88 



NATURE S TEACHINGS. 



the whole line of fence looking as if it had been woven in 

 fine lace. 



Then, as the fence runs north and south, and the path is on 

 the westward of it, every passenger saw the rays of the rising 

 sun dart through these tiny globules, and convert every one of 

 them into a jewel of ever-changing colours. It seemed a pity 

 that such beauty could but last for an hour or so, or that these 

 exquisite webs should only be used for catching flies. 



Next comes the Casting-net in its various forms. This net is 

 mostly circular, and is loaded round the edge with small leaden 

 plummets. It is evident that, if such a net could be laid quite 

 flat upon the water, it would assume a dome-like shape, in con- 

 sequence of the circumference being heavier than the centre, 

 and would sink to the bottom, enclosing anything which came 

 within its scope. 



The difficulty is to place the net in such a manner, and this 

 is accomplished by throwing it in a very peculiar way. The 

 net is gathered in folds upon the shoulder, which it partially 

 envelops. By a sudden jerk the thrower causes it to fly open 

 with a sort of spinning movement, and when well cast it will 

 fall on the water perfectly flat. 



After allowing it to sink to the bottom, the fisherman draws 

 it very gently by a cord attached to its middle. As he raises 

 it the weights of the leaded circumference are drawn nearer 

 and nearer together by their own weight, and finally form it 

 into a bag, within which are all the living creatures which it 

 has enclosed. 



Though the Casting-net has never been used in warfare, it 

 was one of the favourite implements in gladiatorial combats 

 among the Romans. Two men were opposed to each other ; 

 one, called the Retiarius or Netsman, being quite naked, except 

 sometimes a slight covering round the waist, and armed with 

 nothing but a Casting-net and a slight trident, which could not 

 inflict a deadly wound. The other, called the Secutor or 

 Follower, from his mode of fighting, was armed with a visored 

 helmet, a broad metal belt, and armour for the legs and arms. 

 He also carried a shield large enough to protect the upper 

 part of the body, and a sword. It will be seen, therefore, 

 how great was the power of the Casting-net, when it enabled 



