56 SALMONID/E. 



consequence of cataracts, cannot have access to the sea. They 

 are small in size, and inferior in flavour. The year 1820 

 furnished 21,817." 



It remains to describe the different modes by which the 

 Salmon are taken ; and these are as various, and the fisheries 

 are as numerous and as extensive, as the value and quantity 

 of the fish would lead us to expect. The rights of the 

 proprietors, which have arisen in various ways, some by 

 royal grants, others by possession or occupation of the soil, 

 are generally farmed or hired at a rent depending on the 

 extent or value of the local stations. The first attack made 

 upon the fish is in the summer months, when the Salmon 

 rove along the coast in quest of the mouths of the different 

 rivers, in which they annually cast their spawn. " On these 

 expeditions, the fish generally swim pretty close to the shore, 

 that they may not miss their port ; and the fishermen, who 

 are well aware of this coasting voyage of the Salmon, take 

 care to project their nets at such places as may be most con- 

 venient for intercepting them in their course." 



" It so happens that Carrick-a-rcde (the rock in the road), 

 between Ballycastle and Portrush, eastward of Ballintoy, 

 is the only place on this abrupt coast (the northern coast of 

 the county of Antrim) which is suited for the purpose. The 

 net is projected directly outward from the shore with a slight 

 bend, forming a bosom in that direction in which the Salmon 

 come. From the remote extremity of the net a rope is 

 brought obliquely to another part of the shore, by which 

 the net may be swept round at pleasure and drawn to the 

 land : a heap of small stones is then prepared for each per- 

 son. All things being ready, as soon as the watchman 

 perceives the fish advancing to the net, he gives the watch- 

 word. Immediately some of the fishermen seize the oblique 

 rope, by which the net is bent round to enclose the Salmon, 

 while the rest keep up an incessant cannonade with their 



