( 99 ) 
Kepungoda, and in the lagoon at Negombo. It is similar to 
the net of the same name used in the Northern Province, 
but the method of use is rather different. 
Dimensions : Length, 70 fathoms ; depth, 2 fathoms ; 
mesh, 2| inches. 
Method of Use : Two boats take the net out and stretch it 
straight between them. A third boat goes about 50 yards 
away, and the man makes a noise with his paddle, thus 
driving the fish into the net. At the same time the two 
other boats move towards each other, thus enclosing the fish. 
This net is probably harmful in the lagoon, but I cannot see 
any objection to its use in the open sea. 
69. — Sippi valai (or Chippi valai) (Tamil). 
Locality Kalpitiya, Xorth-Western Pro\nnce. 
Fish caught : Manalai, palai, suriya, velameen. 
Description: A vertical net made of fine white string. 
It is floated along the top edge with wooden sticks 1 foot long 
and J inch in diameter. One float every 3 feet. The net is 
so called because sometimes the wooden floats are made 
somewhat in the shape of an oyster shell {sippi = oyster). 
Dimensions : Length, four pieces of 40 fathoms each ; 
depth, 4| feet ; mesh, 2 inches. 
Method of Use : Used in shallow water. When a shoal of 
fish is seen one end of the net is tied to a stake fixed in the mud. 
The remainder of the net is taken in a canoe, and is gradually 
paid out as the boat travels in semicircle. WTien the semi- 
circle is complete the boat makes its way back to the stake, 
thus completing the circle and enclosing the fish. This 
method is very similar to that practised by the Nachchi valai 
at Puttalam. 
The Suriya valai is similar to the Sippi valai, except that in 
the former the net is not tied to a stake, but each end is 
retained by a boat. 
(Not the same net as the Sippi dela of Talawa.) 
