FISHERY INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 1i 
The cork line is about 35 fathoms long, of 14-inch manila rope. — [t 
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 34 to 
44 inches, according to size of net and preference of maker. The 
lead line bounds not only the longitudinal bottom of the net, but 
likewise the entire four dios 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 of the 
wings and top que is a half 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. They are turned in two pieces to fit the 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 6 feet 
behind the bar. 
The net is hung from the cork line by lashings, or seizings, at inter- 
vals of either three or four meshes, according to expected strain, 
and the loops are allowed to fall about 6 inches below the cork line. 
From the front top corners of the bag two 60-fathom, 44-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 34-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 24 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 34-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 
