44 



Statistical Account of the 



forming the aperture of which small lead weights are 

 attached. The net is carried folded over the left arm ; a ro- 

 tatory motion is given to the weighted end which is ultimately 

 propelled to a considerable distance, and in such a manner as 

 to fall on the water expanded and with the opening down- 

 wards ; the lead weights immediately sink to the bottom and 

 enclose within the circle the fish which happen to be on the 

 spot. 



Large quantities of fish are dried, salted, and despatched to 

 the interior; the process is, however, carried out in the most 

 imperfect manner, and the product, consequently, in many 

 cases utterly unfit for consumption, is without doubt a fre- 

 quent cause of illness among those who partake of it. 



Since the tax upon fish was removed, the trade in this 

 article has very much diminished, and the boatmen are 

 most anxious that the duty should again be levied. This may 

 appear paradoxical, but I speak positively. All the chief fishers 

 here having on one occasion expressed their opinions in my 

 presence ; and this under circumstances which makes me feel 

 confident that such is the real state of feeling among them. 



The anomaly is easy of explanation. "When the fish tax 

 was farmed out, it was of course the interest of the renters 

 that as much activity as possible should be displayed. 

 They accordingly made advances to the poorer boatmen ; 

 caused their canoes and nets to be repaired, and in return 

 constantly urged them to assiduity. The renter thus secured 

 himself from loss, and the fisher, besides receiving an advance 

 when in distress, found that he had by his industry secured for 

 himself a larger sum than hitherto. In fact, the wish for the 

 tax is merely a modified acknowledgement of the advantages 

 of capital. The people are too wanting in enterprise and too 

 divided among themselves to unite for any useful purpose, 

 and although aware of the advantages of industry, have not 

 energy enough to act upon this conviction without the 

 constant admonitions of headmen. Like all Asiatics^ they 

 become utterly helpless if unprovided with chiefs. 



