36 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
The catch is sold by peddlers, who buy the fish or are hired by the fishermen, 
and to fish-stands in the large market of the city. The fishermen receive an average 
of 6 cents a pound, the consumer paying about 10. All fish are sold undressed, at so 
much a bunch for those of small size. Large fish are cut into strips and sold by the 
piece. Commercial fishes are said to be most abundant in the harbor of Mayaguez 
from August to December, but are abundant outside at all seasons. 
Spiny lobsters, weighing from 2 to 10 pounds each, are found at all seasons, but 
mostly during April and May. 
Algarrobo , a small fishing settlement in the suburbs of Mayaguez, has 11 fisher- 
men, who use 1 dories and 1 sloop. This sloop, the Francisco, , was built at Algar- 
Fishing Schooner Francisca and Wicker Fisning Pots. 
robo at a cost of $1,200, Spanish money. It measures 7\ tons and is the onljr vessel 
used in the fisheries of the island that is of sufficient tonnage to require registry at 
the custom-house. It was built soon after the close of the late war and had made 
but three short trips up to the last of January, 1899. It is 30 feet long, 91 feet beam, 
with 5 feet depth of hold. In the center is a well 7 feet long, with 31 li-inch holes 
on each side, to admit the water. Aft of the well is a small compartment for sleep- 
ing quarters, and forward is a small galley for cooking. Her fishing gear consists 
of 40 set pots, by which most of the catch is made, a small trawl with 100 hooks being 
used occasionally. The catch is made along the coast, the sloop going as far as oil' 
Mona Island, 42 miles distant. Sardines are used for bait on the trawl, the pots 
generally being set without bait. 
