[17] FISREEIES OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 1199 



taking into account the short period of their existence much develop- 

 ment is shown. The catch is preserved with Italian and French oils, 

 as the Dalmatian oil is not suited to the purpose. About two-thirds of 

 the year's product is sent to America, China, and India. The present 

 careless methods of using drag-nets, and the excise duty paid on salt, 

 are a drawback to this fishery. It is surprising that no protective laws 

 are in existence in regard to these sea fisheries, as the river fisheries are 

 carefully regulated by local laws. 

 United States Consulate-General, 



Vienna, February 27, 1883, and February 25, 1884. 



13. -THE FISHEEIES OF SYRIA IN 1882. 



By John S. Robeson, Consul. 



The fisheries along the coast of Syria are neither extensive nor impor- 

 tant, the fish caught being of inferior quality. Roach, mullet, and tunny 

 are the principal varieties, and may be taken during all seasons of the 

 year. Fishermen are few. and the amount of capital invested in boats 

 and fishing tackle is small. The fisheries controlled by the governor of 

 Beirut are leased to the highest bidder annually, who receives 20 per 

 cent of the value of all the fish caught in his district. Last year the 

 lessee paid $3,280. The value of the fish is estimated at $20,000. A 

 coarse sponge is found near Beirut, but very little attention is given to 

 sponge-fishing on the Syrian coast. 



United States Consulate, 



Beirut, Syria, October 1, 1883. 



