180 



THE RYSSJA. 



number depending on the intended length of the net. The 

 foremost and largest of the hoops, which, however, only 

 forms the half of a circle, is connected at its ends by a piece 

 of stout twine. The other hoops, which gradually diminish 

 in size, are entire circles. The space between them dimin- 

 ishes by degrees from the first to the second, for example, 

 it is about three feet ; whereas, between the fourth and fifth it 

 is only one foot. The extremity of the Ryssja, called the 

 Stjert t or tail, is drawn together by a piece of string, in the 

 manner of a purse. 



The Ryssja is provided with two Ingangar, the one within 

 the other, which are nearly alike in form, and are gillrade in 

 like manner as the other Mjardar. 



Arms or wings are generally attached to the Ryssja, 

 the number depending on the locality. At times it has only 

 a single arm, in which case it is placed in a line with the 

 net. At others, more especially when intended to block 

 up the course of a stream, it has two, which diverge at 

 right angles, or rather obliquely forward. Not unfrequently, 

 indeed, the Ryssja has a third arm. The object of this, 

 the central one, which is considerably longer than the others, 

 is, that when the fish follow it to the Ingang, and would 

 turn aside, they fall in with one or other of the side-arms, 

 and are thereby conducted into the net. The length as 

 well as the depth of the arms is proportionate to that of 

 the water. That they may always be on the stretch, they 

 are provided with several Spjalar, or slips of wood, some two 

 feet in length, inserted crosswise between the telnar ; and the 

 arms are kept in position either by means of stakes, or by 

 the Spjalar, the ends of which extend several inches beyond 

 the netting, for that special purpose. 



