Gilpin observer., 1913-02-27
NHE rugged spurs of the Basses
Pyrenees shelve down through
fertile cultivated slopes to fiat
stretches of tawny sand, where

Pyrenees shelve down through
fertile cultivated slopes to fat
stretches of tawny sand, where
France and Spain look at each
other across the winding estuary of
the Bidassoa river. The romantic sit
uation of the Spanish town of Fuenter-
rabia, rising above it's girdle Of bat
tered walls to the massive castle OF
Charles v. and the graceful belfry OF
the ancient church soaring still high
er, is likely to leave one unimpressed
by two torpedo-craft of obsolete types
flying the French and Spanish flags
upon the river below. These two craft.
however, represent the authorities for
the maintenance of order between the
fishermen of the two countries. The
waters of each are considered to ex-
tend to a three-mile limit from their
respective coasts. AS it happens that
the sardine shoals frequent this cor
ner of the Bay of Biscay, where the
waters of the two countries adjoin. the
necessity for international regulation
is evident. Moreover, as the fish show
an especial preference for the prox-
unity of the French coast, 1t follows
that the Spanish fishing boats are the
most frequent trespassers.
Well PatrolIed.
This portion of the coast is kept pa
trolled by a French coastguard vessel,
the Qui vive, stationed at st. Jean-de-
Luz, and the last capture, furnishing
the subject of the illustration, was
made on January 21. Upon an arrest
being made within the boundary linn
its, the delinquent vessel is detained
and an inquiry held by the command
ing officers of the French and Spanish
torpedo boats in the Bidassoa river.
ably accepted. If the offense is proved.
the trespassing boat is held in confis-
cation for limited period. and a fine
imposed upon the owners.
Although the Bidassoa river forms
the boundary between France and
Spain, yet Fuenterrabia is a Spanish
port, and only shelters Spanish fish
ing feet. The nearest French port it
st. Jean-de-Luz. only some four or five
miles distant. In both of these, as
well as at San Sebastian, the old type
of fishing boat, propelled by oars and
sails. has in the course of the last ten
years been almost entirely superseded
by steamboats,. These are substantial
ly built launches. constructed by the
local boatbuilders, and equipped with
engines and boilers of French manu-
facture. A feet Of 15 Of these steam
launches works from St. Jean-de-Luz.
The Fuenterrabia fleet numbers 10,
and is increasing. It Is usually ad-
mitted that their introduction has
been of material advantage to the in
dustry.
The craft need to be good seaboats.
for the mild climate that prevails dur
Ing the winter Is no guarantee against
bursts of rough weather at sea. Only
week or two ago the boats were
caught at sea by gale, and a San Sc
bastian boat foundered through spring.
ing a leak. Her crew. however were
rescued by a Fuenterrabia boat Dur
ing the balmy months that correspond
with our winter these boats are oc.
cupied in sardine-fshing. Their crews
consist almost exclusively Of BasQues,
who. whether they come from the
French or the Spanish side OF the Ply.
renees. have always their language in
common. As a matter of fact, no per.
manent animosity exists between the
two sides. Notwithstanding the occa.
sional conflicts that occur upon the
fishing grounds.
The method of fishing pursued is
quite peculiar to these waters, and a
day at sea with the boats inclines one
to make some excuses for poaching.
The main object OF the fishermen
when they put to sea. Is to look for
porpoises. So valuable is their aid
considered that the Spanish authori.
ties impose fine for killing one But
n school OF porpoises does not nee.
cssarily imply sardines. The por,
poises are quite as anxiously looking
for sardines as the fishermen, and
once they are sighted they are fol.
lowed through the most devious
courses.
Stones and Porpolses.
In the keen ardour Of the chase the
question OF landmarks, or the precise
distance OF the coast. may become q
very unimportant detail When the
porpoises commence leaping out OF
the water the appearance OF n shoal
of sardines may be expected Pursued
aud surrounded by tEe porpoises. they