252 RAMBLES OP A NATURALIST. 



impelled from chamber to chamber by the valves 

 which close behind them, have at length reached the 

 last compartment, or the chamber of death. This 

 enclosure is provided with a movable floor formed 

 of netting, which can be raised from the bottom to 

 the surface of the water by means of ropes. All 

 night long men have been labouring to lift the huge 

 apparatus, little by little, and now each of its margins 

 rests upon one of the sides formed by the boats. 

 Facing us is the proprietor of the fishery, surrounded 

 by his staff and by a charming group of ladies, who 

 have come from Palermo to witness the spectacle 

 which is about to be exhibited. To the right and to 

 the left are stationed the two principal boats, which 

 convey the band of fishermen. These boats, which 

 are entirely empty, lie ready to receive their cargo, 

 the only thing that breaks the even line of their 

 decks being a long beam, which passes from one extre- 

 mity to the other, and leaves a narrow sort of gang- 

 way on the edge of the boat, where stand at least 

 two hundred fishermen, who have come, in some cases, 

 from a distance of more than fifty miles to take part 

 in this exciting sport. Half naked, with deeply- 

 bronzed limbs, these athletic men stand side by side, 

 all awaiting, with the same eager impatience, for 

 the moment of action. Their eyes are sparkling 

 beneath their scarlet Phrygian caps ; their hands are 

 grasping the instruments of death broad, sharp, and 

 cutting hooks, which are either inserted into a long 

 pole, or fitted to the end of a short, massive handle, 

 which is deeply cut to enable the hand to obtain a 

 firmer hold of the weapon. In the midst of the 



