REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [^G2] 



a slight chance of their being able to increase their catch sufficient to 

 meet their expenses. As a general thing the southern fishery does not 

 pay to follow. The fleet to these waters every year diminishes, and 

 will eventually be abandoned. — (Gloucester Telegraph, June 10, 1837.) 



1857. — The price of mackerel enhanced by the demand for 

 shipments to california and australia. 



The active demand for mackerel for shipment to California and Aus- 

 tralia, says the Boston Traveller, and the comparatively small catch 

 thus far has caused an upward tendency in prices, and speculators are 

 now paying for No. 2 $12.50, large 3's $9, and small 3's $8 per barrel, 

 which are higher prices than we have ever before known. Heretofore 

 Philadelphia has controlled the market for these fish, but the New 

 Yorkers are now attempting to get this trade in their hands, and it is 

 resulting very favorable to the fishermen. As new markets are being 

 opened for shipment, an impetus will be given to this branch of busi- 

 ness heretofore unknown. Additions are making to the fleet in all our 

 fishing ports, and upon the arrival of the bay men there is considerable 

 competition by the New York and Philadelphia agents to secure fares. 

 * * * — (Gloucester Telegraph, August 5, 1857.) 



1857. — Unfavorable reports from the bay. 



A vessel arrived from the Bay of Saint Lawrence yesterday reported 

 that the vessels have done but little during the last four or five weeks. 

 Mackerel were scarce and the weather very rougb. During one fort- 

 night but two days were obtained in which the vessel could go out to 

 fish. Some of the vessels were coming home with half fares. — (Glou- 

 cester Telegraph, October 3, 1857.) 



1857. — Mackerel schooners stranded in the bay. 



A dispatch received in town this morning reports that eleven [Glou- 

 cester] vessels went ashore at Cheticamp last Thursday * * * — 

 (Gloucester Telegraph, November 3, 1857.) 



1857. — High line of the mackerel fleet. 

 i 

 Capt. George Janovin, of the schooner "Eleanor," which arrived yes- 

 terday, has made three trips to Bay Chaleur, and packed out 600 barrels 

 of mackerel. This being the largest fare caught, Captain Janovin will 

 be entitled to wear the laurels for this, season. — (N~ewburyport Herald. 

 — (Gloucester Telegraph, November 11, 1857.) 



1857. — Reminiscences of capt. j. w. collins. 



This was another year when mackerel were plentiful in the Gulf of 

 Saint Lawrence, and at this time a considerable percentage of them 



