HI THE LIFE OF NETS 131 



standing knee-deep in the sea, and after a big 

 catch, especially of herrings, they are also given a 

 slouzing, because, In spite of the tannin of the bark, 

 fish slime In a heap of nets will cause them to 

 ferment and heat up, so that after one night's 

 neglect new nets have been hauled out of the boat 

 as brittle as tinder. Even after they are bagged 

 and put away In a dry place, little bits of seaweed 

 that have not been picked out will take moisture 

 from the air and act as centres of rottenness, and 

 mice, which seem to delight In the taste of bark, 

 will eat holes into them. Nets, like boats and 

 men, are most safe when they are In use. 



With care and good luck, a fleet of nets In 

 active service may last ten years. In their end — 

 whether they are simply worn out, or rot to bits, 

 or get foul of the bottom, or are lost, cut away, 

 torn out of their headropes by rough seas, or are 

 broken up by a heavy catch, or, most of all, when 

 poverty sells them for half their worth — there Is 

 always something of tragedy. For nets are things 

 very close to men. They are a means of liveli- 

 hood, and, more than that, they are Instruments of 

 gambling — of gambling with the many chances of 

 the sea. Upon them fishermen stake their lives; 

 and often, but not always, they win. 



