CANOES. 147 



{Ovulum ovum), or of the pretty white Xatica {Xatica mamiUa). In 

 the island of Simbo or Eddystone, where these shells are used in a 

 similar manner to decorate the large canoes, the white cowry 

 marks the canoes of the chiefs ; whilst the Natica shell decorates 

 those of the rest of the people. 



The pretty little outrigger canoes of Makira on the St. Christoval 

 coast are only nine inches across ; and the native sits on a board, 

 restinsr on the gunwales of his small craft. From one side there 

 stretch out two slender poles four or five feet in length and support- 

 ing at their outer ends a long wooden float which runs parallel with 

 the canoe. 



The war-canoes have the reputation amongst resident traders of 

 being good sea-boats. They frequently make the passage between 

 Malaita and Ugi, traversing a distance of about thirty miles exposed 

 to the full force of the Pacific swell. A similarly ex]3osed but much 

 longer passage of ninety miles is successfully accomplished by the 

 war-canoes of Santa Catalina, when the natives of this small island 

 y)ay their periodical visits to a friendly tribe on the coast of Malaita. 



Skilfully managed, even the smaller canoes, which carry two or 

 three persons, will behave well in a moderately heavy sea. I fre- 

 Tjuently used them and had practical experience of the dexterity 

 with which they are handled. On one occasion I was coasting along 

 the west side of the island of Simbo in an overladen canoe ; and 

 there was just enough " lop " and swell to make the chances even as 

 to whether we should have to swim for it or not. It was astonishing 

 to see the various manoeuvres employed by my natives to keep our 

 little craft afloat — now smoothing off with the blade of the paddle 

 the top of the wave as it rose to the gunwale, now dodging the 

 swell and taking full advantage of its onward roll, now putting a leg- 

 over each side to increase the stability of the canoe ; by such de- 

 vices, in addition to continuous baling, I managed to escape the un- 

 pleasantness of a ducking. 



Although the larger canoes of the Solomon Islanders are appar- 

 ently suited to the requirements of the natives, yet the want of an 

 outrigger must be often felt, especially in making the unprotected 

 sea passages from one island to another. The natives of Bougain- 

 ville Straits who, as referred to below, occasionally fit their war- 

 co.noes, when heavy laden, with temporary outriggers of stout 

 bamboo poles, must evidently be aware of the deficiencies of their 

 canoes, unless thus provided : yet for some reason or other they make 



