huers

When they arrive on the coast, "huers" -- sharp-sighted men -- are stationed on the cliffs to direct the boatmen when to go out and where to shoot their seine-nets.

Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines 1859

With it is associated the occupation of the "huers," who are stationed on the look-out above the shore, and who signal the arrival of the schools, easily seen in the daylight.

The Cornwall Coast

The huers are on watch from August till late October, and it is the method of taking by seine that renders their signalling of great importance.

The Cornwall Coast

August, when the huers have already taken up their position on the high places around, in order to signal the first sighting of the shoals.

The Cornwall Coast

And from the watch-rock on the hill the huers are shouting down;

The Seven Whistlers 1895

He and his companions cast their eyes constantly at the huers on the summit of the cliffs above, anxiously expecting the signal that a school had been seen in the far distance.

Michael Penguyne Fisher Life on the Cornish Coast William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

The huers can distinguish the approach of a school by a change in the colour of the sea.

Michael Penguyne Fisher Life on the Cornish Coast William Henry Giles Kingston 1847

The boats had now been waiting several hours, and when the huers were seen to raise their white boughs and point to a sandy beach to the north of the harbour (a sign that a school of pilchards was directing its course in that direction), instantly the cry of "_heva_" was raised by the numerous watchers on the shore, and the crews of the boats, bending to their oars, pulled away to get outside the school and prevent them from turning back.

Michael Penguyne Fisher Life on the Cornish Coast William Henry Giles Kingston 1847