94: BRITISH IND US TRIES. 



The remainder of the net is made up with from two 

 to four divisions, the last being called the " cod," 

 " dock-hose," or " wash-hose," and the intermediate 

 portion or portions the " sleeves," the number of 

 sleeves inserted into the net depending very much on 

 whether there is a prospect of the fish being abundant 

 or otherwise. The meshes throughout the net diminish 

 in size from an inch and three-eighths near the mouth 

 to from half to three-quarters of an inch at the smaller 

 end, there being a slight enlargement of the mesh in 

 the last part of the net. Some little variation may 

 take place in the proportions of the several parts of 

 the stow-net, but those I have given may be taken as 

 fairly representing the nets used by the Thames fisher- 

 men. The smacks employed in this fishery are very 

 commonly those used at other times for deep-sea 

 oyster dredging, and the shrimping boats of the 

 Thames also take part in it. 



The mode of working the net is very simple. The 

 vessel takes up a position at the beginning of the tide 

 where there are signs of fish, or in localities where the 

 sprats are generally found at that season. She then 

 anchors, and at the same time the net is put overboard 

 and takes its proper position under the vessel. That 

 this may be effectively managed, a rope is made fast 

 by one end to the anchor of the fishing boat before the 

 anchor is dropped ; the other is fastened to four ropes, 

 leading each to one corner of the square mouth of the 

 net, thus forming what is called a double bridle ; and 

 to facilitate the mouth of the net being kept open ? 

 when in the water, two wooden spars or " balks " are 



