102 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



Fourth fannhirj. — The remaiiiiug catecbu solution is poured into the 

 kettle, Jin«l if tlie quantity is not sufficient, some water is added. As a 

 general rule 9 (juarts are used for a net 100 yards long and 300 meshes 

 deep. To the solution are added 2^ quarts of Stockholm tar, and as 

 much coal-tar for every net of the above dimensions. When the solu- 

 tion begins to boil, the fire is kept low, so as to keep it simmering dur- 

 ing the operation. It should be constantly stirred, as otherwise the 

 first nets will absorb all the tar. 



The tanning is done in this way, so that the net is drawn through the 

 solution either by hand or by means of a winch, one man drawing the 

 net, one stirring the solution, and the third helping the net along. To 

 scrape oft' the superfluous solution, a piece of wood 4 or 5 inches broad, 

 is laid across the kettle and fastened to it. In the middle of the piece 

 of wood is a semicircular notch, about 1 inch deep and 1^ inch broad. 

 Over this notch there are placed 2 iron cramps about 5 inches long ; the 

 one having a width of 2 inches is placed inside (towards the middle 

 of the kettle), the other, having a width of li inch, on the outside (to- 

 wards the edge or towards the person who draws the net). The net 

 thus passes over the piece of wood between the notch below and the 

 cramps above. The size of the opening or the pressure can be regu- 

 lated by driving the cramj)s in further. During the night the nets are 

 laid to dry, and are then ready for use. 



As regards the treatment of the nets during the fisheries, the same 

 author says that they should be covered up when not in use, and bo 

 dried at least once a week. Before they are dried they should be washed 

 so as to be free from all imiJurities; and while being dried they should 

 be spread out well, so that the drying process may be accomplished 

 rapidly. As soon as they are dry they must be taken in, as bleaching 

 will hurt them. If a rich haul has been made, they should be washed, 

 even if there is no occasion to dry them later. If one thinks that there 

 will be no occasion to use them for twenty-four hours or more, they 

 should be freely sprinkled with coarse salt. If they are left idle for 

 some time, they should be aired both in the morning and evening, and 

 be s])iinkled with salt. This is especially necessary in summer, wlu^ii 

 the air is warm, the sea is full of organic substances, and the lish are 

 fatter. When the nets are in daily use, they should bo tanned over 

 again every month in summer, and every six weeks in winter. During 

 the first year they are in use, 11 pounds of the best catechu is used for 

 ;> nets 100 yards long and 400 meshes deep ; when the nets have been 

 in use longer, the same quantity will suffice for 4 nets. The catechu is 

 ])laced in a wicker basket, so that any leaves and impurities which may 

 ndliere do not find their way into the solution ; and this basket is hung 

 in llu; water in the kettle, a few inches i'roin the bottom. Only ])ure 

 water .should be used, an<l never any solution which has been used be- 

 fore. When the catechu has dissolved, the boiling solution is poured 

 into a vat, and the nets are dipped into it. For this sticks are used, 



