NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE. 
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platform. A pole of about similar length, with a natural fork at the top, is stepped 
against the foremost end of the cross-bar of the horizontal outrigger, and it and the 
mast being inclined towards one another, the mast is fitted into the fork at tire top of 
the pole, and roused down with a rope-stay so as to remain firm in that position. The 
bow and stern are ornamented with a simple carved ridge or two and with Ovulum ovum 
shells, a single row of about a dozen being fastened on either side. A horizontal out- 
rigger extends from the middle of the canoe on one side, and is connected with a long 
canoe-shaped float, and opposite to it is an inclined shelf or deck supported on two or 
three stout projecting beams. A platform is formed with planks on the horizontal out- 
rigger, and on the outer part of this a large store of spears and the mast and sails are 
kept. On the inner part the natives sit when not paddling, and stow on it some of their 
gear, food, and articles for barter, but most of these are kept on the inclined platform, 
where also some of the crew often sit. These canoes are from 30 to 40 feet in length. 
i 
16 
Fig. 244. — Hand Fishing Net supported on an elbow-shaped frame of wood, Admiralty Islands. 
The sail is nearly square in form ; it is hoisted to the top of the mast and set so 
that one corner is uppermost. The opposite corner does not nearly reach down to the 
canoe, hence the square sail, being high above the water, has a very peculiar look when 
seen over the sea at a distance. As at all Pacific Islands, the outrigger platform is 
apparently the place of honour, and the seat of the head-man or chief. Oto, the chief of 
Wild Island, ' never occupied any other position, and never touched a paddle. Small 
canoes with single outriggers, holding one or two persons, are used for paddling about the 
reefs round the islands. The large canoes are manned by from ten to fifteen men. 
The natives swim hand over hand ; they never take a header in diving, but jump in 
upright after any object, sinking feet first with the body inclined forwards. 
Long seine-like nets are used for fishing. These are probably the property of a club, 
for they are kept hung up in the club houses. One was seen about a fathom in depth 
and of very considerable length. Hand-nets fixed on elbow-shaped frames of wood are 
