[15] 



FISHERIES OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



lli)7 



the surface floating on its back, and endeavors to envelop its prey with 

 its large and powerful double flaps, and having done so immediately 

 sinks to the bottom. The octopus (pulvo) sometimes grows to a large 

 size. From this sea-monster the Portuguese fishermen make a soup 

 which they consider a great delicacy. 

 IJnited States Consulate, 



Funchal, Madeira, May 10, 1883. 



12.— THE SEA FISHERIES OF AUSTRO-HUNGARY FROM 1877 TO 1883. 



By James Riley Weaver, Consul- General. 



The sea fisheries of Austria are not of great importance, being con- 

 fined exclusively to the waters of the Adriatic Sea. They employ an 

 average of 10,000 men annually, of which number about 900 are Italian 

 subjects. The average catch of an Austrian fisherman is about half 

 that of an Italian fisherman, but in explanation it should be stated that 

 many Austrians are fishermen only during the best part of the season, 

 and are engaged in farm work or some other employment at other 

 portions of the year. The statistical year extends from April 23 to 

 April 22, forming two fishing seasons, the summer and the winter 

 season. About three-fourths of the catch is consumed near the places 

 where taken. The condition of the Austrian fisheries is not satisfac- 

 tory, and there is need for some legal protection to this industry by 

 forbidding the use of seines of small meshes and by preventing the fish- 

 ing for certain species during the period of spawning. 



The following tables are based on data varying in slight details. If 

 the data are reliable, the tables may be regarded as approximately cor- 

 rect. 



General statistics of Austro-Rungarian fisheries. 



* Pieces is probably the same as number. In this and the following tables United States denomina- 

 tions have been used instead of the Austrian weights and measures, according to the following equiva- 

 lents : 1 florin=45.3 cents; 1 Mlogram=2.2046 pounds ; and 1 metrical centner=110.5 pounds. 



