHING BY NEW LONDON VESSELS.—Many New London vessels came to George’s as early as 1840. These were small sloops, each with a crew of four men. The following statements relative to the early history of the halibut fishery pursued by the New London vessels have been obtained from Mr. Tripland. He says that when well-smacks were first employed in the halibut fishery from the sound ports the fish were caught with hand-lines from the decks of the vessels and immediately put in the well. The halibut were gaffed carefully in the under jaw so that they would not be injured enough to cause their death. A stout iron gaff (4-inch iron) 24 to 3 feet long, with an eye at the top, was used to gaff wild or large halibut, which were hoisted on board by a tackle hooked into the eye of the gaff. Shovel-handled gaffs, he says, were also used for pulling in halibut, as well as a few with long handles made of saplings. The few halibut that died were iced, but little money was, however, realized from the sale of these. While live fish brought 6 or 7 cents a pound in the market, those which were dead were not worth more than 1 cent to 14 cents a pound, and it frequently happened that a whole fish sold for a very insignificant sum. Twenty-five to thirty years ago a full fare of halibut could often be taken on George’s in two or three slack tides with a crew of five men, all told. A fare for the New London vessels of that date would be about 150 to 200 fish, of an average weight of 80 pounds. Halibut were then also abundant about Nantucket shoals in spring and early summer, say from March to July, in from 7 to 35 fathoms of water. On George’s the sound vessels generally fished in 45 to 50 fathoms, except when they tried about the Great Southwest Shoal and the Cultivator Shoal, when they generally fished in 10 to 15 fathoms. The halibut taken about the shoals were not so large as those caught in deeper water, therefore the smackmen did not like to fish there, more particularly as more or less danger was attached to being in too close proximity to those shoals. When trawling began, about 1858, tigh t- bottomed vessels were substituted for the well smacks. The smack George Moon was the last welled vessel employed in halibut fishing from the sound ports and on her last trips her well was plugged up. But though the vessels exclusively employed FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 35 in the halibut fishery are tight bottoms, it not infrequently happens that a welled smack fishing for cod off Nantucket may sometimes catch a number of halibut, which are taken to New York alive, and, of course, bring a high | price. Mr. JoHN FLETCHER WONSON’S RECOLLECTIONS.—Mr. Johu Fletcher Wonson tells us that the Gloucester vessels frequently went to New York with fares of halibut in early times, and that this practice was kept up as late as 1849 to 1850. Speaking of the abundance of halibut, he also tells us that at one time he saw ten of them follow the deep-sea lead to the surface, biting at it. He remembers to have taken an ice-bird out of the stomach of a halibut, and at another time some mackerel. The New London vessels, according to Mr. Wonson, began catching halibut for the New York market on George’s somewhere between 1840 and 1845. The New London fishermen cared nothing for cod, and the Wonsons often exchanged with them a few halibut for a boat-load of cod. The New London fleet was first composed entirely of sloops. Mr. Wonson remembers to have counted forty at one time in 1845 or 1846. In 1846 several schooners made their appearance. In 1845, and until 1850, Mr. Wonson fished chiefly on the northwest part of the Bank in about 28 fathoms, though sometimes in 15 or 16 fathoms. One fare of fish was caught inside of the breakers on the shoals. For bait, the early halibut fishermen used chiefly herring, caught on the Banks. RECOLLECTIONS oF W. H. Wonson.—Mr. William H. Wonson, of Gloucester, who was engaged in the halibut fishery from 1838 to 1850, and has since been extensively interested in halibut smoking, communicated to us the following facts regarding this fishery : At that time the fleet was composed of vessels of 50 or 60 tons, many of them with pink sterns. The favorite fishing ground was on the northern edge of the Bank in 30 fathoms of water. The usual length of the trip was ten days. Mr. Wonson has been out and back in forty-eight hours. Leaving Gloucester at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, he was back on Monday p. m. with 30,000 pounds of fish caught within 1 or 2 miles of the north shoal. The year before the halibut gave