340 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



is very small. One large manufacturer has failed recently. Daring tbe 

 week there have been sales of 350 bbls., part rather inferior, at 45c. as it 

 runs ; we also hear of a resale of 200 bbls. at a private price. Extra 

 bleached menhaden is held as high as COc, though ordinary is to be 

 had at 55c. 



January 19. 



Menhaden oil rules firm in x^i'ice, but owing to the small supply busi- 

 ness is limited. 



January 20. 



Menhaden oil rules very quiet, but the small stock of crude keeps 

 prices firm, and should there be only a fair trade prices would advance 

 materially. There is scarcely any going into consumption. Holders 

 here ask 50c., and we heard of 50 bbls. selected selling at this price, but 

 have also a report of 70 bbls. choice having sold within a few da;^s at 

 45c., though this is below the market at the present time. 



February 2. 



Menhaden dull but firm, and the manufactured kinds are generally 

 held for more money. 



February 9. 



Menhaden is unsettled and nominal. To sell a comparatively low 

 price would have to be taken ; but there are no lots to be forced ou the 

 market. We hear at the close that one dealer is offering to resell, and 

 that some parties who bouglit to bleach have stored their stock of crude, 

 and have intimated their intention of selling it rather than manufacture, 

 as the price of bleached is not enough higher to pay for bleaching. We 

 hear of pressed and strained both selling at as low or less than the 

 nominal price of crude. 



February 10. 



Crude menhaden oil is not moving as yet, but holders are firm while 

 buyers are well stocked up and are indifferent, their trade being very 

 light. There has been more doing in jiressed, and we heard of a sale 

 of 70 bbls. on private terms, and 50 bbls. at 50c., with holders ask- 

 ing 52c. 



February 23. 



Menhaden has been quiet, as a rule. At the date of our last we were 

 informed that negotiations were pending for export, and on Wednesday a 

 lot of 500 barrels — which had been held by a dealer — was sold, to go 

 to Havre, at 48^c. This has tbe effect of stiffening prices, which before 

 were nominal. The stock in first hands is very small, and if any 

 large orders should come into market they could not be filled, except 

 at a high price ; at the same time a lot thrown on the market would 

 have to sell rather low. 



March 1. 



Menhaden oil is as quiet as can well be, no stock offering, no buyers 

 wanting. Price nominally firm at 50c. Bleached and strained are very 

 slow of sale. 



