Page:Natural History, Fishes.djvu/50

36 with both, frequently striking their prey with great dexterity.

The fishermen often pursue their avocation by night; sometimes in the dark, sometimes by moonlight, but more usually by torch-light. Their torches are either large bunches of dried reeds firmly tied together, or else are made of the candle-nut, which the natives use to light their houses.

These nocturnal fishing expeditions are described 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 illuminated 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, elevating 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, partially illuminated, standing like figures in relief;