168 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



wood, are about 2J inches thick, and gradually diminish in thickness 

 towards the top, the upper plank being only IJ inches thick. 



Of the sails, which are manufactured here, sprit-sails are the best in 

 wind ; the two small foresails also render better service than a large 

 stay-sail, and are therefore preferred by the fishermen. In reefing the 

 mainsail, the small foremast is taken down entirely, and the sprit-sail 

 remains spread. The mainsail is reefed from the toj). It is somewhat 

 narrower at the toj) than at the bottom, and by reefing it from the top 

 there is no danger of rolling the sail too tight and of tearing it. The 

 reef-line is simply tied at the top of the sprit, and in reefing it is made 

 loose and tied lower down. 



The great advantage of these vessels is their strength, as they can 

 withstand almost any storm. I own a cutter built in the United States. 

 In moderate wind I can always outsail our vessels, and even in a toler- 

 ably stiff breeze I can cruise as well as they ; but if a strong wind 

 springs up I can no longer cruise, but must think of my own safety, 

 while our vessels keep on in their course. 



Kuss, East Prussia, July 1, 1880. 



83.— IVOODEIV TANK FOR THE TBANSPORTATIOIV OF filVIIVO FTSS. 



By HIAX VOi\ 1>EM BORNE. 



The tank has a double bottom, in order that dirt may be separated 

 from the fish. If water is j)oured into the tank, it will flow out by the 

 pipe from below the upper bottom, and take the dirt out of the tank. 



There should be three inches of air below the cover. On warm davs 

 some ice may be placed on the cover. 



Bekneuchen, February 29, 1884. 



^uoTi'-en 





