CANOES OF CORAL HAVEN DESCRIBED. 203 



which besides are strung about other parts of the 

 canoe, usually in pairs. An outrig'g'er extends 

 along nearly the whole length of the left or port 

 side of the canoe. In its construction there 

 are employed from six to eight poles, two inches 

 in diameter, which rest against one side of the 

 body of the canoe and are secured there, then 

 passing out through the opposite side about five 

 feet, inclining slightly upwards at the same time, 

 are connected at the ends by lashing to a long 

 stout pole completing the strong frame work re- 

 quired for the support of the float. This last is a 

 long and narrow log of a soft and very light wood 

 (probably a cotton tree) rising a little and pointed 

 at each end so as to offer the least possible resist- 

 ance to the water. Four sticks passing diagonally 

 downwards from each of the transverse poles are 

 sunk into the float and firmly secure it. A strip of 

 the inner portion of the outrigger frame is converted 

 into a platform by long sticks laid lengthways close 

 to each other, — here the sails, masts, poles, spears, 

 and other articles are laid when not in use. The 

 paddles vary slightly in form but are usually about 

 four feet in length, with a slender handle and a 

 pointed lance-shaped blade. The number of men 

 able to use the paddles is regulated in each canoe 

 by that of supporting outrigger poles, the end of 

 each of which, in conjunction with one of the knees 

 supporting the gunwale, serves as a seat. One sitter at 

 each end, being clear of the outrigger, is able to use 

 his paddle on either side as requisite in steering, but 



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