THE INDIAN OCEAN. 331 



to any nation, however dexterous and acute. Since, 

 if we consider the aptitude of this proa to the 

 navigation of these islands, which, lying all of them, 

 nearly under the same meridian, and within the 

 limits of the trade- wind, requires the vessels made 

 use of in passing from one to the other to be 

 peculiarly fitted for sailing with the wind upon the 

 beam ; or, if we examine the uncommon simplicity 

 and ingenuity of its fabric and contrivance, or the 

 extraordinary velocity with which it moves, we shall 

 in each of these particulars find it worthy of our 

 admiration, and deserving a place amongst the 

 mechanical productions of the most civilized na- 

 tions, where arts and sciences have most eminently 

 flourished."* 



In direct contradiction to the practice of civilized 

 nations, the proa is built with the two ends alike, 

 but the two sides different. It is intended never 

 to turn, but always to present the same side to the 

 wind ; the bow becoming the stern, and the- stern 

 the bow, at pleasure. The ends of the boat are 

 high and project much above the water ; the wind- 

 ward side is rounded, as in other vessels ; but the 

 lee side is flat, and almost perpendicular. As the 

 depth greatly exceeds the breadth, it would, of 

 course, instantly fall over on the leeward side, but 

 for an ingenious contrivance already alluded to as 

 used in the Polynesian islands. A light but strong 

 frame is run out horizontally to windward, to the 

 end of which is fastened a hollow log, fashioned into 

 the shape of a small boat, which floats upon the 



* Anson's Voyage, p. 339. 