out, fishermen used to find great pieces of halibut in the throats of the cod; nearly all the cod taken the last year had pieces of halibut in them. Previous to 1848, when the vessels struck the southern part of the Bank, cod would last one day, then the halibut would gather around and haul the codfish off the hooks. It was not unusual for a vessel to anchor on the Bank at 11 o’clock in the forenoon and at evening heave up anchor with 7,000 pounds halibut on board. In 1838 10,000 or 15,000 pounds was a fair trip; never more than 20,000 pounds were taken. At that time the fleet of fifteen or twenty sail used to start halibuting in February, run till April, and then go codfishing until July, and after the 4th of July go mackereling. In the beginning the practice was to catch the fish and heave them into the hold. The crew would clean them on the way in. As early as 1840 or 1842 there were one or two well smacks in the business, after- wards half a dozen. After icing was introduced some halibuters ran all summer. At first had- dock were always used for bait, thirty or forty of them being taken from home. Subsequently herring nets were carried, and there never was any trouble in getting an abundance of herring in the winter on the Banks. RECOLLECTIONS OF Capt. W. H. OAKES.—Capt. W. H. Oakes, of Gloucester, Mass., first went halibut fishing in 1838. Halibut at that time were caught only on George’s Bank. In the words of Captain Oakes, “they were like sand on the beach, the more you catched the more there was.” He believes that at that time they were accustomed to strike the north side of the Bank at 75 fathoms and “follow it up” till 30 fathoms were reached. 36 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. Captain Oakes has laid to on George’s Bank and caught 700 halibut in one place, while there were twenty-two sail of vessels fishing around him, the least successful of which caught 22,000 pounds of fish. In those days prices ranged low. In April, 1852, Captain Oakes sold 10,000 pounds of halibut at the rate of $6 per hundred; this was an unusually high price. At that time no distinction was made between gray and white halibut, only the “loggy fish” were thrown out. All the halibut, he says, were in those days taken at a depth of from 35 to 45 fathoms. No cod were found on the shoal portion of the Bank. The ground was pre-occupied by the halibut. Cod were sufficiently abundant at the depth of 75 fathoms, and very few halibut were found in company with them. Jn the early days of halibut fishing on George’s the only bait he used was haddock. This was found to be very good and continued in favor until 1841, when the vessels began to catch herring on the Banks, and these were found to be better bait than haddock. * WELL SMACKS.—The early halibut vessels, according to Captain Merchant, were accustomed to carry their fish in bulk, in the hold on top of the ballast. Well smacks had come into use as early as 1845. In this year Mr. Merchant had the schooner Clinton, built in 1837, changed into a welled smack, and for several seasons ran her to Boston market. TRADE IN HALIBUT.—In or about the year 1849 Capt. A. W. Dodd began the business of buying halibut from the George’s cod fishermen and carrying them to Boston, where they were sold in a fresh state; his schooner was called the Neptune. In 1853 Capt. W. H. Oakes entered the same business with the schooner Sarah. The average fare of halibut for George’s cod fishermen was about 3,000 pounds. The Sarah sometimes carried 20,000 pounds to Boston at one trip, and never went with less than 8,000 pounds. The price realized at that time was about 23 cents per pound. THE HALIBUT SEASON.—The George’s halibut fleet was accustomed to begin operations in March and continued until April or May. In 1838 they continued to the 10th of June. After the close of the halibut season the vessels all went mackereling or to the Grand Bank after cod. Captain Oakes once went to George’s after halibut in February. SALT HALIBUT TRIPS.—The practice of salting halibut on the Banks was initiated as early as 1850. Captain Oakes, who at that time was in the schooner Tremont, tells us that he salted a fare of fish in May, 1850. They were “sold to arrive,” to Henry Merchant. The schooner lay at anchor for three days and caught a large quantity of enormous halibut, ranging in weight from 100 to 300 pounds. One of them weighed 347 pounds. The results of the trip were as follows: 19,000 pounds of flitched halibut, at $1.25 per 100 pounds; 22 barrels of salted fins, at $5 per barrel; 8,000 pounds of fresh fish, at 75 cents per hundred .pounds. Many other trips were quite as sue- cessful as this. HALIBUT FooD.