230 The Commercial Products of the Sea. 



This shark differs from his fellows in not being a 

 voracious fish ; consequently it is neither to be enticed nor 

 caught by the same kind of bait or mode of fishing as 

 pursued with the Scymnns borealis, but rather that fol- 

 lowed with the whale. About the last of the dog-days, 

 when the water and weather are at their highest tempera- 

 ture, this shark makes his appearance on the coast, and 

 the fishery immediately commences. 



Large open boats are generally employed, from 37 to 

 42 feet in length, each boat being manned by four men 

 and furnished with harpoons similar to those used in 

 harpooning the sturgeon. The harpoon is attached to a 

 line proportioned to the depth of water on the ground 

 selected, which usually is from 300 to 400 fathoms. This 

 rope lies coiled up in the bow of the boat. 



Thus equipped, the fishermen, selecting a light breeze 

 and warm weather, cruise about under a triangular sail, 

 near the mouth of the fiord the fish are in the habit of 

 seeking. They are generally found lying perfectly still 

 near the surface, apparently basking in the sun, and slowly 

 follow in the wake of the boat as soon as discovered ; 

 the large fin on the back, standing prominently above the 

 surface of the water, indicating their presence and move- 

 ments. 



The fishermen imagine, from his following the boat, 

 that he is decoyed to the surface by the small triangular 

 sail, which he mistakes for another fish. Certain it is that, 

 whatever the temptation may be, the fish follows closely 

 the boat without being disturbed for a considerable time, 

 although sometimes carrying a stiff breeze. When the fish 

 approaches close enough, the harpooner, watching his 

 opportunity, sends his harpoon as deep into the body of the 

 fish as he is able. Then arrives the perilous moment, for 



