32 THE GEYSERS OF PLUTON RIVER, 
found on the coast, is all that I have seen of their carv- 
ing. , 
The Indians dwelling near the great rivers of Cali- 
fornia make much dependence upon the salmon and — 
sturgeon which they can take. For this purpose they 
use both nets and spears. When the river is wide, 
the nets are stretched by means of booms projecting 
from the banks, sometimes a hundred feet into the 
stream. These booms are made of the trunks of trees, 
fastened together at the ends, and kept at aright angle 
with the shore by stays of grape, vine stretching from 
the boom to trees or stakes. Beneath the outer end 
of the boom is a float or raft of tulé, upon which 18 
stuck a branch gaily trimmed with feathers and other 
ornaments, as a charm to secure success. Other charms, 
usually made of bunches of feathers raised upon poles, 
are displayed along the bank, where are also one oF 
two huts for the party in attendance. One of the | 
party holds constantly in his hand a line attached tO | 
the net, by means of which he can feel when a large © 
