FISHERMAN'S OWN BOOK. 



Leaves from a Log-Book— Eemarkable Adventures and 

 Hair-Breadth Escapes, 



BY J. W. COLLINS. 



The following incidents — extracts from a daily journal kept by the writer 

 while engaged in the fresh halibut fishery, and remarkable and well authen- 

 ticated personal experiences of others — it is hoped, will convey to the reader 

 some idea of the vicissitudes and perils to which our fishermen are exposed 

 while pursuing their hazardous occupation. At the same time some knowl- 

 edge may be gained of the daily life of a class of men among whom may be 

 found examples of courageous daring and hardihood unsurpassed by any- 

 thing which has ever been written. There are few, indeed, among those 

 who have been engaged in the Gloucester fisheries who cannot relate truth- 

 ful though startling tales of their personal adventures. Though none of our 

 fisheries are exempt from peril, it may be safely said that the winter cod- 

 fishery on Georges Bank, and the trawl fishery, especially that for haddock 

 and halibut in winter, are the most dangerous of all. The last named 

 —the fresh halibut fishery — from its peculiar nature furnishes much that is 

 interesting, and will be especially considered here, though in quoting from 

 the log-book, much of the writer's own experience must necessarily be given. 

 So sharp is the competition in this business that fearful risks are taken in 

 securing fares and carrying them to market. 



The operation of setting and hauling the trawls goes on with all possible 



