THE BRITISH HERRING FISHERY 



The first thing that has touched the water is a good- 

 sized bladder, which the waves toss up and down like a 

 feather; this is tied to the end of a stout rope which 

 forms the upper edge of the net. As the meshes dis- 

 appear we can see that the net will not be allowed to 

 sink to the bottom, for, along the line that ends in the 

 bladder, is an array of lumps of cork, which, with the 

 bladders, will keep the upper edge or " back " on the 

 surface, while the net itself hangs perpendicularly. As 

 the cork line comes to an end we see another bladder, and 

 beyond it enough rope to connect up the beginning of 

 the second net. This is quickly joined on and paid out, 

 and then the third. The trial net has been shot. 



Meanwhile one of the crew has been engaged with 

 what is termed the foot-rope or foot-line, a strong cord 

 independent of the cork line, fastened to the " back " of 

 each of the nets by a connecting cord, and so much 

 longer than the cork-line that, when the nets are all shot, 

 it sinks well below the under edge of them. It is on this 

 rope that much of the strain of hauling-in will come ; 

 moreover, should the cork-line be broken by a passing 

 vessel, as not infrequently happens, everything would 

 depend upon it ; therefore it must be kept safely out of 

 the way of accidents. The ends of the lines are made 

 fast to a tow-rope, which can be lengthened or shortened 

 according as the boat wants to ride close to or away from 

 her nets; and the tackle is all ready for a strike, or 

 catch. 



Now the foremast, taller considerably than the mizzen, 

 has to be stepped ; sails and ropes are hauled down and 



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