PILCHARD. 101 



deepest part, and is termed the tuck-sean : it differs from 

 the former, called the stop-sean, as well in shape as in 

 dimensions, the middle being formed into a hollow or bunt. 

 A third boat, called a lurker, is less than the others, and 

 has no sean. The crew attending a sean consists of eighteen 

 men and one or two boys. Seven of these are assigned to 

 each of the larger boats, and the remaining four, including 

 the master seaner, to the lurker. This fishery commences 

 in August, three weeks or a month after the drivers, whose 

 success, or the want of it, has much influence. The three 

 boats proceed in the afternoon to some sandy bay, and cast 

 anchor, keeping a good look-out for the appearance of fish, 

 which are discovered either by the rippling of the water, by 

 the stoiting or leaping of the fish, or by the colour they 

 impart to the sea. In these respects, as marks of the dif- 

 ference between the habits of the Herring and the Pilchard, 

 fishermen observe that the former rarely springs from the 

 water, or stoits, as it is called, except when alarmed or 

 driven ; but the Pilchard does this often, and apparently from 

 wantonness. When alarmed, both these fish will rush alonoi" 

 the distance of five or six feet, as marked by the briming ;* 

 but the Pilchard does this with more celerity than the 

 Herring. 



When the presence of fish is discovered, the lurker pro- 

 ceeds to the place to ascertain the magnitude of the schull, 

 and the direction in Avhich it is moving. The depth of 

 water, clearness of ground from rocks and other obstructions, 

 and the force and direction of the tide, enter also into the 

 calculation of the master before he makes the signal for 

 preparation. All the proceedings are directed by signs, for 

 the fish are alarmed at noise, and when everything is favour- 



* The flash of light seen in the sea when disturbed in the night, and sup- 

 posed to proceed from minute molluscous or crustaceous animals. 



