98 DEEP-SEA FISHING. 



and at the same time are in deep water far from the 

 land, can be caught in large numbers; for although 

 these fish are of course taken in abundance by seans 

 when they come close enough inshore, yet, for many 

 weeks previously, drift-fishing is the only method by 

 which the large supplies are obtained for the market. 



The term " drift-net " is derived from the manner in 

 which the nets are worked; they are neither fixed, 

 towed, nor hauled within any precise limits of water ; 

 but are cast out or " shot " at any distance from the 

 land where there are signs of fish, and are allowed to 

 drift in any direction the tide may happen to take 

 them, mitil it is thought desirable to haul them in. 

 When at work they are extended in a long single line, 

 their upper edge being supported at or near the surface 

 by means of floats, the nets hanging perpendicularly 

 in the water, and forming, as it were, a perforated wall 

 or barrier many hundred yards long and several yards 

 in depth. The shoals of fish, in their endeavours to 

 pass through this barrier, force their heads into the 

 meshes, the size of the mesh used depending on whether 

 herrings, pilchards, or mackerel are expected to be 

 caught, and being such as to allow the head and gill- 

 covers to enter, but not to permit the thicker body of the 

 fish to go through. When the fish has forced its way 

 through the net beyond the gill-covers it may gene- 

 rally be considered as efiectually meshed ; there is, 

 indeed, little chance of its escaj^e, for the mesh is only 

 large enough for a fish of average size to push its way 

 so far when the gill-covers are laid close ; but it is 

 necessary for them to open again that the fish may 

 breathe; that the water which brings air to the gills 

 may pass out through the gill-openings ; and as this is 

 taking place, and the fish is struggling to get clear 



