THE COAST FISHERIES OF TEXAS. ~ 381 
THE CAST-NET FISHERY. 
While this is one of the minor fisheries and no one depends on it for 
a living, yet-numbers of cast nets are used at the various settlements 
along the coast. In 1890 the number used in the State was 315; the 
quantity of fish taken was 91,500 pounds, the value of which was 
$3,540. 
The cast nets are circular, varying in diameter from 4 to 10 feet. 
Each net has a small ring in the center, through which pass several 
small ropes which are attached to the outside rim of the net. After 
passing through this ring, which is usually made of horn, the ropes are 
all united and fastened to one larger rope, which is used as a hand-line. 
Around the edge of the net a number of lead sinkers are arranged at 
equal distances from each other. The cost of these nets ranges from 
$1.50 to $8. The average size of the mesh is about 1 inch. Cotton 
twine is the material usually preferred in their construction. 
With the hand line on the ground under one foot, or otherwise se- 
cured, the net is held at different places on the rim by the moath and 
the two hands; then, with a circular motion, it is thrown so as to fall 
flat upon the surface of the water Sinking to the bottom it covers 
such fish as are unable to make their escape from beneath it. Then, 
by hauling in the main rope or hand line, the net is pursed and the fish 
are inclosed. 
This method of fishing can be practiced only in shallow water. The 
catch consists mostly of mullet and shrimp. This method of taking 
‘mullet is much more successful than by the use of the seines, since so 
many of these fish escape over the top of the seine while it is being 
hauled. No boats are used in this fishery, it being carried on from the 
wharves and docks. The persons using the cast nets are boys and men 
having no other employment. The catch, which is small, does not pass 
through the wholesale fish markets, but is usually peddled about the 
settlements by the fishermen. 
POUND NETS, GILL NETS, ETC. 
At present there are no pound nets used in Texas. This is due to 
the fact that they would be destroyed by sharks, alligator gars, and 
other large predaceous fishes with which these waters abound. About 
fifteen years ago a pound net of the type used along the coast of the 
Middle States was set in Galveston Bay, and while it was in working 
order quantities of fish were taken in it; but large predaceous fish tore 
the netting so frequently that it required constant mending in order 
to retain any of the food-fishes. On this account the use of the pound 
net was soon abandoned. It is possible that pound nets made of gal- 
vanized wire or stake and brush weirs could be successfully employed 
_if the sentiment of the people would permit their use. 
Except such as are used in the green-turtle fishery, [ am not aware 
that stationary gill nets have ever been used in taking marine products 
