268 AMERICAN ANGLER'S BOOK. 



warning, and over goes the seine smoothly and noiselessly, 

 and with a rapid circuit the bait is impounded and quickly 

 hauled on board. One cast is generally sufficient, for the 

 Capelin swarm in millions, swimming so densely that often a 

 dip-net can be filled from a passing school. They keep near 

 the shore to avoid their finny pursuers, and are left flounder- 

 ing upon the rocks by every reflux wave. The Cod often 

 leap clear of the water in their pursuit, and at such times 

 may be taken by the hook almost the instant it touches the 

 water. The Capelin is a delicate fish, about six inches in 

 length, and not unlike a Smelt ; his back a dark olive green, 

 sides of changing rainbow hues, and belly silvery white." 



Great numbers of these little fish are, no doubt, devoured 

 by Salmon, as they come in from sea and enter the bays and 

 mouths of rivers they ascend. 



