1838. HOUSE—No. 72. 39 
coming an article of commerce with us. About 200 barrels are an- 
nually taken at Martha’s Vineyard, which are either sold fresh, or 
cut into slices and pickled or salted, and kept for sale in that state, 
throughout the year. The Temnodon saltator—blue fish—is taken 
at Nantucket in large numbers, and is highly esteemed by the in- 
habitants of that island. But the genus Scomber—Mackerel—is of 
infinitely more importance, than any other of the family. Two 
species are found upon our coast in immense quantities—the gre 
and vernalis—occasionally two or three other species are also taken, 
they are however all known under the common name of mackerel. 
In the Mackerel fishery, so large an amount of capital is invested ; 
so many are immediately interested ; so great, in a word, is its im- 
portance, that I feel the following data will not be considered use- 
Jess. I had hoped to have presented an accurate list of the number 
of vessels engaged in this fishery, in every town in the state—the 
number of men employed—the capital expended—the quantities of 
fish taken—and the gross proceeds ; but disappointed and chagrined 
in my means of obtaining information, I have been unable t6 collect 
perfect materials, and can only offer the annexed statement, which 
may serve to direct public attention to its importance. 
Although as fresh fish, mackerel are sold in the markets along our 
whole coast, for several months in the year, and are considered by 
all, excellent food, (from 6 to 8000 barrels being sold annually in 
Boston market alone,) their great value to this people, arises from 
the means of employment afforded to an immense number, by the 
process of salting and packing. 
Those packed in 1836, were furnished by the following towns : 
Boston, ¢ at DI : 3 40,559 barrels, 
Gloucester and Manchester, . ; 43,937 
Newburyport and Newbury, . . 21,463 
Welfleet, . , : : , 17,500 
Provincetown, : . : : 14,139 
Hingham, . : : ‘ - 13,882 
Cohasset, . : ; d ; 11,700 - 
Barnstable, . " : A F 4,115 
Scituate, ; ‘ : ; ‘ 3,782 
