308 THE OCEAN. 
shell is removed, a hole bored through the kernel, 
and a rush passed through the hole, when they are 
hung up in strings for use. Torches are made by 
enclosing four or five strings of the nuts in the leaves 
of the screw-pine (Pandanus), which not only keep 
them together, but increase the brilliancy of the 
light. 
These nocturnal fishing expeditions are described 
-as producing a most picturesque effect. Large par- 
ties of men proceed to the reef, when the sea is com- 
paratively smooth, and hunt the totara, or hedge-hog- 
fish, probably a species of Diodon: and it is a 
beautiful and interesting spectacle, to behold a long 
line of reef illuminated by the flaming torches, the 
light from which glares redly upon the foaming surf 
without, and the calm lagoon within. Each fisher- 
man holds his torch in his left hand high above his 
head, while he poises his spear in his right, and 
stands with statue-like stillness, watching the ap- 
proach of the fish. 
A similiar mode of fishing is practised in the rivers, 
and though the circumstances are different, the effect 
is not inferior. ‘Few scenes,” says Mr. Ellis, “pre- 
sent a more striking and singular effect, than a band 
of natives walking along the shallow parts of the 
rocky sides of a river, elevating a torch with one 
hand, and a spear in the other; while the glare of 
their torches is thrown upon the overhanging boughs, 
and reflected from the agitated surface of the stream ; 
their own bronze-coloured and lightly-clothed forms, 
partially illuminated, standing like figures in relief; 
while the whole scene appears in bright contrast with 
