Morning journal and courier., 1888-08-31
FISHING FOR LoBsTRRs-
Experience ofa Movies ON a Trip vii
Old Sea ToIIars.

- - -
Old Sea TslIars.
Very few people, comparatively speaking,
have never seen live Iobster-muoh less
caught one. Yet the evolution of the lob
ster from free and independent erustaca-
cean, earning an honnest living by the sweat
of his brow, at the bottom Of the sea, ,te rare
delicacy for the table, is worthy of more at
tention than most persons bestow upon it.
The subject. e., the lobster, must be ap-
preached very carefully, however, for 1t pug-
naciously resents any attempts at famlliarl-
ity.
Lobsters have queer tastes, according to
the Boston Transcript. They are extremely
fond of stale fish and are lured to their des-
struction with bait especially intended to
cater to their depraved appetites. The fish
most commonly used for bait is the seulpin,
opened lengthwise and fastened securely to
the net is shallow, with substantial iron
rim, about three feet in diameter, and iS
made of small, stout ropes. A strong drop
rope is attached for lowering and hauling up
the "traps," wooden float being used to
wind 1t on, which serves as an indicator OF
the nets location when in the water.
But how to catch HOLSTERS is one thing and
where to catch them is quite another affair.
They are found in great abundance all along
the New England coast, but the man Tho
SCeaTCQ6B IOT UU6lH bOubu VI NOW OC4SCY 4D
more than likely to search in vain, and even
in NewEngland waters they show decided
preference for some localities. AS general
rule they frequent rocky bottoms, coming in
shore from deep waters in the spring and re-
manning till fall. Their fare consists chiefly
of CLAIMS, raussels and mollusks, which they
find most numerous in such localities, and
although the average lobster rarely attains
an average of more than three to four pounds
Hat aouora1 anaryatio 1nAinmAna
have tipped the scales at five times as many
pounds, and one one in the museum at Salem,
Mass, is credited with being thirty nine
pounder. But even the ordinary lobster
does not grow on every rock; and the sum-
mer tourist whose mouth waters for some
caught and boiled by himself will be lucky
should he succeed in capturing anything big
ger than crab if he does not have pilot
with him who knows their haunts.
The old salt who knows Just where to look
for sflobs" will take him, on a moonlight
night to some small rocky island in the bay.
Half dozen straps" a wash boiler and big
basket will be necessary and enough wood to
make a rousing fire. The nets will have
been baited before starting, and as soon as
the lobster grounds are reached they can be
dropped to the bottom, their positions being
shown at regular distances by wooden floats
which rest upon the top of the water. Effect
ing landing in some sheltered nook, and
filing the boiler with sea water, the fisher
men next proceed to built their fire in some
crevice of the rocks, which affords secure
rest for the boiler. They may then look
about for q few moments and give them
selves up to the the calm enjoyment and rest
which their long pull over the water impel
them to take.
AT last the boat is showed off with the bas-
bet on board. The old fisherman makes the
first haul, giving his pupil instructions, as ne
does so. The let comes rapidly to the top, and
as the water drips through it, three fine
large, dark green spIawlers cling to the
strands with the tenacity of drowning men
clutching straws. He takes them off with
great care, grasping them firmly just bach
of the large claws, whose grip he would not
care to feel. Then he takes the oars, changes
places with the novice, and on they go tothe
next one. Up comes the net. There are twc
on it. tLook out! That big fellow will gel
awayl" Splashi Over he goes! "Wel
never mind. There is one left Get hold OF hin
/ right" Flop he goes into the basket. Ove1
/ with the trap again, and off for the next net.
| Two more are safely landed. When ths
circuit is completed there are fifteen clawing
| fighting Holsters in the basket.
| The fishers land and put moro wood on the
| fire, then row'out again. This time they gel
| an even dozen. Once moro, and seven re-
| ward their toll. Again, for the laet time
1 just half a dozen. In the whole lot there
4 are 1Orty eQulrmluS, Crawling, angry 4oD
sters. Of comes the cover of the boiler and
| in they CO. When it is removed again ths
beautiful green of their shells has given place
/ to bright red, and they need only to be
| cracked open, cooled and eaten. Bring on
Il the crackers and cheese slowed away in thai
lunch basket; pour out a. glass of spaEklinl
spring water; take seat beside the old hsh.
erman on the on the docks; eat, drink ane
| be merry, while the old tar spins you yarn
l of the sea, and waves dance below you in tht
moonlight; for never did epicure feast will
| greater zest