INTRODUCTION. 
XXI 
deficient. It is probable that it is not so much a deficiency in fish, or increased enterprize in 
fishing, which is requisite in Malabar, as a want of economy in dealing with those captured. 
Fish-oil is of two sorts, that of the Sharks and Rays which is considered medicinal, and that 
of the Sardines which is made in quantities and exported very largely to Europe and elsewhere. 
The following figures will show the exports and imports from the various places in Malabar for the 
last few years, where the export duty was 3 per cent. cc ad valorem/-’ the imports 5 per cent, from 
1854 to 1858, and 10 per cent, from 1859 to 1864. The values in the following table since I860 
are according to the “ market value,” before that period according to the “ Tariff value.” Most 
of the exports were to London. 
From the following official return it will be seen that although the yearly imports and exports 
of fish-oil from Malabar have shown great variations, that for the last ten years they have rather 
exceeded the annual value of £7391. Irrespective of the variations due to the absence of fish, the 
state of the home markets has exercised a considerable effect upon the exports. Examining the 
return from British Cochin, the chief exporting town in Malabar, it appears that in five years ending 
1858-59, 61,078 cwts. were exported; in five years ending 1863-64, 82,799 cjvts. were exported. 
In former times, as for instance thirty years ago, this export was unknown, and in fact, as lately as 
the five years ending 1845-46, it had only reached 66 cwts. It rose in the next five years to 
3,586 cwts. It must therefore be admitted that the trade is a comparatively new one, which has 
been and is being rapidly developed. 
In the Native State of Cochin a considerable amount of fish-oil is prepared, but it mostly finds 
its way into British Cochin, and thus becomes incorporated into the exports from the district of 
Malabar. The average export by sea for the last ten years has been about £31, but the land 
exports which would be into the British territory are not included. 
