SHORT GREY MULLET. 247 



The net used is called a kecrdrag, and as it is an effective 

 machine, where the ground is smooth, for the collectors of 

 small fishes and various other marine animals, I have made 

 a representation of it the subject of the vignette annexed, 

 and will shortly describe the apparatus and the manner of 

 working it. 



The bottom and sides of the oblong mouth of the net are 

 formed of an iron rod about seven feet long, of which about 

 fifteen inches at each end are bent once at right angles ; 

 to these ends a straight beam of wood, three inches diameter, 

 is fixed, which should be rounded for the convenience of 

 handling. The wood by its buoyancy, when the net is in 

 use in the water, tends to preserve the vertical position of 

 the framework. 



To the mouth of the net thus formed by the union of the 

 iron and wood a piece of netting is to be applied all round, 

 which should diminish gradually, both in the size of the net 

 and its mesh, till, at the distance of seven or eight feet from 

 the framework, it should terminate in a round open mouth, 

 about the size of the top of a stocking. The mesh of the 

 net for the last three feet should be very small, as it is at 

 this part the most strenuous efforts to escape will be made ; 

 particularly by the Syngnathi. 



The net is to be drawn along the ground by a slight rope, 

 over the stern of the boat, which should riot be rowed fast. 

 This tow-rope ends towards the net by a three-tie bridle, one 

 of which is attached to the centre of the wooden beam : of 

 the other two, one goes to each side, and thus the mouth of 

 the net is not only kept square to the front, but its vertical 

 position is also preserved. 



The open tail of the net being closed and securely tied, 

 and the apparatus put overboard from a row-boat, keeping 

 hold of the tow-rope, and taking care that the mouth of the 

 net preserves its position, it should be towed leisurely about, 



