snags. In this respect the long and narrow inclosure at Dead Brook
possesses great advantages, since it can be swept with a comparatively
short seine. However, the influx and efflux of a considerable volume of
water is of great advantage in enticing the gravid fish into traps that
can readily be contrived for them by any ingenious fisherman.

The existence of a gravelly bottom in the inclosure must be considered
a positive disadvantage, inasmuch as it affords the fish a ground on
which they may lay their eggs before they can be caught; but the danger
of such an occurrence is less as the bounds of the inclosure are more
contracted and the facilities for capturing the fish are better.

As to the number of fish to a given area, I think we have never
approached the maximum. I should have no hesitation in putting 1000
salmon in the inclosure at Dead Brook, which covers an area of less
than 3 acres. Of course the renewal of the water supply, or its
aeration by winds, is of importance here.

The capture and transport of the fish in June involves methods
requiring some explanation. The salmon fisheries about the mouth of the
Penobscot River are pursued by means of a sort of trap termed a "weir."
It is constructed of fine-meshed nets hung upon stakes, arranged so as
to entrap and detain the fish without insnaring them in the meshes.
They swim about in the narrow "pound" of the weir until the retreating
tide leaves them upon a broad floor.

Just before the floor is laid bare, the salmon destined for the
breeding works are dipped out carefully with a cloth bag or a very fine
bag-net and placed in transporting cars or boats, rigged specially for
the purpose, sunk deep in the water, which fills them, passing in at