[291] HISTORY OF THE MACKEREL FISHERY. 



We quote Nos. 1, 2, and 3, at $18, $16, and $13.— (Cape Ann Adver- 

 tiser, July 20, 1866.) 



18GG. — First arrival from the bay. 



Schooner " Wingaersheek " arrived at Annisquam on Friday last (July 

 20) fioui the bay with 313 barrels ot mackerel. This is the first ar- 

 rival of the season, and the mackerel were in good demand. The 2's 

 were sold for $16 and 3's for $13. This is quite' an advance over the 

 price obtained for the early trips last year, when they were sold for $11.62 

 and $8,50. Other vessels are daily expected to arrive, and as mackerel 

 are scarce the trips will be in good demand and bring very remuner- 

 ative prices.— (Cape Ann Advertiser, July 27, 1866 ) 



1866. — The bay mackerel fishery. 



Since our last issue 14 vessels have arrived from the bay, averaging 

 about 200 barrels apiece. They report seeing plenty of mackerel, but 

 they were rather backward about biting. Most of the vessels that have 

 been spoken have from 150 to 200 barrels, and the prospect for the fall 

 catch is considered very good. Out of nearly 400 sail of vessels in the 

 business, but 20 have as yet arrived home, and during the coming three 

 weeks there will undoubtedly quite a large number arrive to fit away 

 for their fall trips. Some of the fleet, in order not to lose any time, 

 will ship their mackerel home by the steamers and refit from there. 

 Prices have slightly declined the present week, but there are so few 

 mackerel in the market that they will have a tendency to advance 

 rather than decrease in price. Shore mackerel continue scarce, and are 

 in good demand. — (Cape Ann Advertiser, August 10, 1866.) 



1866. — A BIG HAUL IN A PURSE-SEINE. 



Schooner "Oconee," engaged in shore mackereling, arrived at this port 

 on Monday with 240 barrels of mackerel, which she obtained in three 

 seiuiugs. At the third haul it was estimated that there were 500 barrels 

 in the seine, and the pressure was so great that it burst while drawing 

 it up, and a large portion of the mackerel escaped. They succeeded, 

 however, in saving about 140 barrels, all large and fat. The "Oconee" 

 was absent but ten days, and will make a very handsome stock. — (Cape 

 Ann Advertiser, August 17, 1866.) 



1866. — Comparative scarcity of mackerel. 



Twenty-one vessels have arrived from the bay since our last issue, 

 making a total of 79 that have thus far arrived home, leaving about 

 three-quarters of the fleet* that will make but one trip. There is quite 

 a marked difference in the appearance of our wharves at the present 

 time compared with last season. Here and there a vessel may be seen 

 discharging her mackerel, but most of the wharves have decidedly a 



