32 BRITISH IND USTEIES. 



the great pressure of the sails is brought lower, and 

 the vessels are easier in a seaway, and more readily 

 handled. These vessels are what is called " ketch- 

 rigged," and the change is generally adopted in the 

 new trawlers at the North Sea stations and at Brix- 

 ham. One important advantage in the increased size 

 of these fishing vessels, is the additional room provided 

 on board. This adds not only to the comfort of the 

 crew, but enables a considerable quantity of ice to be 

 carried, now a necessary condition of North Sea trawl- 

 ing. Stowage is also provided for the produce of 

 many days' fishing, when, as is the rule, except during 

 the calm summer months, the North Sea trawlers stay 

 out for several days at a time, and bring home their 

 own fish instead of sending it in by carriers. 



The cost of trawl smacks has greatly increased of 

 late years, not only on account of their larger size, but 

 because of the higher price that has now to be paid 

 for everything connected with their construction. In 

 1862, a new trawler, ready for sea, and what was then 

 considered one of the larger class, could be built and 

 fitted out for 700Z. or 800Z. ; but the new class of 

 vessels cannot be turned out at the present time for 

 much less than 1200Z. This includes a fit-out of all 

 that is required for fishing, which costs from 70Z. to 80Z. 

 A fit-out consists of a double set of almost every part 

 of the gear, to provide against accidents, and to save 

 the time which would otherwise be lost, if the vessel 

 were obliged to return to port before she had done a 

 fair quantity of work. A trawl-net will perhaps last 

 from two to four months, according to the nature of 



