258 



GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



l>eared. In 1807 fourteen vessels were engaged in the cod fishery, of which one was a brig; seven, 

 schooners; and six, sloops. In a note on the condition of the town, in this same year, it is stated 

 that bass, shad, and alewives were abundant in Maticut Harbor, at the eastern extremity of the 

 island, where the first settlement was located, and that "a fishery might be carried on here to great 

 advantage; at present 400 barrels are taken annually." This shows, apparently, that at this 

 period the shore fisheries were but little developed. 



The manufacture of salt was attempted early in the century, but the fogs which are prevalent 

 on the island prevented the successful carrying out of this scheme and it was abandoned. 



J. THE DISTRICT OF EDGARTOWN. 



81. REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES OF THE DISTRICT. 



PRESENT CONDITION OP THE FISHEBIES. Martha's Vineyard, the Elizabeth Islands, and No 

 Man's Land together constitute Dukes County, or the customs district of Edgartown. The 

 Elizabeth Islands form a single township under the name of Gosnold. Martha's Vineyard is 

 divided into five towns, namely, Edgartowu, Cottage City, Tisbury, Chilmark, and Gay Head. 

 In the fisheries of this district, with the exception of the whale fishery at Edgartown, no vessels 

 arc employed, but the entire industry is confined to the use of boats and traps. In point of 

 value the whale fishery is the most important single fishery, the products in 1879 being valued at 

 $47,414. The total capital invested in the district is $220,695, and the value of the products is 

 $133,797. The number of persons employed is four hundred and thirty-four. 



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

 the fishing interests of Edgartown district : 



Summary statement of persons employed and capital invested. 



a Cash capital, $20,000; wharves, shoreliousen, and fixtures, (15,400. 

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



a Includes gear. 



