74 Field Museum of Natural History — Anth., Vol. XII. 



By far the most effective means of securing birds is to stretch a net 

 between trees or poles where the birds are accustomed to fly. Wooden 

 decoys are attached to the net in order to attract the game which, once 

 enmeshed, is easily caught. 



Various devices are employed in the capture of fresh water fish, 1 but 

 the most common is a torpedo-shaped trap of bamboo (Fig. 19). Stone 

 conduits lead the water from streams into the open ends of these traps, 

 thus carrying in fish and shrimps. The funnel-shaped opening has the 

 sharpened ends set close together so that it is quite impossible for the 

 prisoners to escape, although the water readily passes between the 

 bamboo strips. 



A hook and line is employed, especially for eels; while in clear pools 

 fish are secured by means of a' four-pointed spear which is thrust or 

 thrown (Fig. 20). Perhaps the most interesting device used is a lure, 

 known as boro (Fig. 21). A live minnow is fastened at the end of the 

 rod near to a rattan noose. A cord running from the noose to the end 

 of the stick allows the fisherman to draw up the noose as he desires. 

 The struggles of the captive fish soon attract others, and when one 

 enters the loop the line is drawn taut, securely binding the intruder. 

 Several fish can be taken from a single pool by this method. A berry 

 (anamirta cocculus L.) is used in the capture of fish. It is crushed to a 

 powder, is wrapped with vines and leaves, and is thrown into pools. 

 The fish become stupified and float to the surface where they are easily 

 captured. After being cooked they are eaten without any ill effects. 



OCCUPATIONS. 



Mention has already been made of some of the daily occupations of 

 the people. We have found the women caring for the home and prepar- 

 ing the rice and other foods which are served in the house. At no time 

 did the writer see a man, other than a slave, take any part in such 

 household duties; but when on the trail each would do his share in 

 preparing the meals. In the village we found the women and children 

 carrying the water and wood and, at rare intervals, doing laundry work. 

 Instead of soaping and rubbing soiled clothing, they soak the garments 

 in water, then place them on stones and beat them with wooden paddles 

 or clubs. The articles are alternately soaked and beaten until at least 

 a part of the dirt has been removed. It is also the privilege of any 

 woman to engage in the manufacture of basketry, or to act as a potter. 



1 Along the coast the methods of the Christianized natives are used in salt water 

 fishing. 



