118 ACANTHOPTERYGII. SCOMBRID^. 



means of corks along the top, and weights along 

 the bottom : these are moored with anchors so 

 as to form an enclosure parallel to the shore, but 

 at some distance from it, extending sometimes to 

 the length of a mile. The long narrow enclosure 

 is then formed into chambers, by means of cross 

 nets hung from side to side in a similar manner, 

 but all communicating with each other by narrow 

 openings, or, as we may call them, doors. About 

 the middle of the line a net is hung transversely 

 from the inner side reaching to the shore, and 

 thus closing the passage. 



It is the habit of the Tunnies to swim very 

 close to the land ; therefore, when in their rovings 

 they come to this part of the coast, they pass 

 between the nets and the shore, until they find 

 their further way stopped by the long net last 

 mentioned, hanging right across their course. 

 Ranging along by its side in the seaward direc- 

 tion, they find the opening leading into the first 

 chamber of the enclosure ; they enter it, and find 

 themselves surrounded by nets, except at one 

 point, through which they enter into the second 

 chamber. Precautions are taken to prevent their 

 return, and they are driven from one compart- 

 ment to another, until they reach the last, which 

 is called the chamber of death. Beneath this, 

 near the bottom, there is a net stretched hori- 

 zontally, which can be elevated to any level at 

 pleasure. The fishermen, having assembled in 

 boats, bring the Tunnies, by means of this hori- 

 zontal net, to the surface, and the slaughter com- 

 mences. The fishes are killed with poles, boat- 

 hooks, and similar weapons. 



The whole proceeding forms an imposing spec- 



