Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/132

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118
ACANTHOPTERYGII.—SCOMBRIDÆ.

means of corks along the top, and weights along the bottom: these are moored with anchors so as to form an enclosure parallel to the shore, but at some distance from it, extending sometimes to the length of a mile. The long narrow enclosure is then formed into chambers, by means of cross nets hung from side to side in a similar manner, but all communicating with each other by narrow openings, or, as we may call them, doors. About the middle of the line a net is hung transversely from the inner side reaching to the shore, and thus closing the passage.

It is the habit of the Tunnies to swim very close to the land; therefore, when in their rovings they come to this part of the coast, they pass between the nets and the shore, until they find their further way stopped by the long net last mentioned, hanging right across their course. Ranging along by its side in the seaward direction, they find the opening leading into the first chamber of the enclosure; they enter it, and find themselves surrounded by nets, except at one point, through which they enter into the second chamber. Precautions are taken to prevent their return, and they are driven from one compartment to another, until they reach the last, which is called the chamber of death. Beneath this, near the bottom, there is a net stretched horizontally, which can be elevated to any level at pleasure. The fishermen, having assembled in boats, bring the Tunnies, by means of this horizontal net, to the surface, and the slaughter commences. The fishes are killed with poles, boathooks, and similar weapons.

The whole proceeding forms an imposing spec-