ing is left in the weir, through which the 

 fish enter at high water, and a deep 

 seine closes this aperture when the weir is 

 well filled. Before low water, the fisher- 

 men, with a large scoop-net, take the fish 

 out of the weir into their boats. The fish 

 are offered for sale by the hogsheadful to 

 about seventy-five boatmen employed by 

 the different factories. When there has 

 been a large "catch" the bidding is dull 

 and the prices are low ; but when only a 

 few of the weirs have been replenished the 

 competing bidders become excited, and a 

 looker-on is reminded of a stock-exchange. 

 Early in 1877 $i per hogshead was 

 thought to be a good price; but in the 

 last year $30 have been paid. After the 

 highest bidder has secured his stock, he 

 starts his boat and hoists a signal flag, to 

 notify his employers that he is on his way 

 to their factory. 



This business extends from the middle 

 of April to the middle of December of 

 each year, and has increased from 1,500 

 cases of 100 cans each, which were all 



81 



