Thynnus. 



the whole population is at once astir, preparing nets for the capture, and salt and tubs for 

 the curing of the expected fish. There are two modes of catching the Tunny, one by the 

 seine-net and the other by the " madrague." The mode of using the seine is identical with 

 that which has already been described when treating of the mackarel, but the madrague is 

 much more complicated in its structure and management. 



The principle of the madrague is precisely the same as that of the " corral," by which 

 wild elephants are entrapped in Ceylon. 



A vast inclosure of united nets, nearly a mile in length, and divided into several 

 chambers, is so arranged that as the Tunnies pass along the coast, they are intercepted by 

 a barrier, and, on endeavouring to retreat, are forced to enter one of the chambers. When a 

 number of Tunnies have fairly entered the net they are driven from one chamber to another, 

 until they are forced into the last and smallest, called significantly the chamber of death. 

 This chamber is furnished with a floor of net, to which are attached a series of ropes, so that 

 by hauling on the ropes, the floor of the net is drawn up, and the fish brought to the 

 surface. The large and powerful fish struggle fiercely for liberty, but are speedily stunned 

 by blows from long poles, and lifted into the boats. 



The flesh of the Tunny is eaten both fresh and salted. It is most extensively used, 

 being pickled in various ways, boiled down into excellent soup, and is also made into pies, 

 which are thought to be very excellent, and possess the valuable property of remaining 

 good for nearly two months. The different parts of the fish are called by appropriate 

 names, and are said to resemble beef, veal, and pork. 



The food of the Tunny consists mostly of smaller fish, such as herrings and pilchards, 

 and the cuttle-fish also form some portion of its diet. 



In general shape the Tunny is not very unlike the mackarel, but in size it is vastly 

 superior, generally averaging four feet in length and sometimes attaining the dimensions 

 of six or seven feet. The colour of the upper part of the body is very dark blue, and the 

 abdomen is white, decorated with spots of a silvery lustre. The sides of the head are white. 



OF an allied species, the PACIFIC ALBACOEE (Thynnus Pacificus), Mr. F. D. Bennett 

 writes as follows, in his well-known " Whaling Voyage." " Ships when cruising slowly in 

 the Pacific Ocean are usually attended by myriads of this fish, for many successive months. 



