224 



GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



swiftness in speed and firmness of structure, and were the origin and prototypes of the famous 

 Boston clipper ships. The original cost of these fine vessels was, on the average, about $7,000; 

 now they are not worth over $4,000 each. In summer they go on mackerel-fishing voyages, which 

 occupy a little more than half of the year. In the winter and spring they carry oysters, varying 

 it with frequent coasting trips. Four voyages after oysters annually would probably be a fail- 

 average, and not more than a third of the vessels' yearly receipts, as a rule, will be derived from 

 this source. They are commanded by captains of experience, and go back and forth quickly, safely, 

 and profitably. Capt. Jesse Freeman, now one of the leading fish merchants of the village, told 

 me that he had sailed between the Chesapeake and northern ports 31G times before he was forty 

 years old, that is, 158 voyages. His opinion was that no cargo wore upon a vessel less (others say 

 the opposite), and it was usually of much profit to the owners. In the spring, oysters for bedding 

 are brought cheaper than those designed for market in winter. The crew of an oyster vessel 

 usually consists of two (often three) men before the mast, with a cook, mate, and captain. One- 

 third (as a rule), sometimes one-half, of the freight-money goes to the owners, and the remainder 

 to pay the men and furnish food. The wages of a mate in 1879 were $30 a month ; of a cook, $25 ; 

 and of a seaman, $15 to $16. Food for a voyage costs from $40 to $50. In addition to his share, 

 the owners give the captain $15 a month." 



The total capital invested in this district in all branches of the fishing industry is $1,355,278, 

 and the value of the product is $1,051,619. The number of persons employed is 4,004. 



STATISTICAL SUMMATION FOR 1879. The following statements give in detail the extent of the 

 fishing interests of Barnstable district: 



Summary statement of persons employed and capital invested. 



a Cash capital, $100,000; wharves, shorehouses, and fixtures, $108,000; factory buildings and apparatus, $45,900. 

 Detailed statement of capital invested in vessels, boats, nets, and traps. 



* Includes gear. 



