ABSTRACT
PEOPLE have discovered another method of fishing using sound as a lure, for it is common knowledge that a great many fish possess a sense of hearing and are captivated by delightful noises. Nets are stretched along or across a body of water, and in front of the nets at the surface is fixed an appliance resembling a bow, which is made to float on the waves. From the upper part of this bow is suspended a small bell, and when this rings, crowds of fish approach, amazed at its tinkling, ready to be caught in an unconcealed trap. 1 Certain fish are tamed, according to Albertus, Bk XXI, Ch. 6, so that on hearing a bell jingle they gather to take their food. 2 A host of writers on Nature, especially Solinus in Ch. 22, describe the crazed behaviour and ravishment of the dolphin when it hears entrancing sounds. 3 1 do not mind recalling one incident which I witnessed myself. Out on the open sea I saw a harpist, who was playing in the high register of his instrument, attract a large number of dolphins. After listening to the music for the space of an hour in the calmest of waters (not even a straw was stirring in the wind) they churned the waters with their tails and their blowing. Having given this possible sign of their appreciation they swam off, and at once there followed storms so wild and horrific that we could scarcely escape with our lives from such gigantic peril. 4
