k, spruce, or pine (the first mentioned being the
most durable), a little longer than the width of the pot, about
2-3/4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. In the ends of each of
the outer strips a hole is bored to receive the ends of a
small branch of pliable wood, which is bent into a regular
semicircular curve. These hoops are made of branches of spruce
or hemlock, or of hardwood saplings, such as maple, birch,
or ash, generally retaining the bark. Three of these similar
frames, straight below and curved above, constitute the
framework of each pot, one to stand at each end and one in the
center. The narrow strips of wood, generally ordinary house
laths of spruce or pine, which form the covering, are nailed
lengthwise to them, with interspaces between about equal to
the width of the lathe. On the bottom the laths are sometimes
nailed on the outside and sometimes on the inside of the cross
pieces. The door is formed by three or four of the laths
running the entire length near the top. The door is hinged on
by means of small leather strips, and is fastened by a single
wooden button in the center, or by two buttons, one at each
end. The openings into the pot . . . are two in number, one at
each end, are generally knit of coarse twine and have a mesh
between three-fourths of an inch and 1 inch square. They are
funnel-shaped, with one side shorter than the other, and at the
larger end have the same diameter as the framework. The smaller
and inner end measures about 6 inches in diameter and is held
open by means of a wire ring or wooden hoop. The funnels are
fastened by the larger ends to the end frames of the pot, with
the shorter side uppermost, so that when they are in place they
lead obliquely upward into the pot instead of horizontally.
The inner ends are secured in position by one or two cords
extending to the center frame. The funnels are about 11 or 12
inches deep, and therefore extend about halfway to the center
of the pot. They taper rapidly and form a strongly inclined
plane, up which the lobsters must climb in their search for the
bait. A two-strand manila twine is most commonly used for the
funnels. Cotton is also used, but is more expensive and less
durable.

[Illustration: Lobster pots]

A change in the shape of the funnel was first made at Matinicus
shortly before 1890. This has been called the "pate