PACIFIC COAST: CALIFORNIA. 



621 



of late caused a great decrease in the abundance of the fish. In summer from 1,000 to 2,000 

 pounds of fish were daily shipped to Marshall's, the yearly average being 150,000 pounds. 



The fisheries of Hamlet are carried on by three companies, chiefly Italians. There are alto- 

 gether twelve men and six boats. The fish, of which 48 boxes a day have been shipped, are 

 sent from Hamlet to San Francisco. A box holds about 120 pounds. "When fish are plenty more 

 are packed in a box. 



Statement of monthly shipments of fish from Hamlet to San Francisco from Jpril 1, 1679, to Jpril 1, 1880. 



About 90 sacks, or 7,200 pounds, of clams are shipped yearly to San Francisco from Hamlet. 

 They are also peddled at Tomales at the rate of 50 cents a bucket. 



It is to be noted, in connection with the following statement of yearly estimates for 1879, that 

 the fish taken by boats from San Francisco are not included. It is certain that at least one-half 

 of the fish taken by such boats are caught in the waters of Marin County. 



Yearly estimate ly towns for 1879. 



In addition to this amount there is a large home consumption and waste of fish. 



Whales occasionally come ashore at Point Eeyes. Sea-lions are also abundant there, and 

 occasionally parties from San Francisco kill them for their oil. 



MENDOCINO COUNTY. The coast of Meudociuo County is rocky, without indentations or 

 large streams. There are no fisheries of any importance anywhere within its borders, and prob- 

 ably no regular fishermen. The total annual catch cannot exceed 3,000 pounds. 



At one time a man living at the light-house at Cape Mendocino owned a whale-boat, and in 

 smooth weather went fishing for halibut on a reef that runs out from the cape. He sent them to 

 Eureka to be retailed, and also shipped a few to San Francisco. 



The opinion seeins to obtain that there are plenty of halibut in that vicinity, but it is nearly 

 always rough around the cape, and there is no good way of disposing of the fish when caught. 

 It is not probable that any considerable fishing will ever be done for halibut in the vicinity of 

 Humboldt Bay. Cape Mendocino is noted as a rough point. No fishing boat owned in Eureka 

 could be sure of getting in and out of Ilurnboldt Bay, because of the bar. The distance from San 

 Francisco, about 230 miles, would render it unprofitable, in the present state of the market, for a 

 schooner from that city to make trips to Cape Mendocino, load with fish, and return. 



