The Sooloo Archipelago. 141
dredge along, and is attached to what may be termed the handle at each end of the stone A, {See Fig. 9)
a second line being made fast to the upper part of the rake, where
another but smaller stone is attached, and by the second line the "bajak" is
carefully lowered to the bottom. This line is left adrift and is used
to detach the rake from any impediment that it may foul in its course.
The long rattan rope is made fast with a bridle to each end of the
canoe, which, drifting 'thwartships in the strong tideway, drags the
dredge slowly along, resting not on the points of the teeth, but on the
curve of the rake, so that the points are free in an almost horizontal
position. On their entering the gaping shell, the oyster instantly
closes tightly on the intruder, and effects its own capture.
The inhabitants of Siassi, Tapul and Lamenusa adopt this plan of deep dredging.
The third method is expressed by the word "tong tong" and
consists of peering down into the clear water under the shadow of the
universal broad brimmed leaf hat. The shell when distinguished is
carefully scooped up by the "bajak." Certain men in each town
are particularly proficient in this test of the eyes, and the bottom
can often be seen at a depth of thirteen fathoms.
Throughout the Sooloo Archipelago the tides