—Only once during his long experience did Captain Oakes see halibut swim- ming at the surface. One day in April, 1845, he was on deck early in the morning and saw a large school of halibut playing at the surface. He supposed that they were in pursuit of herring, which were present in large schools at that time. ABUNDANCE OF HALIBUT.—Captain Marr, of Gloucester, states that when, in the schooner Scarlet Feather, he made the first trip to George’s Bank after cod, he caught in 33 fathoms of water, south and east of the north shoals, 10,000 pounds of halibut, besides 75 tubs (about 40,000 pounds) of codfish. This was in February. Before that time no vessel had caught any consider- able quantity of cod in this locality because of the abundance of halibut. Some vessels had before this time gone to George’s for halibut in February, but none for cod. . FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. ot Captain Marr also states that no large fares of halibut have been taken on George’s since 1848. He thinks that the halibut at that time ‘shifted off” into deep water. The following statement, communicated by H. A. 8S. Dearbon to the secretary of the State of Massachusetts, was printed in the Boston Courier, and again appeared in the Gloucester Telegraph of March 9, 1839: “Before the construction of the Providence and Stonington Railroad the whole number of halibut annually caught and brought into Cape Ann did not exceed 2,500, which were nearly all sold fresh, for immediate consumption; for not having been in demand when cured in any manner by salt for the domestic or foreign markets, but few were prepared for that purpose; in fact, so worthless were they considered as salted fish that the owners of the vessels employed in the fish- eries generally instructed the crews to cut adrift all halibut which were drawn up, and every year many thousands had been thus turned back to the deep with a fatal wound. But such was now the facility for transporting them fresh to the New York market, at least 16,000 were taken and a large portion of them sent to that city by the railroads and steamboats. The average weight of each being 50 pounds, the whole quantity amounts to 800,000 pounds, and as the common price paid to fishermen is 2 cents per pound, this new source of revenue yields an income of $16,000. ‘Formerly the halibut was only caught late in the spring and during the summer and autumnal months, on the south shoals of Nantucket, along the coast of Cape Cod, in Barnstable Bay, on Cashe’s Ledge, and some other places, where they were most abundant at certain seasons of the year, and always in deep water, being considered, as it is termed, a bottom fish. But since the demand for this American turbot,.as it may with propriety be called (for it much resembles that delicious fish in form and flavor), has so vastly increased, the fishermen have made explorations in search of other haunts, and, to their great astonishment, found them in immense quantities on George’s Bank, early in March ; and what was still more surprising, and a fact wholly unknown to them, they appeared in extensive shoals on the surface of the water like mackerel, and were taken with 3 or 4 fathoms of line, instead of from 26 to 70, which they had been accustomed to use time out of mind in the bottom fishing. The Cape Ann vessels take from 290 to 500 each trip, weighing from 20 to 100 pounds.” In 1848, according to Capt. Epes W. Merchant, halibut were so abundant on George’s Bank, east of the Cultivator Shoal, in 25 to 40 fathoms, that they followed the books of the fishermen to the surface. Persons on the deck of the vessel could touch them with their hands as they swam about and could gaff them from the surface without difficulty. Vessels could easily catch a fare of 50,000 pounds of fish in two days. Captain Merchant had a vessel which caught a fare in forty-eight hours. Capt. Israel Friend, of Gloucester, tells us that in 1848 he was one of the crew of the schooner Baltic, in which he sailed for George’s in March. They fished with hand-lines, but found halibut so plenty that four of the crew kept their lines on deck and did not fish, but employed themselves in assisting to gaff in the halibut that were hauled up by the others. In this way they caught a full fare—240 halibut in number—in one day. The fish were then dressed and iced, and taken to Boston for a market. Captain Marr thinks that in early days halibut were exceedingly abundant on George’s Bank. He has seen a “solid school