KEER-DRAG FISHING. 257 



net are formed of an iron rod about seven feet long, 

 of which about fifteen inches at each end are bent 

 once at right angles ; to these ends a straight beam of 

 wood, three inches in diameter, is fixed, which should 

 be rounded for the convenience of handling. The wood 

 by its buoyancy, when the net is in use in the water, 

 tends to preserve the vertical position of the frame- 

 work. 



To the mouth of the net thus formed by the union 

 of the iron and wood a piece of netting is to be ap- 

 plied all round, which should diminish gradually, both 

 in the size of the net and its mesh, till, at the distance 



of seven or eight feet from the framework, it should 

 terminate in a round open mouth, about the size of the 

 top of a stocking. The mesh of the net for the last 

 three feet should be very small, as it is at this part the 

 most strenuous efforts to escape will be made; particu- 

 larly by the pipe-fish (Syngnathi). 



The net is to be drawn along the ground by a slight 

 rope over the stern of a boat, which should not be 

 rowed fast. This tow-rope ends towards the net by a 

 bridle, and thus the mouth of the net is not only kept 



