142 ISLES OF SUMMER. 



sponges were represented to be the best bj those who sold sponges 

 at the hotel. 



For the purposes of sale the Bahama sponges are divided into 

 eight classes, and though they find a ready market, they are con- 

 sidered inferior to those which are found in the Mediterranean — 

 and this is equally true of corals. I was informed by an exten- 

 sive dealer in sponges, that the Florida waters produce sponges 

 of a quality superior to those of the Bahamas, though not equal 

 to those of the Mediterranean. 



The quantity and value of sponges annually exported from the 

 Bahamas has not been uniform. In 1855, sponges were exported 

 of the value of nearly 150,000; in 1861, of over $150,000; in 

 1877, over $90,000; in 1878, nearly 1^125,000; and the aver- 

 age for ten years prior to 1864 Avas nearly 187,000. The increase 

 in quality and value in 1878 was caused by the re-opening of the 

 Cuban sponge fisheries which were closed during the Cuban in- 

 surrection. The Bahama sponge fleet entered last year the Cuban 

 waters, and by over production soon broke down the market. 

 Some of the finer qualities were exported to France, but the 

 largest portion of the Bahama sponges are sent to the United 

 States and to England. 



