748 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
offshore end 6 feet wide. From the center of the opening or mouth 
was a lead 75 feet long, built of the same kind of material. Inside the 
traps the bowlders and coral had been cleared away, leaving the bottom 
smooth. These inclosures, or traps, as they are commonly called, are 
entered by various kinds of fish at every tide. There is nothing to 
prevent them from making their escape at alltimes. At low water and 
at half tide the natives repair to them armed with dip nets and spears. 
The fishermen approach the traps cautiously and take their positions. 
At a given signal each man arises from his stooping position and takes 
a quick survey of the inside, ready to strike with his spear the first 
fish noticed. A commotion and general stampede quickly follows the 
appearance of a human form above the wall. Frequently a half dozen 


Canoe, Rahiroa Island. 
or more fish are speared before reaching the mouth of the trap. Here 
they are met with dip nets. Many large fish escape, but a consider- 
able number of small ones are captured. 
No large amount of fish is required at one time. As all fish caught 
must be consumed within a few hours, there is no incentive to lay in 
more than can be eaten at one meal. The spears used by these people 
are of the same pattern as those observed at the Marquesas Islands. 
Mr. Agassiz and party made a trip in the steam launch across the 
lagoon to the opposite side of the atoll, a distance of 15 miles, and 
while studying the formation of coral several rock fish-traps were 
observed, one of which led into a ravine. On inquiry it was learned 
that fishing excursions are frequently made to this part of the atoll. 
The hand lines used for bottom fish have a single hook and sinker 
attached. Trolling hooks are larger and are fastened to a long lanyard 
covered with heavy canvas. The object of the lanyard is to prevent 
