THE SPONGE FISHERY OF FLORIDA IN 1900. 



175 



uiicloubtedly liavc been j^reater had it not been for the exceptionally 

 good catches on the "key grounds" during 1900. Ail the "key" 

 jsponges are sold at Key West and will likely continue so to be sold, as 

 Tarpon Springs is too inaccessible for the "ke}"" boats, but it is prob- 

 able that in time most, if not all, of the s])onges from the "ba}'' 

 grounds" will be marketed at Tarpon Springs. Over two-thirds of 

 them were so disposed of in 1900. All of the data in the lirst table, 

 except Avages and ))uyings, have alread}- been shown in the regular 

 fishery tables. 



Tabic sltoiiumj llic i-.rfnd of tJic njxmi/c-hiijihKj business in 1000. 



"Includes one buyer at Lemon City. 

 Table, showimj, by places, kinds, and (jrounds, tJie extent of llie sjionge-buying trade in 1900. 



