FISHERIES OF PORTO RICO. 



25 



with calabash roots that are very strong and, after being water-soaked, 

 pliable. A small door in the back of the pot permits the removal of 

 the catch. No bait is used in the pots, as its presence attracts the 

 numerous sharks which often destroy pots containing fish. These pots 

 have a wide mouth, the entrance narrowing as it passes with a curve 

 into the pot. Fish entrapped do not often escape, and serve as decoys 

 to other fish. From 6 to 12 pots are used by each boat. 



At Arroyo, as elsewhere, when under Spanish rule, exclusive privi- 

 leges to fish in the most desirable localities were sold, and often included 

 privileges for fishing in the rivers and their mouths. The records of the 

 fisheries at this place were not saved by the former captain of the port. 

 At present fishing is free and no record is made of men or of the catch. 



Bamboo Ush pot or trap in general use in Porto Rico. 



The Patillas Biver, a small stream having its outlet a few miles east 

 of Arroyo, is reported as being well supplied with fish, which are taken 

 by weirs, haul seines, and cast nets. 



The fresh and salt water fish taken in the vicinity of Arroyo are sold 

 fresh from a few rough tables near the water front, or peddled through 

 the country by men on foot and on horseback. As a rule prices are high 

 to the consumers, ranging from 7 to 12 cents a pound for undressed fish. 

 Imported dry fish are often cheaper than fresh fish and much more in 

 demand. 



PTJNTA SANTIAGO. 



This place is of some importance as a receiving and distributing 

 point for the rich and thickly settled district of Humacao. The port 

 has about 1,000 inhabitants, a custom-house, and a few stores. The 



