S O O L O O. 



353 



sea, carried onwards to our destined anchorage by the flowing tide, 

 and scarce a sound was heard except the splashing of the lead as it 

 sought the bottom. The effect of this was destroyed in part by the 

 knowledge that this beautiful archipelago was the abode of a cruel 

 and barbarous race of pirates. Towards sunset we had nearly 

 reached the bay of Soung, when we were met by the opposing tide, 

 which frustrated all our endeavours to reach it, and I was compelled 

 to anchor, lest we should again be swept to sea. 



As soon as the night set in, fishermen's lights were seen moving 

 along the beach in all directions, and gliding about in canoes, while 

 the sea was filled with myriads of phosphorescent animalcule. After 

 watching this scene for two or three hours in the calm and still night, 

 a storm that had been gathering reached us ; but it lasted only for a 

 short time, and cleared off after a shower, which gave the air a 

 freshness that was delightful after the sultry heat we had experienced 

 during the day. 



The canoes of this archipelago were found to be different from any 

 that we had heretofore seen, not only in shape but in making use of 

 a double out-rigger, which consequently must 

 give them additional security. The paddle 

 also is of a different shape, and has a blade at 

 each end, which are used alternately, thus 

 enabling a single person to manage them with 

 ease. These canoes are made of a single log, 

 though some are built upon. They seldom 

 persons. 



carry 



more than two 



The annexed figure will give a correct idea of one of them. 



SOOLOO CANOE. 



We saw the fishermen engaged in trolling and using the line; but 

 the manner of taking fish which has been heretofore described is 

 chiefly practised. In fishing, as well as in all their other employ- 

 ments, the kris and spear were invariably by their side. 



The next morning at eight o'clock we got under way, and were 

 towed by our boats into the bay of Soung, where we anchored off the 

 town in nine fathoms water. While in the act of doing so, and after 



89 



VOL. V. 



