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4.

the Speedwell. In 1880, the steamer Fish Hawk, built expressly for the Commission was first available for use, and, in 1883, the substantial seagoing steamer Albatross was added to the Fish Commission fleet.

The location of the shore stations occupied as the headquarters for the work of investigation was, until 1881, changed from year to year, in order that a greater extent of coast might eventually be brought under observation. These stations have ranged from Eastport, Maine, to Noank, Conn., thus practically embracing the entire extent of the New England coast. The first station at Wood's Holl, Mass., in 1871; the second at Eastport, Maine, in 1872; the third at Porland, Maine, in 1873; the fourth at Noank, Conn., in 1874; the fifth at Wood's Holl, in 1875; the sixth at Salem, Mass., and for a time at Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1877; the seventh at Gloucester, Mass., in 1878; the eight at Provincetown, Mass., in 1879; and the ninth at Newport, R.I., in 1880. 

In 1881, with the steamer Fish Hawk in active operation, and with the prospect of a new and large steamer for off-shore work, the necessity for a permanent station at some central place, and with good natural facilities for the work in hand became apparent. The difficulty of providing suitable accommodations for careful work, and especially for fish culture, at temporary stations was the principal reason for making this change. The little village of Wood's Holl, located at the southwestern extremity of cape Cod, Mass., and between Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay, was selected for this purpose, as possessing the desired qualifications in a high degree. It had already been thoroughly tested during two previous visits, and, in addition to having an excellent