Mower County transcript., 1902-10-01
FROM The OLD
BAY STATE.
An Interesting Letter Telling of Ex-
perience and Dangers of Fishing
in the Atlantic.

perience and Dangers of Fishing
in the Atlantic.
GLOUCESTER, MASS, Sept. %, 1902.
Editor Transcript
Perhaps little New England breeze
will not be amiss at this time among
the frosty airs which must soon prevail
in your great and thrifty common
wealth. The weekly calls of the Tran
script come like the visitation of dear
friend telling Of the many concerns OF
your broad farm lands, most of them
in contrast with our affairs which have
chiefly to do with the sea. In political
matters, however, our state is in the
closest accord with our big brother of
the west. The recent visit among us
of our chief executive with his wise
and timely words was most convlnc-
ing proof that our people are fully sat
ished that the Ship of State with him
at the helm will be safely guided to
honor and national greatness.
Just now the selection of successor
of Secretary Moody is claiming atten-
ton and some rivalry is developing;
but this question promises to be quick.
ly settled without mud singing, and
the drift of business life will again be
absorbed among the flake yards upon
the wharves, and the busy feet which
is constantly coming and going.
The recent movements of the white
squadron along these shores should
lead the government to lively consid-
Grafton Of the two unfinished break
waters which are making such tardy
growth from year to year. That at
Gloucester would give safe entrance
to what is already safe and commod-
ions harbor, while at Rockport it would
be safe anchorage for the entire navy.
The season of danger among the
fisheries is approaching. Some firms
even dismantle many Of their vessels
during the winter months so great are
the perils of winter fishing. Yet many
are found ever ready to incur the risk
and thus in the storms of winter thous-
ands of our citizens hazard both prop~
erty and life between port and the fish,
ing banks.
Some of the best fishing grounds lie
directly in the route of the trans-atlan
tic steamers which adds much to their
peril, especially in thick or foggy
weather. Occasionally fishing
schooner suddenly finds itself apparent
ly about to be overwhelmed by tower
ing form which sweeps by with the
speed of the race0horse. The incident
is momentary for the danger passes as
quickly as it comes. But sometimes
the huge form does not sweep by but
passes over the helpless craft, and after
weeks of waiting it is entered upon the
list of vessels which left port and did
not return.
The fishermen are generally good
natured and rather jolly body of men
and scarcely seem sobered by the perils
of their calling. Though cast upon
shore from fatal shipwreck they seem
ready to embark again upou the next
call for men. It is notable that most
of the fishermen are young men rang
ing from 20 years to IS. It is rare that
a fisherman is found above so years of
age.
The fishing industry has been so eag-
erly pursued that at times there has
been scarcity of fish on the grounds
usually visited, and some shippers have
made long trips in search of new
grounds. Thus it happens that Glou
cester vessels may be found all along
the shore from the Carolinas to Green
land and Iceland, and some have even
crossed the Atlantic and tried their
luck along the shores of Britain.
D. T.