90 IN THE GUIANA FOREST. 



the silence, and with a swish the arrow pierces 

 the arapaima. At once there is a rush of all 

 the corials, which follow every movement of the 

 shaft as it is drawn hither and thither by the 

 startled fish. Now and again it appears at the 

 surface, sometimes turning on its side and strik- 

 ing the water with a loud slap. Presently it is 

 weakened and more arrows are driven into it, 

 until at last some one gets near enough for a 

 crushing blow with a cutlass. 



All is not yet over, for this has taken place 

 in the middle of a broad river. The catch must 

 be taken home, and none of the corials is large 

 enough to carry it together with even one paddler. 

 A corial is therefore brought close, the occupants 

 get out, and while swimming, sink the craft, put 

 in the fish, and finally by rocking and baling get 

 it again afloat with its burden. If not too heavy 

 one man may get in to paddle, otherwise both 

 will swim along until the catch can be landed. 

 Arrived at home, they throw down their heavy 

 load and retire to their hammocks until the 

 women bring the savoury meat and bread for 

 dinner. 



Near the coast the tarpon or cuffum is fairly 

 common, but this is not shot like the large fishes 

 of the interior, but hooked. It is reported that 



