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| PAPERS or ruz CONFERENCES |

Held in connection with

The ORE AX TERNATIONAL
_LISHERUES FAHIBITION

WEST AFRICAN FISHERIES

WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO

THE GOLD COAST COLONY

BY

Caprain C. A. MOLONEY, C.M.G.

LONDON ;
WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, Limrrep (a)
13 CHARING CROSS, S.W.

PRICE SIXPENCE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS.

The following Handbooks upon subjects cognate to the
International Fisheries Exhibition are already published,
or in active preparation :—

eM — g's NOW READY. a : :
Demy 8vo., in Ilustrated Wrapper 1s. each 3 or bound in cloth 2s. each.

THE FISHERY LAWS. By Frepericx Pottock, Barrister-at- |
Law, M.A. (Oxon.), Hon. .LL.D. -Edin, ; Corpus Christi Professor of Juris-
prudence in the University of Oxford: = ~~ ‘

ZOOLOGY AND FOOD FISHES. By Gerorce B. Howes, |

~ "Demonstrator of Biology, Normal School of Science, and Royal School of Mines,
South Kensington. , ae be

BRITISH MARINE AND . FRESHWATER FISHES,
(Wustrated.) By W. Savituz Kent, F,LS., F.Z.S., Author of Official Guide-
books to the Brighton, Manchester, and- Westminster Aquaria.

APPARATUS FOR FISHING. By E. W. H. Hotpswortn,
F.L.S., F.Z.S., Special Commissioner for Juries,. International Fisheries
Exhibition ; Author of ‘‘Deep Sea. Fisheries and Fishing Boats,” ‘‘ British
Industries—Sea Fisheries,” &c,

THE BRITISH FISH TRADE. By His Excellency Spencer
WALrotz, Lieut.-Governor of the Isle of Man.

THE UNAPPRECIATED FISHER FOLK. By James G.
BERTRAM, Author of ‘‘ The Harvest of the Sea.” :

THE SALMON FISHERIES. (J//ustrated.) By C. E. Fryer.
Assistant Inspector of Salmon Fisheries, Home Office, - :

SEA MONSTERS UNMASKED. (/iustrated.) By Henry Ler,
F.L.S. oF ; :

THE ANGLING CLUBS AND PRESERVATION SO-
CIETIES OF LONDON AND THE PROVINCES. ByJ. P. WHEELDON,
late Angling Editor of ‘‘ Bell’s Life.”

INDIAN FISH AND FISHING. (lUustrated.) By FRANCIS
Day, F.L.S., Commissioner for India to International Fisheries Exhibition.

A POPULAR HISTORY OF FISHERIES AND FISHER-
MEN OF ALL COUNTRIES, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES, By
W. M. ApDams, B.A., formerly Fellow of New College, Oxford; Author of
‘Zenobia: a Tragedy,’ and inventor of the Coelometer. .

FISH CULTURE. (/iustrated.) By Francis Day, F.LS., Com-
missioner for India to International Fisheries Exhibition. *

SEA FABLES EXPLAINED. By Henry Lez, F.L.S. (Wustrated.)
ANGLING IN GREAT BRITAIN. By Witt1am Senior (“ Red

Spinner”). 3 :
FISHES OF FANCY: their Place in Myth, Fable, Fairy-
Tale and Folk-Lore, etc. By PHL RosINnson,
LITERATURE OF SEA AND RIVER FISHING. By
J. J. MANLEY, M.A.
IN THE PRESS,
THE PLACE OF FISH IN A HARD-WORKING DIET, ..
By STEPHEN MITCHELL, M.A. (Cantab,) :

v

LONDON :

WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LimiTep,
13, CHARING CROSS, ‘

International Fisheries. Echibition
LONDON "1983" 28 TF

e 22

a
go aS at Si

WEST AFRICAN FISHERIES

WITH PARTICULAR ‘ REFERENCE TO

THE GOLD COAST COLONY

ition BY
t

Captain C. AD MOLONEY, CM.

“ Bait the hook well; this fish will bite.”

“Tt is lawful for you to fish in the sea, and to eat what ye shall catch,
as a provision for you and for those who travel.”

LONDON

WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED
13 CHARING CROSS, S.W.
1883

International Fisheries E-xhibition,
LONDON, 1883.

CONFERENCE ON 24TH OCTOBER, 1883.

ON WEST AFRICAN FISHERIES, WITH
PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE
GOLD COAST COLONY.

In explanation of my acceptance of the invitation of the
Executive Committee of the International Fisheries Exhi-
bition to write a Paper on “ West African Fisheries, with
particular reference to the Gold Coast Colony,” I must
ask to be allowed to preface what follows by an acknow-
ledgment of the fact that whatever knowledge of the
subject I may possess is confined mostly to the breakfast
and dinner table; and I am doubtful whether in my
shallowness or taste J am an exception.

When I ventured to undertake this Paper, it naturally
first occurred to look about for information, and to thus
endeavour to reap a harvest on the brains of others ; but to
my inquiry of unscientific and worldly friends as to what
they knew of the fish fauna, the invariable answer I received
was—" At present, my dear fellow, cod is in season,” or
some like communication. “As regards that awful place
West Africa, comparatively nothing has been written, for
the general belief is that even fish won’t live there.”

Now, on the contrary, much has been written. The
fauna literature applicable to West Africa is extensive,
although scattered, and I am, in consequence of limited

[33] B2

4

time, and of appreciation for the patience of my kind
listeners, unable to carry out an original intention to refer
in detail to it; yet I may hurriedly allude, as convenient
references for any future enthusiastic disciples, to—

The ‘ Geographical Distribution of the Zoological Record.’

Giinther’s ‘ Catalogue of Fishes.’

Giinther’s ‘ Study of Fishes.’

Dr. Savage’s ‘Study of the Ichthyological Fauna of the
Ogooué’ (in Gaboon), 1880.

Dr. Rochebrune’s ‘Fish Fauna of the Senegambia,’ 1883.

To our shame, zoological work and its record are making
headway in other Possessions than our own. Look to the
admirable works just quoted of Doctors Savage and
Rochebrune. They have but recently come into my
hands, so that time, even if space did so, will not admit.
of my taking advantage of them.

Of the zoological division of the earth’s surface as pro-
posed by Mr. Sclater, the Ethiopian region stands forth as
including Africa south of Sahara, Madagascar, and the
Mascerene Islands, also southern Arabia.

Then again as to the fauna of fresh-water fishes, Dr.
Giinther has proposed the division into zones, among which
stands the equatorial zone, noted by the development of
Silurida, and characterised as far as the African region is
concerned by the presence also of Dipnoz and Polypterida,
Chromides and Characinide, being numerous, with Mor-
myride present and Coditide absent.

This authority has further divided the equatorial zone
into four regions, one being described as African, with
which we have now more to do than with any other, but
which cannot according to him well be treated as to its
fish fauna as absolutely distinct; for there “exists, for
instance, a great affinity between the Indian and African

5

regions ; seventeen out of the twenty-six families or groups
found in the former are represented by one or more species
in Africa, and many of the African species are not even
generically different from the Indian,” and as the majority
of these groups have many more representatives in India
‘than in Africa, it has been assumed “that the African
species have been derived from the Indian” stock, but
even to such an assumption there are exceptions.

The African fresh-water region comprises, according to
Dr. Giinther’s arrangement, the whole of the African con-
tinent south of the Atlas and the Sahara, but for the
purpose of this Paper, in which I treat of the marine fauna
as well, I would dwell generally on the western coast line
of that Continent lying between 30° N. lat. and 35°S. lat, .
for within such latitudes lie not only the coast line and
adjacent waters, but also the Canaries, Cape Verde Islands,
Fernando Po, Princes Island, St. Thomas and Annobon, to
which I would like to make a brief reference.

I am, apart from interest, the more induced to so act as
“the difference between the tropical and southern parts of
Africa consists simply in the gradual disappearance of
specifically tropical forms, whilst Sz/uroids, Cyprinoids, and
even Labyrinthici,” which are peculiar to the warmer lati-
tudes “penetrate to its southern coast”; thus “no new
form entering to impart to South Africa a character dis-
tinct from the central portion of its Continent.”

Whilst deciding not to encompass in this Paper widely
spread comparisons even as far as the African region goes,
extending in the north-east as to its fauna by the Isthmus
of Suez into Syria, “the system of the Jordan presenting
so many African types that it has to be included in a
description of the African region, as well as of the Europo-
Asiatic,” I may say that two hundred and fifty-five species

6

of known fresh-water forms inhabit it, contracted into thirty-
nine families or groups, of which fifteen are represented
in the African, as against twelve in the Indian region.
Further, the African species, as compared with the Indian,
are represented in the proportion of two to five, due, it is
advanced, to the greater uniformity of the physical con-
dition of the African continent, and to the almost perfect
continuity of the great river systems, which take their
origin from the lakes in the centre.

“This,” says Dr. Giinther, “is best shown by a comparison of
the fauna of the Upper Nile with that of the West African rivers.
The number of species known from the Upper Nile amounts to
fifty-six, and of these not less than twenty-five are absolutely
identical with West African species. ‘There is an uninterrupted
continuity of the fish fauna from west to the north-east, and the
species known to be common to both extremities may be reason-
ably assumed to inhabit also the great reservoirs of water in the
centre of the continent. A greater dissimilarity is noticeable
between the west and north-east fauna on the one hand and that
of the Zambezi on the other ; the affinity between them is merely
generic ; and all the fishes hitherto collected in Lake Nyassa have
proved to be distinct from those of the Nile, and even from those
of other parts of the system of the Zambezi.”

“ Africa, unlike India, does not possess either alpine ranges
or outlying archipelagoes, the fresh waters of which would swell
the number of its indigenous species; but at a future time, when
its fauna is better known than at present, it is possible that the
great difference in the number of species between this and the
Indian regions may be somewhat lessened.”

To give a more extended but brief comparison of the
fresh-water fauna of the African, as against the other
regions, I would quote that:

“The regions with which Africa (like India) has least similarity

are, again, the North American and Antarctic. Its affinity with
the Europo-Asiatic region consists only in having received, like

7

this latter, a branch of the Cyprinoids, the African Carps and
Barbels resembling, on the whole, more Indian than Europo-
Asiatic forms. Its similarity to Australia is limited to the two
regions possessing. Dipnoous and Osteoglossoid types. But its
relations to the two other regions of the equatorial zone are near
and of great interest.”

And in the affinity of the fresh-water fishes, as regards
Africa and South America, I must trespass on your patience
by asking to be allowed to read as follows:

“The existence of so many similar forms on both sides of the
Atlantic affords much support to the supposition that at a former
period the distance between the present Atlantic continents was
much less, and that the fishes which have diverged towards the
East and West are descendants of a common stock, which had
its home in a region now submerged under some intervening part
of that ocean. Be this as it may, it is evident that the physical
conditions of Africa and South America have remained unchanged.
for a considerable period, and are still sufficiently alike to preserve
the identity of a number of peculiar fresh-water forms on both sides
of the Atlantic. Africa and South America are, moreover, the
only continents which have produced in fresh-water fishes, though
in very different families, one of the most extraordinary modifica-
tions of an organ—the conversion, that is, of muscle into an
apparatus creating electric force.”

