[261] HISTORY OF THE MACKEREL FISHERY. 



twenty-five barrels, we would riot save more than two or three barrels. 

 The result of this was that a large part of the best fishing season passed 

 away almost unimproved by us. In the end, after four months absence, 

 we had to return home with only 160 barrels of mackerel, considerably 

 less than a full fare. 



1856. — Eelative importance of the shore and gulf of saint 

 lawrence mackerel fisheries. 



According to the Cape Ann Advertiser, the shore mackerel fishery in 

 1856 was very unsatisfactory, the mackerel refusing to take the hook. 

 The bay fishery was fairly successful. 



1856. — The mackerel fishery of new England. 



The Gloucester Advertiser of January, 1857, reviews the season of 

 1856 in the following manner: 



"The first trips to the bay were very successful, and the prospect to 

 the 1st of September very encouraging. The catch of mackerel ex- 

 ceedingly large. Mackerel, however, have rated low, and the poor 

 success of the last trips to the bay proved very disastrous, and rendered 

 the closing up of the season's work very poor. Many of the vessels 

 have not paid their current expenses, and empty barrels and salt are 

 left on the owners' hands." 



1856. — Reminiscences of capt. j. w. collins. 



In the summer of 1856 the small mackerel which were found the year 

 before in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence had increased in size so that they 

 ranged in length from about twelve to tw r elve and a half inches ; though 

 at this time, scarcely any large fish were found in the schools. In July 

 I went on a mackerel trip to the Gulf in the schooner "Good Intent." 

 After trving a week round the northern part of Prince Edward Island 

 and on Bank Bradley, we went to the Magdalen Islands, where, about 

 the eastern end of the group, we found mackerel abundant, and suc- 

 ceeded in obtaining a full fare in two or three weeks. After return- 

 ing home and packing out our trip, we fished off the New England 

 shore but found mackerel rather scarce, and, like those in the Gulf, of 

 medium size. Many of the vessels did excellently well mackerel fish- 

 ing in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence this year, bringing home two full 

 fares. 



1857. — Slim doings of the southern fleet. 



Accounts from the southern fisheries have been received. The Bos- 

 ton Traveller says the catch has been very slim. A few vessels from 

 ISTewburyport were reported. The "Atlas" had the largest number, 80 

 barrels ; " Roanoke," 21 ; " Tyro," 10. The two first weeks of this month 

 being considered the best of the fishing season in those waters, there is 



