The Shark Fishery for the Oil obtained. 237 



Besides the local catch, large quantities are imported from 

 the Arabian and Persian Gulfs. There is a small export 

 of these fins from Madras to the extent of 250 to 300 

 cwts. annually. They are assorted into the "white" and 

 " black," the former being the dorsal fins, which are uni- 

 formly light coloured on both sides, and reputed to yield 

 more gelatine than the other ; the "black" are the pectoral, 

 ventral, and anal fins, which are less esteemed than the 

 white, and consequently realize a lower price. 



Sharks' fins are sent to China from various quarters ; 

 from Akyab, Sumatra, Manila, Borneo, the Sandwich 

 Islands, and other places. They are much esteemed as a 

 food substance, being used for making soup. 



