THE BEAM-TRAWL. 257 



of the net is fastened to the beam, and is therefore raised 

 two or three feet from the ground. The corresponding 

 lower part of the mouth, however, is cut away in such a 

 manner that the margin of the net forms a deep curve 

 extending from the foot of one trawl-iron to the other, and 

 therefore resting on the ground ; the centre of the curve or 

 "bosom" being a considerable distance behind the beam 

 and in front of the narrow part of the net. The usual rule 

 in English trawls is for the distance between the beam and 

 the centre of the curve to be about the same as the length 

 of the beam. In foreign trawls this distance is generally 

 less ; but in all cases there is a considerable space of 

 ground over which the beam and back of the net must 

 pass, when the trawl is at work, before the fish lying under 

 them on the bottom are disturbed by the lower edge of 

 the net. 



This curved lower margin of the mouth of the net is 

 fastened to and protected by the " ground-rope," which is 

 made of a stout but old hawser " rounded " or covered with 

 small rope to keep it from chafing and to make it heavier. 

 Its purpose is to protect the edge of the net, which other- 

 wise would soon be torn by contact with the ground, and 

 especially to keep it evenly on the bottom so as to sweep 

 it thoroughly and disturb the fish, which, passing over the 

 rope, then find their way into the farther narrow end of the 

 purse or bag. The ends of the ground-rope are fastened 

 on each side by a few turns round the back of the trawl- 

 iron, just above the shoe, so that the rope rests upon the 

 ground throughout its entire curve. There is no chance 

 therefore of the fish escaping at either the sides or bosom 

 of the net, and their only outlet, when once the beam has 

 passed over them, is in front, for the back of the net is then 

 above them, so that they must dart forward in the direction 



VOL. I. H. s 



