212 MUGILID.E. 



fifteen inches at each end are bent once at right angles : 

 to these ends a straight beam of wood three inches diameter 

 is fixed, which should be rounded for the convenience of 

 handling. The wood by its buoyancy, when the net is in 

 use in the water, tends to preserve the vertical position of 

 the framework. 



To the mouth of the net thus formed by the union of the 

 iron and wood a piece of netting is to be applied all round, 

 which should diminish gradually, both in the size of the net 

 and its mesh, till, at the distance of seven or eight feet from 

 the framework, it should terminate in a round open mouth 

 about the size of the top of a stocking. The mesh of the 

 net for the last three feet should be very small, as it is at 

 this part the most strenuous eiforts to escape will be made ; 

 particularly by the Syngnathi. 



The net is to be drawn along the ground by a slight rope, 

 over the stern of the boat, which should not be rowed fast. 

 This tow-rope ends towards the net by a three-tie bridle, one 

 of which is attached to the centre of the wooden beam : of 

 the other two, one goes to each side, and thus the mouth of 

 the net is not only kept square to the front, but its vertical 

 position is also preserved. 



The open tail of the net being closed and securely tied, 

 and the apparatus put overboard from a row-boat, keeping 

 hold of the tow-rope, and taking care that the mouth of the 

 net preserves its position, it should be towed leisurely about, 

 the iron bottom traversing the ground, and the quantity of 

 contents obtained soon lead to a knowledge of the best 

 localities. Should the mouth of the net get foul of any op- 

 posing substance on the ground, it is only necessary to push 

 the boat back in the line of its previous course, and the net 

 comes away clear, being thus pulled upon in the opposite 

 direction. 



