DIFFERENT MODES OF FISHING THE HERRING. 93 



of the whole, when they drive along with the wind or 

 tide) they are termed a drift. 



Before proceeding to the fishing ground, the whole of 

 the nets are carefully stowed into the boat in regular order, 

 the oldest being generally piled on the top, and, of course, 

 first thrown out. 



Fishing-ground. — On arriving at the fishing ground, 

 and after sunset, while some of the men are rowing, or 

 steering the boat under sail, across the current or stream, 

 the others are carefully " shooting" or shaking out the 

 nets into the sea ; the whole fleet of nets, when thus 

 thrown out, is (if not anchored) attached at the stem 

 or bow of the boat to a two-and-a-half inch rope, of 

 about forty fathoms in length ; but in cases where the 

 water is not too deep, the fleet of nets is attached at each 

 end to a rope and anchor thrown into the sea, which re- 

 tain the whole in a proper position, notwithstanding the 

 winds or currents ; but in many cases the depth of the 

 fishing ground prevents anchoring, and there is, besides, 

 another objection to it, namely, the tide or current may 

 be so rapid as to elevate towards the surface the lower 

 part of the net thus opposed to the stream. 



Anchor or drift. — In either case, where there are many 

 boats confined to a small extent of fishing ground, it is ab- 

 solutely necessary that all the fishermen previously agree 

 whether the nets shall be anchored, or whether they shall 

 drift ; as otherwise, the boats and nets drifting may come 

 in contact with those anchored. At most of the fishing 

 stations it is therefore previously arranged among the 

 fishermen which of the plans is to be adopted. 



Hauling theNets. — When the fishermen consider that the 

 nets have remained a sufficient length of time in the water, 

 or when they see the buoys sinking with the weight of 



