[307] HISTORY OF THE MACKEREL FISHERY. 



I860.— Big catch in a weir at cape cod. 



About 100,000 mackerel were taken in the " Philip Smith weir," at 

 Eastham, week before last, netting the owner about $7,000. So says 

 the Barnstable Patriot. — (I bid.) 



1869. — Effect of the reciprocity treaty on nova scotia. 



The Halifax Chronicle, in speaking of the great need of a reciprocity 

 between the Dominion and the United States, has the following signifi- 

 cant article : 



Our rulers should have common sense enough to cease prating about, 

 the Dominion dignity, ami to make some strong effort to renew the reci- 

 procity treaty, the abrogation of which has reduced this country and 

 the other maritime provinces to a state of comparative destitution. 

 From the making of the reciprocity treaty until its abrogation, Nova 

 Scotia increased in wealth and population at a most extraordinary rate; 

 from its abrogation until the present we have retrograded with the most 

 frightful rapidity. Want of a good market has depreciated the value 

 of our coal mines, has nearly pauperized our fishermen, farmers, and 

 miners, and should this want not be supplied in the only way it can be, 

 by a new treaty with the United States, Nova Scotia will in five years be 

 one of the least desirable countries to live in on this continent. — (Cape 

 Ann Advertiser, July 2, 18G9.) 



1869. — The bay fishery. — good catch on George's. 



A dispatch was received in town on Monday by the owners of schooner 

 "Finance," stating that she had landed 260 barrels of mackerel. Some 

 good fares of mackerel have also been taken on George's lately. — (Cape 

 Ann Advertiser, July 30, 1869.) 



1869. — First arrival from the bay. 



Schooner "Carleton" arrived from the bay on Wednesday, with 300 

 barrels of mackerel. This is the first vessel that has arrived from there 

 this season. The ''Carleton" made her trip in less than six M'eeks. — 

 (Cape Ann Advertiser, August 20, 1869.) 



1869. — Arrival of the baymen. — inferior quality of bay 

 mackerel. — prices. — success of the shore fleet. 



The bay fleet have not come along very freely the present week, but 

 nine vessels having arrived since our last, making 22 in all that have 

 arrived thus far this season. The fares average about 250 barrels, and 

 the mackerel are of fair quality, but not so fat as those caught on this 

 shore, and do not bring so good prices. Bay ones have been sold 

 the present week for $18 per barrel, $1 less than the first trips that 

 were brought in. Some of the fleet have shipped the mackerel home 