of them as thick as a school of porpoises” feeding on “lant.” At another time “the whole surface of the water as far as you could see was alive with halibut; we fished all night and we did not catch a single codfish. The halibut would not let the hooks touch the bottom; we caught 250 in three hours; the crews of some vessels would go and cut the fins ofi the fish and let their bodies go. No wonder that they were broken up. We thought they were always going to be so. Never made no calculations that we were going to break them up. The ° 38 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. southern side of George’s was a kind of ‘mother-place’ for fishing halibut. All the halibut there were large ‘pea-halibut’ of 200 pounds or so. On the north side there were small ‘school halibut’ of 25 to 80 pounds.” There was no great abundance of halibut on George’s after 1848. Captain Marr speaks of some remarkable halibut trips. .On a patch of rocky bottom they anchored at sundown in a little smack and the next day caught 570 halibut. He himself caught 80 that day. At another time (as has been mentioned elsewhere), when he was commanding the schooner Clarion, Captain Marr left Gloucester on Friday at 1 p. m., and on Sunday, at 1 p. m., was back in port with a fare of fish. He got to the Bank at daylight Saturday morning and left on the return trip at 8 o’clock in the evening. This cargo he sold in Boston for $500 to Mr. Rogers, of New York, who shipped them in ice to the New York market. FISHERMEN AFRAID TO ANCHOR ON GEORGE’s.—The first vessels which went to George’s Bank never anchored. The fishermen had an idea that it was not safe to do so, for when the * tide began to run the eddies were as great as those of another maelstrom. One man came into port with a story that he had come to anchor on the shoal ground of George’s and the tide ran so fast that the water began rushing into both hawse-pipes of his vessel, which frightened him so that he cut his cable and came home. The halibut vessels began to anchor in 1835 to 1837. FIRST USE OF PATENT WINDLASS.—Captain Marr was the first man to carry a patent wind- lass to George’s. This was about the year 1850, when he was skipper of the schooner Julia. The old captain tells the story with a great deal of glee. Before then the vessels all used hand-spikes for heaving up anchor. He had stood five hours at a time, hand-spike in hand, getting up anchor. The patent windlass took his fancy and he determined to try one. His fellow-skippers laughed at him, and said that it would be impossible to heave up anchor in rough weather with such a machine. He was not to be discouraged and started for the Bank with his new apparatus. When he had filled his vessel with fish and was ready to start home he instructed his men to work delib- erately and not to convey the impression that they were in a hurry. They began, and, to his dis- may, the cable slipped on the barrel of the windlass and the anchor refused to yield. They worked for awhile, and it finally occurred to him that if he put ashes on the barrel it would overcome the tendency to slip, so he sent one of the men to the forecastle for ashes and then the anchor came up merrily, and within half an hour was swung upon the bow, one-tenth of the time usually occu- pied. His fellow-skippers were véry curious when they saw the preparations for a homeward start, and dozens of them came around him tosee him heave up his anchor. His triumph was complete, however, and before many months every vessel from the port was fitted with a patent windlass. The skipper would stipulate for them, and fishermen coming down to ship on board a schooner would always first inquire whether there was a patent windlass on board, for the saving of labor to the crew was immense. At one time there were twenty-seven vessels lying at the wharf of the agent waiting to take their windlasses on board. HALIBUT FISHING FROM MAINE PoRTS.