The lagoons, or inland waterways, that run parallel to
the sea, especially on the Guinea coast, presenting, as regards
their formation, such an interesting geological study, afford
a grand and rich field for the study of the brackish-water
fauna, among which are mentioned, so far as I may
specially give, in connection with the equatorial zone, the
Razide, S cienide, Polynemida, Caranx, Chatoessus, Megalops,
and Syugathide.

Of lagoons I may give here the opinion of the authors of
‘To the Gold Coast for Gold,’ which is expressed as follows :

8

“The formation of these characteristic African features, which
either run parallel with, or are disposed at various angles to the
coast, is remarkably simple. There is no reason to assume with
Lieutenant R. C. Hart that they result from secular upheaval
(page 186, Gold Coast Blue Book, London, 1881). The ‘ powerful
artillery with which the ocean assails the bulwarks of the land,
here heaps up a narrow strip of high sand bank, and the toils of
the smaller streams are powerless to break through it, except when
swollen by the rains. They maintain their level by receiving fresh
water at the head, and by percolation through the beach, while
most of them are connected with the sea.” .

Next as to marine fishes. Of the shore-fish—term applied
to the fish inhabitants of the immediate neighbourhood of
land either actually raised above, or at least but little sub-
merged below the surface of the water—of the equatorial
zone, Dr. Giinther states that as regards the tropical Atlantic
and Indo-Pacific’ fauna, the differences are far less numer-
ous and important than between the fresh-water or terres-
trial fauna of continental regions. The majority of the
principal types are found in both, many of the species
being even identical ; but the species are far more abundant
in the Indo-Pacific than in the Atlantic, which is attributed
to the greater extent of archipelagoes in the former. He
continues—

“But for the broken and varied character of the coasts of the
West Indies, the shores of the tropical Atlantic would, by their
general uniformity, afford but a limited variety of conditions to
the development of specific and generic forms, whilst the deep
inlets of the Indian Ocean, with the varying configuration of their
coasts, and the different nature of their bottoms, its long penin-
sulas and its archipelagoes, and the scattered islands of the

tropical Pacific, render these parts of the globe the most perfect
for the development of fish life.”

“The boundaries of the tropical Atlantic extend zoologically
a few degrees beyond the northern and southern tropics; but as

9

the mixture with the types of the temperate zone is very gradual,
no distinct boundary line can be drawn between the tropical and
temperate faunee.

“ Types almost exclusively limited to the tropical Atlantic, and
not found in the Indo-Pacific, are few in number, as Centropristis,
Rhypticus, Hamulon, Malthe. A few others preponderate with
regard to the number of species, as Plectropoma, Sargus, Trachy-
notus, Batrachide, and Gobtesocide. The Scienoids are equally
represented in both oceans. All the remainder are found in
both, but in the minority in the Atlantic, where they are some-
times represented by one or two species only (for instance,
Lethrinus).”

It would seem that—

“ As with fresh-water fishes, the main divisions of the shore-
fish fauna are determined by their distance froni the equator, the
equatorial zone of the fresh-water series corresponding entirely to
that of the shore-fish series.”

Although as regards the latter, the fauna is more extended
north and south in its distribution from the equator.

Dr. Giinther’s ‘ Study of Fishes’ affords, from page 275,a
list which, although only containing the principal genera or
groups of coast-fishes, in the Equatorial zone, yet admits of
the formation of an opinion on the affinity of the Tropical
Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, and to it, for more detailed in-
formation generally in what I have ventured to extract, I
would beg leave to refer my hearers.

There are included in the list ninety-six families or
groups of shore-fishes in connection with the Tropical
Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific, in the proportion of 59 to 87,
and although these are not specimens of each genus com-
mon, yet the proportion of the species stands as 532 to 1917.

Pelagic fishes, viz., fishes inhabiting the surface of mid-
ocean, like shore-fishes, are most ‘numerous in the tropical
zone, and with few exceptions—Lchinorhinus, Psenes,

10

Sternoptychide, Astronesthes—the same genera occupy the
Tropical Atlantic as well as the Indo-Pacific.

“The pelagic fauna of the tropics gradually passes into that
of the temperate zones, only a few genera, like Cybium, Psenes
and Antennarius, being almost entirely confined to the tropics.”

Among the fish off and within this coast line, I may explain
ordinarily, are met sharks, cat-fish, albacore, bonito, rays,
blennies, barracouta, grey mullet, ctenopoma allied to the
climbing perch, the “ fighting fish,” flat-fish, carp, flying fish,
electric fish, herring, anchovy, mud-fish, eels, “shine-noze,”
“rock cod,” sun fish, “ globe fish,” perch, mackerel, sword-
fish, dolphin, pilchard, &c.

Most of the works one takes up on this part of Africa
point to the importance of the fresh-water fish industry as
a means of support for the natives, and many allude to the
grand sea-fish field represented by the tropical Eastern
Atlantic.

Bosman, in his ‘Coast of Guinea,’ written nearly two
hundred years ago, affords particulars of the value of sea
and fresh-water fish to the natives.

‘Tucker, in his ‘Narrative on Expedition to the River
Zaire, dwells upon the “swarms” of albacore, . bonito,
and other fish met with in the Gulf of Guinea, on the
voyage in 1816 of the “Congo,” as also of the importance
and richness of the fish field of the river of same name
(the then Zaire, now Congo).

Bowdich and Dupuis testify to the quantity of fish to be
met with in the rivers of the Ashantee kingdom and of the
other surrounding countries, and of its necessity as an
article of food.

Bowen, in his interesting ‘Central Africa, alludes to
frequently seeing fish exposed for sale in different interior

"41

markets of the Yoruba kingdom, and to the richness of its
streams in this commodity.

The importance of the fisheries in that part of the
world and their growth did not escape the notice of the
Select Committee of the House of Commons on the West
Coast of Africa (1842), when Mr. Swanzy, of the firm bearing
his name, conveyed that there was a great deal of fishing
there, and that it “forms, as well as salt, a great article of
commerce between the waterside and interior people.”

Of the country behind the Portuguese Possessions in
South-West Africa, Messrs. Capello and Ivens in their
“from Benguela to Yacca,” state of the river Luando, “it
is extremely abundant in fish; its banks are visited by
numerous tribes, who devote their attention to fishing,
using for this purpose the ‘mu-ghande,’ snares of various
kinds.” “So abundantly is this river supplied that, as we
were assured, it furnishes, jointly with the lakes of Qui-
honde and Catete, more to the north, and the Njombo, one
of its affluents, sufficient fish for the large requirements of
the Songo country.”

Schweinfurth, in his ‘ Heart of Africa, alludes frequently
to the plentifulness of fish in the rivers in tropical Atrica
which lay in his path, and also records the abundance of
crocodiles and hippopotami. Writing of the modes of
capture adopted by the natives, he states:—‘ They pro-
ceed very much in the European way of damming up the
stream by weirs, and laying down wicker pots of consider-
able size. The fishing, for the most part, is done twice a
year, first at the commencement of the rainy season, and
again when the waters begin to subside.”

The importance that attaches to certain of the Ganoids
(of which so many specimens are extinct, and are of great
geological interest), such as Protopterus annectens, Polyp-

12

terus Senegalus, Calamoichthys, induces me to briefly men-
tion them here. The first abounds in many places, and
forms an important article of food. It is to be frequently
seen at the native markets in a smoked condition, almost
black, and secured in numbers in circular form on bamboo
skewers.

As to deep-sea fishes, viz., those which inhabit such depths
of the ocean as to be but little or not influenced by light
or the surface temperature, I do not feel, in view of object
and scope of this Paper, called upon to dwell.

Philanthropic and scientific expeditions undertaken at
various times in the past, point to the fertility of the
Eastern Atlantic as a fish-bed, but it is evident that suff-
cient advantage, compared with the fruit to have been
reaped, has not been taken of nature’s bounty; and as
regards West Africa, a comparatively new and scientifically
unknown region, other mercantile and more popular attrac¢-
tions and manias have caused the fish industry to be now
what it was a hundred years ago, aye, more, ab initio, the
primitive calling and promotion of the aborigines in whose
hands it has been and is, but towards whom more interest
of a practical nature should have been, and, it is to be
hoped, will be directed in the matter, at least, of the
improvement of the system of catch and healthy supply.

West African Settlements.

The West African Settlements, commonly. understood as
Sierra Leone and the Gambia, were reconstituted under
Letters Patent of the 17th December, 1874, into one
Government, comprising Her Majesty’s Settlement of Sierra ‘
Leone, embracing all places, settlements, and territories
which may at any time belong to Her Majesty in West
Africa between the 6th and 12th degrees of N. latitude

13

and lying to the westward of the 1oth degree of W.
longitude, and Her Majesty’s Settlement on the Gambia,
comprising all places, settlements, and territories which
may at any time belong to Her Majesty in West Africa,
between the 12th and 15th degrees of N. latitude, and
lying to the westward of the 1oth degree of W. longitude.

The population of the British Settlements on the Gambia
was given, in 1881, as 14,150, of whom I05 were Euro-
peans, including crews of ships in harbour. Of the total,
296 were returned as fishermen and native seamen, whose
pursuits are mainly, if not altogether, confined to the river
Gambia.

On the Gambia fisheries, the Blue Books say that “there
are none except for the daily table supply, which is varied
and abundant. Canoes are employed in fishing.”

The values of imports for 1880 and 1881 are returned as
4191,580 and £142,589. These figures include £735 and
41,205 as value of imported salt. Information is not
particularised of the introduction of any foreign fish.

The population of Sierra Leone and its dependencies
was given, in 1881, as 60,546, of whom 271 were whites,
inclusive of 108 crews of vessels in harbour. Of this total
there were 1,964 fishermen and native seamen, on whom
the Colonial Secretary reported as follows :—

“Of the fishermen and native seamen, who number
nearly 2,000, more than half. may be said to be fishermen,
who, beyond providing themselves and their families with
the means of subsistence, contribute but little to the com-
forts of the inhabitants, and practically nothing to the
State. The native seamen, taken all round, are an ill-paid
and ill-conditioned class, who endure many hardships, and
who appear to have at present but a slight chance of
ameliorating their condition.”

14

The value of imports for 1880 and 1881 are returned as
£491,993 and £374,375. These figures include £781 and
£336 value of imported fish, as also £4,145 and £2,930 for
introduced salt. Boats and canoes, licensed in 1880 and
1881, were 689 and 572.

It would be unnecessary and unimportant to give here
the local names of fish. You will be amused, but not
enlightened, to hear that some are “Blue Billies,” others
“Black Billies,” information which would defy, for the
purpose of classification, the ingenuity of any fish Authority.

French West African Settlements.

As to the French Possessions, generally referred to as
Senegambia, Gaboon, and Assinee, with a returned popula-
tion (1878) of 324,038, I know of no systematic fish in-
dustry beyond, perhaps, the requirements for a hand-to-
mouth existence and precarious inland trade.

Gold Coast Colony.

It is very difficult to form an estimate as to the numbers
of any native population of a somewhat migratory cha-
racter and of a Protectorate, for we must remember that
Her Majesty’s Settlements on the Gold Coast are repre-
sented by “Colony” and “ Protected Territories,” the
statements alone of natives as to numbers being uncertain,
and, I may say, quite unreliable.

