UNITED STATES CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 



641 



The cost of outfitting for the cod fishery is as follows : 



1. For a Gloucester fisherman of the size already mentioned, 



equipped for trawling, the cost would be approximately from $900. to 



$1000., made up of the following items: 



2. For a Newfoundland boat-fishery operated from the shore, in 

 which hand-lines are used, it is difficult to approximate the cost of 

 outfit as it would vary very much in individual cases. I can only 

 give, therefore, the retail cash prices, prevailing in Newfoundland, 

 for gear employed by fishermen engaged in such fishery : 



30 fathom hemp lines, per dozen $1.70- $3. 80 



50 fathom 2-8 Ib. tarred cotton lines, per dozen 1. 50- 4. 75 



10-18 Ib. " " " " 5.50- 8.80 



Nos. 14-15 ringed and japanned hooks, gross 18cts-24cts 



Small, mid. & large quarter hooks, 22cts-52 " 



5 sq. bultow " 24cts 



Cod jiggers, . 95cts. 



I do not think that, in any case, the cost of an outfit including boat, 

 would exceed $95. 



In addition to the cost of equipment for American vessels engaged 

 in the herring and cod fisheries, the necessary expenses of a voyage 

 would include the moneys paid out for implements used for cleaning 

 fish, the barrels and salt for packing the catch, and the ship stores in- 

 cluding clothing, food, fuel, &c. 



I have the honor to be, 



Respectfully yours, A. B. ALEXANDER. 



