The broader waters can scarcely be netted without a boat, but the brook here is the very place for a moonlight haul.

The net is stretched first across the widest spot nearest to the pool, that no fish may escape.

They swim up here in the daytime in shoals, perch especially; but the night poachers are often disappointed, for the fish seem to retire to deeper waters as the darkness comes on.

A black mass of mud-coated sticks, rotten twigs, and thorn bushes, entangled in the meshes, is often the only result of much toil.
Once now and then, as when a preserved pond is netted, a tremendous take occurs; but nets are rather gone by, being so unwieldy and requiring several men to manage effectually.

If they are not hung out to dry properly after being used, they soon rot.