242 FISHES OF AUSTRALIA. 



hauled, a kind of "bag," or "pocket," is formed. Other 

 very important nets are the Meshing-Nets (a small kind 

 of which is known in the waters of the Murray River system 

 as the "Gill-Net") ; while the Trammel-Net is also used. 

 The Trawl-Net, which plays such an important part in the 

 capture of the principal edible fishes of Great Britain and 

 many other countries, has, so far, been used here, only in 

 an experimental manner. 



Briefly stated, the various kinds of our nets are as 

 follows: The General Hauling-Net or Mullet-Net (two 

 kinds), the Garfish-Net, the Prawn-Net, the Meshing- 

 Net, the Gill-Net or small Meshing-Net (for use in 

 fresh- waters), the Trammel-Net, and the Drum-Net 

 (for use in fresh- waters). 



The General Hauling-Net. Two kinds of this net 

 are used on the coast of New South Wales; one being 

 allowed for use in the coastal "lakes" only, while the other 

 may be used in other coastal waters. The following are the 

 dimensions,* as set out by law, of the former: 



Total length of net not exceeding four hundred fathoms. t 



Length of bunt not exceeding one hundred and thirty-four 

 fathoms. 



Mesh of bunt not less than two and a quarter inches. 

 Depth of bunt not exceeding two hundred and fifty meshes. 



Length of each wing not exceeding one hundred and thirty- 

 three fathoms. 



Mesh of wing not less than three inches. 



Depth of each wing not exceeding one hundred and fifty 

 meshes. 



Hauling line at each end of net not exceeding two hundred 

 and fifty fathoms in length. 



* All the dimensions of fishing-nets given here, are in accord with the 

 regulations of the New South Wales Department of Fisheries in existence 

 at the time of writing (March, 1906). There is always a possibility of 

 alight alterations being made from time to time, or of additional nets 

 being legalised. 



t A fathom is equal to a length of 6 feet. 



