NOTES ON THE FISHEEIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 
281 
attenderl tlieir use. It was stated that the ‘‘crawfish” would enter the pots, eat the 
bait, and then depart. 
lu the absence of otlier similar crustaceans, the spiny lobster occupies an important 
place among the aquatic food animals of the west coast. It is, however, much inferior 
to the eastern lobster, the fiesh being coarser and less tender. 
TERRAPIN AND TERRAPIN-FISHING. 
The question is often asked l)y eastern fishermen and dealers whether the diamond- 
back terrapin is found on the Pacific coast, and, if not, whether there is an acceptable 
substitute therefor. 
The diamond-back terrapin ( 2Ialaclemniijs palustris) does not exist on the west coast, 
and the genus is not there represented. The California terrapin {Clidopus marmo- 
ratus), the only member of the order which has as yet attained commercial prominence 
on the coast, is much inferior to the diamond-back in food value. It inhabits the 
rivers and fresh-water ponds west of the Sierras, and its range extends from Mon- 
terey to the Canadian border. It prefers warm, sluggish water, and is especially 
abundant in California. 
The nets used in this fishery are simple, inexpensive fyke nets, although they are 
not designated as such anywhere in the State, being called “turtle nets” and “turtle 
trails.” The prohibition by the State of the use of set nets of any kind makes this 
fishery illegal, but the law was enacted for the purpose of preventing the capt ure of 
shad, striped bass, and other desirable fresh-water fish on the spawning-grounds or 
in an immature condition, and Avas not intended to limit the turtle fishery. So long, 
therefore, as these nets take only terrapin and catfish, carp, chubs, and other similar 
species generally regarded as nuisances, the legal question is Avaived. 
A fyke examined by me at Sherman Island i)i the San Joaquin Eiver on June 10, 
1891, may be described as follows: The framework consisted of 3 light iron hoops of 
uniform size, 20 inches in diameter. A short funnel, Avith a horizontal, elliptical opening 
about G inches Avide, extended from the first hoop, the aperture being rather nearer 
the top than the bottom of the netting. It was held in position by means of cords 
running to the second hoop. The size of the mesh is about 2-inch stretch. The net 
is kept in position by means of stakes, to which the first hoop and pot are tied, and 
also by a stake placed on each side of each hoop ])iercing the netting and driven into 
the bottom. The bait is suspended by a cord from the to^A of the second hoop. A 
piece of rope attached to either side of the lower part of the first hoop facilitates the 
lifting of the net. Value about $1 or $2. 
The terrapin are Arnry numerous in the marsliy lands of the Sacramento-San 
Joaquin delta and around >San Francisco Bay. As many as 16 to 20 turtles are sometimes 
caught in a trap at one lift. Their size is, howcA^er, small as compared with the 
diamond-back terrapin of the east coast, and examples over 5 inches in length are not 
common, although the species is said to attain a length of 8 inches. They are gener- 
ally called “ turtles ” by the fishermen. 
IVIuch of the terrapin fishing in California is semiprofessional or incidental to 
salmon-fishing, although a feAv persons dcAmte considerable time to the business, and 
may be classed as regular “ turtle ” fishermen. The greater part of the catch is 
marketed in San Francisco, Avhere the terrapin are exposed for sale throughout the 
year. The annual sales in that city are about 1,500 dozen, Avith an average value of 
$4 per dozen. 
