The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-07-04

four yards in breadth, end have a large bag in
the centre.
They are set like herring nets, with the upper
edge ioated by buoys OF light wood, whilst the
lower edge Is kept under water by weights Of
lead or iron. In order 70 prevent the fish from
flying over, branches Of trees are laid all along
the headline When properly extended, a canoe
at each end of the net, gradually advances, form
ing 1t into a circle, into which the fish are driven
by q number of canoes, who fill up the open side,
and beat the surface violently with branches
When the canoes at each end Of the net meet,
they gradually take it in, contracting the circle
till the fish are forced into the bag in the centre.
In this manner prodigious numbers are taken.
l have known them return, after 4 days fishing,
with ten or twelve canoes deeply loaded. Some
times the net is 20 full they cannot take it on
board, and are obliged 20 drag it after them to
the shore.
They have a singular method Of catching fish
by poison. This is done BY means Of an herb
like heath, stripped Of its bark, and bruised
with this they dive to the bottom, and place it
beneath the stones, where the fish lie. The
poison is so powerful, that in a short time they
sicken and come up to the surface. When taken
they are instantly Quilted, in order that the poison
in their stomach may not affect the quality Of
the fish.
The occupiers or proprietors of land are entitled
to the privilege of fishing upon their own shores
as far as the tallest man in the island can wade
at low water, and they may exercise that right at
all seasons; but beyond that the sea is taboOed,
except at two periods IN the year, of six weeks
each, during which unlimited fishing is allowed.
At these times it is the general employment of
the natives, and they cure enough to serve them
through the tabooed season.
In every article of their manufacture these
islanders display an extraordinary degree of neat
ness and ingenuity, considering the simplicity of
the tools with which they work.
The tool IN most general use is q kind of toma-
hawk, or adze, called toe it was formerly made
of hard polished stone, but is now universally
made of iron. To form it, they lash a thin plate
of iron, from one to four inches broad, and FIVE
or SIX long, to a branch which has a piece of the
stem attached to it. Plane irons are much in
request for this purpose but the toe is a frequently
made of an old hoop.
This; with a piece Of coral for a file, is almost
the only tool used in the construction Of their
houses, canoes, and implements of wood.
The circular wooden dishes, containing from
half a pint to five or six gallons, are formed with
these simple tools, and are as neatly made as if
they had been turned in a lathe. 1t is astonish-
ing how soon they acquire the useful arts from
their visitors. Many of the natives are employed
as carpenters, coopers, blackSmiths and tailors,
and do their work as perfectly as Europeans.
In the kings forge there were none but native
blacksmiths they had been taught by the armorer
ofa ship, who quilted the island while | was there.
Almost all their dealings are conducted by
barter they know the value of dollars, and are
willing to take them in exchange but they seldom
appear again in circulation, being always care
fully boarded up.
Vessels are supplied with fresh provisions,
livestock, salt, and other articles of outfit, for
which they give in return cloth, firearms, and
ammunition, the teeth of the ~sea-lion, carpenters
tools, hardware, and in general, European articles
of every description.
Sandal-wood, pearls, and mother-of-pearl shells,
are also the produce of these islands, and are
frequently purchased for the China market
1t is probable that the Russians will, in future,
derive from hence the principal supplies of pro-
visions for their settlements on the Fox Islands,
and northwest coast Of America, and even
Kamschatka.