566 HISTORY AND METHODS OF r I!CE FISHERIES. 



shore of the North Carolina coast range from 150 to 200 fatboms iu length, and arc from 12 to 18 

 feet deep. The mesh varies somewhat, the bar averaging about 1 inches. Nets of this size cost 

 from $150 to $200, from 15 to 20 men being required to handle them. Those used in the inner 

 waters on the Carolina coast are a trifle smaller, averaging perhaps 100 fathoms in length, being 

 manned by 8 to 12 men, according to circumstances. 



Some of the nets used along the gulf coast, according to Mr. Stearns, are made in Boston and 

 New York of strong cotton twine, and shipped by freight to merchants living in the vicinity of 

 the fishing grounds. Each fisherman prefers to hang his own net, the manner of mounting and 

 forms of floats and leads being similar to those in use along the Atlantic coast. These seines are 

 from 100 to 120 fathoms long and 16 to 20 feet deep at the bunt, the wings at their extremities 

 being, of course, much shoaler. One of these nets, when complete, costs about $1.20 per fathom, 

 and if properly cared for will last from three to four seasons. 



Seine-boats are sometimes made expressly for the mullet fishery, though ordinarily any 

 boat large enough to hold the seine answers the purpose well enough for fishing in sheltered bays. 

 Along the outer coast, however, a strong and seaworthy boat is necessary. But even here the 

 size and shape varies considerably. The style having the preference in the Caroliuas is known a.s 

 the " pilot skiff," which may have either a square or sharp stern. These skiffs are round bottomed, 

 lap-streaked keeled boats, from 25 to 28 feet long, 4 to 6 feet beam, and 20 inches deep, costing 

 from $100 to $150. They are steered by means of oars rather than rudders, as they can by this 

 means be more readily handled in the surf. The men engaging regularly in the fishery become 

 very expert in the use of these boats, and are among the best surf-men along the entire coast. 



On the Gulf coast the boats differ greatly according to locality. In some places excellent 

 boats made of light but very durable material are used. These are about 26 feet long and 7 or 8 

 feet wide, and though still retaining the form of round-bottomed boats, they are quite flat, in order 

 that they may not ground in shoal water. The bow is, as a rule, very sharp, while the stern is 

 wide and overhanging, the shape being calculated to give great carrying capacity, making them 

 especially adapted for the work for which they are intended. In other localities the boats are 

 of inferior quality, somewhat smaller, and so roughly built that they last but one or two seasons. 

 These are usually made of pine or spruce boards and are neither calked nor painted, a coating of 

 tar taking the place of both. They cost, when new, from $10 to $12. 



Another class of boats is used by the Apalachicola fishermen for marketing the fish after they 

 have been properly salted. These, according to Mr. Stearns, are similar to the dinghy boat used 

 in the sponge fisheries, but are much larger, being often 20 to 22 feet long, with 6 or 7 feet beam. 

 The forward part is decked over, and washboards are run aft to the stern on either side to keep out 

 the water. These boats are propelled by oars or sails, as is most convenient. The sail used is a 

 triangular one of the lateen pattern, arranged with a long yard and a very short, stubby mast. 

 Rigged in this manner the boats are very fast sailers and are easily managed. 



Small vessels also are employed, to a limited extent, in the Gulf fishery, these enabling the 

 fishermen to visit the more distant grounds and affording shelter to the crews during the fishing 

 season. They are, however, more frequently used as freighting vessels, to carry the salt fish to 

 market. Quite a number of fair sized vessels are employed in this way, some of them running to 

 the larger markets of Florida, while others go directly to Havana and other points in the West 

 Indies. 



The catch for the season, which usually lasts during two or three months, ranges from a hundred 

 to a thousand barrels. In some localities the fish usually move in small schools, and consequently 

 only a few barrels are taken at a time. In others the schools are often of enormous size, and the 



