2o8 AMERICAN FISHES. 



In 1S75, the earliest Bonito was taken in the Robinson's Hole Aveir July 

 7, and two more came along July 24. They were not abundant until 

 August, when many more were taken in Vineyard Sound by Oak Bluffs 

 boats, trolling. The fishermen then believed that they were gradually 

 increasing in numbers and importance and taking the place of the sque- 

 teague which was disappearing. August 7 the weir at Cedar Tree Neck had 

 taken nothing but Bonitoes, while those farther west at Menemsha Bight 

 had taken only squeteague. 



The Bonito is not so great a favorite with the angler as it deserves to be. 

 It is caught in the vicinity of Block Island with trolling-hooks. He 

 bites sharply, like a bluefish. The best bait is an ordinary bluefish 

 hook with a petticoat of red and white flannel, though the fish will also 

 take any bluefish lure. 



In 1 87 7 four smacks were constantly running between Block Island 

 and New York, carrying each from 4,000 to 8,000 Bonitoes a week, or 

 perhaps 20,000 pounds. The yield of Block Island alone that summer 

 was probably not less than 2,000,000 pounds. In one haul of the purse- 

 seine by the schooner "Lilian," of Noank, 1,500 were taken ; and in 

 August, 1874, 1,200 in one pound-net. 



On the eastern shore of A^irginia, Bonito are caught by harpooning, says 

 Mr. C. R. Moore, and also with the hook. They are most numerous 

 about the mouth of the York River. They come in June and leave in 

 September. It is quite possible, however, that the Bonito referred to by 

 Mr. Moore is quite another fish — the Cobia, Elacate atlantica. 



When tested side by side with the bluefish, at the same table, the 

 Bonito seems not much inferior, though the flesh is somewhat softer and 

 more perishable. 



The Bonito may be ranked among the many excellent food-fishes of our 

 coast, and, in any country not so abundantly supplied with finely-flavored 

 kinds, it would be considered of the highest value. Their vitality is so 

 great and their supply of blood so abundant that unless bled immediately 

 after capture their flesh, especially in warm weather, is apt to deteriorate. 

 Great quantities of them are taken to New York, and there, as well as in 

 Rhode Island and Connecticut, they are sold exclusively under the name 

 of " Spanish Mackerel," at prices ranging from thirty-five to fifty cents a 

 })ound. This was the common practice in 1874, and has continued since. 

 The statement made by Scott in 1S75, that on account of their rarity 