—In early days there was also a limited halibut fishery from Southport, Maine, concerning which Mr. Earll has obtained the following information: The first vessel from Southport to engage in the halibut fisheries was the schooner Pearl, Capt. O. Harris, in 1844. The Pearl was a small square-sterned vessel of about 50 tons (old meas- urement), carrying four or five men. They went in the fall and fished with hand-lines from the vessel’s deck, catching their fish usually in from 30 to 90 fathoms on the northeast edge of George’s Bank, generally hanging them up in the hold and spreading them loosely on the floor. They usually could geta trip in from one to three days, when they would start for Portland to sell what they could at from 2 to3 cents per pound. It frequently happened that they brought in more than they could sell, in which case they threw the balance away. They generally went during the FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 39 winter and spring, until time for mackerel hooking on the coast of Maine. Thus with halibuting and mackereling a greater part of the season would be used up. The Pearl was soon joined by schooner Fair Play, Capt. William Harris, and they continued in the business about five or six years. A third vessel, the schooner Nelson, engaged in the same business as early as 1850, going for three years, after which she gave it up, owing largely to the want of a market for her fish. No Southport vessels have fished wholly for halibut since that time, and no other towns from this section have ever sent any, except the schooner Columbus, of Booth Bay Harbor, a few years later, for a few trips. The schooner Queen of the West went for halibut from Georgetown, Me., during the winter of 185758, fishing with hand-lines and selling to Mr. Little, of Portland. She fished on Brown’s Bank and Banquereau mostly, in 60 to 90 fathoms. FIRST ATTEMPTS TO CATCH HALIBUT ON TRAWL-LINES.—AS early as 1843, as previously mentioned, Capt. N. E. Atwood, of Provincetown, set trawls for halibut in Massachusetts Bay, and even before that time had been accustomed to make use of a simple form of the apparatus arranged by fastening two or three hooks at intervals along the “rode-line” of his dory close to his anchor, and thus occasionally catching a fish or two when the anchor was pulled in. In 1843 he was in the habit of setting aregular trawl-line 60 fathoms long, with snoods of 4 or 5 feet fast- ened to it at intervals of 4 or 5 fathoms. According to Capt. Sylvanus Smith, of Gloucester, the dory-fishermen of Cape Ann were also accustomed to fasten two or three hooks to the “rode- lines” of their dories as early as 1839 or 1840, thus occasionally securing a halibut or two in addi- tion to the fish taken on hand-lines. This method of putting hooks on the anchor line was for the express purpose of catching halibut (generally for home use at that period), which could commonly be more surely captured in that manner than by hand-lines, while it was usually desirable to avoid getting a ‘halibut on the hand-lines, which might be broken, and considerable time and labor would, of course, be wasted in securing a fish of less value than cod. The accompanying sketch shows this method of halibut fishing. , Concerning the introduction of the trawl-line into the halibut fishery, which appears to have been nearly at the same time as the introduction of the trawl into the cod-fisheries of the United States, the following information has been obtained in interviews with Capt. Peter Sinclair, of Gloucester : Captain Sinclair was born in Scotland,.and, in his boyhood, engaged in the fisheries from his native place. There, he says, he learned to rig and handle a set-line, or, as it is known to Ameri- can fishermen, a trawl. While still a young man he came to this country and engaged in the fisheries, sailing from Gloucester. In May, 1849, he was in command of the schooner Brant, of 30 tons, old measurement. He concluded to try trawl fishing as he had setén it done in the “old country.” He therefore rigged a small halibut trawl, having only thirty-seven hooks, and set it for the first time a short distance outside of Kettle Island, just off the mouth of Gloucester Har- bor, in 7 fathoms of water. Five halibut were caught on the first set. Captain Sinclair continued fishing on the shore grounds of Massachusetts Bay and vicinity during the summer, and, he says, it was a common occurrence to catch halibut any day during the month of May. Mr. Samuel Atwood, of Provincetown, who was one of the crew of the Brant in the spring of 1849,* conceived the idea that trawls could be profitably employed on George’s Bank, and, accord- ing to Captain Sinclair, he shipped in the schooner Grace Darling the following year, making an agreeinent with the skipper that he (Atwood) should have the privilege of using a trawl while on *This was probably 1850, a year later than Captain Sinclair has put it, for according to his statement Atwood was lost two years later in the Golden Fleece which foundered in 1852. This gives us a point from which to reckon, -40 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. the bank. Atwood went two trips in the Grace Darling, setting his trawl when the weather was suitable, and fishing with