356 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



ever, of sales of 150 bbls. here at 410., and hear that there has been some 



business done in the East at 47c. 



A letter from Xew Haven, dated October 8, 1S77, says: " The stormy 



weather of a portion of last week reduced what would have been a small 



catch of menhaden anyway to a very meagre amount. They ran one 



grade better than previously, and it is hoped a radical change of quality 



is very near. Fishermen in the usnal quality of their 'devotions' are 



praying for quiet weather." 



October 17. 



Menhaden oil still rules very firm with few lots to be had. There 

 have been some sales of Sound made at 44 © 45c., with none offering 

 at the close that wo hear of. In reference to the catch we have the fol- 

 lowing under date of October 15, 1877 : 



"There were but two fishing days last week on Long Island Sound, 

 owing to winds. The catch was good as to quantity, but still poor in 

 quality. The season lasts but about a month longer, and impatience is 

 felt for the appearance of fat fish." 



October 24. 



Menhaden has come to hand more freely the past week than at any time 

 this season, and indirectly we hear that fishing at Proviucetown and 

 vicinity is good; that several of the Elaine factories are running on the 

 Ush their boats catch there, and that there is a possibility of the de- 

 ficiency being yet nearly made up, the fish being very fat. The stocks 

 here in the hands of dealers are very light, but they also report a 

 very moderate demand, tanuprs using cod, degras, and other greases in 

 place of menhaden. There is a cargo of GOO bbls. of Maine oil in, a part 

 of which is reported sold to a dealer at 4Gc., and sales are said to have 

 been made in Xew Bedford at as high as 47c. There were sales here, 

 bowever, of prime light Sound make of 100 bbls. on spot at 45c., and 100 

 bbls. to arrive at 45c., with the close easy. Bleached is easy, and we 

 do not hear of any late sales ; holders ask 52 Q 52|^c. 



From Xew Haven, October 20, 1877, a correspondent says : 



" We do not hear that a menhaden has been caught this week any- 

 where west of Massachusetts. It is hoped to be the interval between 

 the change of plays, where the farce ends and the solid piece begins. 

 Fat fish are now looked for daily." 



October 31, 1877. 



Menhaden has been quiet the past week, the lots coming in having 

 mostly been placed before arrival. We only hear of a lot of 75 bbls. 

 choice, which brought 45c., and other lots are offering at this figure. 



November 7. 

 Menhaden oil has been offering more freely, and with buyers' ideas a 

 little lower. Sales have been made of 500 bbls. at 44 <a) 45c. Bleached 

 winter is quoted higher by some parties, but can still be had at 52.V © 



53c. Bank and Straits are steady. 



November 14, 1877. 



Menhaden oil has been in fair request during the past week and par- 