Then, again, natives are peculiarly suspicious, and would
be disposed to be at once on their guard against supplying
information which they would view as intended to be
directed against themselves in the shape of taxation, per-
haps conscription, as was fancied at places in the Ashantee
War, 1873-4. a

No approximate value of the fisheries can be given.

15

Data are not forthcoming. The population of the Gold
Coast cannot, it would seem, be got within the range of
“practical statistics.” It will be ideal to state that most of
the people, estimated in round numbers say at 400,000, live
chiefly on fish, so that some conception can be formed of
the considerable catch there must be annually to supply
such a mass, as also the great unlimited interior markets
beyond our jurisdiction.

The Gold Coast Colony—prior to the following date
made up of the Settlements on the Gold Coast and the
Settlement of Lagos—comprises, according to Letters Patent
of 22nd January, 1883, all places, settlements, and terri-
tories belonging to Her Majesty the Queen in West Africa,
between the 5th degree of W. longitude and the 5th degree
of E. longitude. It must not be understood that the colony
is one and undivided, for a-strip of coast and country com-
monly known as the Dahomean sea-board and territory
intervenes.

The population of the Gold Coast has, as already stated,
never yet got beyond an estimate. Lagos was, however,
more favoured, for in 1881 the census effort there applied
and gave its population as 75,270, inclusive of 117 whites
and 68 mulattos, of whom 5,695 were returned as fishermen.

In view of what I have explained, it will be very evident
that it would simply be farcical to endeavour to foist on to
you any estimate of catch or of cure; indeed, such par-
ticulars are not arrived at even in England. But against
whatever may be the consumption of locally-caught and
preserved fish, it may be interesting to have, by way of
comparison, the value of what has been imported of this
article—which I give for four years :—

16

Value of fish Value of fish Value of total Value of total
Year. imported. imported. imports. imports.

Gold Coast. Lagos, Gold Coast. Lagos.

4 a. 4 os. a. &. 4

1878 370 0 5 176 3 2 394,152 483,623
1879 1741510 | 435 9 I 323039 527,871
1880 No statistics. [ 576 9 0 337,248 376,215
1881 248 1 II 27315 8 398,123 336,659

There has been no exportation of fish—naturally. Im-
ported fish, which is brought mainly from the United
Kingdom, Germany, and America, is chiefly represented
by tinned and smoked salmon, lobster, sardines, salt cod
and ling, red herrings, and mackerel, and is supplied to
meet the taste of Europeans and Europeanized natives.
The aborigines, as a rule, prefer their own fish, as will be
explained later.

For my own part, I would not be prepared to view these
statistics as giving the fishing population, for natives often
combine the work of farming with fishing. There are, of
course, some who are merely fishermen and nothing more,
or rather, when they are anything more, they are idlers ;
although I am glad to acknowledge I have seen many an
exception to this, in men who have turned, and do turn
during leisure time, their hands to some other remunerative
work than fishing; while there are others—and a large
number—who do not confine themselves to fishing as a sole
means of livelihood, but as a subsidiary occupation. Idle-
ness, notwithstanding, prevails much, but this may be
excusable in view of absence of competition as regards
production, as also of conditions of climate, and the, for-
tunately for them, small demand made on them towards
food provision, Nature having been, and being, so bountiful.

17

The fishing craft is represented altogether by the canoe,
“the dug-out,” of varying sizes, regulated by the number
of persons carried, viz., from five to one. They are
generally hollowed out, by the adze and burning of the
trunk, of the silk cotton (Bombax), or of a species of fig.
Canoes most frequently used are those for three persons ;
they are propelled by paddles, the shapes of which vary
tribally, the occupant (or occupants) resting on his knees,
on his haunches, or standing erect, or perched on seats—
cross sticks, secured by tie-tie on gunwale of canoe.

They are sometimes built up at the sides when required
for commercial transport purposes, for ferry-boats or as war-
canoes. The ordinary sized fishing canoe is propelled by
three men, one of whom, occupying the stern, propels and
steers, his main duty being the latter ; and in their manage-
ment of the craft they are surprisingly clever.

Transport is mainly effected by means of rivers and
lagoons, viz., inland waterways, so far as water can be
made use of, and on the heads of natives by land, as was
experienced in the Ashantee war, 1873-4.

For water transport, canoes abound. The carrying power
of canoes is judged by the number of persons or casks of
oil each will carry. Their sizes accordingly vary from what
can contain from two to eighty persons, or from two to
sixteen puncheons of oil.

Bar-boats of seven to eight tons have been used at Lagos ;
only for commercial purposes, as the means for the transfer
of cargoes from ship to shore, and of produce from shore to
ship. They have been only used by the mercantile.houses,
but since the African Steamship Companies have supplied
to Lagos and the rivers their own branch steamers, the
number of bar-boats have considerably decreased, and
their use is daily becoming a thing of the past.

[33] c

18

Sea fishermen usually pursue their avocations in the
day ; they rarely work at night ; but to this rule there are
exceptions, while in the lagoons fresh-water fishing is con-
ducted at times both day and night.

On moonlight nights, when fishing is conducted on the
inland waters or rivers, the men make use of a piece of
glass—broken bottle—and metal, thereby making a musical
tinkle to attract the fish before the hand net is cast.

Sea fishermen, as I have said, rarely work at night. They
usually start to fish at daybreak, and return about two or
three o’clock in the afternoon. They are received on the -
beach by a large crowd, comprised of purchasers in the person
of subsequent retailers and cooks : wives to witness the luck,
children to carry back, as they had brought, the nets and
fishing-gear and their fathers’ spoil, scoffers to chaff in case
of capsizing, or of return empty-handed. Canoes frequently
capsize, having been caught broadside on by.a roller, or at
times they are turned completely round and then go over;
the fishermen invariably hold on, right the canoe, bale her
out, re-embark, and pursue what remains of their journey.
When bad weather is expected, and they anticipate being
capsized, the fishing-gear, as also their catch in reed bags, .
is secured to the cross-thwarts of the boat.

Sea fishermen act as a barometer, for their movements
and energy depend somewhat on the weather and con-
dition of the sea. I have often watched them repair to the
beach, run out their canoes to the edge of the surf, make a
few abortive efforts towards departure, shrug their shoulders,
” meaning, at the weather, their
mind being at ease as to the morrow, by probably having
had a good haul a day or two previous, run back their
canoes, and return “ not ingloriously” to their homes.

The fishermen, in costume for work, are almost in a state

with a “not good enoug!

19

of nature—and very wisely so—in view of the treacherous
nature of surf, and of greater facility for paddling, and of
less likelihood to contract disease. They are seen with a
loin-cloth, of meagre dimensions, as a body cover, and for
the head perhaps a broad-brimmed hat, or may be they are
bareheaded. They take frequently with them their country
clothes, a loose sheet-like body-covering wrapper, which,
when worn, is carried toga-like, as illustrated in the views
before us. These clothes may be seen on the return of
the canoes wound around the head of their stalwart owners,
to act as a sun-awning or umbrella. At times they are
converted, as make-shifts, into temporary sails, although
canoes are usually supplied with sheets of a like nature,
or with sails made of fibre or leaf matting. The sail is
square, or nearly so. There is a single mast—a bamboo
pole—to the head of which the sail is either hoisted by
means of a small line run through a hole made through the
mast-head, or made fast with a seizing. The sail is spread
by a bamboo “ sprit,” and is worked by means of a sheet
and a brace on the sprit; usually one man holds these,
while the other steers with a paddle, but sometimes one
man performs both duties. There are occasions when the
luff of the sail is “bowlined out” by means of another
bamboo.

Very rarely accidents by drowning occur.- Of fishermen
it might almost be said that they were amphibious. As
children they are generally made pursue the calling of
their fathers: they are to be seen all day long, especially
in the heat of the day, in the water, either swimming,
“turning turtle,”-engaged paddling a plank or remnant of
a canoe, or learning the art of casting the net. In later
years they frequently accompany their fathers, and learn

[33] C2

20

their handicraft, and, when old enough, take to the industry
themselves. :

That West Africa affords a good stock for the develop-
ment of a useful fish population may be inferred from the
doings of their fellow-countrymen in the United States,
where some 5,000 Negroes conduct chiefly the shad-fisheries,
and “are employed during the shad and herring season in
setting and hauling the seines.” In the shore fisheries of
Key West, Florida, Negroes “are considered among the
most skilful of the sponge and market fishermen.” Some
Negroes are also to be found among the crews of the
whaling vessels of Provincetown and New Bedford, United
States, the latter alone representing over 200.

I must not forget the Kroo-boys—fine good-natured
fellows, instinctively watermen, almost amphibious. Their
native home is in the country of Sinou in the central part
of the Republic of Liberia.* They are to be found all along
the.coast ; in fact, I don’t know what the coast would do
without them. They are invaluable, and represent the
most generally useful—whether ashore or afloat—and im-
portant tribe on the West Coast of Africa. Without them
it would be difficult to work, on this malarial coast, our
men-of-war, mail steamers, foreign vessels, all loading and
unloading being done by them. I applied to them the
term amphibious; well they are known, in fact it is a
frequent practice, to swim off, pushing their casks of oil
before them, from their own coast to trading vessels lying
at anchor some one or two miles off. They are equally
useful on shore.

Fisheries as to their economic value depend on quality,
supply, and demand. Where a want equals the catch of

* Liberia with a coast line of some 600 miles, and extending inland
some 100 miles, with a native population estimated at 1,068,000.

2

the finny tribe, an industry may be viewed as healthy,
whether the supply be marketable and local, or whether—
which is another consideration, and one more to the point
as regards this Paper—local consumption or industrial de-
mand, or both, does not equal the catch, and as a conse-
quence the surplus has to be and can be profitably sent to
more distant markets where disposal will readily. follow.
In the latter case so much would naturally depend on the
available means and effective conveniences of transport,
especially as to the disposition of fresh fish, or the effec-
tiveness of curing where climate and circumstances put
beyond consideration the transit of fresh fish. As a rule, it
may be said of the tropics, that fresh fish, to be enjoyed,
must be consumed on the day of the catch. It does not
always admit, indeed, of this—and the surplus captures, if
energy prove sufficient for such an issue, are cured and sent
to inland markets that offer.

My remarks are meant to apply to the Gold Coast
Colony, where the people may be described as a fish-
eating population, and where caste prejudices do not exist.
Fetish restrictions may be at times, but rarely, imposed on
the catch or consumption of this article of diet, but charity
begins at home even with the Fetishman—who is often a
fisherman, and, when not, is the recipient of “dashes” from
the sea in the shape of fish by the propitiators of the sea-
god; thus he would not be so short-sighted as to impose
any restrictions on so needful and essential a commodity,
especially when he would know that, were he to do so, his
power of imposing obedience might be jeopardised by
seafarers.

It may be as well to add here that sovereign water rights
are at times exercised in Native States through the medium
of a fetish—to wit—the “Adanve” over the Denham

22

waters,* which have been and are through its instrument-
ality, subject to the Government of the King of Katanu—
a right that has been recognised and acknowledged by
all the surrounding tribes.

