320 HISTORY AND METHODS OF THE FISHERIES. 
An illustration of the swordfish “pulpit” is given in one of the plates. It is constructed as 
follows: The harpooner stands upon the tip of the bowsprit, outside of the jib-stay. At this point 
is fastened a square plate of iron as wide as the bowsprit. In the middle of this plate is a mortise 
2 inches square and extended 3 or 4 inches down into the wood, forming a socket for an upright 
iron bar 2 inches square and 3 feet high. At the top of this bar is a bow of iron bent backward 
in semicircular form to surround the waist of the harpooner, the ends of the bow being separated 
by a distance of perhaps 2 feet. In the ends of the bow-iron are holes, through which are passed 
irons to hold the dart when not in use. Through these same holes are sometimes passed ropes, by 
which is suspended a swinging seat for the use of the harpooner when not in action. When not 
in use the dart is lashed in a horizontal position to the top of the “rest.” The lance is usually 
allowed to rest against the jib-stay, to which it is secured by passing it through loops of rope 
arranged for the purpose. Upon the tip of the bowsprit, at the base of the “rest,” is a platform of 
wood about 2 feet square, large enough to afford a firm foothold to the harpooner. The harpoon- 
line is coiled upon the bow of the vessel, the buoy usually resting upon the bulkhead or close at 
hand. A second harpoon-line, attached to the reserve or second harpoon, is coiled upon the other 
side. 
The structure above described is usually called the “rest,” or the “pulpit.” I have been unable 
to learn when and by whom this peculiar piece of apparatus was devised. 
5. MANNER OF CAPTURE. 
The swordfish never comes to the surface except in moderate, smooth weather. A vessel 
cruising in search of them proceeds to the fishing ground and cruises hither and thither, wherever 
the abundance of small fish indicates that they ought to be found. Vessels which are met are 
hailed and asked whether any swordfish have been seen, and if tidings are thus obtained the ship’s 
course is at once laid for the locality where they were last noticed. A man is always stationed at 
the masthead, where, with the keen eye which practice has given him, he can easily descry the 
tell-tale dorsal fins at a distance of 2 or 3 miles. When a fish has once been sighted, the watch 
“sings out,” and the vessel is steered directly towards it. The skipper takes his place in the 
“pulpit,” holding the pole in both hands by the small end, and directing the man at the wheel by 
voice and gesture how to steer. There is no difficulty in approaching the fish with a large vessel, 
although, as has already been remarked, they will not suffer a small boat to come near them. 
The vessel plows and swashes through the water, plunging its bowsprit into the waves, without 
exciting their fears. Noises frighten them and drive them down. Although there would be no 
difficulty in bringing the end. of the bowsprit directly over the fish, a skillful harpooner never 
waits for this. When the fish is from 6 to 10 feet in front of the vessel it is struck. The harpoon 
is never thrown, the pole being too long. The strong arm of the harpooner punches the dart into 
the back of the fish, right at the side of the high dorsal fin, and the pole is withdrawn and fastened 
again to its place. When the dart has been fastened to the fish, the line is allowed to run out as 
far as the fish will carry it, and is then passed in a small boat which is towing at the stern. Two 
men jump into this, and pulling in upon the line until the fish is brought in alongside, it is then 
killed with a whale-lance or a whale-spade, which is stuck into the gills. The fish having been 
killed, it is lifted upon the deck by a purchase-tackle of two double blocks rigged in the shrouds. 
The fishermen have a theory to the effect that the swordfish can see nothing directly in front 
of him, on account of the peculiar location of the eyes, and there are instances of their having 
becn approached and killed by men in a skillfully-managed dory. 
