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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 14 inches thick, which are 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 abundanée 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 32-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 shape from 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 competing 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 Redomlo Beach, Ballona, Santa Monica, Long 
Beach, San Pedro, and Wilmington. 
Redondo Beach, located 22 miles from Los Angeles, was first reached 
by railroad in November, 1889. 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 pounds in 1889, and 181,905 pounds in 1892. Fishing 
is here done by means of bag nets, gill nets, and hand lines, which are 
