190 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Islands trade are prepared as follows: After the removal of the head 

 and viscera, the fish, without being split,- are cut transversely into 

 slices 1 to lA inches thick, whi(;h arc thrown into vats of strong" pickle, 

 and after being throughly cured are packed into barrels and half- 

 barrels for shipment. 



Among the invertebrate products of the fisheries of this county the 

 crawfish, or the spiny lobster, is most important. This crustacean 

 occurs in great abundance and is taken in pots and drop nets of various 

 kinds. The pots used by one firm of fishermen are unique in being 

 made of iron, to better withstand the heavy swell and rough sea. Their 

 general style is similar to the traps used by the lobster fishermen of 

 Massachusetts. The frame is constructed of f -inch gas-pipe, the body 

 of galvanized-iron wire, twine being used at the ends in the construc- 

 tion of the funnels. These pots are 20 inches square and 4 feet long. 

 It is claimed that they will emerge in good shajjefrom usage that would 

 totally destroy the ordinary lobster pots. They were first used during 

 the winter of 1893. 



The business of taking abalones continues of some importance. 

 These mollusks appear to have increased to some extent during the 

 past few years, owing to the discontinuance of the Chinese fisheries, 

 the low prices received for shells and meat affording no inducement to 

 white fishermen to undertake the business. 



ORANGE COUNTY. 



This is a county recently formed from parts of Los Angeles and other 

 adjacent counties. The principal center is Newport, which was for- 

 merly included in Los Angeles County. The fisheries consist in the 

 operations of a few fishermen located at Newport. The catch in 1892 

 amounted to about 75,000 pounds, which was hauled in teams to Santa 

 Ana, and sent thence by express to Los Angeles. 



LOS ANGELES COUNTY. 



The fisheries of this county present few changes in methods com- 

 pared with the conditions found in the previous investigation. There 

 has, however, been quite an increase in the extent of the industry, and 

 it is probable that the next few years will witness a still further aug- 

 mentation. New and comjjeting lines of railroad have been opened 

 up, freight rates have been reduced, and new fishing stations have been 

 established. The centers in this county from which commercial fishing 

 is now prosecuted are liedondo l>each, Ballona, Santa Monica, Long- 

 Beach, San Pedro, and AVilmington. 



liedondo Beach, located 22 miles from Los Angeles, was first reached 

 by railroad in November, 1.S89. Previous to the construction of this 

 road the few fishermen at this point sent their catch by teams to Los 

 Angeles. A marked increase in the important fisheries has ensued 

 since the establishment of rail communication with Los Angeles, the 

 catch being 51,700 i)ounds in 1889, and 181,905 pounds in 1892. Pishing 

 is here done by means of bag nets, gill nets, and hand lines, which are 



