Wild Life in Southern Seas. 
116 
to him. Thrusting the burning end of the 
smaller torch into the crisp dry leaves, he blows 
steadily for a moment or two till they burst out 
into flame, and at the same instant from twenty 
other canoes a glare of light illuminates the ocean. 
The moment the big torch is lit a native 
takes up his position in the bows. He holds in 
his hands a light pole of pua wood about 14ft. 
in length, to one end of which is attached a 
round scoop-net stretched upon thin bent wood. 
By this time all the torches are burning 
bravely, and the canoes advance. The bright 
flame reveals the surface of the water so clearly 
that the smallest speck upon its surface can be 
discerned. A quarter of a mile away on the 
starboard hand the white line of breakers rear 
and tumble upon the jagged ledges of black 
reef; beyond lies the dim line of beach fringed 
by the long line of sleeping palms. 
Presently the torchbearer of one of the 
canoes on the seaward horn of the crescent 
gives a warning “ hist ! ” and, giving his torch a 
shake, a shower of sparks fall. The flames 
burst out brighter than ever, and, as every 
other torchholder follows his example, the 
paddlers and steersmen look over the side and 
