DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION. 
371 
take the strain in towing, the linings pressing against it on all sides and acting simply 
as collectors. The lower end of the net is closed hy a cod-line lashingp, which includes 
the outer net and mosquito-net lining, the silk gauze or inner lining being secured 
separately and placed inside of tlie others as an additional protection against wear 
and tear. After the outer net is securely lashed, the ends of the same lashing are 
taken through the hole in the apron and knotted, leaving about 6 inches slack to allow 
for closing the net, shrinkage, etc. 
Six guide rings of j%-iuch brass wire and 1-inch diameter are secured at equal 
intervals around the outer surface of the net n, to support the drawstring o. They 
are placed about 2 inches above the blocks f on the legs c in order to allow the net 
to close without bringing undue strain iipon its upper body. 
The drawstring o is a braided cord 13 feet in length and ^ inch diameter, used to 
close the lower part of the net n after towing and before it is hoisted to the surface. 
Cod line, or other material of the iiroper size, will answer the purpose, but braided cord 
is preferred as less liable to kink while lying loosely during the process of lowering 
and towing; moreover, it presents a smooth surface to the net, reducing the wear on 
the web caused by repeated opening, closing, towing, and hoisting. 
The tripiring lines q, two in number, are of cod line, 9 feet 0 inches in length, with 
7-inch loops or eyes on their upper ends. 
To assemble the apparatus : The ring being intact, with the arms lying side by side 
across it, their lower ends attached to their respective tees, raise the arms and shackle 
the sinker in place. Shackle the tow line, or dredge rope, to the other end of the 
sinker, and suspend the ring at convenient height; screw the legs into their respec- 
tive sockets, which will be recognized by marks of a center punch, -y : : : ; 
then place the apron in position and secure it by the screwbolts. The movable weights 
g are carried on the pair of legs nearest the weighted side of the ring, the lower 
drawstring blocks being on the other pair farthest from it. 
Seize the net to the ring, run the drawstring through the small rings on the body 
of the net, taking a round turn and an overhand knot, then run the ends through the 
lower and upper blocks and hitch them to the movable weights through holes in their 
lugs; hitch the ends of the tripping lines through remaining holes in the lugs, place 
the friction clamp on the rope, slip the loops over the lip of the tumbler, and slide the 
clamp up the rope until the weights are suspended about 4 inches below the ring and 
tighten the adjusting screw with the wrench, keeping the tumbler elevated and pressed 
against the rope until the clamp grips it with sufficient force to hold it in place. It 
should not be secured too firmly, as it is intended that it should slide down the rojie 
with the messenger after the impact of the latter has reversed the tumbler. 
Having ascertained the point on the rope at which the clamp should be secured it 
may thereafter be attached iii the same place without further attention to the tripping 
lines, which may be hooked over the hp of the tumbler and the weights suspended at 
the proper distance below the rings, by simply taking in a tritle more or less at the hitch. 
The length of tripping lines, 9 feet 6 inches, is intended to give sufficient drift for 
the weights to close the net even if the clamp slips down the rope without the tumbler 
having been capsized. A single weight will securely close the net if from any cause 
the other fails to act. 
To use the net, having assembled it as directed, overhaul the drawstring until the 
net hangs entirely free; bring the vessel to a dead stop and lower away at the rate of 
25 fathoms per minute until the depth is reached. Then, having determined upon the 
