HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN MENHADEN. 327 



here, at 42ic. cash ; and later we hear that a further sale has been made 

 in New Bedford, to come here, of about 1,000 bbls. more. 



Boston reports, Oct. 2Gth : " Menhaden oil is decidedly firmer, and held 

 at 42^ fa) 45c.; sales of 1,000 bbls., at 40c. and 42ic., and holders are 

 certain that it will bring 45c. within a short time. The season has 

 closed, and the oil has been placed with the exception of about 2,000 



bbls." 



November 4. 



Menhaden oil is rather more quiet, and we think the upward tendency 

 checked for the .present. The recent large sales supplied those who 

 were short. For the last few days the fish have been very fat and much 

 handsome oil has been made from them, and while we believe the stock 

 to be undoubtedly small, we think that it is generally underestimated. 



Boston reports, Nov. 2d : " Menhaden oil firm and scarce. Sales have 

 been made at 42c., and at close 45c. is asked, and very little oil in the 

 market. Should a brisk demand spring up this market would soon be 

 cleared out." 



November 11. 



Menhaden oil is easier than at the date of our last. The unusually 

 fine weather during the week has been favorable for taking fish, which 

 have been very abundant, but we learn are becoming less plenty toward 

 the close, and that some of the boats' crews have stopped for the season. 

 Buyers have for the present a full supply, and sellers have been obliged 

 to accept as low as 40c. for brown and 41c. for light oil today, though 

 this would seem to be bottom, as this price is bid by others, and most 

 holders ask from 43 to 45c. When fishing ceases entirely there may be 

 an improvement in prices again. There was a rumor in the market 

 about two weeks ago that most of the menhaden in the English markets 

 had been bought for American account. This proves to be a fiict, as we 

 now learn. 



November 18. 



- Menhaden oil has again become easier, and at the close nice light oil 

 cannot be quoted at better than 40c. One party claims to have been 

 bid this price for shipment, while from an equally reliable source we are 

 informed that a cargo of 400 bbls. was offered at this price, and the best 

 bid being 38c., it was returned to the manufacturers' factory. Some 

 parties who have oil stored in this city are holding at 45 ® 50c. The 

 close is quiet. The sales during the week have been 500 bbls. Maine oil, 

 in New Bedford, at 42 Jc. ; 60 bbls. choice Long Island sold here at 41c., 

 and 150 bbls. at 40 ® 40ic. 



Boston reports, Nov. 16th : " Menhaden oil is selling afc 42c. ; stocks 

 light, and should business spring up oil will advance." 



November 25. 

 Menhaden has not been pressed for sale the past week, which would, 

 however, have had a bad effect on the market. Receivers are looking 

 about for export orders to relieve our market. Exporters claim that they 



