82 
The Queensland Naturalist April, 1945 
tapers to an elongated point at either end. Throughout 
its entire length, the hull is very thin, being little over a 
quarter of an inch through, at any point. This stage was 
reached by the process of patient chopping and scraping. 
The gunwales are supported and strengthened by thwart 
sticks, from four to seven in number according to the size 
of the canoe, or the stability of its construction. Frequently 
they are arranged in pairs, and are attached by binding 
to the top of the gunwale. The stern, for about one- 
quarter of the length of the canoe, is covered in to prevent 
water being shipped. Most of the weight carries in this 
portion, as it lies directly abaft the paddler. On the 
forward end of this cover is a small sunken shelf surround- 
ed by a supplementary gunwale, its purpose being to hold 
any odds and ends in the way of fishing tackle, etc. 
Ahead of this again is a tiny thwart in the bottom of the 
canoe on which the lone paddler sits. 
The vessel is propelled by means of a single wooden 
paddle about three feet in length, with a large blade and 
short handle, the former possessing a shallow groove for 
half its length on either side (Fig. 4). I noticed one other 
which instead of having this groove, was figured with a 
double-ended broad-arrow (Fig. 5). 
The method of using the paddle is to place one hand 
on the top of the handle, the other grasping it near the 
blade. It is changed from starboard to port by giving it a 
sharp twist of the wrist causing it to revolve rapidly. 
More infrequently this is done whilst passing it the other 
way. 
The canoe bailer (Fig. 6) takes the form of a wooden 
scoop, after the style of a shallow coal-scoop- in appearance, 
with a short handle and a fiat shovel end with ridged sides 
about 18 inches in length overall. Tt is used by a scoop 
forward and upwards from between the paddler ’s legs 
throwing the water out. Frequently it is utilised as a 
supplementary paddle. 
When this implement is not available, the water is 
removed from the canoe by contracting the leg, then shoot- 
ing it forward with the side of the foot against the keel. 
The ultimate effect is the same. 
In diving from the canoe the natives do so with an 
awkward plop, arms and legs spread in front of them and 
the body contracted forward. On entering it again, they 
throw their body across the vessel to maintain its balance, 
