NOTES ON FISHING METHODS OF THE SOUTH SEAS. 789 
edge was a hole 8 inches square, in which the steering paddle is placed. 
Again, on one side of the platform, over the hold of the canoe, was an 
opening 3 feet long by 18 inches wide, through which water is bailed. 
The bow and stern of the main canoe differ considerably, the stern 
ending somewhat in the shape of a top, big end up, 7 inches deep and 
5 inches across; the bow gracefully shaped, sharp and slightly turned 
up from where the water line begins. On the outside of each canoe, 
commencing at the break of the platform, 14 inches from the side, on 
Small Sailing Canoe, Fiji.’ 
a level with tne gunwale and joining at the bow and stern, was a pole 
rail, and on the platform above a protection rail 8 feet long and 2 feet 
= 
high. On the top side of the platform was the mast step, carved out 
of a solid piece of wood, resembling the hub of a carriage wheel; the 
step was lashed to the heavy planking of the platform. The foot of 
the mast in these canoes is not placed in the step, but rests against it, 
first on one side and then on the other, according to which end of 
the canoe points to the wind. The head of the mast always leans 