a hand-line at other times. He did well, making twice as much money as his shipmates. The good success of Atwood stimulated others to try trawling, and the following spring three of the fleet, one of which was the Grace Darling, fitted out with trawls. These were employed in the same manner as Atwood had used his, being set only in fine weather, while hand-lines were depended on when it was rough or stormy. In February, 1852, Atwood sailed in the schooner Golden Fleece, taking with him a trawl and dory of his own. His intention was to stay on George’s all the spring, changing with his boat and trawl from one vessel to another as fast as they were filled with fish and left the bank for home. This daring and enterprising project was never carried out, for soon after the Golden Fleece reached the bank she encountered a furious gale in which she was lost with all on board. On the same day that the Golden Fleece sailed on her ill-fated trip the schooner Anna, com- manded by Captain Sinclair, also started for George’s, having on board two dories and two halibut trawls. Each of the trawls had 100 hooks, placed, as now, 15 feet apart on the ground line. These were managed in the same way as has already been described, being set only while the weather was moderate. The fishermen of that period, according to Captain Sinclair, were not in- clined to run much risk in dories, and, compared with the trawlers of the present day, might be called timid about, venturing out in rough weather. Nevertheless, a much larger number of hali- but were caught on the trawls than on the hand-lines. In May of the same year the Anna made a trip to the Seal Island Ground for halibut, carrying three trawls and three dories; the trawls were double the size of those used on George’s. She was absent from home two weeks and caught a fare of 15,000 pounds of halibut, taking them on a spot of ground about 3 miles northeast of the Lurcher Ledge, which lies off the western part of Nova Scotia. At that time the trawls were stowed in tubs made of flour barrels sawed off above the upper quarter hoops. Later, however, some of the halibut fishermen adopted another method. When they wished to bait their trawls they hoisted the dories, trawls and all, on deck. They then pro- ceeded to bait the gear, coiling the lines in the boat, and when everything was ready the dories were hoisted out again. As may readily be supposed, this way of handling the boats and gear necessitated a vast deal of hard work, and was never practiced to any great extent. To go back to the Anna again: We are told by Captain Sinclair that, after the trip mentioned above, she went to the Western Bank in June. She brought home 25,000 pounds of halibut, besides a considerable quantity of codfish. She was absent three weeks. This fare of fish was caught on two spots of ground, one of which bears west southwest a distance of 35 miles, and the other northwest 40 to 45 miles from Sable Island. ‘The depth of water in the latter place was 40 fath- oms. The halibut were of large size, and mostly gray. That year, says Captain Sinclair, there were five New London halibut schooners on the Western Bank. He can remember the name of only one of these, the R. B. Colman. This statement seems to conflict with that of Captain Ashby, of New London, who says that the Connecticut vessels did not visit the Western Bank until a much later date. The following year, 1853, there were three schooners from Gloucester and ten from New Lon- don engaged in the fresh-halibut fishery on the Western Bank. Captain Sinclair claims to be the first Gloucester fisherman to visit the Western Bank in pursuit of fresh halibut, though several other skippers also make the same claim. There is no doubt of the sincerity of all these men, and the erly reason that can be assigned for so many claiming the same thing is that no one of them knew about the others’ going. The second year Oaptain Sinclair went there he began to fish off the FRESH-HALIBUT FISHERY. 41 northeast bar of Sable Island; anchoring in 60 to 90 fathoms ou both sides of the bar. He usu- ally went there in June for several years, but, at that time, it was thought to be exceedingly hard and difficult to use trawls in such deep water. Notwithstanding the fact that good catches of halibut were generally obtained,. the crews were dissatisfied with the locality as a fishing ground. Patent line-rollers had not come into general use then, and hauling a trawl across the gunwale of a dory, even in a depth of 90 fathoms, was a difficult task, involving much hard labor and fatigue. CARE OF THE FISH.—