362 



HISTOEY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



In 1876, 2,992,000 gallons of menhaden oil were made, and in 1877, 2,426,589. For the year 

 ending June 30, 1877, the production of whale oil was 2,140,047 gallons, and for the year 1877, 

 2,151,765 gallons. 



In the Oil, Paint, and Drug Reporter for January 14, 1874, the following statement is made : 



"It is asserted that while the amount of oil produced is equal to that derived from the whale 

 fisheries in this country, the menhaden interest is ahead of the whale ; for though the menhaden 

 oil sells at a less price per gallon, for every barrel of oil made there is three-quarters of a ton of 

 scrap, which readily commands $15 per ton at the factory." 



This is not true. In 1874, for instance, the value of the sperm oil alone was $1,250,98T; that 

 of other oils from the whale fishery, $775,919. Total value of oils from the whales, $2,026,906; the 

 value of the total products of the whale fishery, $2,291,896. 



By way of further comparison, the cod and seal oil fishery of Newfoundland and Labrador 

 may be instanced. The latest figures at hand show the product of the seal-oil fishery to be 1.500,000 

 gallons, and of the cod-oil fishery 900,000. 



COMPARISON OF YIELD OF NITROGEN FROM GUANO ISLANDS. The refuse products of the oil- 

 factories, together with the fish used in a crude state for manure, are estimated to have yielded in 

 1875 over 10,000,000 pounds of ammonia in the best possible organic forms. This quantity of 

 ammonia is equivalent to at least 60,000,000 pounds of Ohincha Island guano, formerly imported 

 from Peru, the gold value of which would be not far from '$1,920,000. 



In addition to ammonia, the phosphate of lime derived from this source and convertible 

 into agricultural products amounted to nearly 1,430,000 pounds, which is the equivalent of nearly 

 60,000,000 pounds of Peruvian guano. 



ASSOCIATIONS OF OIL AND GUANO MANUFACTURERS. The Association of the Menhaden Oil 

 and Guano Manufacturers of Maine was formed in the year 1870. The objects were such as are 

 usually sought by organizations of the sort harmony of action on points affecting the common 

 welfare of the business, social acquaintance, and the communication of information as to improved 

 processes, &c. The annual meeting is held the second Tuesday in January of each year. The 

 United States Menhaden Oil and Guano Association was organized in 1873. 



Extent of the menhaden fisheries of Maine for the years 1873 to 1878. 

 [Compiled from annual reports of Maine Association.] 



10. THE USES OF MENHADEN OIL ; THE OIL MARKET. 



THE USES OF MENHADEN OIL. The uses of menhaden oil are manifold. It is chiefly employed 

 as a substitute for the more costly and popular oils and to adulterate them. It is sold largely to 

 tanneries for currying leather. After the hide has been " dressed," i. e., after its coarser fleshy 

 parts have been pared off, the oil, mixed with tallow, is applied. This is technically called "stuff- 

 ing," and results in qualifying any residue of alkali left from the "liming" process and in filling 



