504 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



SARDINES. 



Sardine imports. — The importation of sardines into this country was 

 begun about 1835, since which time they have been the principal 

 fishery product imported. From 1858 to 1894, inclusive, the value of 

 the sardines imported for consumption has amounted to $26,567,457. 

 During each of four years, 1880, 1891, 1892, and 1893, the value has 

 exceeded $1,000,000, the trade in 1893 surpassing that of any previous 

 year. The smallest importations since 1872 have been $610,705 in 

 1875 5 $587,880 in 1870; and $677,068 in 1885. 



Table 49 shows the value of the sardines imported during each of 

 the thirty-seven years ending June 30, 1894. The custom-house 

 returns do not indicate the quantity imported prior to 1876. 



49. Statement of the sardines imported for consumption into the United States from 1858 



to 1894, inclusive. 



The packing of sardines began in this country about 1875 and has 

 gradually increased in importance, though it was confined within com- 

 paratively narrow limits until 1880. Since 1886 the value of the annual 

 output of domestic sardines has averaged about $2,000,000, nearly all 

 of which are consumed in this country. There is some foreign trade in 



