240 



THR OTTER-TRAWL. 



to knot. From knot to knot means along the side of the 

 square, 



The Otter-Trawl (fig. 73). The otter-trawl has received its 

 name from the two boards which take the place of the irons in 

 keeping the mouth of the trawl extended. 



This kind of trawl is often preferred by amateurs to the 

 beam-trawl, as it is much more portable, for the otters being 

 detached, the whole may easily be stowed away on board. 



The beam is here (see. the cut) superseded by a number of 

 corks, which support the upper edge of the trawl and keep the 

 mouth open. 



The otters of a trawl which I had the opportunity of in- 



FIG, 73, Otter Trawl, 



specting were of the following dimensions : length two feet two 

 inches, width one foot six inches, and two inches in thickness, 

 of elm, weighted with iron keels just sufficient to sink them, the 

 iron being curved like the fore- foot of a boat, that it may pass 

 easily over the ground. 



This trawl was highly spoken of by the crew as very success- 

 ful, and was used in a vessel of about twenty tons. 



I have heard it alleged that it is not equal to the beam trawl, 

 as it is said to collapse if towed at all across the tide ; but I do 

 not make this observation from my own experience. The 

 effectiveness of an otter-trawl is much increased by lashing a 



