792 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
The formation of the harbor and the many small streams emptying 
into it, together with the long flat reefs bordering the shore line, 
makes a desirable place for traps, and the work of tending them is 
slight as compared to chasing fish with spear and dragging with seine. 
Thirty-odd traps were counted, scattered along the shore fora distance 
of about 2 miles. These traps must capture more than enough fish to 
supply the town and surrounding villages. No regular markets are 
maintained. 
The traps examined were of the same shape as the one described at 
Nukualofa, except that on the side of the pocket is a smaller one 8 feet 
in diameter, from which the fish are taken. The traps are made of 
bamboo poles and palm leaves, the poles driven into the sand and dead 
coral 4+ to 5 feet apart, the average height 6 feet. The palm leaves 
reach within 6 inches of the top; average diameter of pocket 30 feet; 
the leads vary in length from 150 to 300 feet. 
The cost of a trap of this kind is within the reach of every native 
who has a shore privilege. 
At Vavau we were informed that when we reached Suva we would 
be apt to see many of the large sailing canoes, but only small paddling 
‘anoes, such as are employed about the harbor peddling fruit, fish, ete., 
were seen. 
The large canoe of early days seems to have been supplanted by the 
English cutter. Those used here average from 40 to 50 feet in length, 
10 to 12 feet beam, deep draft, and cost from $400 to $600. They carry 
a large spread of canvas, mainsail, fore-staysail, jib, and club-topsail. 
They are easy to handle, sail well, are seaworthy, and carry consider- 
able cargo. The natives living on the large islands of the group were 
quick to see the superior qualities of the cutter, which for cruising 
among: the islands is as serviceable as the canoe and in many respects 
superior, 
If there be many large canoes in the Fijis they are no doubt confined 
to the outlying islands like Kambara, where little communication with 
the main islands is carried on. While the cutter possesses qualities 
not found in the canoe, yet, on the other hand, there is something about 
the latter that appeals even to the white man; their barbaric beauty, 
unique and original design, harmonize so perfectly with the surround- 
ings and people that it is a pity they are passing away. To visit the 
Fiji Islands without seeing the big sailing canoe, manned by natives in 
their picturesque dress, is as unromantic as to visit Venice and find 
the steam launch substituted for gondolas. 
The single dugout canoe of Suva does not materially differ in gen- 
eral build from many seen at other islands, except that in the center 
they are platformed over, the platform being 7 to 10 feet long and 5 
to 7 feet wide, projecting out over each side from 12 to 18 inches. The 
platform is used for stowing things upon, such as fruit, vegetables, 
t= 
fish, etc. On no occasion did we observe anything stowed in the 
