248 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
the end, some pots of a square form and with the opening at the top were constructed, 
but they were not successful. 
Another variation had a length of 7£ feet and live supporting frames inside instead 
of three, as in the old pot. These were set at equal distances apart, and had two more 
funnels than the other, one funnel being attached to each of the frames except the 
center one, and all pointing inward. In order to reach the bait the lobster had to 
pass through two funnels, and its chances of escape were thereby lessened. This 
style is rarely seen now. 
Still another variety in vogue for a short time had a trapdoor, on which the lobster 
had to climb in order to reach the bait; the door then gave way and precipitated the 
lobster into a secure inclosure. 
A few pots are made with a funnel of laths in place of the net funnels. They are 
the same as the ordinary pot in every other particular. 
The ordinary pots cost about $1 to construct. 
During certain seasons the pots are badly eaten by “worms,” the sliipworm 
(Teredo) or one of the species of small boring crustaceans. Pots are also frequently 
lost during stormy weather, and the fishermen therefore have a reserve stock on hand 
in order to replace those lost or temporarily disabled. 
In fishing the traps are either set on single warps or on trawls of 8 to 40 and 50 
pots. At first all pots were set singly. The line by which they were lowered and 
hauled up, and which also served as a buoy line, was fastened to one of the end frames of 
the bottom or sill, as it is called, at the intersection of the hoop. The buoys generally 
consist of a tapering piece of cedar or spruce, wedge-shaped, or nearly spindle shaped, 
and about 18 inches long. They are usually painted in distinctive colors, so that 
each fisherman may easily recognize his own. Small kegs are also used as buoys. 
In the warm season the pots are frequently set on trawls or “ ground lines,” as 
lobsters are quite thick then on the rocky bottom near shore. If the bottom is sandy 
they are set farther from shore. Lobsters are most numerous on a rocky bottom. In 
the trawl method the pots are usually set about 30 feet apart, depending on the depth 
of water, so that when one pot is in the boat the next will be on the bottom. The 
ground lines have large anchors at each end and a floating buoy tied to a strong line, 
which is fastened to the ground line almost 25 fathoms from the anchors. When the 
last pot is hauled the anchor is far enough away to hold the boat in position. The pots 
Old style of head (iu general use.,) 
Patent” head. 
METHODS OF FISHING. 
