68 DEEP-SEA FISHING. 



custom with the smaller craft. It was found that the 

 increased size of the mainsail and heavy main-boom 

 necessary for these larger vessels required more hands 

 to manage tbem ; and as the quantity of fish taken by 

 these vessels did not increase in proportion to the 

 greater size — the nets used by them being only slightly 

 enlarged — economy and convenience were both in 

 favour of reducing the large mainsail if it could be 

 done without seriously diminishing the working power 

 of the vessel. The new trawlers were therefore built 

 of considerable length, so as to give plenty of room for 

 a good mizenmast ; the mast being stepped well for- 

 ward to allow sufficient steering room abaft, the large 

 unmanageable mainsail was got rid of, and the reduc- 

 tion in its size made up by a good-sized gaff mizen. 

 These vessels can now be worked economically, and the 

 sails, being in comparatively small pieces, are managed 

 with only one hand more than in much smaller craft. 

 Although these large trawlers do not bring in much 

 more fish than vessels perhaps 15 or 20 tons smaller 

 — for the longest trawl - beams now in use do not 

 exceed 50 feet — it is believed that their greater cost is 

 compensated for by the additional accommodation pro- 

 vided. The crew have more room and increased cook- 

 ing conveniences, and there is much better stowage for 

 the ice and fish ; and it speaks well both for the owners 

 and the prosperity of the fishing trade that the men 

 who are exposed to the hardships and dangers of the 

 deep-sea fisheries are taken good care of by those who, 

 having in most cases themselves gone through the 

 practical part of the work, are now in the happy 

 position of" owners, and can remain comfortably on 

 shore. 



At Yarmouth, and some other places on the North 



