512 FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN 



of cotton, and dressed with cutch, may be reckoned to 

 last about three or four years, though different parts will 

 require repair from time to time. Carrier pigeons are in 

 use with the men of some ports to bring early news 

 of the take from the catcher on the ground ; but the 

 device has not yet become general. One practice con- 

 nected with trawling, that of packing them in boxes, and 

 placing them on board a steamer to carry into port, is 

 attended with a good deal of danger, particularly if per- 

 formed in rough weather, as is not unfrequently the case. 

 Much complaint was made with reference to this practice 

 before the Royal Commission held last year for the purpose 

 of inquiring into the condition of our fishermen ; but it 

 seems impossible to suggest a substitute. 



Fish habitually frequenting the surface of the water, 

 such as herrings, mackerel, pilchard and the like, are 

 caught by drift-net, mackerel being taken by line as well. 

 Drift-nets, which catch their prisoners by the gills, are 

 probably the oldest form of piscatory implement known to 

 society, and are those of which mention is so frequently 

 made by the writers of the New Testament. They are 

 supported by floats, and at the present day are of enormous 

 length, several being joined together so as to form a train 

 from one to two miles long towed by a single vessel. The 

 nets are kept afloat by small buoys or bowls, of which all 

 but five are painted black. These five, called " gay bowls " 

 are used for marking the extent of the net as it is hauled 

 in, the first or casting bowl being painted wholly red, the 

 next three-quarters red and one quarter white, and so forth, 

 the last, or " puppy bowl," being wholly white. At the 

 close of all is attached a buoy, with a flag, which remains 

 always above the water and marks the end of the line of 

 nets. Sunset or sunrise are the best times for casting, and 



