The Sooloo Archipelago. 137
Gardens, Kew, including black, red and green rice and bearded paddy ; yet these do not exhaust the varieties existing in Sooloo.
But
it is with the Bajans who reap the harvest of the sea that our subject
lies. During the months of January, February, and March, when the
NorthÂeast monsoon is at its strongest, there is but little done by
these people, except perhaps shark-fishing under the lee of the
southern islands of the group, But from April to December, Pearl-shell
fishing goes on more or less uninterruptedly.
The
boats used for this purpose are handsome well-built little canoes with
fine lines, and they are capable of standing considerable weather. A
double outrigger of bamboo is used, and the usual Malay triangle mast,
so admirably adapted for small boats. The sail is of grass matting, and
the ropes are made from the true Manila hemp grown in Sooloo. Mats are
spread over the canoe during the heat of the day, and under these the
occupants rest at their ease. In such boats the Bajans or "sea-gipsies"
live with wife and children for months at a time, wandering about and
living on the produce of the sea.
Pearl shell is obtained in three different ways, the natives of various places working according to
