NOTES ON FISHING METHODS OF THE SOUTH SEAS. 7638 
san work together on the same ground if they choose, and sometimes 
do, but as a rule they prefer not to interfere with each other. 
Shortly after our arrival, arrangements were made to visit the 
pearl-diving grounds situated about 8 miles away. We took passage 
in one of the small cutters employed in the fishery, and on arriving 
at our destination made fast to a cutter anchored over a submerged 
erowth of coral. Two other cutters were at anchor close by. Three 
divers were on one boat and five were on the other, one of whom was 
a woman. Each of the divers is provided with a water-glass, with 
which he scans the bottom before going down. The glass is similar 
to that used by the fishermen of Papeete, with a notch in the side in 
which to rest the neck. It is 16 inches square at the top, 12 inches 
at the bottom, and 12 inches deep. By its aid the bottom can be seen 
to a depth of 20 fathoms, and shells located. Before diving in deep 
water the bottom is inspected through the glass. By locating a clump 
of shells before going down, much labor is saved. Instead of the diver 
exhausting his energy in diving at random and searching for shells 
after reaching bottom, he goes directly to the spot where the shells le. 
At other times, in shallow water, he goes down to explore the bottom. 
In this way clusters of shells are located before any are taken. 
Before descending, the divers sit around on deck for some little time 
inflating their lungs to the fullest capacity, exhaling the air through 
the mouth, making a low whistling sound. No clothing is worn except 
a breechcloth. Over the shoulders is carried a bag net in which to put 
the shells. The net is made of cocoanut fiber, about 20 inches deep 
by 12 inches wide; size of mesh, 27 inches. It offers little resistance 
and will carry all the shells a man can bring to the surface. In the 
left hand is carried a pearl shell, which serves the same purpose as a 
knife. With it obstacles are removed from the bottom and shells 
loosened from their bed. The right hand is protected by a white cot- 
ton mitten; sometimes cotton cloth is wound around the hand. 
When ready to descend the diver slips over the side of the boat, 
holding to the rail with one hand and having a water-glass in the other. 
Locating some particular point at the bottom, he lets go of the rail, 
drops the glass, takes a deep breath, and sinks out of sight feet first. 
Descending about 10 feet, he quickly turns head downward and swims 
to the bottom. A water-glass distinctly discloses every movement, his 
brown body forming a striking contrast to the clear water and varie- 
gated colorings of the bottom. When hardly a third of the distance 
has been reached he has the appearance of being on bottom, so trans- 
parent is the water. On reaching it he places himself in a horizontal 
position, seemingly hauling himself along from one point to another. 
For some time active diving was carried on in comparatively shallow 
depths, from 10 to 12 fathoms. 
One man consented to give an exhibition dive in deep water. The 
