FISHERY RESOURCES OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. 303 



The animal is highly esteemed as food by the Filipinos and is eaten 

 in Japan also, where it is made into cliop suey. 



The green snail is found in the greatest abundance at the edges of 

 coral reefs and "in water several fathoms deep. It is also to be encoun- 

 tered along rocky shores under large boulders. The small islands in the 

 vicinity of Cebu yield a considerable quantity. It is also fairly abundant 

 along the coast of Negros and Masbate. The northern coast of Palawan 

 also yields a large supply. 



About 100,000 kilograms of the green snail shell are exported from 

 the Philippines annually. The price paid to the fishermen ranges from 

 7.50 to 11 pesos per picul of 63.25 kilos. 



As in the case of the great top shell, very little is known of the life 

 history, habits, reproduction, or the possibilities of artificial cultivation 

 of this shell in the Philippines. 



THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS. 



The chambered nautilus {Nautilus pompilius Linn.) (Plate X, fig. 4) 

 is so well known that a description is unnecessary. It is world-wide 

 in distribution and is an inhabitant of water of from 300 to 350 fathoms 

 in depth. China seems to be the only country that manufactures this 

 shell into buttons, consequently its export from the Philippines is prac- 

 tically limited to that country. 



The chambered nautilus is obtained in large numbers along the southern coast 

 of the Island of Negros, sometimes as many as 3,000 nautilus shells being gathered 

 in this region during one season. They are frequently caught in fish traps and 

 are sold as a sort of "by-product" at 10 centavos each, although when brought 

 into market the very fine, large specimens sell for much more. In many 

 countries these shells are fashioned into spoons, vases, and pearl ornaments. 

 A practical as well as an ornamental use has been made of these shells by the 

 author, who has them mounted on red coralline, set in a solid base of red 

 cement and with an electric globe fitted to the inside of the shell. This makes 

 a most satisfactory reading lamp. (Plate X, fig. 4.) In Paris these shells are 

 used for making the finest gi'ades of cameos, and ornamental objects of pearl. 

 They are among the most striking common shells in all museum cabinets. In 

 New York City dealers charge from 2. .50 to 5 dollars each for fine, large shells. 

 Unfortunately the New York market is limited. 



However, there is an increasing demand for these shells for the pur- 

 pose of export, and some fishermen are found who give their entire time 

 to catching nautilus. Ordinary bamboo fish-traps with funnel-shaped 

 entrances are used. These are baited with crab and lowered into deep 

 water, in a day or two they are drawn up and the nautilus removed. 

 The Filipinos eat the flesh to a limited extent. 



SUGGESTIONS FOE ESTABLISHING BUTTON FACTORIES IN THE PHILIPPINES. 



Judging from the numerous letters of inquiry received by the ichthy- 

 ological section of the Bureau of Science from various parts of the world 

 regarding the establishment of button factories in the Philippines, this 



