INDIAN FISH AND FISHING. 47 



a gourd or hollow earthen pot, while the net is let down 

 beneath them ; as a hilsa fish (Clupea ilisha) ascends up the 

 muddy and rapid stream, it strikes against the dependent 

 net, which is made to contract like a purse by means of 

 a string that the fisherman holds in his hand. 



Irrespective of the modes already detailed as in common 

 use for capturing fresh-water fish in India and Burmah, there 

 are a number of what may be termed minor plans likewise 

 in force (see Plate IV.). Sheets have already been remarked 

 upon as employed for taking the fry which have ascended 

 small watercourses, or are found in shallow water, while they 

 may also be used as dip-nets, being sunk in an appropriate 

 place, and raised by strings attached to the four corners, as 

 soon as the little fish have been enticed above. Or on the 

 sheets bushes may be placed ; here the fry seek shelter 

 from the rays of the sun, and the whole concern is lifted 

 bodily up. A little grain or bread is likewise found useful 

 as a bait. Two pieces of rattan may be employed, crossing 

 one another in the middle, where they are tied together : 

 the ends are then bent downwards in the form of two 

 arches. Here a net is attached, and this the fisherman 

 presses down upon the fish, which are then removed by 

 the hand. In some places they may absolutely be so 

 frightened as to permit themselves being readily taken ; 

 thus ropes to which at intervals are attached bones, leaves, 

 stalks of kurbi or jowaree, or pieces of solar (pith) or small 

 bundles of grass, are stretched across a stream ; two 

 persons, one at either end, constantly jerk this rope, causing 

 the fish to dart away towards nets that are fixed to entrap 

 them. Snares of the most varied descriptions are almost 

 universally employed ; but in some localities angling may 

 be said to be almost unknown, especially in Orissa, or 

 districts where wholesale poaching is preferred as easier 



