320 The Philippine Journal of Science i9u 



above-mentioned localities, we have in our collection specimens 

 from Gandara, Samar Island; from Lake Lanao, Mindanao 

 Island; from Jaro, Leyte Island; and from Pampanga River, 

 Luzon Island. 



While the palaemon fishery in the Philippines is not so large 

 as some other fisheries, it is an industry which is carried on all 

 over the Islands and is one which deserves to be improved if 

 possible. The French people are famous for the way in which 

 they have cultivated the fresh-water crayfish in France, and 

 even here near Manila it is said that an attempt has been made 

 to grow palaemons in some of the fishponds. A series of ex- 

 periments conducted on a scientific and practical basis would be 

 of great value to this industry. 



METHODS USED IN FISHING 



At least seven methods of fishing for palaemons are employed 

 in the Philippine Islands. (1) The larger forms are often caught 

 in a large fish trap known as the baclad. This consists of a 

 split bamboo fence arranged in the form of a V. The palaemons 

 follow the two wings of the V until they reach a narrow opening 

 at the angle, through which they pass into an inclosure. The 

 narrow opening is guarded by pieces of bamboo which point in- 

 ward and prevent the crustaceans from escaping. (2) The 

 smaller forms are frequently caught by men and boys who dive 

 and feel about in holes and crevices for them. (3) Another trap 

 which is used is the bobo, a rectangular box made of bamboo. 

 The bobo is filled with hay or grass through an opening in one 

 side, and is then lowered to the bottom. It is allowed to remain 

 in the water for two or three weeks until the hay or grass has 

 decayed, after which the palaemons enter to feed on the material 

 and the trap is hauled up. (4) The familiar cast net is also used 

 in shallow water where the palaemons can be seen. It has been 

 given the name dala by the Filipinos. (5) Another familiar way 

 of catching these crustaceans is by hauling an ordinary seine. 

 This seine, which is provided with a pocket, is called pukot. 



(6) A method frequently employed is the following: Two men 

 are seated in a banca, the one in the bow handles a dip net and 

 the other in the stern does the paddling. The frame to which 

 the net is attached is triangular, and is firmly attached at one 

 angle to a long handle. This net is held close to the bottom 

 where it catches the palaemons as the banca moves forward. 



(7) The talabog consists of a large bundle of roots bound to- 

 gether at both ends. This is lowered into the water and the 

 palaemons instinctively cling to it or hide among the roots. 



