20 



FISH-PENS. 



months of two natural dikes, into which the tide 

 enters with great rapidity, and is discharged 

 again with increased velocity. After a ride of 

 an hour and a quarter, we reached Pillar, which 

 is distant from Conception two leagues. This 

 village is composed of several irregular streets, 

 formed of small houses of various descriptions ; 

 they are constructed of brick, of mud, and of 

 the coco-leaves. It is a place of some trade, 

 and is likewise frequented by the small craft, 

 which sail between Recife and Goiana. The in- 

 habitants support themselves by their fisheries, 

 by the hire of their jangadas and canoes, and 

 lately, by the preparation of the outward husk 

 of the coco-nut* for the manufactory of cordage, 

 which has been recently established in the vicinity 

 of Recife. The fishery of Pillar is of consider- 

 able importance. The largest portion of the fish 

 which is caught upon this and the adjacent 

 coast, is obtained by means of pens, that are 

 generally constructed near to low water mark. 

 Two spaces of greater or less magnitude are 

 marked off, and stakes arc driven into the sand 

 at given distances in quadrangular form ; to these 

 stakes are fastened large mats (esteiras) of bas- 

 ket-work made of thick twigs. An aperture, 

 constructed in a similar manner to that of a trap 

 for catching mice, is left in the inclosure farthest 



Vide Appendix. 



