CHAPTER XII. 

 How TO USE THE CROW-FOOT DREDGE OUTFIT. 



MOST of the mussel shells that have been used in 

 the manufacture of buttons have been taken 

 from the water by the use of the Crow-foot 

 Dredge. Its construction and use are based upon a thor- 

 ough knowledge of the mussels and their mode of living. 

 It has been so generally used and has proved so practical 

 that its use will probably be continued for many years 

 in various pearl fisheries. 



In using the crow- foot dredge outfit it is necessry for 

 the pearl hunter to keep an extra supply of line and 

 hooks in the boat. The lines will wear and some hooks 

 will come off the lines. Sometimes one can avoid the loss 

 of hooks by noticing the lines and repairing them. Where 

 a line is badly worn, it should be replaced before the 

 hooks are lost. The hooks often straighten out while 

 being used and should be kept in good condition with the 

 pliers as the prongs will not catch the mussels if they are 

 not bent to the proper angle. 



In old pearl fisheries the pearl hunter finds about as 

 many hooks as he loses. In fact he finds many things, 

 and it is surprising how many different articles can be 

 caught on the mussel hooks. Old shoes, over-shoes, rub- 

 ber boots, cans, bottles, shot-guns, jugs, knives, cinders, 



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