FISHING NETS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 249 



the net being kept open by means of "wings*' 

 of netting, at the end of each of which is 

 what is termed an "otter-board." On the action 

 of the latter depends, in a great measure, the 

 proper working of the net. The otter-board is a flat, oblong 





Fig. 88. 



piece of stout timber, the height being about half the length. 

 The front lower angle is rounded off so as not to catch the 

 ground when the net is being hauled along, and the whole 

 lower edge of the board is weighted with a heavy iron 

 "shoe," as it is that part which is to be kept at the bottom. 



