180 Saint Lucia. 



To these may be added the Hedgehog aud Eels ; and among Shell Fish, Sea Eggs, Oysters 

 and Whelks. 



Turtle, of two species, are fairly plentiful. 



Whales, chiefly the Hump Backs, are pretty common from January to May, and are fished 

 by Americans. 



Among freshwater fish, there is the Mullet, resembling the Trout in size and delicacy of 

 flavour. Then come the Carmeau, the Brochet, the Vermine, the Endormeur, and the Sarde- 

 dents-chien. One or two of these attain sometimes large proportions, the Carmeau, for example, 

 reaching three or four feet, and weighing 30 Ibs., and the Sarde-dents-chien 60 Ibs. These are 

 to be found in the deep pools near the mouths of the rivers. 



In these islands, " pickling" fish is not practised, and "corned " fish is the term used for 

 the local fish when salted and dried. " Salt-fish : ' is the name given to the imported New- 

 foundland Cod. The -drier kinds of fish, when corned, will sometimes last quite as long as the 

 " Salt fish." 



The sizes and weights given in the catalogue express the largest dimensions known to the 

 persons who have contributed to the information herein given, some of whom are practised 

 fishermen. 



Most of the deep sea fish are caught by the hook and line. Flying Fish are caught in 

 net-bags attached to a stick, and dipped beside the boat. Cavallies, Jack Fish, and others arc 

 taken in large seines, which are drawn upon sandy shores. Many of the smaller kinds are 

 taken in fish-pots, weighted and sunk, sometimes in very deep water. The Mullet rises to the 

 "fly," as the trout does, and the larger river-fish are sometimes shot. A common practice of 

 the rustics is to dam a favourite portion of a stream, and throw into it pounded pepper or other 

 leaves. The fish are stupefied and are easily taken. 



Fish is generally sold at Qd. per lb., taking a high proportion to beef, which brings Sd. 

 The smaller fish sell at 3d. 



Castries, the capital of the island, has a 'population of about 5000 ; and about two dozen 

 canoes, manned by two or three hands each, supply its daily wants. The poorer people con- 

 sume a good deal of the smaller and cheaper kinds of fish, and are very fond of the common 

 shark. 



Flying Fish seems to be plentiful, and, if deep sailing boats were used as at Bardados, it 

 is likely that the supply would be considerable and steady all the year round. Flying Fish 

 pickles well, like herrings ; but Barbadians say that the effect of eating them pickled is that 

 the human skin becomes spotted and stained. Hence pickled Flying Fish is avoided. 



Near Margarita and the Testigos Islands, to the Westward of Trinidad, immense quanti- 

 ties of fish are caught and corned, and occasionally a cargo of it reaches these islands. But 

 at present there is no export trade in fish from St. Lucia, nor is fish so abundant in its 

 neighbourhood as to be ever likely to become an article "of export. There are no banks swarm- 

 ing with fish, hence nothing can ever compete with the Newfoundland Cod. 



"Caveecht" Fish is a fine relish and stand-by (like pepper-pot) when well prepared. 

 This can best be done by frying the solid and dry kinds of fish, then treating them witJi 

 vinegar, olive oil, pepper and spices. Suitably packed in jars, Caveecht Fish lasts a long 

 time, and is welcomed in England. 



There are no benefit societies among the St. Lucia fishermen, and the trade receives no 

 special protection nor any pecuniary aid from the Government. 



K, P. CKOPPEK. 



(No Exhibits from Saint Lucia have been received at the Fisheriet Exhibition,} 



