Sounding Weights

Sounding Weights

Sounding weights served to measure the depth of the water and to check the type of sediment at the sea bottom.  This was done in order to identify anchoring areas as well as fishing grounds.  Their upper part is perforated for the attachment of a sounding line, and on the bottom is a cavity (tallow cup), smeared with grease, for sampling the sea bottom.  (from a sign in the museum)