IX.-THE FISHERIES ON THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA. 



By H. G. Kruuse.* 



[From "Xordislc Tidal-rift for Fiskeri" Vols, v and vi. Copenhagen, 1879. 



Although the following communication leads us far away from those 

 countries which are generally spoken of in our journal, I hope that it 

 will prove interesting, as giving us an insight into the fisheries on a 

 portion of the great Pacific coast. They will be doubly interesting to 

 those of our readers who are personally acquainted with the author, 

 whose upright character commanded universal respect, and whose genial 

 temperament gained him many friends. 



Our countryman, Hans Gunner Kruu.se, originally a fisherman, later 

 captain of a vessel and owner of a factory in Korsor (island of Zealand, 

 Denmark), was, in the spring of 1877, by the force of circumstances, com- 

 pelled to leave his home, and, with his numerous family, emigrated to 

 Callao, Peru, which place he had often visited in former years, believ- 

 ing that his knowledge of the country and its customs would enable 

 him to earn a living. He was not successful partly on account of local 

 difficulties, partly owing to want of capital ; and he was obliged again 

 to become the captain of a vessel. His constant activity on the western 

 coast of South America, however, gained him an intimate acquaintance 

 with the fisheries in those distant regions : and, with his consent, I give 

 the following extract from a recent letter of his. His clear insight into 

 all matters pertaining to the fisheries, and his general trustworthiness, 

 will be sufficient guarantees for the correctness of his descriptions. 



H. V. FIEDLER, 

 Editor of Tidsskrift. 



Russian Bark Ruria, 

 On the Atlantic, July, 1879. 



When leaving Denmark in the spring of 1877, 1 promised you to write 

 rrom Peru and give you some idea of the fisheries on the west coast of 

 South America. Various causes have, so far, prevented me from ful- 

 filling my promise; but during the two years which have elapsed since it 

 was made I have seen a good deal, and visited a large number of places 

 op the coast. I shall, therefore, be able to give you a fuller and more 

 reliable account than if I had written soon after my arrival. 



Before describing the fish of this coast and the way in which they are 



* H. G. Krucsk. Nogh Mcddelelser om Fiakeriet paa Vest-Eysten af Spdamerika.-^ 

 [Translated by Herman Jacobson.] 



