183S. HOUSE— No. 72. 39 



coming an article of commerce with us. About 200 barrels are an- 

 nually taken at Martha's Vineyard, which are either sold fresh, or 

 cut into slices and pickled or salted, and kept for sale in that state, 

 throughout the year. The Temnodon sallator — blue Jish — is taken 

 at Nantucket in large numbers, and is highly esteemed by the in- 

 habitants of that island. But the genus Scomber — J\Iackerel — is of 

 infinitely more importance, than any other of the family. Two 

 species are found upon our coast in immense quantities — the grex 

 and vernalis — occasionally two or three other species are also taken, 

 they are however all known under the common name of mackerel. 



In the Mackerel fishery, so large an amount of capital is invested ; 

 so many are immediately interested ; so great, in a word, is its im- 

 portance, that I feel the following data will not be considered use- 

 less. I had hoped to have presented an accurate list of the number 

 of vessels engaged in this fishery, in every town in the state — the 

 number of men employed — the capital expended — the quantities of 

 fish taken — and the gross proceeds ; but disappointed and chagrined 

 in my means of obtaining information, I have been unable to collect 

 perfect materials, and can only offer the annexed statement, which 

 may serve to direct j)ublic attention to its importance. 



Although Qs fresh fish, mackerel are sold in the markets along our 

 whole coast, for several months in the year, and are considered by 

 all, excellent food, (from 6 to SOOO barrels being sold annually in 

 Boston market alone,) their great value to this people, arises from 

 the means of employment afforded to an immense number, by the 

 process of salting and packing. 



Those packed in 1836, were furnished by the following towns : 



Boston, 40,559 barrelj. 



Gloucester and Manchester, . . 4-3,937 



Newburyport and Newbury, . . 21,463 



Welfleet, 17,500 



Provincetown, .... 14,139 



Ilingham, 13,882 



Cohassel, 11,700 



Barnstable, 4,115 



Scituate, 3jS2 



