36 
FISHES. 
monly with both, frequently striking their prey 
with great dexterity. 
The fishermen often pursue their avocation by 
night; sometimes in the dark, sometimes by moon- 
light, but more usually by torch -light. Their 
torches are either large bunches of dried reeds 
firmly tied together, or else are made of the can- 
dle-nut, which the natives use to light their 
houses. 
These nocturnal fishing expeditions are des- 
cribed as producing a most picturesque effect. 
Large parties of men proceed to the reef, when 
the sea is comparatively smooth, and hunt the 
Totara, or Hedgehog-fish, probably a species of 
Diodon ; and it is a beautiful and interesting 
spectacle, to behold a long line of reef illummated 
by the flaming torches, the light from which 
glares redly upon the foaming surf without, and 
the calm lagoon within. Each fisherman holds 
his torch in his left hand high above his head, 
while he poises his spear in his right, and stands 
with statue-like stillness, watching the approach 
of the fish. 
A similar mode of fishing is practised in the 
rivers, and though the circumstances are different 
the effect is not inferior. *^Few scenes,” says 
Mr. Ellis, present a more striking and singular 
effect, than a band of natives walking along the 
shallow parts of the rocky sides of a river, ele- 
vating a torch with one hand and a spear in the 
other ; while the glare of their torches is thrown 
upon the overhanging boughs, and reflected from 
the agitated surface of the stream. Their own 
bronze-coloured, and lightly clothed forms, par- 
tially illuminated, standing like figures in relief ; 
