[283] HISTORY OF THE MACKEREL FISHERY. 



did not succeed in finding them. I have never, at any other time, with 

 the experience of twenty-two years in the mackerel fishery, caught 

 mackerel so far south in the fall as we did on this occasion. The exact 

 date of this last catch I do not now remember, and can only say that it 

 was some time about the middle of November. 



1863. — First mackerel in Massachusetts bay. 



The first mackerel were taken in the vicinity of Gloucester May 26. 



1863. — Southern mackerel fishery. 



There will be but few vessels engaged in this branch of the fishery 

 the present season, owing to the low price of poor mackerel and the 

 great expense which attends fitting out vessels for this business. Salt 

 which sold last year for $2 is now worth $4 per hogshead. Barrels have 

 also advanced considerably; in fact, everything in shape of outfits for 

 mackerel trips has nearly doubled in price. There is but one vessel 

 fitting away at the present time, and we are informed that not more 

 than six vessels at most will prosecute the business this season. — (Barn- 

 stable Patriot, June 9, 1863.) In May, 1863, the southern mackerel fleet 

 was -reported as doing a good business. The first vessels came into 

 Gloucester June 1; average, 100 barrels each, which sold for $9 and $6. 



1863. — Newburypokt mackerel fishery. 



The mackerel fleet have all arrived with good fares, which have all 

 commanded good prices. We have had fewer vessels in the bay this 

 season than for several years before; we think only eleven. The busi- 

 ness had been too poor, the wages and outfits were too high, and there 

 was at one time great danger from Confederate pirates, but the busi- 

 ness has been very prosperous to those engaged. Other places have also 

 fewer vessels this season ; the aggregate catch, therefore, notwithstand- 

 ing the success that has attended them, will be small, and consequently 

 the market is very active. The number of barrels packed here will not 

 be far from 6,000. As we are constantly having new markets open for 

 our fisheries, the prices will be likely to advance even upon the present 

 high rates. The last sales were $28 for mess, $12.25 for l's, $10.25 for 

 2's, $8 for large 3's, and $5.56 for small 3's. Captain Brown, of the " Sea 

 Spray," considering the time engaged, made the best trip, stocking 

 $0,200.— (Barnstable Patriot, November 17, 1863.) 



1863. — Dearth of experienced mackerel fishermen. 



In 1863 there was a decided dearth of experienced fishermen at Glou- 

 cester and other New England ports on account of the numerous enlist- 

 ments in the Army. The three hundred vessels fitted out that year for 

 the mackerel fishery in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence were obliged to fill 

 up a large portion of their quota of 4,000 men from green hands. 



