128 SCOMBEKID.E. 



meshes are too small to admit any of the fish. Two boats 

 are necessary ; one of which is rowed roimd the schull,* 

 while the net is thrown overboard by two men to enclose 

 it ; the other boat is employed in keeping steady the end 

 of the net, and warping it, the sooner and more surely to 

 prevent the escape of the fish. When this is effected, the 

 seine stands like a circle enclosing the captives, and the men 

 proceed to draw it together at the ends and bottom ; at the 

 same time throwing pebbles at that place where the circle 

 closes, to prevent the approach of the fish to the only place 

 where escape is possible. When at last the enclosure is 

 perfect, and the net raised from the ground, the fish thus 

 brought to the surface are taken on board in flaskets. Such 

 is the mode of proceeding with the seine in deep water, or 

 at a distance from shore ; but in some places it is hauled on 

 the beach in the manner of a ground-net, with less trouble 

 and expense.*" 



" A third mode of fishing is with the line, and is called 

 railing (trailing). The Mackerel will bite at any bait that 

 is used to take the smaller kinds of fish; but preference is 

 given to what resembles a living and active prey, which is 

 imitated by what is termed a lask, — a long slice cut from 

 the side of one of its own kind, near the tail. It is found, 

 also, that a slip of red leather, or a piece of scarlet cloth, 

 will commonly succeed ; and a scarlet coat has therefore been 

 called a Mackerel bait for a lady. The boat is placed under 

 sail, and a smart breeze is considered favourable; hence 

 termed a Mackerel breeze. The line is short, but is weighed 

 down by a heavy plummet ; and in this manner, when these 

 * Shoal. 



In sculls that oft 



Bank the mid sea. 



Milton. 



This word is in Cornwall, I have been told, pronounced like school. 



