76 MARVELS OF FISH LIFE 



slowly passing to and fro, where the deeper water 

 swiftly glides along. When satisfied that the fish are 

 there the work of netting is started. 



The method of procedure differs with the nature oi 

 the water. In comparatively still water a net is drawn 

 through the pools, and fortunate is the collector upon 

 whose field is a shelving pool, free from boulders, tree- 

 roots and stakes. As a rule, a boat follows up the net, 

 in the bows of which stands a man armed with a long 

 pole, carrying at the end of it iron prongs. When the 

 net catches upon an obstruction it is the business of this 

 man to free it as quickly as possible. 



In rapid water a different method is employed, 

 Stakes are driven into the bed, and a net stretched 

 across the swiftest part of the river in which a man can 

 stand. A retaining cage is placed near the bank, and 

 landing nets and carrying buckets are in readiness. A 

 carrying bucket is a canvas bag which will hold two oi 

 three salmon, head downwards. 



A gang of men are now posted some distance up, and 

 walk through the water down to the net. The frightened 

 salmon come swiftly down the current, every now and 

 then revealing their presence by a huge red-brown side 

 or large black fin. As the circle grows smaller the fish 

 charge down- stream and rush head first into the net, 

 and powerful as they are, the force of the water is suffi- 

 cient to hold them tightly pressed against it. The 

 salmon are now quickly " tailed " by the men in attend- 

 ance, and placed in the buckets, and from these they are 



