286 



REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISHERIES. 



another washing, and again spread upon the beach. Three such 

 operations usuallj' suffice, though at times six or seven washings are 

 required. The seaweed is thus thorough!}- cleansed and at the same 

 time partially bleached. About two weeks' exposure in warm sunshine 

 completes the curing process, and great care is exercised to prevent 

 rain from spoiling the crop. When a storm is impending the moss is 

 hastil}' raked into piles and covered with canvas. Should it chance 

 to get wet in the last week of curing its market value is greatlj^ depre- 

 ciated. After the curing is completed about two weeks' time is 

 required to sort and pick over and prepare the product for shipment. 



The above information was obtained through the courtesy of Mr. 

 William H. Burke, of Scituate, who is engaged in the Irish moss 

 indu.stry. 



The following tables give the number of persons emploj^ed, the 

 number and value of vessels, boats, and fi,*hing apparatus, the value 

 of shore and accessor}' property-, the amount of cash capital, and (he 

 quantity and value of products taken in the vessel and shore fisheries 

 of Massachusetts in 1902: 



Persons cmj)l«j>jed. 



How engaged. 



On vessels fishing 



On vessels transporting . 

 ni shore or boat lisheries 

 Shoresmen 



Total 



No. 



7,546 



32 



3,809 



2,913 



11,300 



Table of (q>parati(S and capital. 



nThe harpoons, 

 fishing. 



;uns, etc., used on whaling vessels are included with the "outfits" of vessels 



