CANOES OF CORAL HAVEN DESCllIBED. 203 



which hesides are strung- about other parts of the 

 caiioe^ usually in pairs. An outrig-ger extends 

 along- nearly the whole length of the left or port 

 side of the canoe. In its construction there 

 are employed from six to eig*ht poles^ two inches 

 in diameter^ -which rest ag'ainst one side of the 

 body of the canoe and are secured there^ then 

 passing' out through the opposite side about five 

 feet_, inclining slightly upwards at the same time^ 

 are connected at the ends by lashing to a long 

 stout pole completing' the strong fi'ame work re- 

 quired for the support of the float. This last is a 

 long and narrow log of a soft and ver}" light wood 

 (probably a cotton tree) rising a little and pointed 

 at each end so as to offer the least possible resist- 

 ance to the water. Four sticks passing* diagonally 

 downwards from each of the transverse poles are 

 sunk into the float and firmly secure it. A strip of 

 the inner portion of the outrig'ger frame is converted 

 into a platform by long* sticks laid lengthways close 

 to each other^ — here the sails^ masts^ poles^ spears^ 

 and other articles are laid when not in use. The 

 paddles vary slightl}^ in form but are usually about 

 four feet in lengthy with a slender handle and a 

 pointed lance-shaped blade. The number of meii 

 able to use the j^addles is regulated in each canoe 

 b}^ that of supporting outrigger poles^ the end of 

 each of which^ in conjunction with one of the knees 

 supporting the gunwale^ serves as a seat. One sitter at 

 each end^ being clear of the outrigger^ is able to use 

 his paddle on either side as requisite in steering^ but 



