FYKE NETS AND FYKE-NET FISHERIES. 
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The leader . — The leader* hedging, or fence, as it is variously called, is employed 
for the purpose of intercepting the passage of fish and of directing them into the net. 
It is generally constructed of netting, but is sometimes made of brush, stakes, slats, or 
wire. When of netting, the mesh is larger than that used in the pocket. The length 
of the leader varies with circumstances, and may be from 10 to 500 feet. It usually 
extends, in a straight line from a point on or near the shore, at right angles to the 
supposed direction taken by the fish. 
When the leader is constructed of netting it is usually provided with floats and 
sinkers to keep it in an upright position, and is further supported by being attached 
to one or more poles, the number depending on the length of the leader. The leader 
may terminate before reaching the fyke proper; in nets provided with wings, this is 
generally the case. It may also be attached to the top and bottom of the first hoop. 
In some nets, for instance those used in Germany, the leader extends a considerable 
distance within the cavity of the net. 
The wings . — The wings are usually two in number, but in some nets there is only 
a single wing. They are attached to the first hoop, each wing being fastened to half 
the circumference of the hoop. In some cases the wings are joined together at the 
top and bottom for a short distance in front of the bag, forming a kind of cylindrical 
entrance. When used alone they serve the same purpose as the leader; when em- 
ployed in connection with the latter, their action is supplemental to it. They are 
similar to a leader in construction. Their shape varies; straight, angular, curved, 
and irregular shapes exist. 
A clearer idea of the variations in the styles of fyke nets employed in the United 
States is conveyed by the accompanying plates than could be imparted by text 
descriptions. Nevertheless, mention of certain details of construction, cost, etc., is 
necessary in order to properly cover the subject, and a number of forms not figured are 
described. 
For the purposes of this paper, fyke nets may be classified into (1) nets having no 
leader or wings, (2) nets having only a leader, (3) nets having only wings, (4) nets 
having both leader and wings, and (5) double nets and irregular forms. 
FYKE NETS WITHOUT LEADER OR WINGS. 
The simplest form of fyke which would be covered by the definition given is the 
Chinese net illustrated in fig. 1, plate xci. It consists only of a bag, a single hoop, 
and a funnel. No fyke so simple as this has been met with in this country. Fyke nets 
not provided with a leader or wings are not widely used in the United States ; in fact, 
they seem to be almost restricted to the Middle Atlantic States, where they are known 
as drop fykes, brook fykes, or pike nets, and are extensively used in the upper waters 
of the principal rivers. In this class are also to be included certain pot-like fykes, 
mostly intended for eels, and fished in various parts of the country, but mostly in the 
New England and Middle States. 
A form of brook or drop fyke used in the Delaware Eiver has 11 to 14 hoops, 
varying from 14 to 18 inches in diameter and placed in the bag at intervals of 6 to 8 
inches. It is provided with two long funnels, one extending from the first hoop to the 
fourth or sixth hoop, the other beginning where the first ends and running through 
about half or two-thirds of the remaining hoops. The funnels do not terminate in 
round apertures, but in four points, from which as many strings pass through the 