Ponds of fish, the subject of worship, are to be at places
met with. Rivers also represent resorts, in the native mind,
of favourite fetishes. The fetish of the river Tando is a
favourite one of the Ashantees ; Cobee, a river in Denkera,
and Odentee in'the Adirree, are two others. ;

The river “ Dah,” in Ashantee, receives annual ablutions
and offerings in thanks to its Fetish for the yam of the
year—the Adai custom.

The sea-god has also offerings and propitiatory attentions.

Of sea-fishing, I am unaware of any close season; but
there are times when the fishing of some of the rivers and
lagoons is by fetish order forbidden, in reality to allow of
the growth of fish which is of general interest. Opening
ceremonies after such “close times” are interesting and
important events.

In a country where local demand keeps pace with the
population, and where the cost of fishing-gear is compara-
tively trivial, when it is remembered that the value of time
is not yet known, so that the estimate of labour in the
computation of outlay on appliances is not of much
moment, the question of supply may be said to be favour-
ably met; whereas as to the demand, the sale-market is
large and wide enough, representing, as it does, a huge
interior, but a clammy and damp, at the same time hot
climate, bad roads, no other means of transport but in
baskets on the heads of natives, imperfect system of curing,
stand forth as obstacles, and indeed great ones, towards
the development and growth ofa healthy inland fish traffic.

* Behind the Dahomean seaboard,

23

Natives object to travel by land at night, and there is no
interior demand of such a nature as to make such an effort
worthy of the trouble in a pecuniary sense. No grand
central Billingsgates exist to which fish could be taken
fresh, and be at once disposed of. There are, however,
regular native appointed markets held on certain days of
the month or week, where, with other articles, dried fish is
taken for sale, whence it is for the most part procurable.

Operations for the capture of the different forms of
marine and fresh-water life are conducted from the sea
beach and banks of inland waters, but as a rule by canoes,
and effected by the following means which, with perhaps
certain modifications, to meet tribal tastes or progress,
apply, I am led to believe, generally to the Gulf of
Guinea ; in fact, a look at the specimens of fish gear
from other tropical parts might justify a more extended
application.

I may remark that the descriptions which follow refer
more directly to the fishing gear of Lagos, of the Gold
Coast Colony, miniature models and specimens of which I
had collected, and have presented for show in the Royal
International Fisheries Exhibition 1883 :—

Fish-traps—called in Popo language “Aja,” and in Fantee
“Inchabah ”—open baskets of split bamboo, secured by
tie-tie, of circular form, with two entrances, one at
either end, when double, or with one when single.
Size varies, but usually made 6 feet long and 24 feet
deep.

These traps are generally placed at the end or approach
of a fish passage, whether natural or artificial, over a
likely feeding ground. Baskets are, of course, baited with
fish, or some farinaceous and oily compound.

24

Drag-nets—called in Popo language “ Aveh,” to drag, and
in Fantee “Chouee,” to draw—made of pineapple or
other fibre. Size varies, but usually made 10 feet
long, with a breadth of 2, feet.

These nets are used in shallow fresh water, 3 or 4 feet
deep, where they are drawn by men.

Hand-nets, called in the Popo language “ Gangdoh,” and in
Fantee “Ebowaugh.” Size as to net and meshes varies.
Made of pineapple or other native fibre, also of
imported twine ; of circular form, usually about 12 feet
diameter at mouth. Length of net, 12 or 15 feet; to
end of net is affixed what may be called the casting-
rope of some five or six fathoms.

This net is universally known in tropical seas and used
from canoes, in fresh water, from banks and from the
beach. It is thrown by fishermen, by a circular motion of
the body from left to right, on the water, where it sinks by
means of a'weighted outer edge. On drawing up the net,
which is allowed to sink as far as the casting-rope will
admit, the weighted edge closes, and thus secures any fish
over which it may have fallen.

Shrimp basket, made of open bamboo work, secured by
tie-tie ; of circular shape, tapering from a base varying
in diameter from 2 to 4 feet, to a point when a length
is reached of 8 or 10 feet, or even more.

These baskets are secured to stake-poles or sticks, laid
out in parallel lines of considerable length, of a diameter
of 2 or three inches, and of length dependent on depth of
water where used. I have met them in water from 3 to
12 feet, even more. The stakes are conveyed by canoes
to the site for'which they are intended, and there erected

25

by being gradually worked into the bottom by mere
manual labour, and it is surprising how firmly they hold.
To each stake is secured, with a connecting string of tie-tie
of some length, a shrimp basket, which acts as a “hat” to
the stake when the tide is going out, as it is so placed to
avoid rotting or entanglement. On the flow the basket is
lowered into the current. Shrimps, in immense shoals, are
carried by the tide into its open mouth, thence to the
narrow end, where they are collected in large numbers.
From this trap there is no escape. Before the turn, two
or three times during the flow, the stakes are visited by
the employés or owner, and the baskets cleared.

It is a curious sight to observe of an evening these lines
of stakes topped by sea-gulls, all heading to the wind or
breeze, when there is one—balmy breezes do not always
blow in these regions—which make them their roost for
the night.

The catching of shrimps at Lagos represents a very
large and extensive industry. The season lies between
December and April. The industry includes local con-
sumption and interior trade.

For storage and inland traffic shrimps are smoked, or
rather semi-cooked, as follows. A fireplace of mud is built
either in or out of doors, and is represented by an open
oval-shaped horseshoe mud bank or small wall, the inter-
ruption in the shape to continuity acting as the means for
draught and for the insertion of fuel, the enclosed area
being the receptacle for the fire. Its size is dependent on
proportion of industry. Across the open top are laid green
supporting sticks, on which rest the fish to be cured, the fire
having been first started. The process, which equally applies
to fish, so primitive, is really a combined system of roast-
ing and smoking. When sufficiently cured, according to
native ideas, they are stowed away in baskets, and kept by

26

the fireside, to frustrate as much as possible effects of damp,
until finally removed for transport up country to the inland
markets. The curing process and the later retail represent
industries in the hands almost altogether of women.

At present the ex-king and chiefs of Lagos hold the
shrimp-fishing as a monopoly enjoyed before and since the
cession in 1861 of their country to Her Majesty. The
industry, as far as the catch goes, is worked by their
respective retainers, who also benefit by a return from their
employers of the privilege to reap the fruits of the catch of
a proportionate number of stakes.

Hand-nets, called in Popo language “Anyah,” made of
fibre ; average length of pole, 4 to 5 feet; diameter
of net, I or 2 feet, and its depth 2 feet; size varies in
circumference.

This net corresponds with our English landing-nets,
being used for securing fish caught by hook and line.

Hand trawl-net, called in Popo language “ Azohara,” viz.,
horn-shaped net; length of supporting pole varies to
20 feet; base of triangle formed by. horns about
6 feet wide; depth of net, 8 feet. Size varies. Some
tough wood selected ; net made of pine-apple or other
native fibre, secured by tie-tie. .

This net is used as a rule in fresh water from a canoe
which is allowed to float with the stream, or may be
paddled against it, the pole being immersed to its depth,
and the netted end brought up under the banks, especially
where grass abounds.

Nets for shrimp or fresh-water shell-fish, called in Popo
language “ Adada,” to lift. Length of handle of net,
6 feet; dimensions of net, 2 feet by 4 feet, and 2 feet
deep ; size varies.

These nets are for a purpose similar to our landing-nets

27

in England. They are also used either in securing shrimps
out of the shrimp-baskets, or under grassy banks of land-
sheltered waters for shell-fish.

Matting or grating, called in Popo language “ Gba,” made
of split bamboo, secured by tie-tie.

This matting is very generally used in shallow water, to
encircle fishing or good feeding ground covered at high
tide, or for encircling floating “grass islands” (really
portions of grassy bank eaten and carried away by current
or floods), which are first anchored, and which fish make a
favourable resort as a feeding-ground; or in making pas-
sages into which to allure fish by means of the additional
attraction of baited fish-traps at their ends.

The floating islands are not regarded as “flotsam and
jetsam.” Each can be secured by any person, whose pro-
perty it then becomes ; he stakes it and allows it to remain
as a feeding-ground for some weeks, after which he encircles
it with bamboo grating as described; the “island” is then
cut to pieces and thrown out over the grating which is
next gradually contracted so as to bring the fish enclosed, if
any, within small compass, when such as may have been
entrapped are removed by one of the hand-nets already
described. This practice is also applied to grassy banks,

Passages 3 or 4 feet wide are also cut of considerable
length into low-lying ground or marshy places; such are
filled at the flood, when the entrances are blocked by
bamboo grating. On the ebb the passage is free from
water, and the fish collected.

Manatee-trap, called in Popo language “ Whanh,” generally
erected in sheltered water 4 to 6 feet deep, and near
or on the slope of a river or lagoon bank. Briefly
described it is a harpoon of heavy wood tipped with

28

iron, suspended by a string connected with a peg
slightly secured in the feeding- passage, which is imme-
diately under the weapon, from the cross-piece of a
supporting wooden framework composed of hard wood
and tie-tie.

This trap is generally placed amid rank grass through
which a passage has been cleared. About the peg is
deposited a small delicate grass known to the natives.
During grazing, which is effected on its back, the animal
displaces the catch, and meets his fate. The fall of the
harpoon does not, although it secures, always kill the
animal, which is despatched in such a case by gun-shot.

In the Popo language the manatee is called “ Yingbin-
yingbin,” and in Yoruba “Ese.” They are, I have been
informed, caught in the dry season, and when the lagoon
waters are not full—say, during the first half of the year.
Although it is the rule that they reappear with young at
the commencement of the rainy season, and retire to the
sea on the subsidence of the waters.

The flesh of the manatee is much appreciated by the
natives, resembling a combination of veal and pork.

During my stay at Lagos I asked specially that I should
be informed when one was caught, and on one Sunday
morning, the 4th March last, I was gratified. A manatee
had been caught in a drift-seine near Ajedé, in Jebu
country, about ten miles from the bar of the Lagos river
and up the lagoon. The animal was drowned after en-
tanglement in the meshes of the net. The length was 9g feet,
breadth at shoulders 2 feet, girth at thickest part 5 feet
6 inches. At a distance of 3 feet from the end of the tail
the girth was 4 feet, breadth of tail 2 feet, length of
fin, which was 7 inches wide, was 14 inches; mouth was
8 inches wide, skin about 1} inches — no doubt the

=o

Manatus Senegalensis, found in the West African rivers,
ranging up to a length of 15 feet—Vogel’s “Ajuh” from
the Benueh (branch of Niger).

Harpoons, spears, and earthen pots of narrow mouth are
also used. The pots are large clay vessels sunk by stones
or pieces of broken pots placed inside. They are perforated
and baited before they are sunk, when they are placed on
the side so as to admit of easy entry of fish. If placed in
deep water they are connected by a leading-string to a
papyrus stalk or other branch from the overhanging bank.
In shallow water the position is staked. Such traps are
occasionally visited, which is done as quietly as possible,
when the mouths are closed by means of a small calabash
in possession of visitor, the contents being thus secured.

The devices as to killing fish when caught are primitive
and cruel in our estimate. Canoes are generally supplied
with short stout clubs used for pounding the life out of the
fish. Large stones are in like manner used. Canoes are
so easy to capsize that large fish, when hooked, are allowed
to exhaust themselves, or are killed by thrusts of a spear
from the canoe.

