322 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



May 6. 



Menhaden oil Las been more active, holders meeting the views of buy- 

 ers, with the approach of warm weather and the fishing season. Sales 

 are 250 bbls. for export at 41c. ; 400 bbls. for home use at 40c. ; and 

 700 bbls. for home use on private terms. Boston reports, May 4th : 

 " Menhaden — a sale of 400 bbls. for export was made at 40c., but it is 

 held higher at close. The news from the seal fishery is of a very dis- 

 couraging nature, and the first news is more than verified. This must 

 advance menhaden and whale oils." 



May 13. 



Menhaden oil has been quiet, with small offerings recently. There 

 has been some inquiry at late prices, but the only lots coming forward 

 since our last have been small inferior ones, and sold at irregular prices; 

 the new catch has been fair for so early in the season. 



May 20. 



Menhaden oil has ruled quiet with small arrivals. Prices have not 

 improved. One lot of 175 bbls. came in during the week, and sold for 

 shipment at 40Ac., at which price there are buyers for export. The new 

 catch is reported as very favorable, but none has as yet made its ap- 

 pearance in market. Pressed fish, sold to the extent of 50 bbls. at 44c. 

 Strained choice menhaden oil is in some demand, and 25 bbls. sold at 

 47c. 



May 27. 



Menhaden oil is quiet ; there is not much coming forward, but dealers 

 will buy only such lots as they actually need. The new catch has been 

 reported less favorable the past week on account of the cold and stormy 

 weather. Sales are reported of 50 bbls. new oil, the first of the season 

 at 40c., and and 160 bbls. old at 40c. Boston reports, May 25th: "Men- 

 haden oil dull, and not much demand for home consumption ; several 

 lots have been shipped at about 40c." 



June 3. 



Menhaden oil is beginning to come forward more freely ; but holders 

 have not as ^et offered below 40c., and one lot of 50 bbls. is reported at 

 that price. The new catch is reported as more favorable than any pre- 

 ceding year at this time, but manufacturers say it will not pay to make 

 at much below present prices. 



June 10. 



Menhaden has been offering freely, and some lots have been pressed 

 for sale from dock, and low prices have been named on them. Buyers 

 will not take hold except as they need for actual wants, and prices are 

 low, without much business. Sales, 75 bbls. on private terms, and some 

 small parcels at 37 © 3Sc. from dock. There has been some inquiry for 

 pressed for export, and 125 bbls. sold at 46c. 



June 17. 



ifeuhaden oil is coming to hand freely and has to be sold at prices 

 which exporters are willing to pay ; there have been sales of 125 bbls. 



