10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



The receipts of dry and pickled fish in 1897 were as follows : 



The style of packages and proportion of each species are similar to 

 those of other ports. 



Canned fish amounted in value to $112,091, of which only $806 worth 

 came from the United States. This formed the hulk of canned-fish 

 imjiorts of the island in 1897, which amounted to $151,409 in value. 



Boneless fish are occasionally received in small amounts by retail 

 grocers. Small introductory shipments only are suggested by the 

 receivers. 



The climate and season are important considerations in the shipping 

 of dry fish. In general, the wet months are May, June, July, October, 

 and November; the dry months, December, January, February, March, 

 Ai)ril, August, and September. There are more rainfalls and the 

 weather is more changeable on the north side of the island. At San 

 Juan, during December and the first part of January, 1898-99, which 

 are reckoned as dry months, the rainfall was exceptional, coming in 

 frequent and short, heavy showers during the day and night. 



The sugar crop is marketed from January to August or September. 

 During this time return cargoes can generally be secured, and to a con- 

 siderable extent through the remaining months of the year. The coffee 

 crop has chiefly been sent to Europe and Cuba between November and 

 March. 



Fish arriving by sail are reported as usually being in better condition 

 than when shipped by steamer. Quick-sailing vessels of from 125 to 

 150 tons are best adapted for this business, and vessels of this character 

 can discharge at the landing. 



Consignments are opened and sampled when received, and values 

 that can be ascertained at San Juan or other ports are cabled to the 

 shippers. On receipt of replies, goods are sold or stored, as advised. 

 The markets are fluctuating and subject to considerable variation, 

 according to stocks on hand or known to be en route. 



All important receipts of fishery products have been handled by a few 

 commission houses, in connection with sugar, cofl'ee, and other goods. 



Often from two-thirds to three-fourths of the invoice value is advanced 

 on shipments, for which one-half per cent bankers' commission is 

 charged. Other charges are : 



Wharf allowance, 4 per cent on gross value of invoice ; weighing charges, 12^ 

 cents a tierce ; cartage, 6^ cents a tierce. 



Discount on 6 months' time, 6 per cent; commission, including a guaranty, 5 per 

 cent. Customs duties as elsewhere noted. 



