516 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONEE OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



of the State with New York and Philadelphia, these two cities receive 

 large shipments of fish, the demand being greater and the prices higher 

 in many cases than in Baltimore. 



The burning of oyster shells for lime is an industry of some impor- 

 tance in Baltimore, the product being used largely as a fertilizer. 

 The use of crushed and ground shells as a food for fowls is also grow- 

 ing. Owing to the lessening quantity and higher prices of oysters 

 the canning industry of this city is decreasing in value, several large 

 firms having moved to other States. Next to Baltimore the largest 

 quantities of oysters are handled at Cambridge, Crisfield, and Oxford, 

 many shucking houses being located at these places. Crisfield still 

 continues to be the most important crab-shipping point in the United 

 States and, together with Deal Island, handles practically the entire 

 soft-crab catch of the State. On account of the small capital necessary, 

 the number of crab firms at Crisfield is increasing j^early and is no 

 doubt responsible for the low prices received by the fishermen, as 

 these firms, in their endeavors to get contracts with commission houses 

 in the larger cities, are compelled to underbid competitors in fixing 

 prices for the following season. 



Hard crabs are handled principally at Oxford, St. Michaels and 

 vicinity, Tilghman Island, and Cambridge. With the exception of 

 the latter, these places handle the crab meat almost entirely. 



The following table shows by localities the number and value of 

 establishments, cash capital employed, and number of persons engaged 

 in the wholesale fishery trade of Marjdand in 1901: 



Table showing the wJiolesale fishery trade of Maryland in 1901. 



