. The Cuba review. 22 THE CUBA REVIEW THE SPONGE FISHERY IN CUBA "The sponge fishery is one of the impor- tant industries of the Cuban coast, and the headquarters for this work is at Bata- bano, a quaint Httle seafort about thirty miles from Havana," writes Arthur D. Marston in the Lewiston (Me.) Journal. "The native population is not as much in evidence here as the Italian and Greek, as these are the most expert in gather- ing sponges. The Carribean Sea at this place is noted for its crystal-like clear- ness, and the most wonderful submarine landscapes can be seen at a depth of
. The Cuba review. 22 THE CUBA REVIEW THE SPONGE FISHERY IN CUBA "The sponge fishery is one of the impor- tant industries of the Cuban coast, and the headquarters for this work is at Bata- bano, a quaint Httle seafort about thirty miles from Havana," writes Arthur D. Marston in the Lewiston (Me.) Journal. "The native population is not as much in evidence here as the Italian and Greek, as these are the most expert in gather- ing sponges. The Carribean Sea at this place is noted for its crystal-like clear- ness, and the most wonderful submarine landscapes can be seen at a depth of more than 75 feet. It is among these twilight depths of sunken coral reefs that the world's supply of sponges are mostly taken, and the methods are as unique as they are fascinating. "The sponge taken here is of three kinds, and these are called sheep's wool, grass and glove. varieties. The first-named is the most valuable on account of its fine texture and commands a much higher price. The grass sponge is more abund- ant, while the glove variety is the most inferior and least valued. "In the port of Batabano there are about 300 vessels of all sizes engaged in the sponge industry, and the average trip re- quires about one week. The sponges are found in from 10 to 40 feet of water and are clinging to the coral rocks. There are different methods in taking them, but diving is perhaps most practiced. Slender poles with hooks on the ends are also used, but this is not as popular with the gatherers, who are all expert divers. The clearness of the water enables the sponges to be seen very readily, and the moment a cluster is detected, overboard goes the diver and a moment later reappears upon the surface with an armful of sponges. Immediately after the boat locates a sponge bed a craal is constructed. This is a sort of pen made by interweaving stakes, and into this the sponges are placed as fast as the boat is loaded. When first taken the sponge is an animal and must be cur
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