276 EXTRACTS FROM NOTE-BOOKS. CH. XXXVII. 



work to the men, is for the most part a time of rest 

 to the women. Instead of having to tramp, as they 

 shortly hope to do, miles into the country with a 

 weight of fish on their back which would be almost 

 a burthen for a donkey, they have little else to do 

 than to gossip with each other, and set lines about 

 the harbour and shores, excepting in those places 

 where the herrings are cured and put into casks 

 for foreign consumption, where they are busy 

 enough. The boats which go out from many of 

 our small towns seldom return home again until 

 the season is over ; but leave the produce of their 

 fishing at the curing stations every night if possible. 

 The herring-fishermen have not only much hard 

 work, but many dangers to contend with. Whilst 

 far out at sea tending their nets during the night- 

 time, storms of wind suddenly come on ; and a 

 scene of hurry and confusion ensues which can 

 scarcely be imagined. Anxious to save their tackle 

 and unwilling to lose any chance, the men in some 

 boats are busily engaged hauling up their nets ; 

 other boats are driving past them with everything 

 in confusion and their sails flapping in the wind. 

 Others, manned by more prudent and able hands, 

 who have forseen the coming storm, are scudding 

 with everything snug for the nearest port, and lucky 

 are the boats which reach it without loss of tackle 

 or life. Frequently, by waiting too long, whilst 



