FISHERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES IN 1885. 29 



16. STAKE-BOAT OR PILE-DRIVER. 



An important factor in the pound fisheries of the lakes is the stake- 

 boat or pile-driver, which is used to drive the stakes for the pounds 

 when the latter are being built, and is also employed to pull the stakes 

 from the lake bottom at the close of the fishing season. 



The stake-boat is a flat-bottomed scow, with straight vertical sides 

 and raking square ends. It is decked, generally has a large center- 

 board, and is provided at the bow with a frame-work for guiding the 

 stake-driver, which is lifted by a tackle operated by hand. Two pro- 

 jectiug pieces of plank form the driving platform, the stake being held 

 between these until it is driven. 



At the stern end of the scow there is usually a well extending some 

 distance forward and having connected with it a sort of winch or crank 

 windlass which is used for lifting the stakes. 



When the stakes are to be driven the scow is secured by mooring 

 lines so that she will lie steadily with a stake against her bow, between 

 the two prongs of the driving platform and directly beneath the weight 

 in the frame above. But when the stakes are lifted the boat is fastened 

 so that she will be stern to them, and each in turn is brought into the 

 " well," where the lifting purchase can be properly applied to it. 



The rudder is hung to the stern on one side of the well. Along 

 each side are several stanchions which serve the double purpose of 

 holding on deck the stakes carried each day, and affording the means 

 for fastening tbe mooring hawsers. 



These boats vary in rig and size. Some of them are cat-rigged, carry- 

 ing a single boom and gaff sail, like that shown in the illustration, 

 Plate 9, while others have a schooner rig like the pound-boats. They 

 range in length from 25 to upwards of 30 feet, and in width from 6 to 8 

 feet. 



Strength and utility are the qualities chiefly sought in the construc- 

 tion of stake boats, which are generally built in a somewhat rough and 

 cheap manner. 



