FISHING WITH DOGS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 9, Issue 80, 7 October 1898, Page 1 (Supplement)

FISHING WITH DOGS.

The savages of Sagbalin Island have a unique method of fishing for salmon-trout with their clogs, a description of which is given in “ Trans-Siberian Savages.” The water around tho islandis wonderfully clear. The author, who went out in a canoe, says the bottom was distinctly visible, while from under the canoe the fright ened salmon-trout were swimming seaward in such numbers it seemed as if it would be difficult to drop a stone into the water without striking one. He continues From the time we startsd I was puzzled to guess what the Ainus could be taking 30 dogs with them for. 1 was soon to find out. At a certain point all the men and dogs came to a halt. Half the men and dogs then moved farther along the water’s edge, about 200 yards. At a concerted signal the dogs were started from their respective points, and swam straight out seaward in single file in two columns. At a wild, sharp cry from all the Ainus,‘ the right column wheeled left, and the left column wheeled right, until the head of each column mot. Then at another signal all of them swam in line towards the shore, advancing more and more in crescentic formation. As the dogs neared the shore.iacreasing numbers of fish appeared in the shallow water, frightened forward by the splashing of the advancing column of dogs, \yhich, as soon as their fee t touched bottom, pounced upon the fishes as quick as a flash. The animals brought the fish which they had seized to their masters, who cut off their beads and gave each dog the head which belonged to him as bis share of the catch. The dog who caueht nothing got nothing. I‘'believe this dog-drill of the Ainus is entirely unique. It is all the more remarkable, too, as the dogs, many of which have been captured from the forest, are still half wild.