320 eeport of commissioner of fish and fisheries. 



January 21. 



Menhaden oil is higher and in more demand, but the advance checks 

 sales for the moment. There are no lots to be had for less than 45c., 

 ■with 44^c. bid and refused. There was a sale last Wednesday of 150 

 bbls. for exjiort at 43c., and since 50 bbls. for home use at 44c., and 

 10,000 gallons in casks to arrive at 42Jc. 



January 28. 



Menhaden oil has not been so active the past week, buyers and sellers 

 being apart in their views ; sales are 300 bbls., at 44c. 



There are several lots ofifering at 45c., and buyers have bid 44c. 



February 4. 



Menhaden oil has been in good demand, and the market is very firm, 

 with an upward tendency. There have been considerable sales during 

 the past week, part said to be for export. We note the following lots 

 sold : 1,500 bbls. Maine oil to come here ; 1,500 bbls. to an Eastern man- 

 ufacturer ; 1,542 bbls. and 50 casks other kinds, and 400 bbls. direct 

 from manufacturers are reported at 45c. The market closes at 45c. bid, 

 and 47|c. asked. 



Boston reports Feb. 2d : " Menhaden oil nearly all in first hands has 

 been closed out at 42J to 43c, ; some are holding at 45c., but it does not 

 find ready sale at this price." 



February 11. 



Menhaden oil has ruled quiet but firm, 45c. having been bid and re- 

 fused ; 47^c. is asked. Sales since our last, 382 bbls. at 45c. Boston 

 reports Feb. 9 : " Menhaden oil has been sold at 42 to 44c., and only a 

 small quantity remains in first hands that is held at 45c." 



February 18. 



Menhaden oil has ruled quiet the past week, but is very firm in price, 

 46c. having been bid for shipment. The sales are 300 bbls. for home 

 use, at 47^c. Boston reports, Feb. 16th : " Menhaden — a sale of 700 

 bbls. has been made on private terms ; the curriers are not doing much, 

 so the demand for fish-oils is very light, and prices are no higher than 

 last week." 



February 25. 



Menhaden oil quiet and hardly so firm ; 100 bbls. reported sold from 

 a dealer's hands, at 47.^c. ; 50 bbls. from dock at 45c., and to-day a lot 

 was offered on dock at 40c., but was not sold up to a late hour this 

 afternoon. 



March 4. 



Menhaden oil is quiet, and with a light jobbing demand, and dealers 

 well stocked up, the toue is not strong. Sales of 50 bbls. for export on 

 private terms, and 60 for home use at 45c., at which price there are other 

 buyers. 



March 11. 



Menhaden oil is dull, and but few sales are making ; some lots arriv- 

 ing have been stored, as holders will not submit to any concession in 



