history of the american menhaden. 307 



March 6. 

 Menliaden has been quiet for a long time past, and holders appear 

 more anxious to sell. We hear that sales have been made of 300 bbls. 

 prime, on private terms, though understood to be below 54c. 



March 13. 



Menhaden has been quiet ; the dealers are doing very little, and will 

 not buy unless at a decline from former prices. The sales are 120 bbls. 

 light at 53c. We note the arrival of the first lot of the oil returned from 

 the other side, some 8,000 galls ; there are about 42,000 galls, more on 

 the way. Pressed fish oil meets with a slow sale. 



March 20. 



Menhaden has moved a little more freely, but tlie sellers have been 

 forced to accept lower prices ; the close is, however, considered more firm, 

 as the Boston combination may have some effect on this market. The 

 only sale we hear of is a lot of 150 bbls. prime, at 52c. cash. There is 

 a little better demand for pressed, and we note 30 bbls. sold at 60^c., 

 and 50 bbls. at 60c. 



March 27. 



Menhaden has been bought quite largely during the past week, which 

 has had the effect of advancing prices ; the sales are about 550 bbls., at 

 54 ® 55c., the latter for choice light, though at the close the highest 

 price is said to have been bid for brown. Pressed meets with a fair 

 sale ; 2,500 gallons sold at 59 ® Clc, the lowest price for inferior, and 

 1,500 gallons choice winter at 64c. 



* April 3. 



Menhaden oil remains firm, and 58c. would be low for nice oil; some 

 lots might be obtained at 55c., but it would be off in color. The com- 

 bination is having some effect, and how long it will last is more than 

 can be predicted. 



April 10. 



Menhaden is scarce ; there was too much shipped, which has left the 

 market bare. Handsome is held at 60c. 



April 17. 



Menhaden is firmer, and with the failure of the seal-fishery all grades 

 of fish-oil will be in demand at advanced rates; 60c. for clean, hand- 

 some parcels might be obtained, and some ask an advance on this price. 



April 24. 

 Menhaden is quiet but firm ; the principal holder asks 05c., bat some 

 others are quoting 62c. There have been no sales, but in New Bedford 

 400 bbls. sold to go to Boston, at 60c. 



May 1. 

 Menhaden remains scarce & firm. 60 © 62c. for handsome. There was 

 too much shipped. 



i\lAY 8. 

 Menhaden, as reported at the date of our last, is weak. We reported 

 the market "less buoyant" last week and quoted choice at 60 ® 62c. in 



