DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

21
to fishermen, the only one in existence there being at Obatham, miles up the Mira
miohi River.
There are employed in the fisheries on the coasts above named 2,265 boats,
carrying 5,147 men, to whom the extension of the storm signal system would be of
the greatest value. At Souris, P. E. I., the want of storm warnings is also much
felt; there are frequently there for shelter as many as one hundred vessels, and
sometimes double that number; there are also in this neighborhood 253 boats, carrying
674 men.
Ingonish, C. B., and Canso, in Guysboro', N. S., are also extensive boat harbors'
where storm signals would be most useful.
I would therefore propose that storm signal masts should be erected at the following
places :—(l.) Point Escuminac; (2.) Tracadie; (3.) Shippegan; (4.) Caraquet;
(5.) Souris; (6.) Irgonish; ('7.) Canso.
Telegraphic communication is now established with all these places and the
work can, I believe, be performed efficiently.
The estimate of cost is, construction account—.7 masts and gear at $100, $700.
The maintenance account will be nine months' salary, at $5 per month to agent,
$45, and $5 for oil and expenses,or for the seven stations at $50 each a charge of $350
per annum additional to the meteorological service vote. As this is the only means
of benefitting the fishermen from the expenditure on the meteorological service, I
would respectfully urge it on your favorable consideration.
ON THE LICENSING OR MARKING OF CANADIAN FISHING VESSELS.
I beg to call your attention to the difficulty which our pol!ce vessels find in
distinguishing at any little distance, the difference between Canadian and United
States fishing vessels. In my report for 1887 I drew particular attention to this
point and suggested that the difficulty might be overcome either by licensing or
otherwise controlling our fishing vessels, and requiring them to carry when on a
fishing voyage, some distinguishing mark which could be easily made out at a distance.
This would add considerably to the efficiency of the patrol of our waters and
the cost to the fishermen of putting, say, a dbgonal cross of brown tanned cotton on
both sides of his mainsail would be quite trivial. The lack of some distinguishing
mark of this kind, gives rise frequently to unfounded rumors of fishing within the
limits by foreign vessels, whion, when investigated, prove to be Canadian.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
ANDREW R. GORDON, Lieut., RJ%T.,
Commanding Fisheries Protection Service.
FISHERIES PROTECTION SCHOONER "VIGILANT."
Lieut. GORDON, RN.,
Commanding Fisheries Protection Service
SIR,—I beg leave to tender a synopsis of the work done during the past season
by the Fisheries Protection schooner "Vigilant," under my command.
By instructions received from the Department of Fisheries, I took command of
the "Vigilant" on I 5th May, and proceeded at once to refit and prepare for sea.
1st June sailed for I armouth, N.S., and thence followed the fleet of United
States' mackerel seiners eastward to Ohedabucto Bay and round Cape Breton to
Prince Edward Island, where7 from 1st June tQ 2th July, we cruised between Mal.
pèque and Souris,