| Beyond the Ballycastle Hills is Carrick-a-Rede, an insulated rock separated from the main land by a chasm sixty feet in width and eighty in depth. This is so very extraordinary an object, that it cannot fail to excite an intense interest in the feelings of the spectator as he contemplates it from the sea. This rock intercepts the salmon in their progress along the coast; and during the fishing-season, a tottering bridge, formed by two strong cables, with .smaller ropes crossing them at intervals, is thrown across this frightful chasm, and fastened at each extremity to the rocks: between these cables a narrow plank is slung; and over this dreadful passage, with only a single rope to guide them, the natives of this wild shore, of both sexes, carry heavy loads of salmon on their backs with the greatest apparent ease and safety. When the fish- // ing-season is over the bridge is removed. I saw it distinctly through the glass, but it looked only like a thread in the air. Dr. Hamilton gives the following interesting account of the mode of fishing upon this coast:—"At a particular season of the year the salmon fish come along the coast in quest of the different rivers in which they annually cast their spawn. In this expedition the fish generally swim pretty close to the shore, that they may not miss their port; and the fishermen, who are well aware of this coasting voyage of the salmon, take care to project their nets at such places as may be most convenient for intercepting them in their course. It so happens that Carrick-a-Rede is the only place on this abrupt coast which is suited to the purpose. The net is projected directly outward from the shore, with a slight bend, forming a bosom in that direction in which the salmon come. From the remote extremity a rope is brought obliquely to another part of the shore, by which the net may be swept round at pleasure, and drawn to the land ; a heap of small stones is then prepared for each person- All // things being ready, soon as the watchman perceives the fish advancing to the net, he gives the watch-word; immediately some of the fishermen, seize the oblique rope, by which the net is bent round to inclose the salmon, while the rest keep up an incessant cannonade with their ammunition of stones, to prevent the retreat of the fish till the net has been completely pulled round them; after which they all join forces, and drag the net and fish quietly to the rocks." [pp. 10-12] |
