454 SHARK FISHERIES. 



the sun-fish above alluded to, the Greenland shark 

 (Squalus Glacialis] and two other smaller kinds. The 

 length of the Greenland shark varies from ten to 

 eighteen feet; the baits used are either porpoise or 

 salt blubber, and like the sun-fish these fish are taken 

 for the oil extracted from the livers. * In Australia, 

 the Government of Victoria having offered rewards 

 for the capture of sharks, their numbers were so great 

 that in one week, in May 1877, over 3500 sharks 

 were captured by the fishermen of Sandridge; some 

 of them earned from 3 to 4 a day. One immense 

 shark measuring between fifteen and sixteen feet in 

 length was caught in the bay. f 



In nearly all the tropical seas sharks are numerous, 

 and it is very dangerous for bathers to enter the water, 

 no matter how close they may keep to the shore. 

 We desire to mention this because we have seen large 

 sharks within a few feet of the land, where there was 

 barely water to float them. They will also go into 

 harbours crowded with shipping, and swim fearlessly 

 about beneath the keels. They are frequently plainly 

 visible at anchorages where the water is clear. 



A few hints as regards the tackle and baits used in 

 sea fishing will complete this branch of the subject. 



Hand-lines are generally wound upon square frames 

 with projecting corners. Before putting fishing lines of 

 any kind into use, " take the tangle out." This is done 

 by wetting them and extending them full length across 

 poles or branches of trees, and attaching weights to 

 each end to allow them to untwist themselves as far 



* The Commercial Prodtccts of the Sea, by P. L. Simmonds, 1879, 

 pp. 226233. 

 j Ibid., p. 334. 



