194 



ON THE ICE-FIELD. 



These, before dawn, assemble in the public place, and 

 nominate a captain ; who, prior to their departure, re- 

 views the fishermen, and carefully examines the condi- 

 tion of their equipment. At sunrise a couple of cannon- 

 shots give the signal for starting, and the sledges dart 

 away at full gallop, the one which first reaches the 



STURGEON-FISHING ON THE ICE. 



river-bank being at liberty to select the best position. 

 Quickly the ice-crust on the waters is broken with pick- 

 axe and spade ; each fisherman plunges his harpoon into 

 the crevasse before him, stirs it to and fro, withdraws it 

 as soon as he feels certain of a catch, and, with the assist- 



