76 MARVELS OF FISH LIFE 
slowly passing to and fro, where the deeper water 
swiftly glides along. When satisfied that the fish are 
there the work of netting is started. 
The method of procedure differs with the nature of 
the water. In comparatively still water a net is drawn 
through the pools, and fortunate is the collector upon 
whose field is a shelving pool, free from boulders, tree- 
roots and stakes. Asa rule, a boat follows up the net, 
in the bows of which stands a man armed with a long 
pole, carrying at the end of it iron prongs. When the 
net catches upon an obstruction it is the business of this 
man to free it as quickly as possible. 
In rapid water a different method is employed. 
Stakes are driven into the bed, and a net stretched 
across the swiftest part of the river in which a man can 
stand. A retaining cage is placed near the bank, and 
landing nets and carrying buckets are in readiness. A 
carrying bucket is a canvas bag which will hold two or 
three salmon, head downwards. 
A gang of men are now posted some distance up, and 
walk through the water down to the net. The frightened 
salmon come swiftly down the current, every now and 
then revealing their presence by a huge red-brown side 
or large black fin. As the circle grows smaller the fish 
charge down-stream and rush head first into the net, 
and powerful as they are, the force of the water is suffi- 
cient to hold them tightly pressed against it. The 
salmon are now quickly “ tailed ” by the men in attend- 
ance, and placed in the buckets, and from these they are 
