No. 2(1922) LACCADIVE FISHERIES 67 



ought to give an impetus to better curing and storing of these big 

 fishes. The fishermen are experts in handling lines, harpoons, nets 

 and other fishing tackle, and will easily adapt themselves to new 

 methods if only shown their efficacy. The flying-fish is found in 

 all seasons and the fishermen will perhaps take trouble to catch 

 more of this fish if a market is assured for the cured product. In my 

 opinion, if a market can be created for their salted and other cured 

 fish, an impetus will naturally follow for catching more fish and 

 that again will tend to improve their boats and nets. 



As a preliminary to, and simultaneously with, the measures 

 suggested above, the Fisheries Department might purchase one or 

 two small boats (costing between Rs. 30 and Rs. 100) in use in the 

 islands and instal in them low-powered motois to test the suitability 

 of power-driven boats for the island waters. At present it appears 

 to me that fishermen labour at a disadvantage in having to row, at 

 times for a long distance, to and from the fishing banks, and thus 

 find themselves very tired for actual fishing work. The boats are 

 easily and cheaply constructed (good, small, serviceable ones are 

 offered even for Rs. 30), and with power added the industry is 

 likely to take a new turn. 



Ambergris. — This is one of the valuable marine products of the 

 islands. It is in high demand by the native physicians of the 

 mainland for use in general medicine, and also as a preventive of 

 child bearing when taken by females. The selling price varies 

 from Rs. 5 to Rs. 50 per tola (rupee) weight according to the quality. 

 At least three qualities are recognized by the people and the trade, 

 e.g., Ponnamber, Puvamber and Mlnamber, meaning "gold," 

 " flower," and " fish," and having yellow, light green, and black 

 appearance, respectively. In spite of the rumours that good 

 quantities are available, I was not able to ascertain the where- 

 abouts of a stock in any of the islands, but at Kadamat I got a 

 sample of Mlnamber. It is black in colour and a dirty smelling 

 product. The other two kinds did not come to my notice. Their 

 origin is stated as follows: — During the cold and wet months 

 a kind of tallow-like mass is found floating in the sea and also 

 washed ashore. Some have picked it up of the size of an orange 

 and a stray find of a very big mass, some 20 years ago, is also 

 rumoured. It is supposed by the islanders to be an exudation or 

 excreta of some " sea elephant " ; and as other sea animals, such 

 as fish and crabs, know it by smell, they are said to eat away a 



