NORTHEKN OCEAN 73 



down our tent and pitched it again about eight miles farther 1770. 

 to the Westward, on the same lake, where we cut more holes 

 in the ice for angling, and that night caught several fine pike.-^ 

 The next day we moved about five miles to the South West, 20th. 

 down a small river, where we pitched our tent ; and having 

 set four fishing nets, in the course of the day we caught many 

 fine fish, particularly pike, trout,^ tittymeg, and a coarse kind 

 of fish known in Hudson's Bay by the name of Methy.^ * 



To set a net under the ice, it is first necessary to ascertain 

 its exact length, by stretching it out upon the ice near the part 

 proposed for setting it. This being done, a number of round 

 holes are cut in the ice, at ten or twelve feet distance from 

 each other, and as many in number as will be sufficient to 

 stretch the net at its full length, A line is then passed under 

 the ice, by means [17] of a long light pole, which is first intro- 

 duced at one of the end holes, and, by means of two forked 

 sticks, this pole is easily conducted, or passed from one hole to 

 another, under the ice, till it arrives at the last. The pole 

 is then taken out, and both ends of the line being properly 

 secured, is always ready for use. The net is made fast 

 to one end of the line by one person, and hauled under the 

 ice by a second ; a large stone is tied to each of the lower 

 corners, which serves to keep the net expanded, and prevents 

 it rising from the bottom with every waft of the current. 

 The Europeans settled in Hudson's Bay proceed much in the 

 same manner, though they in general take much more pains ; 

 but the above method is found quite sufficient by the Indians. 



In order to search a net thus set, the two end holes only 

 are opened ; the line is veered away by one person, and the 

 net hauled from under the ice by another ; after all the fish 

 are taken out, the net is easily hauled back to its former 

 station, and there secured as before. 



[^ Esox lucius Linn. — E. A. P.] [^ Crisiivomer namaycush 



Walbaum. — E. A. P.] [^ Lota maculosa (Le Sueur). — E. A. P.] 



* The Methy are generally caught with a hook ; and the best time for that 

 sport is in the night ; and if the night be dark, the better. 



