plement
rests on the curve of the teeth, which are in almost a horizontal
position. As the teeth enter the gaping shell of an oyster lying on the
bottom, the animal instantly closes tightly on the intruder and effects
its own capture. The principle is similar to that of the "crowfoot"
dredge of the Mississippi River, although the design of the implement
is radically different. A second rope is attached so as to raise and
lower the implement and to detach it from corals, rocks, and other
objects against which it may catch in its course on the bottom. This
dredge is designed for very deep areas, where the bottom is relatively
smooth.
The Moros employ yet another method of fishing, using a mag-tung-tung or
three-pronged catcher, which is let down by a rattan rope and by means
of which individual shells sighted from the surface are obtained. When
the water is perfectly clear this implement can be operated where the
depth is fifteen or eighteen fathoms, but its use is impractical where
the water is clouded or there is even a slight ripple on the surface.
However,
the bulk of the catch is made by the nude divers, of which there are
hundreds at Maimbun, Tapul, Lugus and elsewhere. In their small boats
these Moro fishermen visit the reefs, where the boats are anchored.
Provided only with a short, heavy knife, with which to release thé
shells from the bottom or, perchance, as a weapon of defense against
sharks and other fish, they enter the water feet first, but soon turn
and descend head downward, precisely as on the Australian coast,
swimming toward the bottom with bold strokes. The Sulu pearl-divers—and
especially those at Parang, Patian and Sicu-bun—are among the most
expert in the world. They easily penetrate to twelve fathoms and, if
necessary, to eighteen or twenty fathoms. But they are not very
industrious, and seldom descend more than twelve or fifteen times a
day, preferring rather to go with their wants half satisfied than to
satiate them by more active exertions.
Many
descents may be necessary to locate and obtain a single oyster, but
when this is secured the shell alone may ordinarily be traded for
sufficient to supply the fisherman's needs for several days, and there
is always the chance of a pearl. After a short day of labor, the
fishermen return, and the oysters which they have secured are opened
and examined for pearls. After the flesh has been carefully searched it
is placed in the sun to dry and, later, to be used for food, and the
shells are carefully cleaned and placed under cover until they may be
bartered or sold.
The
Sulu shell is characterized by a peculiar yellowish tint around the
rim, by means of which it is readily distinguished. Its size and
beautiful iridescence make it very attractive, and for choice individ-
