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Pescadores

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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fishers,) a group of islands (called by the Japanese Hoko to or Hoko Gunto) lying 30 m. west of Formosa, from which they are separated by the Pescadores Channel, about the tropic of Cancer. The islands number 48 (21 inhabited), have a coast-line of 98.67 miles, a total area of 85.50 sq. m., and a population of about 55,000, principally Chinese. Flat and with unproductive soil, they are swept during one half of the year by violent N.E. winds, and also lie full in the path of the numerous typhoons that rush up the Strait of Formosa. Meteorological observations taken by the Japanese during a period of three years show that the annual average number of stormy days is 237. The anchorage is at Mako (Makyu or Makun) on the principal island of Penghu. The chief industry is fishing (whence the old Spanish name which has come into general use) and dried fish are exported.