348 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



larger cn-tch at Barren Island and Narragansett Bay. We hear at the 

 close, liowever, that the fish are falling off and poorer, yielding only 5 

 to 6 gallons per thousand. We hear of sales of 650 bbls., ranging from 

 38 to 42^c., as to quality, with 40c. about the top price that any buyer 

 would pay, and we hear that any bids made for round lots are much 

 below this figure. 



November 15. 



Menhaden oil is fairly active, with the catch about over. There are 

 only a few fishing gangs and two steamers on the Sound, and the Nar- 

 ragausett fishermen stop[)ed last Saturday. The transactions foot up 

 for the week some 750 bbls. at from 40 to 42c. for prime quality, closing 

 firm, with the large holders asking the higher price. The Maine oil is 

 held out of market. 



November 22. 



Menhaden oil is steady though not materially changed in price. The 

 fishing season is now about over, and the supply to come forward can- 

 not be great, and many parties look for an advance. The sales are 150 

 bbls. and GQ bbls., both a little off quality , at 40c. ; 170 bbls. good at 41c., 

 and 200 bbls. choice at 42c. The Maine oil in New Bi dford is held out 

 of market. Bleached is dull at oOc, light strained at 45'2)4Gc., bank at 



44c., straits at 4Gc. 



November 29. 



Menhaden oil has ruled firm at an advance for very choice lots; other 



grades are quiet. The sales are 9S bbls. at 40c., 150 bbls. at 40c., 270 



bbls. at 40Jc., 1G5 bbls. at 41c., 100 bbls. at 42^c., and 150 bbls., very 



choice, at 43Jc. 



December 6. 



Menhaden oil is steady, but as trade is moderate the few parcels com- 

 ing to hand will not bring any advance. There are some offerings at 

 the close, but they are not large. The sales reported are 18 blls. ordi- 

 nary, at 40c. 5 150 bbls., a mixed lot, light and brown, at 40c.; IGO 

 bbls. choice, at 41c. ; and 121 do., at 41c. ; also, 180 bbls., at 4Cc. for 



brown, and 42 for selected. 



December 13. 



Menhaden is quiet, with small sales and few arrivals. The sales re- 

 ported are 240 bbls. prime Sound make, at 40^c., and 70 bbls. inferior, 

 dark and strong, at 40c. The business done in pressed and bleached is 



rather light at about former prices. 



December 20. 



Menhaden oil is very quiet, as arrivals are light, but still dealers 



would not be inclined to buy until after the new year. Holders ask 



40®42c., with buyers wi.ling to pay about 40©41c. Sales, 50 bbls. good 



Sound make, at 41c. There is a report that a sale was made of 400 bbls. 



Maine oil in New Bedford, at 44c., but we have not the report verified. 



December 27. 

 Menhaden oil is very quiet, as arrivals are light, but still dealers 

 •would not be inclined to buy until after the new year. Holders ask 



