720 BtfLLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



During the aku (ocean bonito) fishing season two canoe owners frequently com- 

 bine forces. In that event the outriggers are removed from the canoes, which are 

 placed parallel to each other at a distance of about 6 feet, and held in position by two 

 crosspieces running from canoe to canoe at about one-third of the length from each 

 end and firmly lashed. The sail is operated in only one of the canoes. At Kona, 

 Hawaii, is a canoe in the bottom of which is inserted a square piece of thick glass, so 

 that the fisherman can locate the bottom fishes and hee (octopus) as he slowly paddles 

 along. 



SiDnjHiii,'^. — The Japanese use the sampan, a style of boat in general vogue in 

 Japan. It is clumsy and awkward-looking, and a poor sailer, although veiy sea- 

 worthy. Such a boat to be operated by two men is usually about 20 feet in length 

 over all, with about 6 feet on the keel. The beam is usually about 4 feet 5 inches, 

 while the depth averages 20 inches. The sampans are made of pine. Their most 

 peculiar feature is an overhanging, partly inclosed stern, about 3 feet wide, in which 

 the rudder is worked. The gunwale, from the bow for about two-thirds of the length 

 on each side, overhangs nearly 12 inches, and there is a plank about 6 inches in 

 height extending above it. In the bow is a large cubby-hole raised even with the 

 top, in which fishing lines, sails, etc., are stored when not in use. In the center are 

 about S compartments — i on a side — 12 to 15 inches deep, with plugs which can be 

 pulled out in order to allow the entrance of water, thus making live wells. These 

 small holes — about 6 inches long by 3 inches wide — are crossed with small twigs or 

 wire netting to keep the fish from escaping. 



Sculling from the stern is the method invariably used by the Japanese. The oar, 

 which is about 13 feet long, is lashed to a handle about 6 feet in length. This gives 

 the oar a slight angle, which makes sculling mud|p, easier than with one solid piece. 

 On the handle is a pin, over which a rope is slipped, holding the scull down to a 

 uniform height while it is being worked. The sweep of the stock at the hand end is 

 nearly 2 feet. The fisherman, planting his left foot on an inclined board, sways his 

 arms and body at right angles to the boat. 



The small sampans cost about |75 to $80, without sails; the largest cost about 

 1150. The sails for the smaller ones average about $7 per boat, and for the largest 

 ones about $15. Quite large sampans, with crews of from 4 to 6 men, are employed 

 in the deep-sea line fishing off Molokai. 



Whalehoats. — A few whaleboats are used in the fisheries of certain of the islands 

 principally by the Chinese. These are of the regulation whaleboat pattern, and have 

 evidently been modeled after boats left behind by the whalers who used to frequent the 

 islands. They average about 25 feet in length, 5^ feet in width, 26 inches deep, and 

 are shai-p at both ends. They cost about 1125 each. 



Mowhoats. — These are of all sizes and shapes, from a small, rectangular pine-board 

 boat, worth $2 or |3, to a handsome, well-built boat costing |25. They are used princi- 

 pally in the rivers, fish ponds, and small baj's, where the water is smooth. 



Scows. — A few scows are employed in the seine fisheries on Oahu, and are of a 

 rough, cheap character which requires no description. 



SeiTieboats. — These are of very much the same pattern as the best rowboats onlv 

 larger and more valuable. 



