HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MENHADEN. 331 



of cod oil recently, which meets with a steady sale. Boston reports, 

 April 12tL: "Menhaden oil is very quiet; curriers are doing little; hence 

 the demand is light. The manufacturers ask 43. 'a) 45c., and dealers 

 offer 40c." 



April 21. 

 Menhaden is strong, and in rather more demand, with a sale of 130 

 bbls. brown oil at 40c., while light would probably bring 4ic. Boston 

 reports, April 19th: ''Menhaden oil is held firmly by manufacturers at 

 43 €> 45c., but sales are light. Dealers are willing to pay 40c. Some 

 sales have been made on private terms, probably at about this price." 



April 28. 



Menhaden oil has taken quite another turn, considerabls lots having 

 been sold for shipment; and now that most other oils have advanced, 

 the prospects are that the advance in menhaden will be maintained, 

 even though the early fishing should be very good. The sales since our 

 last have been as large as at any previous time, and create considera- 

 ble excitement. The particulars of the transactions have been 1,600 

 bbls. Maine oil, in New Bedford, for export, on private terms, and 3,300 

 bbls. do., for home use, at 42^c. In this market the sales have been 

 150 bbls. ordinary, at 40c. ; GOO bbls. do., at 41c. ; 100 bbls. inferior, ou 

 private terms, and 50 bbls. Maine, at 44c., with 45c. asked for the same 

 at the close. 



May 5. 



Menhaden oil has ruled firm in price, and some of our dealers have 

 been buying quite freely and paying the advance asked by holders. 

 The stock is now reduced to a small amount in first hands. The fisher- 

 men of Long Island, Connecticut, &c., will " try their luck " on the 15th 

 of this month, and the immediate future of prices depends somewhat on 

 the first catch. Sales here of 150 bbls. Maine oil, at 45c. 



May 12. 



Menhaden oil is just between seasons and hard to report. Some of 

 our dealers have good stocks and some very little. The recent large 

 sale in New Bedford, at high prices, it was thought would have ad- 

 vanced prices here, but we do not notice much improvement. The 

 fishermen, generally, put out their nets yesterday, and expected large 

 hauls if the weather would prove favorable, and the present indications 

 are that there will be a season of warm, bright weather. We hear that 

 some fish have been taken at Greenport, and oil in small quantities is 

 expected here in ten days or two weeks. The success of the early catch- 

 will, without doubt, have a great influence on prices. Of course all the 

 first oil is brown and light colored ; Maine will not be affected by it, but 

 of this kind there seems to be a good supply in the hands of dealers. 

 Since our last two lots were offered, to arrive, both near at hand, and one 

 of 300 bbls. sold at 41 per cent., and 140 bbls., now in, at 42 per cent. A 

 nice sweet lot of brown was offering at 43c., but could not be obtained-. 



