ON THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA. 105 



Since hearing that story, Capt. John and I when asked "What 

 luck?" very frequently reply, "Oh! plenty of Grits and Grunts." 

 Under my description of Mullets, I have given the status of " Grits " 

 in Florida. 



I really believe that the " Conchs " of the Keys, and a great 

 majority of the residents of Key West, prefer Grunts to any other 

 fish. At any rate very many boat loads are sold there every day in 

 the year. 



Illustration. Page. 



96. "BATHYSTOMA AUROLINEATUM." 535 1310 

 Jeniguano. 



97. "BATHYSTOMA STRIATUM." No illustration. 1310 

 White Grunt. Under family, "Grunters," J. & E. have 55 

 species, and among them the Pig Fish, Pork Fish, Sailor's Choice, 

 and Hog Fish; but I put under the heading "Grunts" only those 

 usually called "Grunts," except the " Margate-fish." Weight to 2 

 pounds ; average about ^ to ^ pound. 



Caught : Rod and reel or hand line, No. 9-12 line, 2f hook, 

 still fishing, bottom, channels, "patches," under mangroves, etc. 

 The Grunts are the most important food fishes at Key West. Bait : 

 Crawfish, Conch, Crabs, cut fish. Edible, A. 



