The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1879-04-03
NOVEL FISHING.
The Manner I'm which Cormorants are
Utilized I'm Japan.

The Manner In which Cormorants are
Utilized In Japan.
Twas invited one evening, says writer
in the Aryonaat, during my sojourn at a
small town not far from Kiyoto, the old
capital of Japan, to accompany some
yakatni'is (officials), who were then
travelling with me, to the neighboring
river, for the purpose of witnessing the
ployed in the catching of fish; at the
same time 1 was informed that pleas
ure boat had already been engaged for
the occasion. / accepted the invitation
eagerly, and, lanterns being provided,
together with guide to show the way,
we set out, carefully picking our way
along the narrow paths dividing the rice
fields, the myriads of frogs in the water
all round us keeping up deafening roar,
rendering it almost impossible to carry
on conversation, while the mosquitoes
were anything but friendly in their de-
monstrations. When we were about
five hundred yards from the place where
our yane-bune Qiterally roof-boaD was
awaiting us, we were met by one OF our
boatmen bearing a lantern, who at once
turned and preceded us to the little pier
of stones.
which was comfortably covered with
| tntdnat Chick mats), over which was
spread a gay-colored rug, was agree
ably surprised to find that everything
requisite for spending pleasant evening
had been sent on before my hosts. My
after-acquaintance with the people of
this beautiful country has taught me
that they never lose the opportunity to
make merry, and will seize upon the
most trifling excuse for organizing a pic
mic, and thoroughly enjoying themselves
when such pleasures do not interfere with
the strict performance of their public
duties. On the present occasion six
geishd (female musicians) had been en-
gagged, who sat at one side of the boat,
while we of the other sex ranged our
selves on the mats on the other. Sweet
meats of various kinds were spread out
on lacquered trays, as we all settled our
selves into the most comfortable atti-
tudes, and the Se,,do (boatmen) were told
to cast Off.
After about fifteen minutes sculling we
rounded bend of the river, when a
magnificent spectacle burst on our view.
The river appeared to be on fire. Near
ly two hundred fishing boats were in
sight. At the bow of each, and attached
to the end of pole projecting over the
water, was brazier containing burning
pine wood, blazing pieces of which every
now and then fell through the bars into
the water, thereby multiplying the num-
ber of lights, real and reflected, and add
ing to the general effect. Our boatmen
now steered us into the midst Of the
busy scene, and driving the boatpole into
the bed of the river, made fast to it, and
sat down to smoke their kiSero (pipes).
Each of the boats possessed from ten to
twenty cornorants, which, when not en-
gagged II their duty of catching fish, re-
manned silently perched on the gunwales
awaiting their masters commands. The
birds which are employed in this branch
of industry are Matched from eggs OBJ
tanned from the cliffs along the shore,
and being accustomed from the first to
the company of man, are very tame.
Each has name given TO it, and, on ITS
owner making q peculiar sound, will
enter the water in search of the fish that
would, We're it free, be their natural
prey. Large numbers of them were now
swimming around the boats, their move
ments controlled by strings attached to
rings around their necks, and held in the
fishermen's hands. Whenever bird
spied a fish attracted by the glare of the
fire, it seized it with its bill, but was
prevented from swallowing it by the ring
round its throat. The fisherman then
uttered a peculiar cry, and gently drew
it into the boat, where it was forced to
give up the prize. Occasionally the
birds are rewarded by being permitted
to swallow Il fish. In some parts of
Japan considerable quantities of fish are
taken in this manner.
One of my entertainers now hailed the
nearest boat and bargained for some of
the fresh-caught Sdknna (fish), and hav-
ing provided a griddle for the occasion,
had his purchase broiled over the hibacht
(box holding charcoal fire); and this
made a repast fit for an epicure. par
took heartily of this dish, which the Jap
anese know so well how to cook, and did
not neglect the sake (wine), which was
was kept hot in a kdn-dOkurt (porcelain
vessel in which wine is heated by being
placed in kettle of hot water) by one of
the fair singers, who also took care that
the bottle was replenished as fast as it
was emptied. During all this time the
geiata had been enlivening the feast with
songs, accompanying themselves OH their
sa,niSenS (guitars), while in the interval
jokes, puns, and repartee kept all in a
continual laughter.
My hosts now proposed to return, and.
the boatmen having blown the remains
of the tobacco out of ftheir little pipes as a
boy would blow pea from a pea-shoot-
er, the boat was unmoored, and we
dropped gently down with the stream
toward our landing-place; and Just as /
was beginning to cast rather tender
glances (probably the effects of the fish
OF wine) in the direction of very pretty
gcisha seated opposite me we touched the
pier, and, stepping ashore, took our way
again through the rice fields, the scene
enlivened by large numbers of hotaro
(ire-flies) fitting hither and thither.
Outside our hotel we parted with our
fair musicians and retired to rest, having
spent most pleasant evening.
Strange Murder Agents.
The reported attenipt of the kim of