SEAWEED INDUSTRIES OF JAPAN. 



157 



The following more detailed statistics show the extent of this industry in the 

 Tokyo region during three years. In L901 the area of the planted grounds was 951.5 

 acres, and the value of the crop was $148,862, or about 1156 per acre. It is reported 

 that in 1903 the yield was valued at 600, > yen ($300,000). 



In October and November (in Tokyo Bay) the grounds are prepared for the sea 

 weed crop by sinking into the muddy bottom, in water 

 up to It) or 15 feet deep at high tide, numerous bundles 

 of bamboo or brush. These bundles are prepared on 

 shore and taken to the grounds in boats at low tide, one 

 or two men constituting a boat's crew. The bundles 

 of brush are planted in regular lines, deep holes being 

 made for them by means of an elongated conical wooden 

 frame with two long, upright handles, which is forced 

 into the mud by the weight of the fisherman. 



The object of these lines of brush is to intercept and 

 afford a lodgment for the floating spores of Porphyra. 

 The spores become attached to the twigs and grow rap- 

 idly, so that by the following January the plants have 

 attained full size and are harvested from January to 

 March, being cut from the brush as they grow. They 

 die about the time of the vernal equinox, and the active 

 business is at a standstill until the ensuing fall. During 

 summer, however, the old brush is removed from the 

 grounds, and fresh material is collected and prepared. 



The best grounds for growing Porphyra are in 

 great demand, and the fishermen are often in conflict over them. The local 



Bundle of brush and conical frame used 

 in planting Krusii on soft bottom. 



