Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/82

Rh canoes must form a powerful fleet, and would prove formidable to an European merchant ship.

The common canoes are seldom more than about thirty feet in length; these sometimes contain two families, that come off to the ship for the purpose of trade.

There is usually a division in the canoe, formed of wattle, to prevent the dealings of the two families from interfering with each other. They are also provided with nets, hooks, and lines, as an almost inseparable part of their equipment.

Paddles are universally made use of, and from the great strength and activity of the natives, the canoe is impelled forward with uncommon velocity: a large stone supplies the place of an anchor.