152 
IN FORBIDDEN SEAS 
whaling-grounds. Wild pigs, goats, and deer were 
found on the islands, and hunted by the native 
young men, who became good rifle-shots; whilst 
their turtling and fishing in boats and canoes made 
them expert boatmen. For these reasons they were 
sought for as otter-hunters. 
Whilst at the Bonins I went out turtling with 
one of the young Webbs, who had the reputation of 
being a most expert turtler. We embarked in an 
outrigger canoe and sailed out to sea, scanning the 
surface of the water for turtles. Not sighting any, 
we stood inshore to where a “ cow 55 turtle was 
anchored as a lure to attract the other sex, and found 
a gentleman turtle in her company, paying her 
attentions. He was so busy with his love affairs 
that before he realized the situation he was hooked 
at the back of his neck ; and a slip noose being passed 
over one of his flippers, he was hauled into the 
canoe on his back, where he lay helpless; his fore¬ 
flippers were then lashed together. The process 
appeared very simple. These captive “ cow ” turtles 
are anchored with a large piece of rock or a lump of 
iron, to which a line is made fast, the other end of 
the line being tied to the 66 cow,” leaving her a 
certain amount of freedom. She lies on the surface 
of the water, and the “ bull ” turtles come to pay 
their court. Whilst engaged in love-making, they 
are approached from behind, and caught with a 
turtle-hook under the shell at the back of the neck, 
as described. 
If more turtles are caught than the canoe can 
conveniently carry, those secured can be thrown 
overboard with safety, as, their fore-flippers being 
tied together, they cannot dive or sink or swim 
