FISHERY INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 11 



The cork line is about 35 fathoms long, of li-inch manila rope. It 

 carries about 35 corks on each side. These corks are either round or 

 oval and are about 6 inches in diameter, perforated in the center for 

 reeving on the line. 



The lead line, which really carries the weight and strain of the 

 whole net, is of soft manila, and varies in circumference from 3h to 

 4^ inches, according to size of net and preference of maker. The 

 lead line bounds not only the longitudinal bottom of the net, but 

 hkewise the entire four sides of the end of the bunt, thus giving great 

 strength and lifting power to that part. It is also practically con- 

 tinuous over the front of the net, being carried along the lower sides 

 of the wings to the towing bar, and thence around the top of the 

 wings and front, or top que, and of the net, making a complete 

 circuit. Sometimes the portion bounding the upper sides ol the 

 wings and top que is a hah^ inch or so less circumference (of soft 

 manila) than the lead line proper. This upper portion of the line 

 carries 6 or 8 wooden thimbles to the side, similar to those on the 

 lead line, though generally more rounded in shape. These are in- 

 tended to prevent chafing when the net is hoisted aboard. 



The lead line proper carries 6 to 10 leads on each side. These 

 leads weigh 1 pound each. They come in flat pieces and are beaten 

 into place about the line. (Some fishermen say that leads are not 

 necessary at all, as the weight of the net^ holds it well at the bottom.) 

 In addition there are on each side 4 wooden thimbles about 8 inches 

 long. Tliev are turned in two pieces to fit tlie rope and are lashed 

 about it. Their purpose is to lessen the chafing. 



The towing bar is about 24 inches in length by 2 inches in diameter, 

 of pine or hardwood. For details of the method of its use, and also 

 for the method by which the weight and strain of the net is taken at 

 the towing end, reference is directed to the illustration. The ring by 

 which the net head is attached to the towing bar hangs about G feet 

 behind the bar. 



The net is hung from the cork line by la.shings, or seizings, at inter- 

 vals of either three or four meshes, according to expected strain, 

 and the loops are allovv^od to fall about 6 inches Ix-low the cork line. 



From the front top corners of the bag two GO-fathom, 4.i-inch 

 hard manila ropes are attached. These are led to the winch when 

 the net is being hauled, in order to carry the weight of the bag with 

 its load of fish. Two 5-fathom ropes of the same size, or some- 

 times 3^-inch, are attached to the top back corners of the bag, and 

 when it is desired to hoist the bag on board these are bent onto the 

 60-fathom ropes at the front end of the bag, which is thus hoisted 

 from its four corners. 



The fish are taken from the net through the doors with a heavy 

 scoop net of 2^ or 3 feet diameter, with strong wooden handle. 

 These scoops are sometimes so heavy that it requires two men to 

 operate them. 



The net is towed by two 60-foot, or more, seagoing fishing boats. 

 The towing lines or warps are of 3t^-inch hard manila 700 or 800 

 fathoms in length. 



Operations are carried on in the following manner: When it has 

 been determined by sounding that a suitable bottom has been found, 

 the boat which carries the net slows down. The other boat comes 

 alongside and passes^ its towing line to the first. This is attached 



