302 



NEW GUINEA. 



[chap. 



reefs. The approach is a dangerous one, and without Ivawari we 

 should most probably have got into difficulties, for, contrary to the 

 usual rule in these clear waters, there are many shoals and rocks of 

 which the best look-out gives no warning. 



Ascending the channel for a distance of three or four miles, a 

 sudden turn brought us in view of the \dllage. It was of large 



CANOE, ANSDS HAKBOUR. 



size, comprising no less than forty-seven of the enormous houses 

 with which we had become familiar in Dorei Bay. Here, however, 

 they were true lake-dwellings, having no bridges to connect them 

 with the shore, the position of which was a matter of uncertainty 

 from the dense growth of dreary mangroves around the creek. 

 Although built in close proximity to one another, each house was 

 completely isolated, and access was only possible by means of one 

 of the numerous dug-outs tied up in front of the platforms. Our 

 arrival created no little excitement, and the anchor was hardly 



