Harvesting the River
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Top Level : Harvesting : Mussels : Musseling Equipment

River Mule THe mule was a specialized device that acted as an underwater sail for mussel gatherers. To pull their mussel collecting devices across the bottom of the river, clammers devised a canvas sail, weighed on the bottom with a metal rod and made buoyant on the top with a wooden pole. Tied to the boat and steered by two ropes, the mule filled with the current and towed the boat at the speed of the river. Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery exhibit.

Illustration by Kathrine Hammersley. Photograph by Gary Andrashko, ISM.

<b>River Mule</b>  THe mule was a specialized device that acted as an underwater sail for mussel gatherers.  To pull their mussel collecting devices across the bottom of the river, clammers devised a canvas sail, weighed on the bottom with a metal rod and made buoyant on the top with a wooden pole.  Tied to the boat and steered by two ropes, the mule filled with the current and towed the boat at the speed of the river.  Jake Wolf Fish Hatchery exhibit.
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