PILCUAKI). 
87 
close to the shore, perhaps without the movement having been 
noticed until the fish have reached it. It is at this juncture 
that the principal opportunity is afforded for the successful 
prosecution of the fishery with scans. 
One method of conducting the fishery for Pilchards is by 
drift or driving nets, the outfit of which consists of a number 
cf nets, which varies according to the means of the fisherman, 
^nd in consequence of the size of his boat; but a usual 
equipment may amount to twenty, of which each net measures 
m length from eighteen to twenty fathoms: so that what is 
termed a string of nets may reach three quarters of a mile. 
Ihcse nets are fastened to each other in length, and to a 
head line, along which is placed a row of corks; and another 
line runs loosely along the middle of the nets to afford addi- 
tional strength in rough weather, or when the nets are drawn 
loaded with fish. These drift nets have hitherto been made 
hemp, of which the finer the quality the better; but 
within a few years a preference has been given to cotton 
^nts, which do indeed become Avorn out in much less time, 
hut yet are believed, coupled with their lower cost, to produce 
^ gi'eater profit by taking a far greater abundance of fish. 
■A- set of these nets is carried on board the boat, which, 
°n other occasions, is employed in the hook or other usual 
uiethod of taking fish; but an addition is commonly required 
t° the ordinary amount of the crew; for in turbulent weather. 
With a favourable capture, it requires no small degree of 
strength, as well as length of time, to lift the dripping burden 
the rolling waves over the gunwale. The nets are cast 
sAoi at about the going down of the sun, for the fish will 
^ut enter the meshes in broad daylight, and they are drawn 
°u board, or hauled, in two or three hours. It is usual also 
u _ shoot them again as morning approaches, as the dusk of 
wi ight is found to afford the best prospect of success, rather 
un deep darkness, which may be explained by the fact that 
Tu the briming is at that time less conspicuous, 
e nature of this appearance will be explained when we 
describing the fishery with scans; but in a dark night, 
er its influence every thread of the nets appears as ii on 
le, and thus is rendered a terrifying object to a timid fish. 
*ope from the end of the string of nets is fastened to the 
