FOREIGN FISHERY-TRADE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



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62. Statement of the imports of canned lobsters into the United States during each of the 

 ten years ending June 30, 1S94. 



It is much cheaper to can lobsters in the British North American 

 Provinces than in the United States. In this country the 9-inch lob- 

 sters cost about $1.25 per 100; the wages of men in canneries range 

 from $1.50 to $2 per day, and women and boys receive from 75 cents to 

 $1 per day. In the Provinces the lobsters cost about 75 cents per 100; 

 the men's wages are about $ I, while women and boys receive only about 

 50 cents per day. In addition to this, there is a duty on the tin in the 

 United States, while that article is free of duty in the Provinces. 



Fifteen years ago London was the principal market of the world for 

 canned lobsters, England, France, and Germany receiving about three- 

 fourths of the entire product. At that time the world's output amounted 

 to about 100,000 cases of 18 one-pound cans. Comparatively few were 

 then consumed in the United States; but the consumption has steadily 

 increased in this country, so that while the total pack has now decreased 

 to about 250,000 cases a year, the United States consumes about 110,000 

 cases, or 11 per cent of the entire yield. 



Import duties in various countries. — Canned lobsters have at all times 

 been imported into the United States free of duty, but by the tariff act of 

 1874 a tax of li cents was imposed on each can containing this product. 

 In 1890 this duty was reduced to 8 cents per dozen cans, to take effect 

 July 1, 1891. The customs law of 1891 did not provide for this duty. 



