NOTES ON FISHING METHODS OF THE soUTH SEAS. 761 
places in the boat, and when a favorable opportunity for launching 
arrives, from 10 to 12 men take hold of the gunwales and plunge her 
into the incoming surf. The bow oars have already been fixed in the 
rowlocks to keep her head to the sea until the others can be shipped. 
By this time the men on the outside are up to their waist in water, and 
sometimes they are carried off their feet by the undertow. To most 
people this would be a very serious matter, but to a native it signifies 
but little. The outer edge of the reef is very sharp and ragged, and 
should a boat be caught under it as the sea falls off the platform she 
would either capsize or be dashed to pieces against the coral by the 
next incoming sea. ‘ 
THE PEARL FISHERY. 
There are many other islands in the group where pearl fishing is 
carried on, but Hikueru is the most important. The fishery is regu- 
lated by the French government, the lagoon being thrown open every 
third year. Only one lagoon is fished at a time, and in consequence 
all divers assemble at one place. This year (1899) being the open sea- 
son for this island, natives from almost every island in the Paumotu 
group are represented. Three firms control the fishery—one French, 
a German, and an American firm. This season fishing commenced 
October 5, and 55 tons of shells had been taken up to October 27. 
The last season the lagoon was fished, 380 tons of shells were taken 
out. From this amount $3,000 worth of pearls were found. As com- 
pared to other parts of the world where pearl fishing is carried on, it 
is said that this amount of pearls is small for the quantity of shells 
taken. Here the finding of pearls is incidental. The main object is 
gathering the shells. 
For a number of years ‘‘machine diving” was carried on—that ts, 
the men dressed in diving suits. By this process a much greater 
amount of shells was taken each season. Thinking that this method 
was fast exterminating the fishery, a law was passed prohibiting it, 
since which time all diving has been performed in the original way of 
going down naked. Diving is performed in depths ranging from 5 to 
20 fathoms, the average probably being 10 to 15 fathoms. 
Each company employs its divers for the season; they are bound by 
contract to fish for no other company, and are paid so much a ton for 
shells, the price being governed by the quality. The shells are divided 
into three grades. First-class shells are worth $1,500 to $1,800 per 
ton; second-class, $1,200 to $1,400, and third-class frequently less than 
$1,000, sometimes as low as $250, Chilian money. ‘The prices vary to 
some extent each year, according to supply and demand. Germany is 
the principal market for pearl shells and pearls, the price for both 
being regulated in that country and forwarded to agents at Papeete 
before the season opens. 
