THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 291 



them together, but increase the brilliancy of tlie 

 light. 



These nocturnal fishing expeditions are described 

 as producing a most picturesque ell'ect. Large parties 

 of men proceed to the reef, when the sea is compara- 

 tively smooth, and hunt the totara, or hedgehog-fish, 

 probably a species of Diodon : and it is a beautiful 

 and interesting spectacle to behold a long line of 

 reef illuminated by the flaming torches, the light 

 from which glares redly upon the foaming surf 

 without, and the calm lagoon within. Each fisher 

 man holds his torch in his left hand high above 

 his head, while he poises his spear in his right, 

 and stands with statue-like stillness, watching the 

 approach of the fish. 



A similar mode of fishing is practised in the rivers, 

 and though the circumstances are different, the effect 

 is not inferior. " Few scenes," says Mr. Ellis, " pre- 

 sent a more striking and singular effect, than a band 

 of natives walking along the shallow parts of the 

 rocky sides of a river, elevating a torch with one 

 hand, and a spear in the other ; while the glare of 

 their torches is thrown upon the overhanging boughs, 

 and reflected from the agitated surface of the stream. 

 Their own bronze-coloured and lightly-clothed forms, 

 partially illuminated, standing like figures in relief; 

 while the whole scene appears in bright contrast with 

 the dark and almost midnight gloom that envelopes 

 every other object."* 



Another mode of fishing by torchlight is described 

 by the late ]\Ir. Williams, who accompanied some 



♦ Polv. Res. i. 150. 



