198 THE ASTRACAN FISHERY. 



alarming the objects of the intended attack, and absolute 

 silence is maintained on board the boats. When these 

 have stolen to the winter quarters of the unsuspecting 

 fish, the crews take in their canvas, and noiselessly lower 

 their nets. The stupid creatures see the entangling 

 mesh- work slowly descending, but in their utter simpli- 

 city do not move a fin. At length the net touches them, 

 and they stir a little ; but soon becoming used to its 

 slight pressure, they drift lazily and indifferently towards 

 the landing-place. When they get near the shallow 

 water, the fishermen proceed to irritate them, by dropping 

 a plummet on the heads of the largest, whereupon, in a 

 state of intense agitation, they rush together, plunge and 

 rear like " high-mettled racers," and run themselves 

 aground. There they lie at the mercy of their captors, 

 who are nothing loath to secure the highly- valued prey. 



