history of the american menhaden. 341 



March 8. 



Meiihaclen oil is in the same position it has been for a long time past, 

 not enough doing to make a market. Dealers have a supply for their 

 dull trade, and no further export orders in market. There are a very 

 few parcels held by first hands, and these are not pressing for sale ; 

 only one do we hear offering at 48c. Dealers are generally inclined to 

 work off stocks of bank and strails at quoted rates. 



March 15. 



Menhaden has sold in this market since the lot for shipment at 4Sc., 

 as follows: 50 bbls. at 48c., and 100 bbls. to arrive at 4Gc. There has 

 been a sale in New Bedford of 300 bbls. at 4Gc. there to come here. 



March 23. 

 Menhaden has not sold since our last, notwithstanding some commer- 

 cial journals reported sales of 2,000 bbls. This lot has not been sold, 

 and is now offering. Several weeks ago a bid of 45c. was made on it 

 delivered in New Bedford, but the holder refused to sell. We heard of 

 50 bbls. dogfish selling here at 47c. Tanners are buying very sparingly. 



March 29. 



Mehaden is dull, none pressing for sale ; no demand except at low 

 l)rices. Holders ask 50c. ; buyers would pay 45c. 



April 5. 



Menhaden is generally quiet, but there has been a lot of 300 bbls. sold 

 at a private price, reported at about 4Gc. in store. 



April 12. 



Menhaden is rather uncertain. Fishing will commence in about a 

 month, if the weather is warm. Trade is dull. The stock is light. 

 Holders do not want to part with their goods unless at full or an ad- 

 vanced price, while buyers are inclined to act with great caution, and not 

 take unless at a concession. Since our last, a lot of IGO bbls., said to 

 be Maine rejections, sold on private terms, and to-day we hear a rumor 

 that 1,000 bbls. of Maine sold in New Bedford to a manufacturer at 4Gc. 

 or better. If this is so, it will leave only about 1,300 bbls. in first hands, 

 and probably a very moderate stock with dealers. We note sales of 75 

 bbls. bleached, at 52c. 



April 19. 



Menhaden has not sold since our last report, but the feeling is easier, 

 and the choicest lots can now be had at 45c. The first fishing steamer 

 "will be started out the 27th of this month, by V. Koon & Son. The 

 stock of oil is small, but probably more than can be sold before the new 

 reaches the market. There was a sale of 100 bbls. bleached, at 50c. 



April 2G. 

 Crude menhaden is in a peculiar position. If a large lot were forced 

 on the market, a low price would have to be taken, and there are one or 

 two large parcels which could be bought at easier prices, but the hold- 

 ers are not willing to accept any decline for small portions of them. 