I remember in Lagos lagoon seeing a large fish hooked
and dragged to the side of a one-handed canoe, from which
the occupant was engaged in killing his find by repeated
rams of the whole handle of his paddle down the throat
and stomach of the poor fish.

Drift-nets are resorted to, but chiefly in still sea or fresh
water, the suspending ropes being of grass or of some fibre
and floated by small calabashes or pieces of bamboo or.
wood.

An ingenious device for capture resorted to behind Axim
is described as follows in the ‘To the Gold Coast for
Gold’ :—

30

“ Across a stick planted in the river bed a light piece of bamboo
was tied, and at its further extremity was suspended a string
carrying fish-hooks, Above these a broad piece of wood,
suspended so as to be half in and half out of the water, acted
as a float and spindle. Above this again were tied four large
shells, so that when a fish is hooked the shells begin to jingle,
and the fishermen hid in the bush, immediately rush out and
rescue the fish.”

Fishing Lines—of Lagos Native manufacture—of pine-apple
or other fibre.

Fishermen, as a rule, make their own lines of fibre or of
imported thread. Ordinary pieces of stone are used fre-
quently for sinking purposes when lead cannot be had. As
anchors, stones are more frequently used than any other
device, secured to the canoes by country-made rope of grass
or fibre.

On my return to England in April last I bought, as the
steamer lay at anchor off the Kroo coast, a canoe con-
taining also a specimen of a native fishing-pot and a
specimen of a scoop or bale. Any wooden vessel with a lid
may be converted into a fish-pot by the natives. The
specimen I secured is nothing more than an American lard
or biscuit box.

Native scoops are used for baling out water, and compare
with similar devices used by Indians and others elsewhere.
Such implements are not invariably resorted to, however,
on the West Coast of Africa, where the natives are very
dexterous both with hands and feet. I have often seen
them baling out a canoe in a most amusing manner with
their feet—literally kicking out the water.

The Kroo canoe alluded to is meant to accommodate
one, and is a sample of the “dug-out” so common and
universally known.

31

Besides the means for capture previously described the
natives of Africa, as elsewhere among aborigines and in
tropical parts, resort to vegetable products for the purpose
of stupefying and poisoning fish, JI may mention the
“ Toatoa,” used in O’ Quahao, a country lying to the south-
east of the Ashantee kingdom, of which it was, not many
years back, a dependency. The juice of this product is
described as “so sharp that it wounds the skin on which it
falls.” The “Efswe” is also used there, which, thrown in a
pounded condition into the river, when comparatively still,
or into small ponds or pools, is said to stun the fish. Of
these I have not, so far, been able to secure complete
botanical specimens with a view to their identity or classifi-
cation. At a certain season of the year, the lagoon waters
where they approach the mouths of rivers become quite
green from the presence of some class of algze, and during
that time the natives hesitate to eat fresh fish, alleging
that there is a danger of being poisoned.

Reference is frequently made to this practice in the works
that have been from time to time written on parts of this
interesting continent.

Messrs. Capello and Ivens, in their work ‘From Ben-
guela to Yacca,’ testify, in addition to the abundance of
fresh-water fish, to the use of a leguminous plant called, in
the vicinity of the river Luando, a branch of the Cuanza,
. “ T’chingando,” which, from its poisonous properties, causes
vertigo among the fish and ensures their ready capture.
They also record that the leaves of the “Ulo,” a vegetable
bearing a yellow flower, are also greatly used on the
Cuango: “thrown into the stream they intoxicate the fish
to such a degree that the creatures are easily taken with the
hand.”

In his Paper on ‘Indian Fish and Fishing,’ Dr. Francis

32

Day also made mention of a similar practice, when he
described among means of capture “the taking of fish by
poisoning pools of water by milk bush, tobacco leaves,
Indian hemp, and many poisonous kinds of jungle fruits.
This is generally carried on during the dry seasons of the
year, when the pools in the rivers are still and hardly any
current exists. It is very easy to collect the poisons—throw
them into a pool, and await the fish floating intoxicated to
the surface. These fish are sold in the markets.”

The practice I have alluded to is of such general interest
as to persuade me to trouble you with the following parti-
culars of like trees and shrubs used similarly in Africa,
details of which I have extracted from Oliver's ‘Flora of
Tropical Africa.’

Tephrosia Vogelit, a shrub 8 to 10 feet high, its branches
woody ; ascending, clothed with dense spreading ferruginous
or yellowish silky lines: found in Upper Guinea, Sierra
Leone, Fernando Po, Princes Island, Nile land—Unyoro,
Lower Guinea—Golungo Celto, and Pungo Andongo,
Mozambique district—Zambezi, and Zanzibar.

Often used, in fact, cultivated, like the allied Tephrosia
toxicaria in America, for the purpose of throwing into ponds
to stupefy fish, called “_Igongo” on the Gaboon.

Milettia ferruginea, a large tree with firm terete ultimate
branches clothed with fine short ferruginous silky tomentum.
“ Berebera” is the Abyssinian name of this handsome tree. .
The powdered seed is thrown into the water to stupefy
fish. .

Derris uliginosa, a wide-climbing shrub with firm glabrous
terete woody branches. Found in Mozambique district,
Zambezi land, banks of the Luabo, and in the Zambezi
delta. Stem used, when beaten, as a fish poison, acting
rapidly and effectively. Extends through Asia to North
Australia, and also occurring in Madagascar.

33

Randia dumetorum, a stiff spinous shrub. Nile land,
Mozambique district; occurs commonly in most parts of
India, and extends to Ceylon, Hong Kong, and the Malay
Archipelago. R. Kraussii, Harv., from Natal, appears to
belong to this very variable species. The fruit is said to
act as a fish poison.

Morelia Senegalensis, an evergreen shrub of 12 to 30 feet,
often arborescent and producing aérial roots. Upper Guinea—
Senegambia, Aboh, Sierra Leone, Nupe, Old Calabar river—
Nile land, Djurland, Bongo land. Used to intoxicate fish.

In ‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History,’
No. 117, Sept. 1867, there is a translation of a most in-
teresting article on Venomous Fishes, by M. Auguste
Duméril, brought about by the many instances of poisoning
due to the use of certain fishes as food, and, as allusion is
made therein to the custom in some countries “to cast
noxious plants into the water in order to render the
fisheries more rapid and abundant,” I venture here to
invite my hearers to a reference to the views therein

expressed. |
It is stated, and condemned, that the Indians bruise the

fruits of the Cocculus suberosus and many shrubs of the same
genus, confounded under the name Coguedu Levant. “Mix
them with a species of crab, and make them into pellets of
the size of a cherry, which the animals take with great
avidity. The effect is very immediate.” Of sucha practice
it is said by M. Boullay on the subject: “Fish taken with
the aid of such a bait putrefy very readily, and if not
cooked or prepared immediately may become venomous.”
Doubt has been thrown on this by M. Duméril, who has
advanced that the Cogue du Levant is frequently employed
in India in fisheries whose products are intended fot
consumption.
[33] b

34

I would yet quote from this article: “A further example
of the innocuousness of fishes subjected to certain poisonous
plants is furnished by M. de Castelnau (‘Voy. dans les
parties centr. de ’Amér. du Sud.’ 1855. Paris, pp. 6& 7.)
An extremely plentiful supply of fishes having been
obtained on the great lake near the Rio Sarayacu, in the
Missions of the Ucayale, by means of the poison residing
in the stems of the Barbasco or Necklace wood (Facquinia
armillaris, Linn.), these, after rapidly undergoing the
destructive influences of the plant, were eaten without ill
effect ; and the natives even drank the waters of the lake
with impunity.”

As a foot note to the above quoted review appears a very
useful list, by M. Mouchon, of plants which were then
known to be employed as auxiliaries in the capture of
fishes, subdivided. under the headings: (1), Plants that
are baneful in effect upon the human species, particu-
larly if the precautions be not taken of well clearing and
scraping the fish before preparing it for food ; (2), Plants
that are not hurtful to man. The list includes some orders
peculiar to tropical Africa, and does not embrace the plants
which I have already mentioned, which will explain why I
dwell so much on the article of Venomous Fishes, my object
being to endeavour to help those, who may help their coun-
trymen—I mean the more enlightened and educated in West
Africa—in the cessation or avoidance of practices so much
to be condemned, and with such a doubtful issue, and to
warn them that such practices are liable also seriously to
so affect fish as to bring about, seven after curing, sad
results.

Nothing can be so good or wholesome, in my experi-
ence, as fresh-fish diet with nutritious accompaniments, and
I have had visible proofs of the fact in the appearance of

35

the coast people as compared with those of the interior,
who are almost altogether dependent on, and prefer, un-
wholesome and unsound fish,

I can here remember what fine-looking people the
Katanus—to be referred to later—are in spite of the mala-
rious place in which they live ; they were, on the whole, a
fresh fish-eating people, having plenty of open air exercise
and abundance of bathing. :

I am given to understand that no special diseases
show themselves among the coast fishing population. TI
may except the greater liability to craw-craw and Guinea
worm on the part of those engaged in fresh and brackish
water, owing to constant wading and passing through grass.
On the contrary the sea fishermen are about the healthiest
class, as elsewhere, from their healthy occupation, compa-
rative cleanliness, in the way of abundant sea-bathing, fresh
fish-food, and the sale of surplus catch resulting in enabling
them to supply themselves with other forms of diet. Their
suffering from exposure is nil; then it will be remembered
that natives are very fond of oiling their bodies, which
would greatly assist in keeping up their temperature, and
then do away with risk of chill, so promotive of fever and
rheumatism in Africa.

From the nature and general condition of the fish used
as food, as also in consequence of the preference held for
fish in a state of semi-decomposition rather than when fresh
and wholesome, one is induced to look around for the issue
of some ill consequence. It is not within my intention or
scope to advance any theories, but I may repeat that the
natives of West Africa suffer, besides ordinarily, much
from elephantiasis, leprosy, yaws, cutaneous diseases, and
ulcerations of a low order. The primitive and defective
system of curing, apart from the semi-putrid condition of

[33] D2

36 3

the fish food, must lose, in such a climate, its efficacy, and
thus it may be presumed that deleterious effects can be
traced to its imperfect or bad preservation, such as, say, of
the “herring,” which the natives on the coast and in the
interior principally consume.

