REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [232j 



1838. — The spring fishery. 



The Philadelphia Daily Advertiser states that large quantities of mack- 

 erel have been taken during the last month, within 10 or 15 miles of 

 Cape Henlopen. One boat from Portland took in one day 45 barrels. — 

 (Gloucester Telegraph, July 21, 1838.) 



1838. — Scarcity of mackerel in gulf of saint lawrence. 



Arrived, schooner Metamora, from Bay Chaleur, with 13,000 [cod] 

 fish. Reports tish plenty, but mackerel very scarce ; could not obtain 

 them in sufficient quantities for bait. — (Gloucester Telegraph, July 25. 

 1838.) 



1838. — Excellent quality and abundance of mackerel in Mas- 

 sachusetts bay. 



Our oldest fishermen have never kuownthe season when fat mackerel 

 were so plenty about our shores as they have been for a week or two 

 past. On Sunday last (in these times people will fish on Sunday) at 

 least 150 barrels were taken just off the shore opposite Eastern Point, 

 by wherries and a few larger craft ; and for size and fatness, the samples- 

 which came under our observation were altogether superior to any we 

 had ever before seen. One of these beauties was exhibited by a gen- 

 tleman, which weighed upwards of three pounds, and the fat upon him 

 measured an inch in thickness. — (Gloucester Telegraph, September 12,. 

 1838.) 



The [mackerel] fishermen have brought in larger fares the last week. 

 The vessels that have cruised around the shores of the Cape, have taken 

 from 100 to 150 barrels during the last four weeks. The vessels in the 

 Bay of Fundy are reported doing well ; those off Mount Desert and the 

 eastern shore have taken very few fish. — (Yarmouth Register.) 



1838. — Prosperity of the mackerel fishery. 



"The Fishing Business. — Joyfully do we announce prosperity in this- 

 line of the business. Our bay seldom exhibits its late appearance, dur- 

 ing the week past, from our office window. Oftentimes we could numer- 

 ate 100 sail of fishermen, and on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday lastj. 

 200 to 250 sail were counted, making a splendid sight. Mackerel have 

 bitten for the past week remarkably well. Considering the industry 

 and enterprise which lie at the root, no more imposing appearance 

 can be witnessed than that of 200 or 250 sail of vessels spreading their 

 bleached canvas to the wind, and gliding gently along on the coast. 

 On Saturday we understand that the schooner 'Roxana,' of Wellfleet y 

 was run afoul of by the ' Columbia,' of Dennis, by which accident she 

 was dismasted. We co not learn that any other serious injury was sus- 

 tained."— (Barnstable Patriot, September 12. 1838.) 



