Baling for Fish. 191 



•gang of men, discovering that there is a quantity of 

 ■fish thereabouts, will force down a hatch which at 

 once shuts off or greatly diminishes the volume of 

 water flowing down the brook, and then rapidly con- 

 struct a dam across the current below it with the mud 

 of the shore. Above this dam they thrash the water 

 with poles and drive all the fish towards it, and then 

 make a second dam above the first so as to enclose 

 them in a short space. In the making of these dams 

 speed is an object, or the water will accumulate and 

 flow over the hatch ; so hurdles are used, as they 

 afford a support to the mud hastily thrown up. Then 

 with buckets, bowls, and ' scoops,' they bale out the 

 water between the two dams, and quickly reduce their 

 prey to wriggling helplessness. In this way whole 

 baskets full of fish have been taken, together with 

 -eels ; and nothing so enclosed can escape. 



The mere or lake by the wood is protected by 

 sharp stakes set at the bottom, which would tear 

 poachers' nets ; and the keeper does not think any 

 attempt to sweep it has been made of late years, it is 

 too well watched. But he believes that night lines 

 are frequently laid : a footpath runs along one shore 

 for some distance, and gives easy access, and such 

 lines may be overlooked. He is certain that eels are 

 taken in that way despite his vigilance. 



