the difference in shape.


[Illustration: Old style of head (in general use) and "patent" head]


In the center of the ordinary pot is a sort of spearhead of wood or
iron from 8 to 12 inches long. This has one large barb and is set
upright in the middle of the center frame. The bait is placed on this
spearhead. Several large stones or bricks are lashed to the bottom of
the pot, on the inside, in order to furnish weight enough to hold the
pot at the bottom.

As it was noticed that a lobster generally crawled over a pot before
entering by the end, some pots of a square form and with the opening
at the top were constructed, but they were not successful.

Another variation had a length of 7-1/2 feet and five supporting
frames inside instead of three, as in the old pot. These were set at
equal distances apart, and had two more funnels than the other, one
funnel being attached to each of the frames except the center one,
and all pointing inward. In order to reach the bait the lobster had
to pass through two funnels, and its chances of escape were thereby
lessened. This style is rarely seen now.

Still another variety in vogue for a short time had a trapdoor, on
which the lobster had to climb in order to reach the bait; the door
then gave way and precipitated the lobster into a secure inclosure.

A few pots are made with a funnel of laths in place of the net