THE SHARK FISHERIES OF NORWAY. 529 
ra',her that followed with the whale. About the last of the dog days, 
when the water and weather is at its highest temperature, this shark 
makes his appearance on the coast, when the fishery immediately com- 
mences. 
Large open hoats are generally employed, from thirty-seven to 
forty-two feet in length, each boat being manned by four men, and 
furnished with harpoons similar to those used in harpooning the stur- 
geon. 
The harpoon is attached to a line proportioned to the depth of water 
on the ground selected, which usually is from 300 to 400 fathoms. This 
rope lies coiled up in the bow of the boat. 
Thus equipped, the fishermen, selecting a light breeze and warm 
weather, cruize about under a triangular sail, near the mouth of the 
fiords the fish are in the habit of seeking. They are generally found 
lying perfectly still near the surface, apparently basking in the sun, and 
slowly to follow in the wake of the boat as soon as discovered, the large 
fin on the back standing prominently above the surface of the water, in- 
dicating his presence and movements. 
The fishermen imagine, from his following the boat, that he is de- 
coyed to the surface by the small triangular sail, which he mistakes for 
the fin of another fish. Certain it is that, whatever the temptation may 
be, the fish follows closely the boat, without being disturbed for a con- 
siderable time, although sometimes carrying a stiff breeze. 
When the fish approaches close enough, the harpooner, watching his 
opportunity, urges his harpoon as deep into the body of the fish as he is 
able. Then arrives the perilous moment, as the fish no sooner feels the 
weapon than he dives with great celerity. 
Everything must be clear to allow the line to run out freely ; and it 
does so with such rapidity as to require one of the men to be incessantly 
pouring water on the swivel over which the line traverses, to prevent its 
igniting. Should the line unfortunately catch any projecting piece 
of wood, or meet with any impediment, the boat is inevitably capsized. 
Or, should either of the men, through carelessness or accident, be caught 
by the line round the leg or arm, which has occasionally happened, he 
gets hauled down by the fish. Another man, therefore, always stands 
ready with an axe to cut the line ; but when such an accident does occur, 
generally both man and fish are lost. When the fish has reached the 
bottom, he proceeds along it, continuing to drag the boat with him, 
until his strength becomes exhausted. 
A lean fish holds out longer than a fat one, and will sometimes con- 
tinue dragging for four and twenty hours ; while a fat one generally 
gets tired out in three or four hours. 
When thoroughly exhausted, the fish is hauled up to the surface, 
alongside the boat, and with a long sharp knife, the fin is instantly cut 
off to prevent his striking, as a blow would readily smash the boat. He 
is then speared until quite dead. 
Before commencing to extract the liver, the fish is fastened by sun- 
dry ropes to the mast and turned, when one of the men, provided with 
a long knife for the purpose, opens the fore part of the belly, which 
enables him to take out a large piece of the liver. He then insinuates 
his arm in, and separates all the fibres and integuments, so as effectually 
to release the liver, which operation requires carefully to be performed. 
When completed, the stomach is ripped up from end to end. The liver 
then floats out, the belly fills with water, when the fish is cast 
adrift and immediately sinks. The liver is then taken into the boat, 
and the fishery is concluded. 
