HISTOKY OF THE AMERICAN MEKHADEN. 313 



April 9. 

 Menhaden oil rules dull, and lots are pressing for sale ; 60c. is asked, 

 but a lull lot could not be placed except at a much lower price j we 

 have not a single transaction to note. 



April 16. 

 Menhaden is held at COc, and not ofi'ered at less; but buyers would 

 not buy any lots at anywhere near this price. 



April 23. 

 Menhaden oil nominal ; no sales making. 



April 30. 

 Menhaden oil is easier, offering at 57^c. in lots for Maine catch. 

 Sales are 300 bbls. ; closing sale at this price. 



jMay 7. 

 Menhaden oil is lower owing to the near approach of the fishing sea- 

 son, and sales have been made of 155 bbls., at 55c.; 25 bbls., at 5Gc. ; 

 and in Boston, 30 bbls., at 5Gc., and 80 bbls., at 57c. 



Mat 14. 

 Menhaden oil is somewhat nominal, about all in the market having 

 gone into second hands. Jobbers are said to have a smaller supply than 

 usual at this season of the year, and the- feeling may be considered a 

 little stronger at the close, owing to the backwardness of the catch. 

 There has been one small lot of inferior now in market from Florida, 

 which has been sold at 50c. The Long Island fishermen report fish 

 scarce and yielding only about one gallon per thousand. If the weather 

 continues fine a few small lots may be expected next week, but not in 

 sufficient quantities to supply the demand for some time. The prospect 

 as to future prices is that the market, without any disturbing intiuences 

 and a usual catch, will rule at about 42ic. The sales reported since our 

 last are 500 bbls. prime Maine, at 55c., 50 bbls. ordinary, at 57c., and 



11 bbls. inferior new Southern, at 50c. 



May 21. 



Menhaden oil has been in fair demand ; it is said that the dealers 

 have a small stock on hand. New oil has not yet arrived, but is daily 

 expected. We note sales of 204 bbls. ordinary, at 55c., and 30 bbls. 

 select, at 5Gc. From Boston reports we have : 



"•'Menhaden oil remains quiet. Sales have been made at 55 and some 

 lots of dark oil have sold at 50. As the season is approaching when 

 new oil will soon make its appearance, those holding old oil are anxious 

 to dispose of their stocks, and under such circumstances sales have been 



made below market value." 



May 28. 

 Menhaden oil rules firm and in small supply. There is said to be no 

 oil in first hands, while usually there is a good deal carried over. New 

 has not made its appearance, but is daily expected. Since our last 

 there has been but one sale, a lot of 110 bbls. at 55c. 



June 4. 

 New menhaden oil is arriving feebly, and the quality not being very 

 choice, prices are lower. The sales are 25 bbls. at 52c. ; 25 bbls. at 



