SAMOAN GROUP. 129 



inhabitants of Aana were driven away, about eight years since, 

 by the people of Manono, the pigeons abandoned the district, but that 

 upon their return to their homes, the pigeons again made their 

 appearance in their former abodes. 



Snakes were found in Upolu, and sea-snakes are reported to have 

 been seen off the islands. 



Fish are taken in the neighbouring waters, in great abundance 

 and variety. Besides other modes of taking them, they are caught 

 on the reefs by women, who place baskets near the holes where they 

 are accustomed to take shelter. They are also speared by torchlight, 

 and taken in deep water by the hook. Among the sea-fish, mullets 

 are very numerous, and are frequently seen leaping from the water in 

 immense shoals. 



One of the modes in which fish are caught by the Samoans, was 

 witnessed at Samatau. About a dozen canoes formed themselves into 

 a ring around what appeared to be a dark circular spot in the water, 

 about six feet in diameter, and which was moving along with a slow 

 and unequal motion. This was a shoal of the small fish called lou, 

 which is about two inches in length. The shoal being thus sur- 

 rounded, the circle of canoes was gradually lessened, until the fish, 

 finding themselves enclosed on all sides, ceased to move forward. At 

 this moment the head fisher, who was seen standing up in the canoe 

 with a net in his hand, threw it dexterously over the shoal, upon 

 which all the other men dove at once from the boats, and remained 

 for several seconds under the water, where they secured the sides of 

 the net. On reappearing, all regained their canoes except four, who 

 remained to take charge of the net, which with its prize they con- 

 veyed to the chief. 



These islands furnish abundant supplies for the refreshment of 

 vessels, but as yet there are few articles which can be rendered 

 available in foreign commerce. Tortoise-shell, of which a little has 

 at times been procured at Savaii, cocoa-nut oil, and arrow-root, are 

 nearly all that can be procured in quantities beyond the immediate 

 wants of the visiters. Caoutchouc, gum Arabic, castor beans, orris- 

 root, ginger, and coffee, might however be easily added to the list of 

 exports. In return for what they can furnish, the natives now look 

 to objects of real utility; beads, jews-harps, &c, once so much in 

 request, are now scarcely prized ; and cotton cloth, writing-paper, 

 and hardware, particularly needles and other small articles of utility, 

 are the kinds of manufactured goods which are most sought after. 



vol. ii. 33 



