350 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
having 3 hoops of equal size and an opening at each end guarded by a funnel. 
In a model of this net, which has been seen by the writer and on which the figure 
(plate lxxxix, fig. 2) is based, the hoops were 6 inches in diameter and were placed 6 
inches apart in the bag; the funnels were 6 inches long and their ends were kept in 
position by lines passing from one to the other. The full diameter of the hoops is 
probably from 12 to 24 inches. 
A study of the fyke nets of Norway discloses the existence of a number of inter- 
esting forms operated in fresh and in salt water. The numerous fiords, coves, bays, 
and rivers and the generally irregular coast line which characterize that country 
would seem to favor the extensive use of fyke nets and contribute to the evolution of 
peculiarities in form and use depending on the different physical conditions prevailing 
and the various kinds of fishes taken. 
One of the simplest and commonest types found in Norway is characterized by 
4 hoops, 2 funnels proceeding from the first and third hoops, and 2 straight wings. 
An example of this style with unusually large hoops has been seen by the writer, 
the first hoop being 5J feet in diameter, and the fourth 4 feet wide; the hoops consisted 
of rough, undressed saplings; the length of the net is about 20 feet. The wings are 
25 feet long, are supported by two stakes, and join each other above and below about 
2 feet in front of the first hoop, forming a kind of funnel-shaped entrance. 
The setting of two simple nets at the ends of a common leader, which is an 
uncommon practice in the United States, appears to be frequent in Norway. One such 
arrangement has the following features: Length of nets, 9 feet; 3 iron hoops, 2£ 
feet in diameter; 2 funnels, from the first and second hoops, terminating in a circular 
orifice kept open by a wire ring; leader, 50 feet long, extending 1 foot into the 
first funnel of each net, supported by flat corks, 3 inches long, placed at intervals of 
6 feet, weighted by earthenware sinkers 3 inches long and 6 feet apart. (See plate 
lxxxix, fig. 1.) Similar nets with 5 wooden hoops (the first 2J feet in diameter) and 
two funnels are also employed. 
A single net at the end of a leader is also fished in some parts of this country. 
One form is 8 feet long and has 8 hoops, the first 20 inches in diameter, the last 8 
inches; the first and second hoops are 20 inches apart, all others 10 inches; there are 
4 funnels, arising from every alternate hoop ; the leader is continued well into the first 
hoop. Larger nets of this type, with the first hoop 3£ feet wide, are also employed. 
On either side of the lower part of the first hoop rather heavy lead weights are placed in 
order to keep the net in an upright position. Such a fyke is usually set in salt water. 
A curious Norwegian fyke, entirely unlike any that has been ascertained to exist 
in any other country, is illustrated in plate lxxxvix. The bag is 10 feet long and is sup- 
ported on 7 arches made of stout, rough strips bent into the shape of a semicircle and 
fastened to broad wooden crosspieces. Funnels extend from the second and fourth 
arches. The first arch is 3J feet wide at the base; the last bow is 6 inches high and 8 
inches wide. A small anchor keeps the end of the net in place, and a strong rope runs 
the length of the fyke along the top and ends of each bow to add to the strength. 
Two 6-foot wings and a 10-foot leader are added, each supported at its distal end by a 
stake; they are buoyed by wooden blocks 10 inches long, about an inch wide, and 
half an inch thick. 
Another form of net that appears to be peculiar to the Scandinavian peninsula is 
represented in plate lxxxviii. The peculiarity is in the construction of the bag and the 
expansion of the final apartments. It consists of 7 hoops; the first is 2£ or 3 feet in 
