808 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
Commencing at the weather side of the mast and projecting out by 
the gunwale 24 feet, and securely fastened to gunwale and outrigger 
frame, is a raised platform, used for seats and also for stowing articles 
on. Ina moderate breeze the occupants of the canoe, except the man 
steering and the one who tends the sail, seat themselves on the plat- 
form; as the wind increases in force they move farther out on the 
outrigger frame, acting as shifting ballast. On the lee side is another 
platform, larger than the first, used for the same purpose, care being 
taken, however, to have the weights evenly distributed. Both of the 
platforms are made of hard wood, the sides and ends carved, with an 
attempt at ornamental display. The lee platform is built out at an 
angle, resting on a double bulkhead. On the gunwale between the 
bulkheads is a heavy piece of plank, to which the middle part of the 
platform is fastened. The whole structure is very strongly built and, 
like all other parts of the canoe, the platforms are seized together with 
the usual cocoanut-fiber line. The two bulkheads answer a double 
purpose, namely, a foundation and support to the lee platform, and 
a substitute for timbers. There are two permanent thwarts in one end 
and one in the other; these being large and heavy, they also take the 
place of timbers. Both fore and aft isa heavy breast-hook. The bow, 
cutwater, and headpiece, which also includes the stern, is gotten out of 
one piece of timber, the breast-hook being a part of it. The planking 
is seized together in the usual manner of all South Sea Island canoes, 
with pandanus leaves and a white pitch between the seams. 
The planks are not of uniform size, short pieces being fitted in 
between the large ones, as if there were no more to be had. In many 
vases this is no doubt true. It being difficult to obtain wood of 
sufficient length, short pieces are utilized, this being a necessity rather 
than a style. The bottom is protected by a false keel. When not in 
use, these canoes are always hauled out on the beach. 
The mast is stepped between the platforms on a level with the gun- 
wale, not stationary, but ina groove. As the mast is stayed forward 
each time the course is changed when beating to windward, it is 
necessary that the foot of the mast be free to work in the step. The 
eunwales are fitted somewhat like the deck of a vessel, with a waterway 
44 inches wide, and above what may be called a rail, 2% inches high, 
all cut from one piece of wood. Considerable cargo can be carried 
in the hold, but it must consist of material that will not be injured by 
getting wet, for in a choppy sea considerable water is taken aboard. 
The sail is made of strips of matting sewed together, in shape very 
much like the sail of the Italian fishing felucca of San Francisco and 
the Mediterranean, except that it has a boom. The mast is 23 feet 
long and 34 inches in diameter at the step, carrying its size all the way 
up. The masthead and topmast is made of one piece, of much harder 
wood than the mast, scarfed on and neatly seized. There are no blocks. 
