THE FISHERMAN. 91 



an Indian once got more than he anticipated by 

 shooting a saw-fish in tidal waters. The fish 

 rushed at the corial, split it with its formidable 

 weapon, killed a dog, and nearly drowned the 

 man. 



When the floods come and the rivers spread 

 into the forest, all the hollows are filled, to some- 

 times remain as pools for many weeks after the 

 waters have gone back. Most of the fishes return 

 to the rivers as the flood recedes, but some are 

 left behind, to become of considerable importance 

 to the fisherman. He knows all these hollows, 

 for his ancestors as well as himself have fished 

 in them over and over again at the proper 

 season. 



Perhaps the pool may be at a long distance, 

 and then the whole family take part in the picnic. 

 Cassava bread and barbecued meat are prepared, 

 and some morning off goes a string of men and 

 women, happy in the thought that they will soon 

 have as much fish as they can eat, as well as 

 plenty for the barbecue. To fill his belly is a 

 very great pleasure, and when he has the oppor- 

 tunity it is almost surprising to see what he can 

 eat. No doubt this apparent greediness has 

 arisen from the precarious nature of his meat 

 supply ; sometimes days or even weeks will 



