FOREIGN FISHERY-TRADE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



445 



A series of tables is next presented, showing in detail the quantities 

 and values of the various kinds of fishery products included in each 

 classification noted in the preceding table. 



The fresh fish consist principally of various sea fish received from 

 Nova Scotia, fish caught on the north side of the Great Lakes, and of 

 salmon. The extent of these imports increased almost constantly until 

 1891, when a duty of one-fourth of a cent per pound was imposed on 

 herring and three-fourths of a cent on salmon and all other fresh fish, 

 all being admitted free of duty previous to that time. While this duty 

 had little effect on the receipts of salmon and other valuable species, 

 yet it diminished very considerably the imports of cheaper fish, such as 

 hake, herring, etc. The average value of all fresh fish received in 1889 

 was only $1.92 per 100 pounds; in 1891 it was $4.87 per 100 pounds, 

 the increase being due almost entirely to an elimination of the cheap 

 grades. The customs returns do not present a very extensive classifi- 

 cation of the fresh fish imported, but such returns as are available are 

 given in Table 8. 



8. Statement of the fresh fish imported for consumption into the United Stairs during each 

 year from 1S7.2 to 1894, inclusive. 



a Classed with "All others." 



