350 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



February 21. 

 Menliaden oil still remains quiet, and we do not hear of ranch offering 

 from first hands. Some of the smaller dealers are in small stock, and 

 we beard that 150 bbls. very handsome late fall catch sold from second 

 hands at 42c., and 78 bbls. do. at 42^0. 



Eebruary 28. 

 Menhaden oil is a little more active, as the stock in the hands of 

 some dealers is becoming light. Sales are 150 lbs. crnde at 42c. on 

 spot, and 180 bbls. to arrive at 41^ c, both for home use. 



March 7. 



Menhaden oil has been offering more freely the past week, those hav- 

 ing stocks being inclined to market them before the new season begins. 

 Dealers are not willing to bny except at low prices, and we heard of 

 sales of 100 bbls. Maine at 41c., and 159 bbls. Sound at 40c. Pressed 

 and manufactured menhaden is easier, and we heard of 100 bbls. sold 

 for export at 42^c. 



March 21. 



Menhaden oil is dull and offering more freely, with buyers holding off 

 and bidding 39c. Most sellers are tirm, however, and one of the largest 

 holders asks 45c. for Maine catch. The price is unsettled and nominal, 

 and may advance or decline in the near future! The only transactiou 

 we hear of is 125 lbs, Maine at 41c. Pressed oil is offering low from 

 Boston, bnt a special lot which can be had at 41c. laid down here is 



said to be off quality. 



March 21. 



Menhaden oil is still quiet, bnt the stock is becoming reduced and 

 chiefly in the hands of one party. One parcel of Maine has recently 

 been closed out, though mostly reported by us before. There was in 

 all some 850 bbls., and brought from 41 to 42c. 



March 28. 



Menhaden oil continues quiet, though there is rather more inquiry, 

 some for export, but, as a rule, limits are far below the market price. 

 The only sales we hear of since our last are 70 bbls. for export at 41c., 

 and 50 bbls. for home use at 41c.; both lots were Maine make. We 

 also heard of a sale of 100 bbls. choice pressed at 43^c. 



April 4. 



Menhaden oil has been very dull for some time past and is lower in 

 price, good quality offering here at 40c. without finding buyers. There 

 have been no sales here, but in New Bedford a sale of 500 bbls. dark- 

 colored is reported sold to go to Boston at a private price. The manu- 

 factured fish-oils are in little better demand, but prices are easy. 



April 11. 

 Menhaden oils are easier, as those holding supplies of crude have 

 been anxious to sell, and purchasers could be induced to take stock only 

 by liberal concessions from holders. The trade generally have a sufifi- 



