FISHERIES, CAME AND FORESTS. 



61 



In the collection of statistics, of which I hand you herewith a copy, many interest- 

 ing suggestions have been made. The most important one is that there should be 

 a small appropriation made for purchase of a patrol boat, to be used by the oyster 

 protectors in patrolling the territory in their charge. Some protection to the vast 

 amount of property lying under water is secured by the oysterme.n themselves by 

 providing watchmen ; but this protection has been supplemented by the Legislature 

 by providing for two oyster protectors. The work of these men, however, is consider- 

 ably hampered by not having a boat. A small naphtha, or steam launch, could be 

 cheaply purchased, and could be used very satisfactorily. I am just beginning to 

 appreciate the importance of my branch of your work. As Shellfish Commissioner 

 I am charged with the supervision, not only of the oyster business, but of its attendant 

 industries, clams, mussels and scallops. The latter industry alone employs at least 

 one hundred men in Peconic Bay. There is such a variety of conflicting interests to 

 be considered and differences to be adjusted that my time is constantly and fully 

 employed. 



In conclusion I might add, since the law of 1887, entitled "An Act to promote 

 the cultivation of shellfish in the waters of this State," there have been, of the whole 

 territory, covered by franchises and leases up to date 17,707 acres, and there are still 

 at least 200,000 acres available. 



I append a summary of operations of the Menhaden Oil and Guano Association. 



All of which I respectfully submit. 



EDWARD THOMPSON, 



Shellfish Commissioner. 



SECRETARY'S REPORT, U. S. MENHADEN OIL AND GUANO ASSOCIATION. 



January 15, 1896. 



Factories in operation, 











42 



Men employed ashore, 





• 







1,064 



afloat, 





. 







1,212 



Steamers in use, 





• 9 a 







48 



Sailing vessels in use, 





• « 







35 



Pounds in operation, 





. 







2 4 



Menhaden caught (fish), 





• 







462 millions 



■Oil made (gallon), 





• <* 







iS •• 



Crude fish scrap made, 





• 







22,000 tons. 



Dry 





. 







19,000 



Capital invested, 





. 







$1,553,000 00 