Dr. Clarke, who was Colonial Surgeon on the Gold
Coast, and surgeon to the natives, in his medical report for
1858 has dwelt on the food question as follows :—

‘“‘Elephantiasis and Lepra (leprosy) in all its hideous forms
‘prevail. The natives suppose it may be induced by drinking
excessively of palm wine which has been mixed with the juice
of the bamboo; but it may, with much greater reason, be
accounted for by an excess of fish diet. A very large proportion
of those who were treated at the dispensary were afflicted with
scrofulous disease, either in the form of ulcerations of the skin,
glandular swellings. of the neck, or disease of the bones. The
cause of its prevalence, I feel assured, is clearly traceable to the
crowded, ill-ventilated and generally foul condition of their houses
and sleeping places. The walls of most of their dwellings are
formed of clay, which are rarely if ever whitewashed. Most of
the rooms are miserably small, damp, dark, and badly ventilated,
especially those devoted to sleep. In their sleeping places the
poorer classes, and many persons in better circumstances, keep
all the dirty clothing not in wear either about their beds or
hanging from the wall, scraps of food and putrid fish being
strewed about or collected in corners. I have observed that the
mortality among the natives is greatest at the commencement
and termination of the rainy season, and hepatitis, diarrhoea, and
dysentery are then most prevalent, these diseases being then
frequently brought on by eating new corn, ground nuts, casada,
and yams before they are sufficiently dry. The food of the
mass chiefly consists of vegetables and fruits with fresh fish and
dried fish in excess, often so highly ammoniacal as to be com-
monly known under the name of ‘stink fish,’ with land snails and
land and sea-crabs. But their principal dish is composed of fish,
and, when they have the means, of fish, fowl, or meat, stewed

37

singly or together: palm-oil, freshly expressed from the nut,
being always an important ingredient in it. This stew is made
piquant and wholesome by the addition of salt, bitter tomatoes
or ocroes, shallots, or, as substitute for the latter, the dried bark
of a tree called ‘Edooah Ahyew’ (which resembles the onion in
flavour and taste), and abundance of red peppers.”

“ Animal food is, however, seldom eaten, and even milk is
rarely used by them.”

Dr. Clarke has been supported later by the experience of
Colonial Surgeon Jones, from whose report in the year
1867 I extract as follows :—

“One of the most frequent complaints of the native population
is constipation, which I attribute to the fact of their living all
the year round on ‘Cankey’ and semi-rotten fish, and to the
fact of these people being restricted to this miserable diet I
think in a great measure is due the frequency with which they
suffer from ulcers of the extremities, particularly of a low,
indolent character, which are very difficult to heal.”

I have not met in the Colony with any views since
expressed as opposed to such opinions, but the conclu-
sions of these gentlemen were no doubt based on the large
consumption of what has been already described as stinking
fish, on which the people have mainly to rely (and which
they seem to prefer at any season) during the rough
weather on the coast of Africa, occurring in the months of
May, June, July, and August.

Medical experience of note elsewhere, such as that of
Dr. Gavin Milroy in the West Indies, accords with the
conclusions of Messrs. Clarke and Jones on the subject of
the baneful effects innutritious and semi-putrid fish food
must have on the human system.

I can recall here (I trust my memory serves me right)

38

the chief reasons I got from a medical man in Norway for
the existence on its West Coast of so much leprosy, viz.,
bad food—principally fish—exposure, scanty clothing, want
of cleanliness. Dr. Gavin Milroy, in a conversation I had
with him, supported these reasons, explaining further that,
on inquiry on the subject, he was informed that some
Norwegians of the lower orders prefer tainted to fresh fish.

Again, on the contrary, in the discussion of a case of reco-
very from leprosy, by Mr. Jonathan Hutchinson, reported
in the ‘Lancet, Feb. 15th, 1879, it is reported that Sir
Joseph Fayrer said that if “the eating of putrid and decom-
posing fish were a cause of leprosy, then the whole of the
inhabitants of British Burmah and the Malayan peninsula
ought to suffer from leprosy, for that was their most
favoured food. But leprosy was almost unknown in these
countries ; whereas it abounds ‘in the Himalayas, where, as
Mr. Macnamara had stated, fish eating did not and could
not prevail. . . . Certainly in India leprosy was not due to
fish diet.”

Whether the disease be due to fish eating, its importation,
surrounding circumstances of social condition, exposure,
innutritious diet, malarial prevalence, seaside localities, the
bacillus, its introduction into the system through the
medium of putrid food, or by mosquito bite, is beyond my
unprofessional power to advance ; in fact it would be pre-
sumptuous on my part to even risk an opinion. The question
seems yet a moot one, and, with reference to the disease, Dr.
Erasmus Wilson has advanced, I think, in 1881, that the
question of cause “must still remain unsettled until further
information is obtainable. A specific form of bacillus has
recently been found in leprosy, the lymphatics being
believed to be the channels of infection.”

Recent researches, according to Drs. Fox in the ‘ Epitome

39

of Skin Diseases,’ point in the direction of the existence of
a special bacterium (Bacillus lepre).

“To be or not to be, that is the question.”

Here offers a grand opening for display of West African
medical talent.

I am not prepared to dwell further on this part of my
Paper, beyond recording that it has not, unfortunately,
been my experience to find extended, with exceptions, to
special diseases and their causes that attention and interest
which science and humanity dictate.

It is interesting to note how curious it is that red pepper
(chillis, the fruit of Capsicum annuum) is so generally used
in malarial Africa and in other tropical countries. In this
use West Africa stands prominent. It may be concluded
that people in such countries are always more or less below
par, especially in Africa (for such is my experience), and that
stimulant is deemed needful, and resorted to. The pepper
affords a powerful stimulant, and promotes further the
digestion—whether with an ultimate satisfactory issue or
not is another question—in countries such as West Africa,
where the digestive power becomes considerably impaired.

Salt forms an essential factor to the health and content-
ment of the natives, and is only somewhat devoted towards
the curing of fish, being principally used as a condiment.
Odd to say, it is largely imported into West Africa, its
manufacture from salt water by the natives receiving but
scanty attention. Beyond a matter of interest and of
astonishment, the mention of this industry, as compared
with salt importation, is scarcely worthy of notice.

For the purpose of curing fish, salt is only used on the
coast, and even there not altogether, when the catch is
exceptionally plentiful, and the scarce season has to be

40

provided for. Salt-cured fish during the “scarce season,” is
used on the coast-line, finds its way into the interior, but is
not appreciated in either locality as is “stinking fish.” In
fact, I have satisfied myself that the aborigines really prefer
the latter where a choice was allowed or could be made:
and even where fresh is used, there is, if it be available,
some of the other mixed up with it, for the purpose of
“ flavouring.”

With reference to shrimp curing, I would continue by
remarking that the same system applies to fish, more par-
ticularly to the herring, which abounds towards the end of
the rainy season. The catch is at times so great that the
people really do not take the trouble to attempt, even in
their primitive fashion, to cure what they can, but after
‘satisfying what they may estimate as their wants, throw
away the surplus. Salt curing, I repeat, is somewhat re-
sorted to, as is also “smoking,” but both systems are
imperfect, and suffice as to efficiency but for a time, after
which the fish becomes semi-rotten. So pronounced and
offensive is the smell arising from its general condition that
fresh-cured fish is commonly spoken of as “stinking fish.”
Its stench will be universally acknowledged by those who
know West Africa. I do not mean to imply that it is
always bad, but my own travels in those parts support me
when I say that I have seen carriers and interior people
partaking of fish food unfit even for a dog.

Again, on the modes of curing employed by the Bongos,
Schweinfurth relates—

“There are two methods which the Bongo employ to preserve
the flesh of their fish, Table salt they cannot get, but they sub-
stitute what they obtain from ashes, They cut the fish through
lengthwise, simply expose it to be dried in the sun, and afterwards
hang it up to be fumigated in the clouds of smoke which fill their

41

huts. Another way is to cut the fish up and dry it, and then to
pound it all up in mortars until it is reduced to a jelly, which is
rolled into balls about the size of the fist. These, with their high
flavour, form a favourite ingredient in soups and sauces which are
certainly wanting in all other aromatic condiments.”

The sale of salt acts well as a barometer of the state of
the inter-tribal relations of the interior. It is often used as
currency or means of barter, showing its importance.
With petty warfare proceeding in the interior—a normal
condition of things—and with roads blocked, or rather
trade routes obstructed, as a sequence, the trade in this
much-coveted article is small as compared with its disposal
in peaceful times. It can then be judged why the curing
by salt of the interior fresh-water fish is out of the question,
as also why, when fresh fish is not to be had, “stinking
fish” becomes the staple commodity for the daily meal.

Here follows the value of salt imported into the Gold
Coast Colony during the four years given :—

Year. Value an eo ve are Value gow hi aca
& &

1878 1670 13 I 4250 8 7

1879 3441 12 Io 2840 19 I

1880 4079 4 6 5439 18 9

1881 1682 7 3 8037 2 5

Fiscal conditions on imports differ in our West African
Possessions: some articles of food are allowed to enter
free, whereas on others an ad valorem rate and salt-tax are
levied.

Such impositions cannot at present be said to have the
same effect as it is advanced the salt-tax has had in India,
as to fish-curing, for such is the depravity of the human taste
in West Africa—the inheritance of birth and training—as
elsewhere, that at times, and most frequently, semi-putrid

42

fish is preferred to any other. In my statement I am
supported by the fact that there is no gradual increase in
the taste of the people for foreign-cured fish.

In such a depraved taste the Negro is not an exception,
for of Balasore, in Bengal—I here extract from Dr. Day’s
paper previously referred to—it is stated by the Collector
that—

“ Fish sold in the markets is so stale that no European would
touch it, and most of it is putrid . . . The people in this district
do not salt their fish, they dry it in the sun, and eat it when it is
quite putrid. They like it in this way, and there is no reason
why they should be interfered with.”

Oysters.

Edible oysters are found in beds, on the rocks running
out into the sea, which are uncovered at low tide, and on
trees (mangrove). The trade in oysters is large, but chiefly,
in fact altogether, confined to the coast, as its delicate

nature, even when cured as the natives affect, does not
admit of long keep.

The trees on which oysters are usually to be found in
the tropics are of the mangrove family, the nature of which,
with their aérial roots, admits of their growth in the flow of
the oyster spat, which is thus at times in part intercepted,
adheres, and develops into what is commonly spoken of as
the tree-oyster. Mangrove oysters are not as much sought
after as bed or rock oysters, although they are collected for
the sake of their shells, for the purpose of conversion into
lime.

Bed-oysters are more extensively sought after. A
solitary canoe at anchor over oyster-beds may be seen
at times with no occupant. He has dived with his basket,
and grabs in the mud (so long as his breath will allow him

43
to remain under) for his prey, until by such repeated efforts
he succeeds in filling his canoe. Women are usually the
buyers and subsequent retailers of such commodity.
Rarely, except for European tastes, oysters are sold open,
but in bulk with shell on. Such as are not disposed of
fresh are cured similarly as are shrimps and fish.

The oyster season, although the mollusc may be taken
at any time, may be viewed to extend, as far as the Gold
Coast colony goes, over six months or so of each year,
during the rainy season. Oyster collectors make yearly
presents to the fetish-priests, to invoke and propitiate the
god of fish.

There is a certain danger associated with this industry,
for it has been known that persons concerned in the same
have fallen victims to sharks and crocodiles. The collection of
the raw material can be followed out by any man or woman.
Odd to say, among the Yorubas, he who follows the oyster
industry is considered as of the lowest grade of society. In
the past such a man would be denied marriage in a family
of position above his social estimate. Women go in for the
collection of mangrove-oysters.

In West Africa man has competitors as fish destroyers,
such as the crocodile, shark, ray, otter, porpoise, water
snake, turtle, tortoise, birds, etc.

The West African rivers at their mouths, and up a
certain distance, abound in sharks, which are the terror
of the natives. They are found in greater numbers at
some places as compared with others, but so far as I know
their catch is not profitably, if at all, followed up. Sharks
are eaten in Western Africa, as in many other tropical
countries ; and when consumption at the time is not equal
to available quantity, the surplus is sun-dried or smoked,
being treated as are herrings and shrimps.

