370 KEPOET OF COMMISSIONEK OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



but for 1893 to 1897 arc in the fluctuating Spanish currency, which 

 averaged in value about 60 cents on the dollar: 



a Data for 1898 are not attainable, on account of the war. 



This table shows a large decrease in the importations of fishery 

 products during the past four years. This is partly, perhaps chiefly, 

 accounted for by the great destruction of propert}" and loss of life 

 caused by the hurricane of August 8, 1899. The cofiee districts of the 

 western and southern parts of the island, which are the largest consumers 

 of imported fishery products, were the heaviest sufferers from the hur- 

 ricane. Under the most favorable conditions recovery from such dis- 

 aster is necessarily slow, as several j^ears are required for the planting 

 and maturing of coffee trees. The very low prices for coffee discour- 

 aged planters and prevented capitalists from advancing financial aid to 

 the impoverished native coffee-planters. In the opinion of some the 

 generally improved conditions in the island have enabled the people to 

 buy better food, hence the decrease in importations of dried fish. Labor 

 of all kinds, city and countr}", has been in stead}^ demand at increased 

 wages over those received under Spanish rule. With increased incomes 

 a more varied food is said to be in demand at the expense of fish 

 products, which for many years furnished so important a part of the 

 diet of the natives. The decrease in fishery imports has probably 

 been in part from both causes. As time restores the devastated sec- 

 tions to normal conditions, with continued prosperity, the demand 

 for fish products may equal that of former years. 



Trade conditions in receiving and handling fish products show few 

 changes. Of the imports 90 per cent are dry fish and 10 per cent 

 pickled, smoked, and canned. The proportion of dry fish is about 90 

 per cent cod, 7 per cent haddock, and 3 per cent hake. Boneless fish 

 have been received in small shipments. Besides being more expensive, 

 these products have usually been inqierfectly cured, and are therefore 

 not received with favor, and future shipments are not encouraged. 



Canned sardines from Europe are ([uite largely used, the imports in 

 1902 being valued at $12,094, while those from the United States 

 amounted to only $2,186. 



All dry fish intended for this market should be thoroughly and well 

 cured and dried. The best keeping season is said to be January, Feb- 

 ruary, and March. The largest demand for dry and pickled fish is 

 from October to Fel)ruary, inclusive. 



Since the occupation of the island l>y the I'liited States several of 

 the custom-houses under Spanish vu\v have l)een discontinued. At 



