MASSACHUSETTS: GLOUCESTER DISTRICT. 



Yearly record of losses Continued. 



177 



61. THE FISHERIES OP MANCHESTER. 



MANCHESTER. This town joins Gloucester ou the east and Beverly on the west. It is 23 

 miles northeast from Boston, on the line of the Eastern Railroad. It has a good and safe harbor 

 for vessels not over 120 tons burden. The population of the town in 1840 was 1,355, at which date 

 the place was engaged in the cod and mackerel fisheries, having a fleet of eleven sail, measuring 

 about 650 tons. In 1880 the number of inhabitants was 1,640. The fisheries have steadily 

 declined; in 1879 not a single fishing vessel belonged here. While the fishing industry has 

 decreased, the place has grown in wealth as a favorite sea-side resort, and many beautiful cottages 

 and hotels dot the shores. 



At the entrance of the harbor there are set during the summer months several floating traps 

 for the capture of mackerel and other fish. These are owned and worked by Gloucester fishermen. 

 The number of these traps in 1880 was five, valued at $2,000, and the number of men employed 

 was sixteen. The production amounted to $2,300 worth of fish, some of which was sold to fishing 

 vessels for bait. There has been much opposition to the use of these traps, the summer boarders 

 claiming that they are a nuisance because of refuse fish wash-:d ashore. The result of this oppo- 

 sition has provoked considerable discussion in the State legislature; but as nothing could be 

 proved against the traps, they continue to be used. 



The only branch of fishery engaged in by Manchester fishermen is for the capture of lob- 

 sters, and this only to a very limited extent. The number of men employed is 12; number 

 of dories 11, valued at $220; number of lobster-pots, 425, valued at $425; and the number of 

 lobsters taken, 8,250, or 110 barrels, valued at $412. The lobsters are peddled around town, being 

 sold mostly to summer boarders. Seaweed that is driven upon the beaches is sold by the town 

 authorities to farmers, who use it for fertilizing purposes. 



12 a E p 



