408 



GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



In Norfolk there are very few females employed iu tbe oyster-packing houses, but of the 501 

 shueiiers in other parts of the State 244 are females. 



The number of people engaged exclusively in handling oysters for local consumption in the 

 cities of Virginia is about 300 (nearly all colored), whose wages will aggregate about $57,600 a 

 season. About 200 white men, with wages amounting to $83,200 a year, are employed in building 

 and repairing oyster vessels, making cases, &c. 



Summing up the foregoing statistics, we have the following tabular statement: 



The shipments of oysters in shell from Virginia to Northern markets are still very large, 

 although this trade is decreasing, as it is becoming more profitable to open the oysters at Norfolk 

 and forward them by steamer. I endeavored to obtain the number of bushels carried north from 

 May 31, 1879, to May 31, 1880, and I found that, while the number was very great, it by no means 

 equaled the expectations of many large dealers. The fact is, as previously stated, many oyster- 

 men have a most exaggerated idea of the extent of the trade, believing it to be far greater than it 

 really is. The following statistics have been compiled with great care, and will, I think, be found 

 about correct: 



Shipments of oysters in shell from Virginia for year ending May 31, 1880. 



The number of bushels of oysters caught in the State during the year, and the disposition 

 made of them, may be summarized as follows: 



Packed in the State 1,622,130 



Shipped out of the State in shell 3,315,190 



Used for local consumption in the cities of the State 275,000 



Used for local consumption in the small towns ami the counties of the State 1,625,000 



Total 6,837,320 



The average value of these oysters from first hands would be about 27 cents a bushel. 



