A SEINING PARTY. 
189 
chose a shallow sandy hay, full of “ tangle, where 
a little rivulet runs into the sea, for in such 
localities do the salmon love to congregate. It 
was evening, and the poor Chinese fishermen had 
hauled their canoes high up on the beach. They 
had lighted their wood fires, and were peaceably 
employed, some smoking, and others preparing the 
supper of fish. Huge rocks, 'crowned ivith trees, 
dark and solemn in the twilight, formed the back- 
ground ; and already the fii-c-flies had commenced 
their intermittent illumination. The seine was 
taken out in the “joUy-bo,at,” and formed a vast 
semicircle in the water. The sailors were scattered 
through the bush, cutting down trees, and making 
huge fii-cs to attract the fish. Soon parties in long 
boots or with bare legs assembled at either end of 
the seine, and singing songs, if not select, yet cheery, 
commenced hauling in the net. Glittering scales 
and silver}' bellies soon showed themselves above 
the water; and as the seine was landed amid 
great excitement, a tumbling, leaping mass of fish 
was thrown upon the sand. 
