FISHING NETS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 247 



The lawful Trammel-Net for use in the waters of New 

 South Wales may be described as follows : 



Total length of net not exceeding three hundred fathoms. 

 Mesh of inner net not less than three inches. 

 Mesh of the outer net not less than eight inches. 



Depth of net not exceeding one hundred meshes of the 

 three-inch mesh. 



The Drum-Net. This net is used along the banks 

 of watercourses ; more particularly in the Murray River and 

 its tributaries. Briefly stated, the Drum-Net is a large cage 

 or trap having a funnel-shaped entrance. To this trap are 

 attached "wings" of varying length, for the purpose of guid- 

 ing the fishes to the centre, so that they may enter the place 

 ''whence there is no return." This net is made of twine, 

 though numbers of them used to be made of wire-netting. 

 The body portion, or trap proper, is supported by two (or 

 three) hoops, situated about 5 feet apart. 



The following is a description of the lawful Drum-net 

 for use in the waters of New South Wales: 



Net to consist of not more than three hoops covered with 

 net, with wings attached, to be made of twine. 



Mesh of net on hoops, not less than four inches. 

 Diameter of each hoop not to exceed three feet nine inches. 

 Outer hoops to be not more than five feet apart. 

 Length of each wing not to exceed eight feet. 

 Depth of each wing not to exceed three feet nine inches. 

 Mesh of net on each wing not less than six inches. 



In describing these nets, I have given the greatest 

 length and depth, with also the smallest mesh, allowed by 

 law ; but many fishermen have their own particular fancies, 

 and certain "grounds" necessitate the use of nets of a con- 

 struction that would not be very suitable in other places; 

 consequently, a very great diversity in length, depth, length 

 ci hauling lines, size of mesh, and general construction 

 (within the prescribed limits) is constantly to be found. 



