FISHERIES OF THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES. 



539 



Tnhlr xhuii'ing, by countie)^, tlifi catch hi/ clam longs, lioes and rakes, and rrah srrnpes ih 

 ihe fisheries of Virginia in 190 J. 



n Include.s 20 bushels (200 lbs.) soft clams, valued at $20 

 MENHADEN FISHERY. 



The menhaden fisheries, with one less factory than in 1897, show 

 a gain of $455,693 in the value of products in 1901, the value being 

 $362,032 in 1897 and $817,725 in 1901. This large gain may in part 

 be accounted for by the higher prices received for the products and in 

 part by the increased catch of 115,504,331 menhaden, the catch of 

 1897 numbering 263,203,000 fish and that of 1901 378,727,331 fish. 

 During the past few years factories have been extensively enlarged 

 and improved and new and improved machinery has been introduced. 

 The increase in steamers was 7, in purse seines 15, and in vessel and 

 shore employees 407. Menhaden were found fairly plentiful, and the 

 season on the whole was a satisfactory one. 



The manufactured products of the menhaden fisheries amounted to 

 21,130 tons of dry scrap, 10,591 tons of acidulated scrap, and 723,215 

 gallons of oil. This business gives employment on vessels and in 

 factories to 1,577 persons, the factory employees receiving $92,308 in 

 wages during 1901. 



Table shovnng the extent of tlie menhaden industry of Virginia in 1901. 



