292 



THE OCEAN. 



natives of Atiu on an excursion. The object of the 

 pursuit was the Flying-fish, which is only taken by 

 night. Double canoes were used, which, having 

 been dragged from the rocks, thirty feet above the 

 level of the water, down a broad sloping ladder, were 

 launched over the surf A torch was lighted, and 

 the principal fisherman took his station on the fore 

 part of the canoe, bearing a ring-net attached to a 



KIsniNG BY TORCHLIGHT. 



light pole twelve or fifteen feet long. The rowers 

 now commence paddling with all their might, while 

 the headsman produced a great noise by stamping on 

 the hollow box of the canoe. The Flying-fish, which 

 were securely feeding at the outer edge of the reef, 

 terrified by the noise and splashing of the oars, 



