150 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
8,000 pounds were secured weighing from half a pound to 1 pound. At least half the 
catch on that trip consisted of sponges that weighed more than a quarter of a pound. 
These figures are significant in view of the fact that of late years the average weight 
of sheepswool sponges brought in has been only 1 or 1^ ounces. During the remain- 
ing part of the year the weights were the average for recent seasons. The total 
sheepswool crop was 153,700 pounds, of which 27,000 pounds were from the grounds 
about the Florida reefs. 
Another feature disclosed by the data for 1899 is the greatly reduced catch of 
grass sponges, especially on the grounds off Anclote Keys, as compared with 1897. 
In the last-named year nearly 100,000 pounds of this cheap grade were landed from 
these grounds, but in 1899 less than 60,000 pounds were brought in. 
The yield of yellow sponges was comparatively large and in excess of that of 
recent years, the grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and about the Keys producing about 
the same quantity, although in quality the Key sponges are better. The other 
sponges (boat, glove, etc.) were in about the usual quantity. 
The financial outcome of the fishery in 1899 was very gratifying, being the largest 
in four years, although the aggregate quantity of sponges taken was less than in 1897. 
The prices; at which the sponges sold were unusually high. It is said that as a rule 
the fishermen received better prices than ever before, and that there was an advance 
of fully 25 per cent over the previous year. 
It is reported that throughout the year the sponge market was good, and that 
the demand was urgent and in excess of the supply. A considerable part of the 
catch of sheepswool sponges too large for toilet and other domestic purposes was 
disposed of to the ordnance departments of the United States and British armies and 
navies, for use in cleaning guns. 
Following is a summary of the approximate quantity and value of the sponges 
of various kinds taken from the different grounds in 1S99: 
Kinds of sponge. 
Pounds. 
Value. 
Average 
price per 
pound. 
Rock Island sheepswool 
126, 700 
27, 000 
28, 000 
27, 000 
59, 400 
17, 500 
8,000 
10, 000 
$278, 390 
54, 000 
7, 205 
9, 000 
11,819 
2, 500 
4, 000 
1, 000 
$2.20 
2. 00 
.25 
.30 
.20 
.15 
.50 
.10 
Rock Island and Anclote yellow 
Rock Island and Anclote grass 
Total 
304, 400 
367, 914 
1.21 
The following comparative statistics of the Florida sponge catch show, for four 
years, the quantities of the different kinds purchased from the sponge fishermen and 
the prices paid : 
Kinds. 
1895. 
1896. 
1897. 
1899. 
Pounds. 
Value. 
Pounds. 
Value. 
Pounds. 
Value. 
Pounds. 
Value. 
Sheepswool 
Yellow 
Grass 
Other 
Total 
231, 272 
29. 509 
21, 387 
23, 952 
$363,107 
11, 798 
5, 464 
6, 502 
149, 724 
23, 655 
44, 617 
18, 315 
$248, 196 
9, 318 
11, 508 
3, 990 
157, 476 
32, 362 
128, 622 
13, 086 
$240, 599 
13, 082 
29, 188 
3, 171 
$153, 700 
55, 800 
76, 900 
18, 000 
$332, 390 
16, 205 
14,319 
5,000 
306, 120 
386, 871 
236, 311 
273, 012 
331, 546 
286, 040 
304, 400 
367, 914 
