720 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
During the aku (ocean bonito) fishing season two canoe owners frequently com- 
bine forces. In that event the outriggers are removed from the canoes, which are 
placed parallel to each other at a distance of about 6 feet, and held in position by two 
crosspieces running from canoe to canoe at about one-third of the length from each 
end afbd firmly lashed. The sail is operated in only one of the canoes. At Kona, 
Hawaii, is a canoe in the bottom of which is inserted a square piece of thick glass, so 
that the fisherman can locate the bottom fishes and hee (octopus) as he slowly paddles 
along. 
Sampans . — The Japanese use the sampan, a style of boat in general vogue in 
Japan. It is clumsy and awkward-looking, and a poor sailer, although very sea- 
worthy. Such a boat to be operated by two men is usually about 20 feet in length 
over all, with about 6 feet on the keel. The beam is usually about 4 feet 5 inches, 
while the depth averages 20 inches. The sampans are made of pine. Their most 
peculiar feature is an overhanging, partly inclosed stern, about 3 feet wide, in which 
the rudder is worked. The gunwale, from the bow for about two-thirds of the length 
on each side, overhangs nearly 12 inches, and there is a plank about 6 inches in 
height extending above it. In the bow is a large cubby-hole raised even with the 
top, in which fishing lines, sails, etc., are stored when not in use. In the center are 
about 8 compartments — 4 on a side — 12 to 15 inches deep, with plugs which can be 
pulled out in order to allow the entrance of water, thus making live wells. These 
small holes — about 6 inches long by 3 inches wide — are crossed with small twigs or 
wire netting to keep the fish from escaping. 
Sculling from the stern is the method invariably used by the Japanese. The oar, 
which is about 13 feet long, is lashed to a handle about 6 feet in length. This gives 
the oar a slight angle, which makes sculling much easier than with one solid piece. 
On the handle is a pin, over which a rope is slipped, holding the scull down to a 
uniform height while it is being worked. The sweep of the stock at the hand end is 
nearly 2 feet. The fisherman, planting his left foot on an inclined board, sways his 
arms and body at right angles to the boat. 
The small sampans cost about $75 to $80, without sails; the largest cost about 
$150. The sails for the smaller ones average about $7 per boat, and for the largest 
ones about $15. Quits large sampans, with crews of from 4 to 6 men, are employed 
in the deep-sea line fishing off Molokai. 
Whaleboats . — A few whaleboats are used in the fisheries of certain of the islands, 
principally by the Chinese. These are of the regulation whaleboat pattern, and have 
evidently been modeled after boats left behind by the whalers who used to frequent the 
islands. They average about 25 feet in length, 5^ feet in width, 26 inches deep, and 
are sharp at both ends. They cost about $125 each. 
Rowboats . — These are of all sizes and shapes, from a small, rectangular pine-board 
boat, worth $2 or $3, to a handsome, well-built boat costing $25. They are used princi- 
pally in the rivers, fish ponds, and small baj r s, where the water is smooth. 
Scows . — A few scows are employed in the seine fisheries on Oahu, and are of a 
rough, cheap character which requires no description. 
Seineboats . — These are of very much the same pattern as the best rowboats, only 
larger and more valuable. 
