74 DEEP-SEA FISHING. 



course wltlnn the not very precise limits necessary for 

 working with the tide over her fishing ground. 



One hand stays on deck to look out for any change 

 of wind, to trim sails, and, by occasionally feeling the 

 warp, to ascertain if the trawl be working properly. 

 Feeling the warp is a very simple but effective test, for 

 when all is going right a slight but regular vibration is 

 felt on the hand being firmly pressed down on that 

 part of the rope which is outside the vessel ; whilst an 

 irregular jerking action is evident if the trawl be going 

 over rough ground or not keeping steadily at the 

 bottom. The rest of the crew go below and turn in, 

 or employ themselves in some other more or less profit- 

 able occupation till the watch has to be relieved or it is 

 time to get the trawl up. 



We may now say a few words about the action of the 

 beam-trawl when at work. This net is specially con- 

 structed for catching what are called ground-fish — those 

 which not only as a rule keep at the bottom, but also 

 naturally hide below the surface of the sand or mud, as 

 the case may be. With rare exceptions all the soles, 

 turbot, and plaice brought to market are caught by 

 the trawl ; the various kinds of skate or ray are also 

 obtained by the same means ; and notwithstanding the 

 peculiar habits of all of these fish there is very little 

 chance of their escaping when once the trawl-beam has 

 passed over their heads. It is well known that fish in 

 general, when at rest, lie with their heads to the stream 

 or tide ; it is the only position in which they can keep 

 their places by a slight action of the tail and other fins, 

 and it is one which facilitates the process of respiration 

 by allowing the water to pass in a natural direction 

 through the mouth and out at the gill openings. Those 

 fish which bury themselves, oi', to speak more correctly. 



