94 
MANAGEMENT OF CANOES. 
man could for a moment retain the frail bark in its 
upright position; and yet they not only do so in 
ordinary circumstances, but think nothing of paddling 
off in the most tremendous surf. In most places where 
water breaks heavily, it is observed that something like 
regularity obtains in the interval between the more 
violent successions of the rollers ; and the Fishman, by 
long experience, knows the exact moment when there 
will he a lull ; in this he pushes off, and is soon beyond 
the reach of the breakers ; when once outside of them, 
he cares nothing about the water rolling over the gunwale 
of the tiny canoe : with his foot he expertly and quickly 
throws it out again, and it is only when he is on the 
point of sinking, that he uses a rude sort of scoop to 
bale with. Most of the wood was brought off in these 
canoes, and yet no accident occurred. The fact is, 
these people almost live on the water from their earliest 
years, and therefore become accomplished swimmers ; 
all that is necessary in the management of the canoe is 
a ready and proper balance of the body to maintain it 
upright. To attain this must requhe about the same 
address that is exerted by a dancer on a tight or slack 
rope, and only acquired by constant practice and firmness. 
A few yards from the shore, we found a lagoon, left by 
the overflowing of the sea at certain seasons, and as it 
abounded with fish, the seine was employed with much 
success. 
The Fishmen have settlements on both sides of the 
little River St. John’s : — that on the left is clearer of wood 
