326 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 
Regarding the price of fresh fish at New Bedford, Mr. Thomson remarks: “‘ When the first fish 
arrives here it is eagerly sought at 20 cents a pound, retail. In 1873, within forty-eight hours of 
the arrival of the first one, fifty-two were brought in, bringing the general retail price down to 8 
and 10 cents. At this price, clear of bone, they are usually retailed throughout the season. The 
wholesale price is about 12 cents for the first catch, falling rapidly to 2 or 3 cents. This is for 
‘clean fish,’ without head, tail, and viscera. Fish from George’s Bank are sometimes brought 
here from Boston. They then retail at 15 and 20 cents.” 
According to the record of the Northern Eagle, the price in June, 1878, ranged from 2 to 44 
cents, in July from 3 to 5 cents, and in August from 24 to 3. 
In July, 1879, Mr. Earll found the price in Portland, Me., 4 cents, but the arrival of 200 fish 
on August 1 brought the price down to 14 cents. He estimates the average wholesale price at 2 
cents. 
In New London, according to Captain Ashby, the price has varied within his recollection from 
3 to 8 cents, the latter high price being paid in 1877. 
According to Captain Martin, the price of salt swordfish in Gloucester is always about the 
same as that of No. 3 mackerel. In July, 1878, there being no mackerel in the market, they were 
valued at $7 a barrel. 
