FISHERIES OF THE UNITED STATES. [104] 



Lance-pole — Continued. 



head being detached remains, and the animal dies at once. If 

 a vital portion is not struck at first, other lance-heads are 

 thrust in until the death wound is given. The whale is towed 

 ashore, cut up, and the lance-head secured. Length, 20 feet 4 

 inches. Makah Indians, Cape Flattery, 1883. 72674. James 

 G. Swan. 



TOWING WHALES ASHORE. 



tow-lines. 

 Tow-line. 



Small tow-line, " ses-tope," made of fibers of spruce roots. Used by 

 natives for towing the whale ashore. Port Townsend, Wash- 

 ington Territory. 72633. James G. Swan. Makah Indians, 

 Cape Flattery. 



Tow-line. 



Small size. Indian name "ses-tope." Made of spruce roots {Ahies 

 Douglasii). The process of manufacture consists in (1) roasting 

 the material in hot ashes ; (2) splitting with knives into fine 

 fibers ; and (3) twisting the fibers into a rope. Durable and 

 strong. Makah Indians, Cape Flattery, 1883. 72631. James 

 G. Swan. Used by natives in towing whales ashore. 



Tow-line. 



New. Large size. Made of fibers of spruce roots {Ahies Douglasii). 

 The long slender roots are first roasted in the ashes, then split 

 into fine strands with knives, twisted, and laid uj) into ropes 

 by hand. These ropes are beautifully made, exceedingly 

 strong, and buoyant. The Indians not only understand the 

 art of rope-making by hand as well as the whites, but they can 

 also Tinot and graft a rope as well as white sailors. Makah In- 

 dians, Cape Flattery, 1883. 72632. James G. Swan. Used 

 by natives for towing whales ashore. 



Paddles. 

 Whalings paddle. 



Made of yew ; the common form adopted by the natives in whaling. 



The paddle has a long, tapering point to enable the canoe to 



silently approach a whale, as the blade can be thrust deep in 



the water and the reverse stroke made with comparatively 



little splashing or noise. Length, 5 feet. Makah Indians, 



Cape Flattery, Washington Territory. 72676. James G. Swan. 



WHALEMAN'S CLOTHING. 

 Bear-skin cloak. 



Indian name, " Artleitquitl." Worn by natives when whaling or 

 fishing, or in wet weather on shore. 74 by 43 inches. Makah 

 Indians, Cape Flattery, 1883. 72693. James G. Swan. 



