keep their feet free. The stones generally weigh from twenty to twenty-five pounds each.
The
diver, when he is about to plunge, seizes the rope to which one of the
stones previously described is attached with the toes of his right
foot, while he takes hold of a bag of network with those of his left—it
being customary among all the Indians to use their toes in working or
holding as well as their fingers; and such is the power of habit, that
they pick up even the smallest thing from the ground with their toes
almost as nimbly as a European could with his fingers. The diver, thus
prepared, seizes another rope with his right hand, and holding his
nostrils shut with the left, plunges into the water, and by the
assistance of the stone speedily reaches the bottom. He then with much
dexterity and all possible dispatch collects as many oysters as he can
while he is able to remain under water, which is usually about two
minutes. This done he resumes his former position, makes a signal to
those above by pulling the rope in his right hand, and is immediately
drawn up into the boat.
The
serious effects of this continual submersion are shown in the discharge
of water, and occasionally blood, which takes place from the diver's
mouth, ears, and nostrils. But this does not hinder the men from going
down again in their turn. They will often make from forty to fifty
descents in one day, and at each plunge bring up about a hundred
oysters.
Some rub their bodies over with oil, and stuff cotton into their ears and noses to prevent the water from en-
