794 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
THE ELLICE ISLANDS. 
Leaving the Fiji Islands the A/batross proceeded to Funafuti, an 
atoll in the Ellice group, arriving off the pass at Funafuti on the morn- 
ing of December 23, and anchoring later in the day off Fongafale village, 
about 8 miles from the mouth of the pass. The village and general 
surroundings of the atoll resemble that of Fakarava in the Paumotus. 
In front of the village is a long beach where seines were dragged each 
day. In all the trials about 1,400 fish were caught, among which were 
some 16 or 18 species. The beach is smooth for about 100 feet below 
high-water mark; from this point, for 200 feet or more, the bottom is 
very rough, being covered with a growth of live coral; from here on 
into comparatively deep water the bottom presents a smooth, sandy 
appearance. Where the fish were most plentiful it was found impos- 
sible to haul the seine. We found this to be the case at most places 
in the South Seas. 
Only 2 fish were caught with hand lines from the ship. A crab net 
and several wire fish-traps were baited and set on the reef until the 
morning of our departure. Each time they were visited many fish 
were seen around them, but nothing was taken. 
On Christmas an excursion was made to an island 6 miles from the 
village, four natives accompanying the party as pilots. Several long 
trials were made with hand lines on favorite ‘‘ spots” known to the 
natives. The catch amounted to 11 fish, 4 species, all of which were 
saved. The native fishermen used the same kind of fishing gear that 
we did. Instead of baiting the hooks in the usual manner, they seized 
it to the shank, in the manner of the Alaskan Indians. 
By the aid of the electric surface light displayed over the ship’s side 
a number of small fishes were taken. 
Small drag seines are used, knit of cotton twine, like those observed 
at Kambara. The manufacture of small seines from native material 
seems to have been wholly abandoned, it being easier to procure net 
twine from passing vessels than to make the original article from 
cocoanut husks and pandanus leaves. Large seines, made of coarse, 
heavy material (cocoanut-fiber twine), are used in capturing turtle. 
These seines vary in length from 60 to 100 feet; depth, 9 to 12 feet; 
mesh, 55 inches. Turtle in this region are not numerous, but appear 
periodically and are a delicacy much sought after. 
In hand-line fishing common steel hooks are generally used, but 
when they are not to be had the native hook is resorted to. American 
and English hooks are much preferred. Hooks and lines were given 
to the men who accompanied us on the fishing excursion, and they 
seemed to greatly appreciate the gift. There being no trader on the 
island, hooks, lines, and useful articles are not always easy to obtain. 
Steamers and small trading vessels sometimes call here, supplying the 
people with such articles as they may need. 
