20 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Hoop nets are of funnel sliape, the large end being oblong, G by 4 feet, 

 and 6 feet in depth, of l-inch-stretch mesh. The netting is fastened at 

 the large end to a piece of pojua rosa wood, such as is used for hoops on 

 hogsheads. These nets are used at holes or indentations in the banks, 

 against which they are placed; the ground in the vicinity is pounded 

 or punched with feet and pole and the fish frightened into the net. 



Cast nets, with the local name of nasa de arco, are also used in this 

 and other small streams and along the sea beaches. They are funnel- 

 shaped, the large end being 6 to 10 feet wide, tapering off through its 

 6 to 8 feet of depth to a point to which a line is attached; the netting 

 is l-inch-stretch mesh, with the bottom leaded. In its use the net is 

 gathered up on the arm of the fisherman, the narrow or pointed end 

 being held in one hand, while the net is partially opened by holding 

 the lead line between the teeth and grasping it with the other hand at 

 a point conveniently distant from that where it is so held, as with a 

 dexterous whirl he casts the net from him over the water. If properly 

 thrown it spreads wide open before striking the water, and in this 

 position sinks to the bottom, after which it is immediately drawn in 

 and the catch removed. Cast nets have a value of $5, and yield a 

 variety of small fishes and shrimp. 



Palo Seco is a small fishing village at the mouth of the Bayamon 

 Eiver. It has a iiopulation of about 200, includiug CO fishermen, who 

 use 25 small sail and row boats with fishing appliances similar to those 

 before noted. The catch by these men is chiefly made In the evening 

 and at. night and forms a portion of the fresh-fish supply of the city of 

 San Juan. It is taken in and near the mouth of the river and in the 

 bay, a few boats using trolling lines outside of the harbor. Fish pots 

 are set in the river and bay and outside of the harbor. When used in 

 the river they are attached to the shore by a line ; when used outside 

 they are weighted with stones and anchored to a buoy, although when 

 well water-soaked they need no weights. 



This is one of the few localities in which pots are baited; the fisher- 

 men rexjort using in them burned bones, hoofs of cattle, and sour or 

 decayed oranges. These pots are similar to the New England lobster 

 pot, and differ in general construction from those in common use else- 

 where around the island. They are 4 to 10 feet long by Ih to 5 feet 

 in diameter, with funnel entrance at one end only and a trapdoor on 

 the top by which the catch is removed. They are made of bamboo 

 splints. Pots are left anchored over night and the catch is removed in 

 the morning. 



Haul seines are used near the mouth of the Bayamon River and 

 along the neighboring beach of San Juan harbor. They are of various 

 lengths, those in general use being 300 feet long and 15 to 20 feet deep, 

 with mesh of 2-inch bar, except in the bunt, which is of heavier twine 

 and finch mesh. They have a nominal value of $50, of which $25 is 

 allowed for cost of twine and an equal amount for leads, corks, and 

 labor, the nets being made by the fishermen. 