44

“ Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf ;
Witches, mummy ; maw, and gulf,
Of the ravin’d salt-sea shark.”

Lagos bar is noted as a favourable resort for this sea
monster; and of the river St. John’s, in Liberia, Burton
speaks that “it owns a bar as infamous as that of Lagos
for surf and sharks.”

Of the Dahomean coast, the beach has been often un-
workable as regards landing and loading, as the canoe-
men (Fantees or Accras, commonly known as “ Minas”),
whenever (and it is of frequent occurrence) one of them
falls a victim to a shark, have absconded from time to time
in abject terror. From Cootenoo, for instance, it is not an
unusual thing to have at Lagos runaway crews amounting
to sixty or eighty men who have escaped by the beach.
The same has happened frequently in the other direction
from Whydah. I was led to believe early this year, before
I left Africa, that these means of escape from their em-
ployers had been cut off by Dahomean guards at either
end. Here the French commercial houses have tried with
some success the drift-net ; they have also used dynamite
devices for the promotion of confidence among their
employés, rather than the effective system, if not of
gradual clearance, at least of considerable thinning.

In view of the field presented, it is astonishing why
sharks are not put to use as in Norway, where they are
captured for their livers ; or as in India and China, where
the fins form a very important article in trade, the people
of the former country preparing from them, in addition to
other extracts, gelatine.

In Norway some of the fish furnish livers weighing only
from 25 to 30|bs., while from others livers of 220 to 450 lbs
are obtained.

45

If one can conjecture from the effect a malarial climate,
especially that of West Africa, has on the human liver, and
can deduce that the shark is similarly affected—at least the
unacclimatised itinerant—a good and big find might be
anticipated.

It is said of Norway that the carcasses of sharks have
been of late years brought ashore for the purpose of being
manufactured into manure or guano. The mode of capture
there is by means of line and hook baited with seal blubber
or some other rancid and strong-smelling bait. The annual
yield from this fishery amounts to from 8000 to 10,000
barrels of livers, worth 150,000 gulden. The oil of the
shark obtained by steam heating is said to be extremely
fine, and is used for purposes of illumination.

J am reminded here of the remark of one of my boatmen
at Lagos (a Krooboy), in answer to my questioning him.
I may preface what Iam going to convey by saying that
Krooboys view sharks as their natural enemy and legiti-
mate game. His opinion of this monster was that “he be
debil man. He good for chop (food). He chop Krooboy,
and Krooboy chop him ”—mutual obligations of a curious
nature.

In support of the value of a shark fin industry I embody

as follows :—

“ At Kurrachee a large fishery is practised. Dr. Buist, writing
in 1850, states that there are 15 large boats, with crews of r2 men
each, constantly employed in this pursuit ; that the value of the
fins sent to the market varies from 15,000 to 18,000 rupees: that
one boat will sometimes capture at a draught as many as one
hundred sharks of various sizes; and that the total number of
sharks captured during the year amounts probably to not less
than 40,000. Large quantities are imported from the African
coast and the Arabian Gulf, and various parts on the coasts of

.

46
India. In the years 1845-46, 8770 cwt. of sharks’ fins were
exported from Bombay to China.

Rays—like to the A etobatis—known in Fantee as Tantray,
are to be plentifully found on the West Coast of Africa, in
the Gulf of Guinea, towards the end of the year, and in
company with shoals of small fish. They are at times
caught in the hand-nets. Natives are much afraid of the
attacks from this fish, as the caudal spine has been found
to be poisonous, and has inflicted wounds which have
proved fatal. Such wounds can be, it is said, however,
successfully treated, when handled in time, by the natives,
who use for the purpose the powdered caudal spine of like
fish, mixed, with certain leaves and herbs.

I have with me the caudal spine of a small sting-ray, .
which was removed from the side of a fisherman of Quittah,
Gold Coast. In lifting the fish into the canoe, it struck him,
the spine remaining inthe wound. Six hours later the man
was seen by one of the Colonial surgeons, when the wound
presented a very discoloured, unhealthy appearance. The
man died six days later from empycema caused by the
wound. ;

Writing of the poison organs of certain fish, Dr. Giinther
has stated, “ That such organs are found in the sting-rays,
the tail of which is armed with one or more powerful
barbed spines. Although they lack a special organ
secreting poison, or a canal in or on the spine by which
the venomous fluid is conducted, the symptoms caused by
a wound from the spine of a sting-ray are such as cannot
be accounted for, merely by the mechanical laceration, the
pain being intense, and the subsequent inflammation and
swelling of the wounded part terminating not rarely in
gangrene.” This fish is cured in the manner already

47

described, is sold in the markets, and is considered a great
delicacy. The tail is used as a whip.

The crocodile, known locally in some places as the
“cayman,” and commonly called “alligator,” deserves a
passing notice. Most of the West African rivers and
lagoons are infested with them; they are worshipped
fetishly as a god, and are the terror of many a village
bordering on their watery haunts.

Children and women have been often carried off, and
many a person has been maimed, especially in the early
morning, as they visit rivers for water. On such occasions,
while women are filling their calabashes or earthen pots,
one of the number is often employed to frighten off the
monster by throwing large stones into the water beyond
their dipping companions.

The skin of the crocodile is converted into caps and bags
by the natives, and the flesh is smoked and eaten.

“ Eat a crocodile!”

Stories are heard of the game “catch-catch” between
this monster and persons, as also of the latter being
chased on land by the former.

It is told of a fresh-water pond at Dix Cove, Gold Coast
Colony, in which there was a crocodile of some twelve
feet long, which always appeared at the bank at the call
from the “Fetishmen” for its meal of fowl.

An amusing story has been told me in connection with
the doings of a crocodile. It is no uncommon thing for one
of them to transfer its habitat from the main lagoon to
some inland pool or lake at a distance. On one such journey,
a crocodile mistook the route, and mounted a bamboo fence
that had partially fallen, thus affording a convenient camp
for observation, we shall say. This lean-to fence: partly

‘ enclosed a compound, in which at the time there happened

48

to be a policeman, who, inspired with the proper sense of his
duty, rushed at the creaking fence, which he embraced, ex-
pecting to find a would-be burglar, instead of our friend
the crocodile !

I suppose a crocodile, as any other creature, can refer to
a constable to be put right on a question of locality !

It is commonly believed by some tribes that the “ Fetish-
man,” when he wants to do injury to a family, can convert
himself into a crocodile, and as such perpetrate his credited
evil intent by maiming or carrying off—

“ Beguiled as the mournful crocodile
With sorrow snares relenting travellers.”

Edible turtle are found in abundance, but are not, such
is my individual experience, as a rule, in good condition,
being poor. They are caught in the circular hand-nets and
speared, but are generally captured on the beach, where
they come to lay their eggs. The natives on moonlight
nights watch for them, cut off their retreat, and, turning
them over on their backs, thus secure them.

The Ascension Lakes, supplied, I understand, as above,
are well known in the West and South African squadron,
providing as they do a rich and appreciated out-put. Why
could not some of the many “salt ponds”* adjacent to
the African coast line be similarly used as rearing waters,
and another industry be developed therefrom, although I
doubt the suitability of turtle soup as a tropical diet in a
malarial country where the “fitful liver” has to be gently
treated, and we have no aldermen.

Fishing Towns and Villages.
Fishing towns and villages, often well marked by the
groves of cocoa-nut trees that surround them, are to be

* Brackish inlets or salt-water lakes.

49

found scattered along the sea-coast, and on the banks of
rivers or of inland waters; some permanently occupied,
others only temporary residences of convenience in pursuit
of calling. Alongside these, sometimes at a distance, the
fishing-canoes are hauled up and picketed.

Lake Dwellings.

Swiss lake dwellings and Scotch crannogs of the past
have afforded, especially of late, considerable attraction, and
on the subject, by way of comparative interest in like
structures of the present time, I am reminded of the lake
dwellings of certain tribes who surround or live on the
sheet of water known as the Denham waters, lying behind
the Dahomean sea-board, and the rivers that flow into it,
As the male occupants are mainly fishermen, or fishermen
and farmers combined, I do not hesitate to include in this
paper some notes of my experience of them.

During my administrations of the Government of Lagos
I paid several visits to these waters—in fact have steamed
through the water streets of the towns and villages to
which I refer—and had thus the opportunity of observing
for myself the modes of life on which I would ask per-
mission to briefly dwell. Interest in the subject will be
perhaps enhanced when I mention that these waters have,
I believe, given rise to diplomatic correspondence in conse-
quence of the acceptance by the French of the protectorate
of the kingdom of Porto Novo.

These tribes are the Kdatanus, Esos, and Whemians,
who have not fishing resorts erected for convenience, but
occupy large native villages and towns built entirely out
and over the water.

The question naturally suggests itself, what is the cause
[33] E

50

for such a resort? It is explained when I say that these
tribes once formed part of the old kingdom of Dahomey,
which was in the past split up by inter-tribal wars, and the
weak were not driven to the wall, but literally into the
water, where protection was sought from their more power-
ful fellow-countrymen—viz., from the ancestors of the present
occupants of the Dahomean kingdom —the protection being
ensured from a knowledge of the fact that it has been for
some time conveniently contrary to the Dahomean fetish
to cross water, at least in canoes.

Such towns or villages have each a floating population,
varying, I may estimate, from two or three hundred souls
to as many thousands.

The people are fine and healthy, and, as a rule, are very
free from disease. I may say they suffer from “craw-
craw” and guinea worm.

Their houses are built upon piles or stout straight branches
of hard wood, of some 3 to 6 inches diameter, which are
secured as supports by being worked under manual labour
from canoes into the bottom some 3 or 4 feet. The upper
ends are then secured by crosspieces of like nature, on
which is worked a bamboo flooring two-thirds or a half
of which is covered in by a house, the uprights of which
are fixed first, and secured below the platform to the sup-
porting piles. The roof frame is next made on the plat-
form, then covered with grass or bamboo leaves and raised
to its position, when it is secured by the tie. The remain-
ing portion of flooring is used as a verandah, or rest aloft
and is sometimes covered in or not, according to the wish
of the owner. In the construction no nails are used.

Houses are in shape rectangular, sometimes conical,
having in the latter case the appearance of floating bee-
hives of large proportions

51

These people are not only fishermen, but are pastoral,
especially the Whemians; and their relative monetary
positions, and consequent social status, may be guessed by
the general appearance of their houses, and by the stand
of cattle to be seen in the pens adjoining their houses,
built on piles over the water, as are the dwellings. The
absence or shallowness of the water at some sites in the
dry season admits of the cattle being allowed to wander on
terra firma, in fact of the erection and repairs of dwelling
houses ; but fodder has to be brought by canoe to the less
fortunate creatures that have to eke out an existence in
such pens as are always surrounded by water, until such
time as they are tethered and transported by canoe to the
butcher.

The length of the piles depends on depth of water, and
on the probable rise in the rainy season. I have seen
houses built over water some two to three fathoms deep.
Should there happen to be a higher rise than allowed for,
which at times happens, when even the platform is covered,
a temporary flooring is made in the roof, with a hole in its
thatch as a door, over which the people have to reside
until the water has subsided.

