, 1889-08-29
FRIDAY FOOD.
Several New Species Of Fish Dis
covered in California Gulf
Waters.
The Albatross of the Fish Com
mission Cruising Among
Pacific Islands.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28.--Lieutenant
Commander Tanner of the navy, has
made an interesting report to the fish
commissioner on the work of the steam
or Albatross from the beginning of the
present year to June 30 last. The actual
work of the Albatross began January
when trawl was cast In pa fathoms of
water in Cortes bank, about twelve miles
from Point Conception. Fish swarmed
in great numbers and varities over the
banks, which are the richest found so
far in the Pacific. Flathead, whitefsh,
yellowtail, rock cod and four species of
rcd rock cod We're taken.
San Nicholas Island was found rather
barren, but here Prof Gilbert discovered
phenomenon of nature generally at
tributed to whirlwinds) in the shape of
a turnpike, perfectly straight as far as
the eye could see, nine feet wide,
crowned I'm the center, and with guttesr
sunk six to eight inches.
Rich hauls We're made at Bacher bay
in about 30 fathoms of water. The fish
taken included four species OF black cod
of excellent flavor and also deep-water
seal one of the best sea fishes of the
Pacific coast. At Watson's rock the
party went out from the ship and cap
turcd more than 1000 pounds of fish in
less than two hours.
Gaudeloupe island and Altos rocks
are found to be barren, but around Clar-
ion island the fish swarmed in great
numbers. Forty.six specimens, OF which
twenty were edible, were taken. Sharks
made things lively also. Four species
of fish not found on Clarion island were
taken near Socarro island, the largest of
this group. lumpback whales con.
stantly plowed through the sea in full
sight.
THOUSANDS OF SEAL
and cod, man-oi-war and hawks made
their home ON San Benedicto, an island
upon which neither wood, water, or even
q bush could be seen. The Gulf of Cali
fornia became the objective point, and
Albatros investigated the reports
that have long been current
of islands, rocks and reefs
in the neighborhood. Their non.exist-
ence was established by soundings, and
1t was also demonstrated that the Islands,
commencing with the Guadaloupe and
extending to Los Alijos and the Revilla
cruptions, entirely independent of the
continent and Of one another. The gulf
was entered on March IL, and the ground
taround San Jose island was found TO be
literally covered with oysters, dead and
alive. at depth of from ten to twelve
tathoms. Numbers Of fish were taken
in the gulf, and at George island plenty
weighing from 10 to 100 pounds, were
taken. Many sea birds and arookery of
sea lions were also discovered.
At one tiue fish were taken i'm such
numbers that the captain was Obliged TO
put an end to the sport. Gill.nct fishing
throughout the gulf was found to be inn
practicable, on account of the sharks
and dog fish. On San Luis islands, in
the latter. part of March, sea lions,
whales and tortoises abounded, the last
named being very wild.
Governor Arvantes and larg mum
Der of gentlemen who visited the ships
were greatly surprised to see the great
variety of
MARINE FAuAHA
which had been found, many of which
they had never seen or heard of. Ex-
cellcnt oysters were found to be plenti-
full OIL Algodafuls about the Yoqui river.
At low tide these oysters are exposed to
view and the Indians collect them by
hand.
The fishing ground of Man-of. War
cove and the bay OF San Bartolne did not
sustain their reputation. Investigations
made by Professor Gilbert and MIR. Alex
ander showed that no shad existed
in the Clio and Colorado rivers, the wat
ers being crude and unadaptnd to the
shad planted there by the commission.
The German carp, however, We're found
to have done well. Large numbers OF
halibut and rock cod were found oil
Cape Flattery, and when the trawl was
set in water from 475S to AGO fathoms
deep many unrecoguized specimens OF
ilsh We're taken, besides fiounders, deep
and hog fish. Sea shrimps, sea urchins,
holothurian ophuirians, star fish, sea
anemones, linoids, penapures and her.
init crabs were also pulled up. Black
cod were caught at $50 feet the greatest
depth in which they have been found.