376 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [286] 



heavy body of mackerel at Margaree, on the north shore of Cape Bre- 

 ton Island. Our vessel was small, being 49 tons, new measurement, 

 but with a crew of ten men we caught 100 wash-barrels the first day at 

 Margaree, while several of the larger schooners, carrying crews from 

 sixteen to nineteen men, secured catches ranging all the way from 100 

 to 150 wash-barrels. Strong winds and stormy weather prevented us 

 from fishing for a couple of days after this, but in the two or three fine 

 days which occurred during the week we succeeded in obtaining more 

 than enough mackerel to fill all the barrels we had on board. Our catch 

 for the season, from July to October 20, amounted to about 775 sea- 

 packed barrels. Some of the largest vessels of the fleet, which re- 

 mained in the bay the entire season, landing their fish and refitting at 

 Canso, were reported as catching 1,200 or 1,500 barrels. These vessels, 

 however, began their season's work early in June. The great abun- 

 dance of mackerel brought down the prices very much in the fall, so that 

 No. 1 fish, which brought more than $20 per barrel at midsummer, were 

 sold for about $14 in November. 



In the chapter on "Financial profits of the mackerel hook-fishery," 

 printed above, may be found an account of several large stocks made 

 by vessels fishing in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence in 1864. 



1865. — First arrivai.s from the bay of saint Lawrence. 



There have been five arrivals from the Bay of Saint Lawrence the pres- 

 ent week, all bringing good fares. The mackerel are mostly 3's and 

 will meet with a ready sale, as the market is quite bare. The prospect 

 for a successful season's catch is most encouraging. — (Cape Ann Adver- 

 tiser, July 21, 1865.) 



1865. — Abundance of mackerel on the coast of maine. — big 

 catches vpith a purse seine. 



The Portland Argus of Wednesday says that mackerel were never 

 more plenty than at present. A vessel went out last Thursday and 

 secured 110 barrels, returned to Portland, discharged, and was off again 

 on Saturday. On the latter day she secured 120 barrels. They were 

 caught by seining, and the top of the water is said to be literally cov- 

 ered with fish. — (Cape Ann Advertiser, July 21, 1865.) 



1865. — Arrival of daymen. — prices. — the shore fleet. 



The baymen have arrived pretty freely the past week, with good 

 fares. The mackerel are mostly poor, and do not bring very remunera- 

 tive prices. Last season the first trips were sold at $13 and $11 for the 

 large and medium 3's ; this year they have been sold for $8.50 and $6.50. 

 Most of the vessels will return home to refit instead of landing their 

 mackerel at the bay, as was the case last year — a project which resulted 

 very unfavorably to those engaged in the business, as the expense of 



