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above the hook (mata kawé) in such a way that they can move backwards and forwards. Some kinds of fish mistake this bunch of feathers for food, and when they bite they find themselves caught fast on the hook through the motion of the prahō, almost before they have discovered their mistake.
Another kind is the kawé ranggōng[1], a line composed of two parts united by an implement (ranggōng) made of horn, and used for fishing when at anchor.
The sea fish-trap (bubèë laʾōt) is almost hemispherical in form, with a closed bottom and an opening in the side. Small fish can swim in and out through the interstices of the side. They seek refuge in the trap from the large fish which pursue them, but the latter follow them in through the opening. Thus the small ones escape, but the big ones remain behind, since the aperture, as in all such traps, gives them no chance of getting out once they have entered.
The casting-net (jeuë)[2] is used for fishing for prawns (udeuéng) close to the shore and several species of fish, such as the awō from which dried fish or karéng is made, and the buduëng, sumbòë and tangkirōng. The buduëng and sumbòë are also caught with the nyaréng as well as the ikan lham and the meunèng. At sea of course the nyaréng cannot be employed, as in the creeks and rivers, as a wall wherewith to obstruct a portion of the waterway for the fish. These nets are simply thrown loosely into the water and hauled in and examined after a few moments to see if any of the denizens of the deep may have become entangled in the meshes.
In the pursuit of the various kinds of fishery which we have so far described there is no lack of peculiar customs, many of which are
- ↑ See Notulen Batav. Genootschap for 1st March 1892 Bijlage I, N°. 12, and as regards Padang De geschicdenis van prinses Balkis by D. Gerth van Wijk, p. 70, N°. 46.
- ↑ The Malays call their casting net jala (etymologically the equivalent of jeuë). It is a circular net with very fine meshes and is weighted all round the edges with small pieces of lead. The fisher folds the net neatly into a small compass, and then, holding it in one hand, throws it forward with great dexterity so that it spreads in the air and falls evenly on the water. The weighted edges sink slowly down leaving the middle in the form of a bag. This is gently drawn in and the prawns etc. removed from the net. It is a very pretty sight to see a skilful jala-fisher manipulate his net. (Translator).
(manòʾ meutuah). The experts (connoisseurs in cockfighting) distinguish these by the shape of the scales on their feet.
For further information as to the kawé huë see Notulen Bat. Genootschap for 1st March 1892 Bijlage I, N°. 12.
