6 



While the canneries were idle in April, this year, large quantities of salmon were caught and 

 sent to the markets in San Francisco, where they were sold in part at about freight charges, a 

 great many spoiling and being thrown into the bay as unfit for any use. Adult salmon in large 

 quantities are reported as sold in April, in this city, at from 3J to 6 cents each, the price rising 

 May 1st to 15 and 20 cents each. 



I have to report that, when at Collinsville on the 15th of August, I saw many salmon break- 

 ing in the river, and was informed by a Mr. W. Hosking, that at least 100 fish could be taken 

 by a boat in making one drift of its net. From other parties I received information of viola- 

 tions of the close season, and while there I saw boats with nets going up the river to fish. 

 Since my return I have seen letters from reputable persons, stating there were at least fifty 

 boats out taking salmon in defiance of the law, and that one boat, containing 140 salmon, came 

 to the wharf at Collinsville on 19th of August. The fish thus taken in defiance of law are 

 mostly salted and smoked by the fishermen in the tules, a few probably being sent in a fresh 

 state surreptitiously to this city. While on this subject, I desire to state my belief, that the Mr. 

 Hosking referred to above is knowing to the continued violation of the salmon law, and from 

 the circumstances of his position does much to encourage the same. He openly denounces the 

 present law, keeps the only store at Collinsville, and does a large trade with the fishermen, who 

 are more or less in his debt. He is Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, express agent, wharf 

 keeper, and telegraph operator; so that all communications by letter or telegraph have to pass 

 through his hands. The support of the citizens of Collinsville being largely derived from the 

 salmon fishery, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to convict persons accused of violating 

 the law under the circumstances stated. 



COST OF CANNERIES IN CALIFORNIA. 



Eight canneries, about $25,000 each $200,000 00 



Two hundred and twenty boats, about $325 each 72,500 00 



Two hundred and twenty nets, 250 fathoms each, $300 each 66,000 00 



One hundred and twenty scow-houses for men on the Sacramento River, about $300 



each 36,000 00 



Total value of fixtures, etc. $374,500 00 



No estimate is made for the boats and nets used at the canneries at Eel and Smith's Elvers. 



Number of men employed in fishing, about 600. 



Number of men employed in canneries, about 800. 



Boats are 22 feet long, 6 J feet beam, and 2 feet 6 inches deep; are sharp at both ends, have 

 two lockers amid ship to contain the fish, and have a large triangular sail. 



The fishermen are all whites. 



The can-makers are all whites. 



The other workmen are all Chinese. 



The catch of salmon in Smith's and Eel Rivers take place in September and October. The 

 cannery at the latter place will not put up any salmon this year, owing to low prices ruling for 

 such products. 



STATEMENT OF SALMON CANNED IN CALIFORNIA IN 1878. 



Two canneries at Collinsville, Solano County ; one cannery at Chipp's Island, Solano 

 County; one cannery at Rio Vista, Solano County ; one cannery at Black Dia- 

 mond Landing, Contra Costa County — total amount canned — cases 33,000 



One cannery, Washington, Yolo County — cases 1,017 



One cannery, Eel River, Mendocino County — cases 10,500 



One cannery, Smith's River, Del Norte County — cases 4,277 



Eight canneries — total cases, 4 dozen 1-lb cans 48,794 



Average size of salmon dressed for canning, eleven pounds. The total number canned, about 

 222,000. Average value, $5 40 per case, or $263,487. 



IN EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-NINE. 



One cannery at Collinsville, Solano County — cases 588 



One cannery at Chipp's Island, Solano County — cases 4,000 



One cannery at Washington, Yolo County — eases 3,267 



One cannery at San Francisco — cases 6,000 



Four canneries — total cases 13,855 



Number of salmon, about 67,523; average value, $4 30 per case, or $59,576. 



The canning at Eel River will be closed this year. All the other canneries (except Rio Vista, 

 which has been discontinued) will probably resume canning this year, if the fall run of fish, 

 should prove good. 



