vertical plane, an arc of a circle of sharp curvature. Thus a height of 

 from 10 to 17 meters is obtained. 



The trawl is, besides, furnished with two quarter ropes which, start- 

 ing from each side of the footrope near the end of the rollers, pass above 

 the headrope and run along each of the seams which unite the back and belly 

 the length of the net. They serve, when the net is hauled up, to close the 

 opening of the net which is thus brought over the rail in one piece. 



The fishing winch, an essential implement in trawling, since all hand- 

 ling of the trawl gear depends on it, is a powerful instrument of 100 horse- 

 power at a minimum, steam or electricity depending on whether the vessel 

 is propelled by steam or diesel motor. It consists of two drums which turn 

 on a common axis but which can be operated separately. The drums are 

 sufficiently large to carry as much as 1200 meters of steel cable. The drums 

 have niggerheads at the ends of the axis permitting hauling manoeuvers from 

 the deck. 



As they leave the drums, each of the trawl lines passes between vertical 

 rollers moving sideways on a toothed rack which guide the cable so that it 

 rolls up evenly on the drums. 



From there the cables are directed by bollards to the front and rear of 

 the vessel to pass over great pulleys on a gallows-frame inclined toward the 

 water, to which is also attached the trawl door. 



The trawlers have two sets of gallows-frames, one to the port and one 

 to the starboard. Except in case of damage or difficulty, the fishing is al- 

 ways done on the starboard side and, during a whole season, the trawlers 

 may have only one or two occasions to use the port gear. 



Fishing equipment loaded on departure consists generally of 6 trawls, 

 eight doors, replacement trawl cable in 400 meter lengths, as well as pieces 

 of netting and material for repairs. 



Setting the trawl is an operation demanding a quick eye and cool judgment, 

 whether in bad weather or in a flat calm. This manoeuver is always directed 

 by the captain himself, as well as all the fishing operations. 



101 



