FISHERIES AND MARKET FOR FISHERY PRODUCTS IN MEXICO, ETC. 87 



Imports of fish from the United States in 1920 were as follows, 

 according to data supplied by the collector of customs of this port: 



There is no reexport of imported fish products. Codfish comes 

 here principally from Nova Scotia, in drums of 128 pounds, net 

 weight, about 3,000 drums being imported monthly. Very little 

 comes from the United States. This fish costs about $10 a drum, 

 c. i. f ., from Canada. Merchants state that American codfish usually 

 costs about 11 a drum more than the Canadian, and they do not 

 consider that it is as well cured or seasoned. These considerations, 

 together with the convenience of importation by direct steamers of 

 the Pickford & Black Line from Halifax, give the market to the 

 Canadian codfish. 



Normally 500 to 600 5-pound boxes of dried herring (bloaters) 

 come into this port each month, principally from New York, but to 

 a certain extent from New Brunswick. Importations of this fish 

 have fallen off during the past year, owing to the departure of the 

 Jamaicans (the chief consumers), on account of hard times and lack 

 of employment. A limited amount of salted mackerel is imported 

 in 100-pound barrels. This comes chiefly from New York and is 

 brought in principally for consumption during Lent. 



The salmon imported here is the grade known to the trade as chum 

 salmon. The greater part comes from the United States, though no 

 distinction is made as to the quality between American and Canadian 

 salmon. What is Idiown as "Alaska" salmon is preferred, some of 

 which is shipped from Vancouver as well as from the Pacific coast of 

 the United States. No red salmon is brought here. 



Spanish sardines are preferred for quality, but large quantities of 

 California sardines, larger and coarser fish than the Spanish sardine, 

 are imported because they are cheaper. In this district the greater 

 part 01 the sardines consumed come from the United States, as the 

 market demands cheaper grades. French sardines are packed in 

 fancy style and are expensive, and for this reason few are imported 

 here. A limited amount of assorted fish, such as bonito, merluza, 

 tuna, etc., comes from Spain. 



ISLE OF PINES. 

 NEUVA GERONA. 



[By Charles Forman, consul, September 21, 1921.] 



There are various kinds of fish found in the waters surrounding the 

 Isle of Pines, and some are used locally for food but always in a fresh 

 condition. No fish are cured here or otherwise prepared for ship- 

 ment elsewhere. No fish or fish products are exported. 



