362 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



the menhaden, an extract similar to the article now so extensively man- 

 ufactured and sold as " extract of beef," and that the jaices of the men- 

 haden were better for this purpose than those of any other fish yet 

 tested. Mr. Goodale is confident that " now, for the first time, is the 

 true function of this fish in the economy of nature recognized," and 

 that the time is not far distant when the pHncipal product sought for 

 from it will bo its concentrated juices, while the quantity of oil and 

 scrap obtained will not be noticeably diminished, as this process util- 

 izes that portion of the fish which has formerly been, and by the present 

 mode of manufacture is still, allowed to go to waste. In support of 

 his discovery, Mr. Goodale quotes from a letter received from that emi- 

 nent and reliable chemist. Prof. Samuel W. Johnson, of Yale College, 

 as follows : " I cannot doubt that the fish extract is entirely new, and, 

 IS food, is equal to beef extract in all respects (except, possibly, in the 

 matter of iron), and, if put into the market in proper shape, would 

 shortly share the patronage now so largely bestowed on beef extract." 

 It is hoped that some practical test of this discovery will soon be made. 



Some interesting facts and figures were presented by Messrs. Mad- 

 docks, Brightman, and Church, upon the shrinkage of fish during the 

 l^rocess of manufacture, and in the difference in yield of scrap from the 

 same number of fish at different factories. 



An article was read from the New York Commercial Bulletin giving 

 some facts concerning the foreign and domestic trade in fish scrap. 

 Some four thousand tons of scrap were stated to have been recently 

 shipped to Liveri^ool and Queenstown, as the result of some experi- 

 mental shipments made last year. There is also a growing demand in 

 the West Indies. It is evident that both the foreign and domestic de- 

 mand for fish scrap is rapidly iucreasiug. 



The following resolution was freely discussed and unanimously passed: 



^^ Hesolved, That all guano or scrap manufactured by members of this 

 association shall be sold at the weight taken at the factory of the 

 seller." 



Particular attention is called to the above resolution, as it is a matter 

 of no little importance whether the scrap is weighed aC the place of 

 shipment or place of delivery, and there is no doubt the buyers of scrap 

 will see the justice of this resolution and readily accede to it. All 

 present pledged themselves to rigidly adhere to the resolution. 



An adjourned meeting of the association will be held at the Aldrich 

 House, Providence, E. I., on Wednesday, April 5, 1876, at 10 o'clock 

 a. m. 



H. L. DUDLEY, Secretary. 



New Haven, January 15, 1876. 



