BLACKS AS FISHERMEN 189 



to the end of which is fastened a slender thread of the 

 same material, split off by using the nails of the thumb 

 and second finger. This strand, which is about four 

 inches long, is delicately noosed. Standing a few feet 

 away from the water-hole, the black so manipulates 

 the line that the noose encircles the tail of the prawn, 

 which, making a retrogressive dart upon alarm, finds 

 itself fatally snared. The prawns are not, as a rule, 

 eaten, being reserved for bait. 



In creeks and lagoons thin, hollow logs are submerged. 

 Eels naturally seek such refuges, and in due course the 

 boy dives, and, sealing the ends with his hands, brings 

 log and eel to land. Dr. W. E. Roth mentions that 

 crayfish and a certain fish resembling the rock-cod are 

 similarly captured, and remarks that the log is lifted at 

 an angle, with one hand closing the lower aperture, in 

 which position it is brought to and held above the 

 surface, when the water trickles out between the fingers 

 of the sealing hand. 



Yet another method (analogous to "bobbing") is 

 practised for securing eels. Huge worms, found under 

 decaying logs, are threaded by means of a needle formed 

 of a thin strip of cane on a line from ten to twelve feet 

 long until several feet of bait are available. The line 

 is merely doubled, the ends made fast to a stout pole, 

 and the loop dangled in the water. The boy fishes 

 patiently, nor does he strike at the first nibble, but 

 permits the eel to swallow slowly what might be con- 

 sidered an undue proportion of the bait, when it is 

 landed and compelled to disgorge for the benefit of the 

 next comer. 



Among coastal blacks — all of whom may be said to 

 be fishermen — some are ardent devotees to the sea. 

 Others of the same camp restrict themselves to un- 

 sensational creeks and lagoons. The frog in the well 



