1916.] Townsend, Voyage of the 'Albatross' in 1911. 433 



were crinoids, octopus, Lithodes and starfish (Solasfer paxillatus, Lophaster 

 furcilligcr, and Ptcrastcr Jordan i). 



On the 27th, at 6 A. M., we dredged again in 440 fathoms (Sta. 5696) 

 taking an abundance of fishes and invertebrates of many kinds, among them 

 starfishes (Peribolaster biserialis) and sea urchins (Sehizaster townsendi). 



At 10 A. M. the dredge was lowered in 485 fathoms (Sta. 5697) bringing 

 up two specimens of ChauJiodus and four other species of fishes. The most 

 interesting of the invertebrates was an octopus with webbed arms. Addi- 

 tional specimens were secured of Sehizaster townsendi, a sea urchin described 

 by Agassiz from several points between the Gulf of California and Panama 

 out to depths of 995 fathoms. 



At 2 o'clock we dredged in 475 fathoms (Sta. 5698) with satisfactory 

 results. The fourth haul for the day, and the last dredge haul of the voyage, 

 was made at 6 P. M. in 659 fathoms (Sta. 5699). The results were similar 

 to those of the preceding haul. 



The 'Albatross' arrived at San Francisco on the morning of April 28 

 and anchored off Sausalito. The ship's collection in general being a large 

 one, several days were required for packing and a special car was secured 

 for its transportation to the east. 



Fisheries and Fishery Resources. 



Pearl Fishery. — Important pearl fisheries have been conducted in the 

 Gulf of California ever since its discovery by the Spaniards. 



La Paz is the center of the pearl shell industry of Lower California, in 

 which there are three companies engaged. The largest of these is the 

 Mangara Exploration Company, Ltd., an English corporation which oper- 

 ates from the head of the Gulf of California southward to Guatemala. 

 According to Mr. F. W. Moore, general manager, the Lower California 

 yield of pearl shell amounts to about 60 tons a year from the Gulf alone, 

 valued at 8100. to $350. (gold) a ton, according to the grade. (The value 

 in 1912 was much higher ranging from $200 to $500. gold). The shell is 

 classified in three grades, the first being the most valuable. The product 

 finds its principal market in England. The company operates with a 

 capital of $150,000. The principal part of the catch is made in Pacific 

 waters, where operations are carried on from November to May. In the 

 Gulf of California the work is done chiefly from July to October. The 

 concession of the Mangara company extends until 1932. 



The Mangara Company operates 4 schooners and 21 boats: there being 

 diving outfits with each boat. The number of men employed by this 



