FOREIGN FISHERY-TRADE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



515 



Import duties on canned salmon. — The rates of duty imposed in vari- 

 ous foreign countries on canned salmon imported therein are shown in 

 the appended compilation. The rate in the United States is 20 per cent 

 ad valorem. 



57. 



Statement showing approximately the rates of import duty in various countries on 



con ned salmon. 



VIII.— OYSTERS. 



Origin and extent of export trade. — In this branch of trade with 

 foreign countries the United States acts as a producer entirely, no 

 oysters whatever being imported into this country. The exported 

 product is probably about evenly divided between fresh and canned 

 oysters, although the form of the customs returns does not permit a 

 separation of the two classes. 



The export trade is divided into three branches, viz, the shipment 

 (1) of canned oysters, (2) of shucked oysters in tubs, etc., and (3) of 

 barreled oysters. 



The exportation of canned oysters began about 1804, and increased 

 until about 1875, since which year it has been quite constant. 



The foreign trade in shucked oysters in kegs and barrels has been 

 confined largely to Canada, Mexico, Cuba, and other countries con- 

 veniently located, and originated with the development of the oyster 

 trade in this country and the establishment of facilities for shipping to 

 those countries. 



The barrel trade in shell oysters has been almost entirely from ~New 

 York to Liverpool, only those oysters produced between New Haven, 

 Conn., and Barnegat, N\ J., being utilized. This trade began about 



