ch. xiii.] Line Fishing. 247 



stood out on oar course, with a slight breeze. Oft' the 

 mouth of the Menkabong river we came upon a tiny fleet 

 of native boats, the owners of which were fishing with 

 hook and line. We found out that they were some of 

 Pangeran Eau's people, a chief who holds the country 

 around Qualla Menkabong, and at whose house I had 

 stayed on a former journey into the interior. We were 

 glad to purchase some freshly-caught fish from these 

 people, which we afterwards enjoyed for breakfast. Fried 

 in a little pure oil, and sprinkled with a little oatmeal, 

 they were very nice. Palm-tops boiled formed a delicate 

 vegetable accompaniment to them. 



We are five days out to-day ; and as our bread, which 

 we of course brought with us, is beginning to turn 

 mouldy, my " boy " has dipped each of the remaining 

 little loaves in water, and is busy baking it afresh on a 

 tin plate over the embers. Treated in this way, our old 

 bread is really very nice ; indeed, not a bad substitute 

 for hot rolls. 



One of our men had a line out astern all the morn- 

 ing as usual, but never perceived a nibble until about 

 1.30 p.m., when there was a sudden commotion, owing 

 to his being nearly jerked out of the boat by a large 

 fish, which had taken his bait. The fish was fairly 

 hooked, but the men had a good deal of trouble to haul 

 him in. He was a splendid capture, fully fifty pounds or 

 more in weight ; and it took two men all their time to 

 lift him into the boat, even after a spear had been driven 

 through him. We all admired him very much as he lay 

 on deck ; indeed, half a hundred weight of good fresh 

 fish would be welcome anywhere. It was of a variety, 

 called " Linko " by the Malays, and in general appearance 

 reminded one of a fine salmon. 



A little later in the day another kind, about half the 



