REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [266] 



large schools for some years past, are now plenty. — Newburyport Her- 

 ald. — (Gloucester Telegraph, October 13, 1858.) 



1858. — Mackerel market. — doings of the shore fleet. 



Since last reported the market has been inactive. The shore licet of 

 mackerel catchers do not report any success. Last sales at $r_'.50, 

 $10.50, and $8.31, for Nos. 1, 2, and 3. — (Gloucester Telegraph, October 

 27, 1858.) 



The Yarmouth Begister reports the arrival last week of a fleet of 

 some 50 sail of fishermen at Wellfleet, with from 10 to 25 barrels each. 

 They sailed again on Tuesday for another three weeks' cruise, and if not 

 more fortunate their gross earnings will be very small. — (Gloucester 

 Telegraph, November 3, 1858.) 



Over 100 sail of mackerel catchers, says the Proviucetown Banner, 

 tarried in our harbor over Sunday. As yet they have not paid their way, 

 but still have a faint hope to do something before winter sets in. * * * 

 — (Gloucester Telegraph, November 10, 1858.) 



1858. — Success of the Gloucester baymen. 



Before the last of the present month the last of our fishing fleet will have 

 returned and the season will be finished. S >me time since, in the midst 

 of discouraging news from the bay fleet of mackerel catchers, we ven- 

 tured to predict that they would bring at least one full fare of mackerel 

 which would command high prices. All that have returned up to the 

 present writing have proved the truth of our prediction, and those 

 which are yet to come — about 75 sail — if the last news be reliable, will 

 bring average fares. * * * But reports from other places seem to 

 indicate that the business has been almost a failure this season. The 

 Cape Cod fishermen, especially, as we learn, have been peculiarly unfor- 

 tunate. Their vessels sent into the bay early, but the poor prospect 

 discouraged them, and they returned borne to meet the same hard luck, 

 and unless they meet with remarkable success in the few days that re- 

 main of the season, vessels and crews will be deeply in debt. — (Glouces- 

 ter Telegraph, November 13, 1858.) 



1858. — The top and bottom of the mackerel fishery. 



One of our vessels recently arrived from the bay with a fine fare, 

 the total proceeds of which amounted to $4,234. As a contrast to this 

 we will mention the fact that one which had been absent a number of 

 weeks brought home only 37 barrels. — (Gloucester Telegraph, Novem- 

 ber 24, 1858.) 



1858. — Last arrival from the bay. 



The last of the bay fleet that was expected to arrive made her appear- 

 ance on Saturday. — (Gloucester Telegraph, December 1, 1858.) 



