HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MENHADEN. 309 



July 3. 

 Meuliadeu has suddenly become scarce, and with some dealers short; 

 the price has advanced as rapidly again as it declined. At the close we 

 hear of one lot, about 45 bbls. light, offering, on which 47c. is said to 

 have been bid and refused ; the holder asks 48c. If any lots should be 

 otiered, this price could not be obtained, as shipiiers cannot pay more 

 than 41c. We learn from Maine that the fish are more abundant, but 

 do not yield largely. 



July 10. 



The market for menhaden has ruled quite irregular since our last ; 

 the arrivals at the close, however, are more free and prices are lower, 

 but more uniform. There have been some lots taken for shipment, and 

 the low prices ruling a short time ago will hardlj^ again be reached. 

 The sales are 142 bbls. prime at 43c.; 200 bbls. at 41ic.; and 450 bbls., 

 part for shipment, on private terms, though some at considerably above 

 the prices obtained for the above lots. There is a fair trade for pressed 

 at 48c. 



July 17. 



The market for menhaden at the close is firm, owing to light arrivals 

 this week. The trade talk a small catch, and say prices will probably 

 rule higher. Last week there were sales of 200 bbls. at 43Jc. for prime 

 and 42c. for inferior, and 70 bbls. prime light at 44 ® 45c. The demand 

 for strained is fair. 



July 24. 



Menhaden has been in rather moderate supply during the past week, 

 and prices rule firm. At the close the advices from the fishermen are 

 that they are catching more fish, and the yield is good. We note sales 

 6{ 05 bbls. choice light at 43 c, and 50 bbls. brown at 40c. 



July 31. 



There has been more activity in menhaden than any other kind of oil 

 on our list. The amount coming forward is small, and barely enough 

 to supply the wants of the trade, causing i)rices again to advance. 

 Heretofore the yield of the fish has been very small, but at the close to- 

 day we hear that the run has suddenly become fat, and above an ordi- 

 nary yield is now obtained. The sales are 104 bbls. choice brown at 46c. ; 

 50 bbls. do. at 4Gc. ; 40 bbls. racked at 46c. ; 20 bbls. gurry at 25c. ; 25 

 bbls. strictly winter pressed at 55c.; and a rumor, which, however, was 

 not confirmed, of a lot of choice crude at 47c. 



August 7. 



Menhaden this week has been in better supply, and is quoted very 

 much lower at the close. The catch is better and the yield fair for this 

 season of the year; receipts since our last have been about 200 bbls., 

 which sold at from 43c. for nice brown to 46c. for choice light; at the 

 close we hear that a lot of 400 bbls. prime brown was offered, to arrive, 

 at 43c. 



