THE MUSSEL FISHERY AND PEARL-BUTTON INDUSTRY. 
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eacli end of the bar, forming a bridle, to which is fastened the bail, or the rope by 
which the dredge is pulled. This rope is about 25 feet long. The quantity of hooks 
varies with the length of the bar and the number in each string. A G-foot bar, with 
3 hooks on each string, the strings being 6 inches apart, would have 39 hooks. A 
7^-foot bar, such as the one herewith illustrated, with only 2 hooks on a string and 
the strings 4 or 5 inches Q,part, would contain 4G hooks. 
In allusion to the shape of the hooks, this apparatus is locally known as the 
“crowfoot” dredge or rake. 
The usual outfit for a fisherman is two dredges, valued at $1.50 to $2 a pair. 
A modification of this apiiliance consists in putting wooden wheels, G inches in 
diameter, on the end of the iron bar, so that the bar will clear the bottom as the 
dredge is hauled, and will not disturb the beds. 
This apparatus depends for its action on the habits of the mussels. They rest on 
the bottom, or partly buried in the mud or sand, with the free margin of their shells 
“ Crowfoot” dredge or grapple, sliowing mussels attached to the hooks. 
turned upstream and with their shells separated to admit the water, laden with oxy- 
gen and food. When touched, they quickly close their shells, and if a foreign body is 
interposed between the valves it is tightly grasped and retained. 
The method of using this aiipliance is as follows: The fisherman throws it over- 
board from his boat and allows the boat to slowly drift downstream. As the numer- 
ous prongs come in contact with the open shells, the latter quickly close on the hooks 
and retain a tight hold. After drifting for a short distance, say 50 feet, the dredge is 
drawn in and the mussels removed from the prongs, considerable force often being 
required to detach them. In order to facilitate the handling of the dredge, the fisher- 
men place two upright forks on each side of the boat, on which the dredge-bar rests, 
the hooks swinging freely. The shorter bars are supported across the ends of the 
boat, while the larger ones rest on side uprights. While the mussels are being taken 
from one dredge, the other is being dragged and is ready to be hauled in by the time 
the first is stripped. 
Anyone who has not witnessed the use of this apparatus can scarcely realize how 
