sponge and the Sponge Fisheries. 173 



sponges gathered in Florida waters are taken from the 

 fishermen at Key West, Cedar Keys, and Apalachicola. 

 The amount of money paid out per annum is as follows : — 

 At Key West, ^^24,000; Cedar Keys, ^13,000; Apala- 

 chicola, ^11,000 — a total of ^48,000. 



