[63] MATERIALS FOR 4 HISTORY OF THE SWORD-FISHES. 351 
49.—MANNER OF CAPTURE. 
The Sword-fish never comes to the surface except in moderate, smooth 
weather. A vessel cruising in search of them proceeds to the fishing 
ground, and cruises hither and thither wherever the abundance of small 
fish indicates that they ought to be found. Vessels which are met are 
hailed and asked whether any Sword-fish have been seen, and if tidings 
are thus obtained the ship’s course is at once laid for the locality where 
they were last noticed. A man is always stationed at the masthead, 
where, with the keen eye which practice has given him, he can easily 
descry the tell-tale dorsal fins at a distance of two or three miles. When 
a fish has once been sighted, the watch “ sings out”, and the vessel is 
steered directly towards it. The skipper takes his place in the “ pul- 
pit”, holding the pole in both hands by the small end, and directing 
the man at the wheel by voice and gesture how to steer. There is no 
difficulty in approaching the fish with a large vessel, although, as has 
already been remarked, they will not suffer a small boat to come near 
them. The vessel plows and swashes through the water, plunging its 
bowsprit into the waves, without exciting their fears. Noises frighten 
them and drive them down. Although there would be no difficulty in 
bringing the end of the bowsprit directly over the fish, a skillful har- 
pooner never waits for this. When the fish is from 6 to 10 feet in front 
of the vessel it is struck. The harpoon is never thrown, the pole being 
too long. The strong arm of the harpooner punches the dart into the 
back of the fish, right at the side of the high dorsal fin, and the pole is 
withdrawn and fastened again to its place. When the dart has been 
fastened to the fish the line is allowed to run out as far as the fish will 
earry it, and is then passed in a small boat which is towing at the stern. 
Two men jump into this, and pulling in upon the line until the fish 
is brought in alongside, it is then killed with a whale-lance or a whale- 
spade, which is stuck into the gills. 
The fish having been killed, it is lifted upon the deck by a purchase- 
tackle of two double blocks rigged in the shrouds. 
The fishermen have a theory to the effect that the Sword-fish can see 
nothing directly in front of him, on account of the peculiar location of 
the eyes, and there are instances of their having been approached, and 
killed, by men in a skillfully-managed dory. 
50.—THE PERILS AND THE ROMANCE OF SWORDFISHING. 
The pursuit of the Sword-fish is much more exciting than ordinary 
fishing, for it resembles the hunting of large animals upon the land, and 
partakes more of the nature of the chase. There is no slow and careful 
baiting and patient waiting, and no disappointment caused by the acci- 
dental capture of worthless “ bait-stealers”. The game is seen and fol- 
lowed, and outwitted by wary tactics, and killed by strength of arm and 
skill. The Sword-fish is a powerful antagonist sometimes, and sends 
