PEARLS. 283 



ture out during the day to recommence the business of 

 fishing. 



In order to facihtate the descent of the divers^ the boats 

 are separately furnislied with five large perforated stones, 

 round at the top and bottom. These are fixed to difi'erent 

 ropes, and each diver, when about to plunge, seizes one of 

 them with the toes of his right foot; and from the other 

 he suspends a bag of net-work ; for these people are so 

 extremely dexterous in the use of their feet, that they em- 

 ploy them, as well as their hands, for the most common 

 purposes, and sometimes pick up the smallest stones or 

 straws from ofi' the ground. The diver then takes hold of 

 anotjier rope with his right hand ; while with the left he 

 endeavours to prevent the water from entering his nostrils as 

 he plunges into the sea, and speedily reaches the bottom ; 

 where he eagerly commences tearing up the shells, and 

 cramming them into his bag, which he suspends round his 

 neck, and running from side to side, in order to render the 

 water turbid and elude the vigilance of his marine foes. 



As soon as the bag is full, or the appearance of any 

 danger warns the divers to retreat, he resumes his former 

 position, makes a signal to those above, by pulHng the 

 rope in his right hand, and immediately reascends. 



