SPONGE FISHING


 THERE arc comparatively few people who
 know that the largest Sponge Exchange in
 the world is located here on the Gulf of Mexico
 at Tarpon Springs. This colorful market, with
 its attendant sponge boats and Greek colony.
 provides Florida with another of her great in-
 dustries.

 To sec these sponge fleets in action, the deep sea
 divers in their clumsy-looking suits, the bustle
 and activity aboard the vari-colored, fat-sided
 boats, and the maneuvering of the fleets as they
 sail out of the harbor for the sponge beds is a
 sight that will long be remembered.

 When the fleet returns, the sponges are treated
 and laid out in long rows to dry. Later, they
 are sold in the quaint market place--shown
 here.-to buyers from all parts of the world.




"Sponge Market" "Sponge Fleet


 S y r, f -'oi stte h,. ll84r l I I .I
 [84]