INTRODUCTION. IX 



In 1877 I was able to learn of but four oil and guano factories in opera- 

 tion on the Chesajjeako Bay, and it was not thought necessary to make a 

 special survey of that region, but in that and the following season the 

 industry seems to have assumed considerable dimensions. I am indebted 

 to Col. Marshall McDonald, Commissioner of Fisheries for Virginia, for the 

 following memorandum, which, although not prepared by him, he considers 

 to be in the main correct. It is an extract from a circular, without authen- 

 tication, dated ''' Northumberland Co., Va., December, 1878." I have not 

 been able to learn that the Chesapeake manufacturers are identified with 

 the IT. S. Oil and Guano Association. The proceeds of their industry, 

 if added to those of the northern manufacturers, will considerably swell 

 the statistical aggregates, increasing the total catch for 1878 to nearly 

 900,000,000 of fish, the total yield of oil to over 4,000,000 barrels, and of 

 guano to over 30,000 tous. 



LIST OF FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURE [OF OIL AND GUANO 

 FOR THE SEASON OF 1878. IN VIRGINIA. 



1. Little Bay Oil and Guano Co., Little Bay, Lancaster Co., Va. 



2. Whaley &: Burgess, Mill Creek, Northumberland Co., Va. 



3. N. H. Timbs, Fairport, " <. >. 



4. E. W. Reed, " " " " 



5. Reed & Woodhull, Little Bay, Lancaster Co., Va. 



G. Lampson & Grinell, Pecancatauck River, Middlesex Co., Va. 



7. Taylor & Jackson, " " " " " 



8. G. T. Owens & Co., Fairport, Northumberland Co., Va. 



9. W. D. Hall & Co., Point Pleasant, Northumberland Co., Va. 



10. L. Cockerell & Co., Wicomico River, Northumberland Co., Va. 



11. O. E. Maltby, New Point Comfort, Va. 



12. Darling & Smithers, Hampton, Va. 



13. Stearns & Co. , Black River, Va. 



14. Lewis Crockett, Tangier Island, Va. 



15. Henry Crockett, " " " 



" Being desirous to know the extent of the fishing interests of the 

 Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, we have looked up what information 

 could be found, and herewith submit it to the careful inspection of those 

 who take an interest in that direction. We find that in the year 1869 

 more than usual attention was turned to this matter, and Ave are al)le to 

 gather the following details of its results from a party engaged in the busi- 

 ness that season, viz. : 



1869. 



Men employed on vessels fishing 13 



Vessels employed 4 



Men employed making guano 9 



Fish taken 3,000,000 



Oil made 300 bbls. 



Guano made 300 tons. 



