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surround the iisli. When the fish have got entangled in the 
meshes, the fishermen catch the top and bottom of the net and 
haul in. Some of the fishermen have protested against the 
use of this net, as it is said to frighten this fish away. 
(Sec Kuddu valai of Mantai. page 96.) 
58. — Araai valai (Tamil). 
Locality : Mannar, Pomt Pedro, and JafEna. 
Fish caught : Turtles, sometimes dugongs, sharks, pur- 
poises, &c. 
- Description : A vertical net buoyed along the upper side. 
It is made of very strong twine. 
Dimensions : Length, 100 to 150 fathoms ; height. 3 to 4 
fathoms ; mesh. 1 foot square. 
Method of Use : The net hangs vertically in the water and is 
anchored at one end. When the turtles come to breed, the 
fishermen surround their breeding places with four or five of 
these nets. At Point Pedro the mesh of this net is about 9 
inches square. At Jaffna the pariahs use a mesh of 1| feet 
square. 
59. — Thoddandi valai (Tamil). 
Locality : Kankesanturai. 
Fish caught : Same fishes as are caught bj^ the Amai valai. 
Description : This net is practically the same as Amai valai. 
Dimensions : Length, 25 fathoms or more ; height, 3 
fathoms ; mesh, 8 inches square. 
Method of Use : Used in the same manner as the Amai 
valai. 
(iO.— Ora valai (Tamil). 
Locality : Kayts. 
Fish caught : Ora. 
Descrijition : A vertical net with wooden tioats 1 foot apart 
along the upper side. The lower side is weighted with stones. 
Dimensions : Length, 3| fathoms ; height. 3 feet ; mesh. 
2i inches. 
