260 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



nets, weirs, &c. These may consist entirely of netting, of brush or of 

 laths, or a combination of two or more of these materials, the construc- 

 tion, in form and material, varying in different parts of our sea-coast or 

 of the great lakes. The apparatus constructed of nets is used princi- 

 pally on the south side of New England and on the lakes, and in its 

 simplest form, is as described by Mr. South wick on page 10, accompa- 

 nied by a diagram. The trap-net proper (Fig. 3) is peculiar to the waters 

 of Rhode Island, especially the Seaconnet River, and is illustrated in 

 the accompanying figure, as well as by that on page 10. The following 

 account of this trap, and the mode of using it, I owe to Mr. Southwick. 



Fig. 3 



no Point Jl. I. 



SOCTliWICK. 



Newpoi:t, November 20, 1871. 



Dear Sir : A trap, or "square trap" as sometimes called, is simply an oblong square 



box of netting, open at the inshore and above ends, to one edge of which is attached a 



leader running toward or on the shore, where it is fastened by an anchor or to some 



object. The lower edge of the leader is kept on the bottom by a chain or stones lashed 



