234 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION.
induce some ol our citizens to try their luck on black cod during the
coming summer.
The season for black cod.—I very nearly omitted an important
point, and that is, the best season of the year for taking black cod.
I find that in the spring, when the eulachon run up the inlets and
streams, where they spawn, the black cod follow them, and can be taken
in quantities; but I am informed by both Haidah and Makah Indians
that the black cod can be taken in the deep water at any season of the
year when the weather will permit fishing. There are undoubtedly
certain seasons which are better than others for taking this fish, but as
yet no one has made a study of their habits.
Port Townsend, Wash., January 9, 1884.
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57.—UNUSUAL ABUNDANCE OF COD ON BROWN'S BANK.
By €apt. J. W. COLLINS.
The hand-line cod-fishermen who have arrived recently report fish un-
usually abundant on Brown's Bank, though they are scarce on George's,
as is generally the case at this season.
Capt. William Dempsey, master of schooner Clara F. Friend, who has
had upwards of twenty-five years' experience in the George's cod-fishery,
arrived last Monday—May 25—from a trip to Brown's Bank. He was
absent from home eighteen days, seven days of which were spent at
anchor on the Bank. In this time, with a crew of 10 men, a fare of
37,000 pounds of fish was caught, 1,400 pounds of which were fresh
halibut, the remainder being salt cod. The schooner lay in 45 fathoms,
about south-southeast from the " Shoal-water," in north latitude 42° 46'.
Captain Dempsey sayshe never before saw codso abundant onBrown's
Bank, at this season, in all his experience. Not only were They plenti-
ful near the bottom, but they appeared to be numerous nearly to the sur-
face of the water. Many fish were caught " up in the water," and on
one occasion Captain Dempsey hooked a pair of fine cod not over 10
fathoms from the surface. " High-course " tides prevailed while the
vessel was on the ground, and they ran so strong that much difficulty
was experienced in making the gear " tend " bottom. After a little
while, however, it was found more profitable not to veer out any more line
after once getting bottom, for, as the swift-running current gradually
lifted the leaden sinkers from the ground, fishermen were more liable to
catch pairs of fish than if they exerted themselves to pay out their lines
at intervals, which is the usual method when fishing in a tide-way.
These cod were in spawning condition, according to Captain Dempsey,
who tells me that the milt ran freely from the fish after they had been
landed on deck. Before he left the Bank, several schooners came there
from George's, where they reported finding fish very scarce.
Gloucester, Mass., May 30, 1885.-