FIVE THOUSAND MILES OF HERRING NETS. 117 



The masses of herrings are sometimes so very great 

 that the nets often sink to the bottom with the immense 

 weight. It is impossible, of course, to tell the exact 

 disposal of the battalions, regiments, companies, and 

 rear and advanced guard of an army of herrings on the 

 march through the waters of the vast ocean.* I have 

 come to the conclusion that the progress of an army 

 of herrings through the water may be illustrated by the 

 observation of a flock of rooks or starlings flying 

 through the air ; supposing a net were floated hap- 

 hazard in the air, on the chance of catching a flock 

 of rooks, the birds might strike the net in a body at 

 the middle of the net, while the portions of the net to 

 the right and left of it would catch only comparatively 

 few birds. So it is with the herrings. If there is no 

 indication of their whereabouts in the sea by the 

 appearance of birds, whales, &c.,f a fleet of nets is 

 floated haphazard. These fleets of nets vary, according, 

 to circumstances, from 1,500 fathoms to 1,800 fathoms, 

 or over two miles in length, from a single boat. In my 

 report on the Norfolk fisheries I give the following 

 statement : — " During the months of September, 

 October, and November, it would be well within the 

 mark to state that there are fishing for herrings «very 

 favourable night in the North Sea, between five and 

 six thousand miles of netting." 



* These shoals of herrings are called Bouillons (Boilers) or 

 Radeaux (Rafts) by the French fishers. In Loch Fyne a shoal is 

 sometimes called an "Eye." In Norway a shoal is designated 

 " Sillglotta." 



t A fisherman of Yarmouth had been three weeks at sea without 

 a fish, and was anxiously watching his fleet of nets, when suddenly 

 he saw a gull make a sweep at them and fly away with a herring. 

 In almost a minute the whole fleet of nets were floating on the 

 water full of herrings : twelve lasts were caught. 



