Nordland. 245 



winter until the cod fishing commences in the Lofotens 

 in February, and continues for about two to three 

 months. 



During this period about 25,000 to 30,000 men 

 and from 5000 to 6000 boats are employed in the 

 fishery, which are controlled by many local laws. For 

 instance, they are not allowed to fish when they like, 

 but a bell rings as the signal for the boats to put off; 

 then splash they all go into the water in one unbroken 

 line, as if they were starting for a race. 



The boats used for this fishing are of the Nordland 

 pattern, and are of such shape that when capsized by 

 accident they will fioat bottom upwards and enable 

 their late occupants to sit upon them. 



The tackle used for cod fishing is as follows : — A 

 long line is floated at regular intervals and buoyed at 

 each extremity, and from this line are suspended a 

 number of other lines of about from four to five fathoms 

 in length, and each of these lines is armed with a 

 weighted double hook. 



The fishermen fill their boats, and continue to fish 

 until they have caught so many more as, when tied 

 together, they can tow to land. 



In the summer and autumn months a large quantity 

 of coal-fish is also caught in this district. This fish 



good food when fresh, but is mostly dried and 



IS 



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