332 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



May 19. 



Menbaden has been a little unsettled. Holders have been anxions to 

 get rid of stocks before the new catch came to hand, and yet were un- 

 willing to make any important concession. The first new oil of the 

 season came in to-day, two lots, one of 37 bbls. and the other of 11 bbls.; 

 the last lot was of very inferior quality, and brought 39c.; the other lot 

 has not been sold as yet. The news from the fishermen is not favora- 

 ble, no fish being caught on several days last week, and the yield small. 

 This may be looked on, however, as interested information, with the 

 worst side shown. The fact of 51 bbls. coming in to day shows that 

 some fish must have been caught. The sales of old oil are 1,000 bbls. 

 Maine oil, in New Bedford, at 42^c. ; 150 bbls, dark and brown, here, at 

 41c. ; 105 bbls. dark pressed, at 42^c. ; 50 bbls. very dark gurry, at 20c.; 

 40 bbls. shore oil, at 50c. Boston reports. May 15th : " Menhaden. — As 

 the season is approaching when new oil will be coming in, the market 

 is just now a little easier. A few porgy have already been caught in 

 Long Island Sound. We note a sale at New Bedlbrd of 1,000 barrels, 

 comprising about all the stock of Maine oil in first hands. The quota- 

 tions to day are 40 © 43c." 



May 26. 



In all, the arrivals this season have been about 230 barrels of new 

 IMenhaden oil, most of which is now on dock unsold. After our last, 

 two lots, of about 35 bbls. each, brought 40c. ; one was unusually hand 

 some for oil caught at^this season. Holders ask this price at the close 

 and future prices depend upon the catch for the next few weeks. We 

 hear from a reliable and thoroughly-posted fisherman that since last 

 Tuesday there have been hardly any fish taken ; previous to that good 

 hauls had been made, but the fish yielded only about two gallons. We 

 hear that exporters can pay about 36c., and some buyers intimate that 

 they will hold off till the export price is reached. 



June 2. 



Menhaden has come to hand to the extent of about 150 barrels since 



our last. Holders ask 40c. for good new ; buyers' ideas are not more 



than 38c., and 30 bbls. were reported at about this price. The other 



lots have not been reported as sold. 



June 9. 



Menhaden oil is quiet, with new oil worth about 37c. for prime 

 quality. The catch of fish is small and the yield light. The arrival 

 of oils has been limited, but trade with the dealers has been dull and 

 their wants small. During the week we hear of the following sales: 

 125 bbls., 50 bbls., 70 bbls., and 52 bbls., all at 37c.; H)0 bbls. on pri- 

 vate terms ; and 75 bbls., not sweet, at 36c. We also note a sale of 

 50 bbls. domestic cod, at 5Sc., and 13 bbls. strictly pure do., at G5c. 



June 16. 

 Menhaden oil has not been plenty the past week, the cool weather 

 not being favorable for catching. The fish are reported as yielding very 



