628 



HISTOEY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 



these nets set at right angles with the current, its force would tear them to pieces, and passing 

 vessels would run them down. Above Kinston the nets are smaller and are used by the farmers 

 chiefly to supply their own tables. The set-net fishing in the season of 1879-'80 was very un- 

 profitable, owing to the continuous state of low water in the river, and its consequent clearness 

 and brackishness. 



The following summary shows in detail the facts concerning the set-net fishing on the Neuse, 

 for the season of 1879-'80 : 



DRAG-NETS. About 25 of these nets are fished below, and are owned in New Berne. The 

 crew consists of three men, the captain, who receives one and a half shares, and two men who 

 receive a share each, the remaining one and a half shares (making five shares in all) being the 

 property of the net and boat. These drag fishermen have no settled fishing grounds, making 

 their hauls at a venture, and rarely twice in the same place. Being prohibited by law from laud- 

 ing their seines on the beaches or shores, they are compelled to work in the water waist deep. 

 To one end of the net is fastened a pole which at the moment of making the haul, is thrust into 

 the bottom ; the free end is then drawn toward and past the pole end (the lead-line being kept 

 down with the foot) until the fish are bunted in the end of the seine next to the staff, which is 

 then drawn up. The seine is now " footed up " and the fish are emptied into the boat. 



The following table shows the number of men, boats, and nets engaged in the drag-net fish- 

 ing, and the amount of capital employed. The boats and nets are usually furnished by New Berne 

 dealers : 



Number of men 75 



Number of nets 25 



Value of nets $1,250 



Number of boats 25 



Value of boats $1,250 



Total amount of capital employed $2,500 



THE POUND, DUTCH, POT, OE TKAP NET. This net has only come into use, as above stated, 

 of late years. Four are fished in the Neuse River below New Berne, one at the mouth of Trent 

 River, and one in Upper Broad Creek ; all are owned by New Berne fish-dealers. 



Below is a summary of the men, nets, and boats engaged in this fishery : 



Number of men employed 12 



Number of nets 6 



Value of nets $1,500 



Number of boats 6 



Value of boats $240 



HAUL-SEINES. Below New Berne are four beaches where the haul-seine is used. These 

 seines average from 500 to 800 yards in length, and require crews of 10 men each, one seine being 

 hauled by horse-power. Between New Berae and Pitch Kettle 23 haul-seines are in operation, 

 and between Pitch Kettle and Kinston are 6 or 8 small seines, which supply local markets, rarely 

 shipping to any great distance. 



