OHA?. xsTX.] NATIFE BOAT-BUILDING. 



421 



against it, while a line is struck along it wliich allows it 

 to be cn.it so as to fit exactly. A series of anger holes, 

 about as large as one's finger, are then bored along the 

 opposite edge^, and pins of veiy hard ^'ood are fitted to 

 these, so that the two planks are held firmly, and can be 

 driven into the closest contact ; and difficult as this seems 

 to do without any other aid than rude practical skill in 

 forming each edge to the true corresponding curves, ami in 

 boring the holes so as exactly to matcli both in position 

 and direction, yet ao well is it done that the best European 

 shipwright cannot produce sounder or closer-fitting joints. 

 The boat h built up in this way by fitting plank to 

 plank till the proper height and width are ohtahied. 

 We have now a skin held together entirely by the hiird- 

 wood pins connecting the edges of the planks, very strong 

 and elastic, but ha\ing nothing but the adhesion of these 

 pins to prevent the planks gaping. In the smaller boats 

 seats, in the larger ones cross-beams, are now fixed. They 

 are sprung into slight notches cut to receive them, and are 

 further secured to the projecting pieces of the plank below^ 

 by a strong lashing of rattan. Ribs are now formed of 

 single pieces of tough wood chosen and trimmed so as 

 exactly to fit on to the projections from each plank, being 

 slightly notched to receive thetn,, and securely bound to 

 them by rattans passed through a hole in each projecting 

 piece close to tlie surface of the plank. The ends are 

 closed against the vertical prow and stern posts, and 

 further secured with pegs and rattans, and then the boat 

 is complete; and when fitted with rudders, masts, and 

 thatched co\'ering, is ready to do battle with the waves. 

 A carcful consideration of the principle of this mode of 

 constniction, and allowing for the strength and binding 

 qualities of rattan (which resembles in these respects wire 

 rather than cordage), makes me believe that a %^essel care- 

 fidly built in this manner is actually stronger and safer 

 than one fastened in the ordinary way with nails. 



During our stay here we were all verj' busy. Our 

 captain was daily superintending the completion of his 

 two small praus. All day long native boats were coming 

 with fish, cocoa-nuts, parrots and lories, earthen pans, 

 airip leaf, wooden bowls, and trays, &c. &c., which every 



