more or less profusely ornamented with these shells, which besides are strung about other parts of the canoe, usually in pairs.  An outrigger extends along nearly the whole length of the left or port side of the canoe.  In its construction there are employed from six to eight poles, two inches in diameter, which rest against one side of the body of the canoe and are secured there, then passing out through the opposite side about five feet, inclining slightly upwards at the same time, are connected at the ends by lashing to a long stout pole completing the strong framework required for the support of the float.  This last is a long and narrow log of a soft and very light wood (probably a cotton tree) rising a little and pointed at each end so as to offer the least possible resistance to the water.  Four sticks passing diagonally downwards from each of the transverse poles are sunk into the float and firmly secure it.  A strip of the inner portion of the outrigger frame is converted into a platform by long sticks laid lengthways close to each other—­here the sails, masts, poles, spears, and other articles are laid when not in use.  The paddles vary slightly in form but are usually about four feet in length, with a slender handle and a pointed lance-shaped blade.  The number of men able to use the paddles is regulated in each canoe by that of supporting outrigger poles, the end of each of which, in conjunction with one of the knees supporting the gunwale, serves as a seat.  One sitter at each end, being clear of the outrigger, is able to use his paddle on either side as requisite in steering, but the others paddle on the right or starboard side only.  The man seated at the stern closes with his body the opening between the ends of the raised gunwale and thus keeps out the spray or wash of the sea.  Still they require to bail frequently, using for this purpose the large shell of the Melo ethiopica.  In calms and light airs these canoes of Coral Haven may be overtaken without difficulty by a fast-pulling ship’s boat, but on going to windward with a moderate breeze and a little head-sea they appeared to have the advantage.  The sails are from twelve to fifteen feet in length and a yard wide—­made of coarse matting of the leaf of the coconut-tree stretched between two slender poles.  The mast is stepped with an outward inclination into one of three or four holes in a narrow shifting board in the bottom of the canoe, and is secured near the top to a slender stick of similar length made fast to the outside part of the outrigger; a second pole is then erected stretching diagonally outwards and secured to the outer one near its centre.  Against the framework thus formed the sails are stuck up on end side by side to the number of three or four, occasionally even five, and kept in their places by long sticks placed transversely, their ends as well as those of the mast being sharpened to serve as skewers which in the first instance secure the sails.  While under sail either the bow or stern of the canoe may be foremost, this being regulated by the necessity of having the outrigger on the weather side, unless in a very light wind.  From the sail being placed so far forward these canoes do not lay up close to the wind, but when going free considerable speed may be obtained.