The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-08-12
MULLEr CATCHING IN FLORIDA.


Into Boats.
Tallahassee, Fla. Aug 11.-There are
many ways of evading the Florida fish
laws, which are very stringent, but the
plan adopted by persons along the Gulf
coast of Middle Florida is perhaps the
most unique, and by 1t mullet are taken
in large numbers and on short notice No
fishing tackle of any description is re-
CURED. Only two men in small row
boat and a torch are necessary. When
the fishing point is reached or a school"
of mullet is encountered the anchor is
thrown out, the torch ngnted and raised
several feet above the boat. Were there
single mullet within a hundred feet of
the boat when the light is displayed he
would make directly for Ii, and when
within a few feet of the boat he would
jump at the torch light. Some mullet can
jump twenty feet. Many of them jump
way above the light and land in the water
ten or more feet beyond the boat. But all
mullet are not high and lofty jumpers
When they begin to rush toward the
light and jump at it, It seems that every
living thing in the ter is seized with
the same desire. BY this means the boat
is filled with fish i'm a few minutes chiefly
mullet, but other fish get into the boat
and now and then fine sheephead is
known method of catching fish. 1t is also
very exciting, and sometimes more or less
hazardous, as men have been toppled over
into the water by a fish striking them on
the side of the boat. A five-pound mullet
bounding through the air, with force
that carries him twenty feet or more, can
deal man a stunning blow If he lands
square against the side Of his head. 1t is
not every man that could withstand the
excitement incident to this mode of fish
ing, as it seems that every thing in the
water is making a despera te Nsfort to get
into the boat. regardless of the comfort
of those in the craft. The fish jump from
each side and over stern and bow, and
sometimes the fishermen receive
a severe trouncing. 50 persistently
are they pelted by the fish
which reminds one of a ceaseless and
merciless fuslade of hail, and old fisher
men have been known to beg that the
light be eXtinguished The moment the
light 1t out, all the sport ceases. and the
men draw a long breath the expression of
the welcome relief that so suddenly comes
to them.
BY this unique means of capturing the
finny tribe, persons contiguous to the coast
may enjoy fish the year round, without
violating any statute, but 1t is predict
ed that some crank in the next legisla-
ture will introduce a bill to deprive the
people of this inexpensive luxury
c. n. SOmellian, a man for many years
identified with the tobacco Industry here
and an expert manipulator Of the weed on
the Cuban plan, has started out to benefit
the producer and knock out the middle
man. He met a number of the Gadsden
county growers at Salem on Tuesday. To-
day he win meet Leon county producers
at Bradfordville, and he has another APP
pointment for Salem on Saturday. His
plan is 10 learn each planter how to put
his tobacco up in true Cuban style, so that
when it comes from his sweating house.
1t is ready for market
and the manufacturer. Heretofore
the middle man has bought the farmers
tobacco at from Is to % cents a pound,
put It through the Cuban process at a
very small cost and sold il at good prices
Mr.. Someilan win learn the farmers all
this, so that the product will reap the
benefits of his labor, and not the buyer
or middle man. This is made so appar-
ent to the tobacco growers of this Sec
ton that they are generally uniting with
Mr.. Someillan for their own protection
and benefit
directing that an election be held for a
commander Of the Second division of the
Florida Naval Militia, vice J. w. Fltzger-
aid promoted TO lieutenant commander
OF the battalion.
Walter NJ. Davis of Palatka has ten
dered his resignation as captain of the
Gem city Guards.