TRAWLING. 33 



the ground worked on ; but during that time parts of 

 it will have to be renewed. The back of the net, being 

 exposed to least wear, lasts the longest; the under 

 parts will generally require renewing twice, and the 

 cod or purse five or six times, before the whole net is 

 finally condemned. Ordinary hemp is commonly em- 

 ployed for these nets ; but the best Manilla hemp is 

 coming into use at Grimsby and Hull. Manilla is 

 very costly, but is more lasting. It is usually dressed 

 with coal tar, which preserves the material better than 

 either Stockholm tar or tan. 



The sails of all our trawlers are what is called 

 " barked," or saturated with a solution of oak-bark, 

 tar, grease, and red or yellow ochre. This compo- 

 sition preserves the canvas, and is renewed every six 

 or eight weeks. 



Working the Trawl. A fair idea of the construction 

 of the beam-trawl has been given in the preceding 

 pages ; and it may be interesting if we say something 

 now of the manner in which this net is worked. 

 Nothing, of course, but practical observation on board 

 a trawler will enable anyone to thoroughly understand 

 all the points to be considered under the varying con- 

 ditions of wind and tide, but the general mode of pro- 

 ceeding may be easily explained. A favourable tide 

 is the first thing to be desired, one of only moderate 

 strength, as the trawl, which is always towed as much 

 as possible in the direction of, but a little faster than, 

 the stream, then works steadily, and is easily kept on 

 the ground. Supposing the vessel to be on her fishing 

 ground, the first part of the tide is chosen for com- 