Habit, associated with still-existing dread, leans them
to a preference of a continuance of such occupations,
although the people cultivate farms and make oil on the
adjoining lands.

Domestic animals among them are pigs, goats, sheep,
cattle, dogs, etc.

The men fish, farm, and trade, while the women attend
to the live stock and attend markets, paddling their own
way ; they also fish.

The fishing gear is similar to what I have already
described.

[33] E 2

52

Inter tribal fighting, whether for offence or defence, has
been conducted from canoes capable of holding two or
three persons, their weapons being guns, harpoons, spears,
and clubs. So uncertain are they of safety, and so appre-
hensive of danger, that they keep, when travelling, secured
against the sides of the canoes, guns and a quantity of
ammunition. Their beds are similar to what is usually
enjoyed even on land, viz., a reed or fibre mat, on the bare
floor.

Polygamy exists, but wives and children live in separate
houses from husbands. On invitation a particular wife will
join her husband, and on such occasion, generally at night,
paddle her own canoe to him, and convey—the rule—his
evening meal.

Having now dealt as far as space will allow me with
the coast line, I will refer to the islands.

Canary Islands.

I know of only two systematically and profitably pur-
sued industries on this coast to which I would make
allusion in this Paper, viz, the “cod and bream” fishery
of the Canaries, and the whaling of the African Atlantic.

Of the former, the fishing-ground may be considered as
lying between the Canaries, Cape Verde islands, and like
latitudes on the African coast, or from 14° or 15° to 32° or
33° N. lat. the favourite site being between the island of
Fuerto Ventura, Cape’ Bojador, and Cape Blanco.

Much attention has of late been directed to these waters,
and a source of considerable wealth no doubt presents
itself. It has been advanced—an open question—that
there is more fish .between these islands than around the
coasts of Newfoundland. M. Berthelot, in a work on the

Canary fishery, came to the conclusion that the quantity
a

53

of fish caught by one man in the Canaries is equal to that
caught by twenty-six in Newfoundland. These advances
furnish just ground for argument into which I do not
intend to enter here.

The class of vessel employed is represented by the fore-
and-aft schooner of varying size, from 20 to 50 tons,
with a crew each of from 18 to 40 men and boys. In the
years: 1879 and 1880, the craft employed in this trade
numbered 31 vessels, with a total of 913 tons, of which 16.
belonged to the island of Grand Canary, and 15 to the
island of Lanzarote.

Fishing-boats work all the year; but the season for the
African coasts is given as from April to September, distinct,
it would seem, from the island season mentioned as between
September and March.

Fish are caught by hook, but from Grand Canary nets
are also used. A system prevails of trailing a number of
hooks attached to lines run out at right angles to the
vessel, representing a means of capture that shows at times
a good return.

The curing is done by salting, which is effected on board
the schooners; but the imperfect process has been ad-
vanced as a reason why there has not been a greater
development of the industry, and more appreciation of the
cured fish. Another consequent industry has sprung up,
viz., schooner-building in the island of Grand Canary.

The following is a list extracted from Consul Dundas’
report, in 1877, on these islands, of the principal fish,
ranging in weight from 15 lbs. to 65 Ibs. each, included in
what I may call the Grand Canary and Lanzarote fish
industry :—

“Cherna or Cherne (Perca cernua), similar to cod, and
considered inferior to Newfoundland cod.

Sama (Serranus acutirostris), very common, large excel-

54

lent fish; fished for in the arm of the sea that separates:
Grand Canary from the coast of Africa.

Sama Dorada (Dentex vulgaris).

Sama Grande (Chrysophrys ceruleosticta), weight rarely
passes 45 lbs.

Sama (Dentex filosus and the Pagrus auriga).

Corbina (Corvina nigra), weight 30 lbs. to 45 lbs. ; fished
for in the channel separating the archipelago of the
Canaries from the African coast.

Bosinegro (Pagrus vulgaris).

Abadejo (Serranus fuscus).

Pez-rey (Temnodon saltator), average weight 20 lbs. ; very
plentiful about Fuerte Ventura.

Rubio (Tvigla lineata).

There is another species of Abadejo, which at Lanzarote
and Grand Canary goes by the name of Abriote, of which
the flesh is said to be excellent. It is met with in immense
numbers on the African coast, and attains a large size,
weighing as much as 30 Ibs. Finally, a fish locally. called
Tasarte, said to be very like salmon. These are the kinds
caught in greatest abundance by the men employed in the
craft.”

Large supplies of salt fish are exported for Cuba, but
statistics are not obtainable as to quantity or value.

Consul Dundas has stated that ordinarily 40 tons may
be loaded in three days. Other estimates give the catch
per vessel per diem at from 15 to 39 quintals of 200 lbs.
each.

The average amount of fish caught during 1880 by the
vessels of Grand Canary, has been returned as 1,414,000
kilos., of which 1,122,000 kilos. were salted :—

Value offish . 2. 2. 2 1. . 1. . £33,208
» netsused. 2 2 2 © 2 1 1 6) £5,292
» 22zvessels with 740tons . . . . £14,250

30

with 1,190 as the number of men employed in the
industry.

Within 1880 and 1881 a French company has been
sending steamers to Cape Blanco to purchase fish from
the island vessels, which was conveyed for sale fresh to
Marseilles. I am led to believe that this enterprise has
failed, the refrigerating process not proving equal to the
want. It has been said that the fish, on arrival at Mar-
seilles, often proved unfit for food, and when even fit, did
not admit of farther transport, both on account of condition
and expense.

A considerable number of American ships, nearly all
whalers, resort to Grand Canary for the purpose of obtain-
ing supplies of provisions, water, and coal. It is, besides,
known that there is often a whale-run in the vicinity of
these islands, especially between Teneriffe and Grand
Canary, and that from Santa Cruz (capital of former)
anchorage, the American whalers often pursue, within one
or two days’ sail; indeed are at times engaged in whale
fishery within sight of the islands.

It will be in place here to mention, that in 1880 there
were I11 vessels engaged in the whale-fishing on the North
and South Atlantic grounds, whence oil and bone were
taken worth 908,771 dollars. Mr. Brown Goode has, how-
ever, stated -that, “the whale fishery has of late years
greatly decreased in value, owing to the introduction of
mineral oils, and the great diminution in the number of
whales—due to over fishing.”

Some further particulars on this industry will be found
in my remarks on St. Helena.

The development of a large fish industry under the
name of the “Canario-African Fisheries Company,” began
some two and a-half years ago, and conducted by the

56

energy and experience of Signor Silva de Ferro, proceeds
from the Island of Gracioza to the north of Lanzarote of
the Canaries. The working fleet is composed of two
steamers of 50 toms each, engaged in transporting clean
fish from the banks to Gracioza at eighty tons a week ;
six schooners of some 60 or 70 tons each, and ten sea~-
fishing boats (the schooners and boats conduct the fishing
on the banks).

The industry is pursued all the year round, and carried
on south of Canaries along the African coast, as far as Cape
Blanco, viz., between 29° and 20° N. lat. Pelagic and shore
fish are most plentiful, and offer here as elsewhere on
this coast a field for an extended industry.

Signor Ferro has assured me, that within fifteen minutes
he had on one occasion secured from the African shore 20
tons of herrings by means of a seine of 90 fathoms in
length, let down by one small boat; further, he has seen
one of his Masters catch: in 32 fathoms of water—depth
at which fishing for big fish is generally conducted—110
large fish within two hours.

Within four months, 600 tons of dry and pickled fish have
been exported from Gracioza, where the air is said to be
so dry that the cleaning, pickling, and drying process only.
requires ten days, when the fish, sometimes two or three
inches thick in the meat, is ready for export. The direc-
tions of export have been to Spain, Cuba, South America,
and Fernando Po, the transport being effected by sailing
vessels, and steamers.

Signor Ferro can load now in ten days what used to take
formerly two months. This saving of time is due to the
use of herring—so easily and generally obtained—as bait.
Formerly the Canary fishermen, who are described as so
conservative as not to have made any progress, ‘at least, in

af

this industry, for centuries, had to purchase the octopus
—to be found only at certain places—from the Moors on
the African coast, and with it fish for “chopa,” a sea-bream
which represented their bait for the large fish.

As an encouragement, considerable land concessions on
the Gracioza Island were made by the Spanish Govern-
ment, in the first instance to Signor Ferro, who has trans-
ferred his rights to the above-named company, which com-
mand the whole of one side of the harbour lying between
Gracioza and Lanzarote, represented as the only safe and
commodious anchorage amongst the islands or on the
neighbouring African coast, before River Ouro, where the
peninsula forming this harbour of refuge for fishing craft
has been purchased in the Spanish interest from the Moors
by the Company.

It has been represented to me that nine-tenths of the
inhabitants of the Canaries and Cape Verde, live on fish
with their toasted corn or flour—“Gofio”—and on my
inquiries as to the existence of leprosy, I am informed
that the “fishermen are very subject to sores and ulcers of
a very permanent description.”

Red coral and sponge are to be found around Gracioza.

In view of the opening presented for the growth of a
fish-oil, and guano trade, it does seem surprising to find
guano, and chemicals for the manufacture of guano, among
the imports into the Canaries. What has been in the past
done, or is being done, with its surplus fish or its offal ?

I am glad to find that the eyes of the Canario-African
Fisheries Company have been opened to a similar view as
have mine, and that fish-oil and guano industries are likely
to grow up.

With reference to the other Spanish Possessions, Fer-
nando, Annobon, Elobey, Coresco, San Juan, etc., with a

58

given population of 35,000, the natives follow a like primi-
tive fish industry as is to be found elsewhere among their
fellow-countrymen along the coast.

It becomes here my duty to warn speculators against
the Canary Quarantine Laws, which in their operation are
very fitful. They say that, on one occasion, because
cholera was in Egypt or in India, the authorities of the
Islands deemed it prudent to enforce their sanitary precau-
tions against their own fishing vessels, because they had
been engaged on the West African banks.

There is also a very good story told in connection with
this subject, which must have got about also when some
Asiatic epidemic was more heard of than usual.

While the channel fleet of six ships lay once at Grand
Canary, a mail steamer arrived from the West Coast of
Africa. The Admiral of the Fleet caused her to be
visited, with a view to securing a grey parrot. The master
of the steamer sent back word to the effect that, while he
was sorry he had no parrots for sale, yet, if the Admiral
would accept, he would be happy to give him one. The
latter was condescending, and caused to be sent the
“dingy” for the parrot. As the steamer had not at the

”

time received “pratique,” the boat was taken under her
bows, and the parrot in cage was lowered by a rope into
the stern-sheets of the “dingy.” At the moment, which
proved afterwards awkward, the local official who was
keeping guard around the mail steamer appeared, and, on
inquiry into the case, declared that if the parrot were taken
to the flagship the squadron would be placed in quarantine,
and if even the parrot were returned to the steamer, the
result would be the same when the “dingy” got back to
her station.

The parrot was eventually taken alongside the flagship,

59

the guard-boat escorting the dingy ; and on the matter
being reported to the Admiral, he ordered H.M.S. “ Dingy”
to be anchored in the line in her station as seventh ship,
and, on this being done, the fleet were informed that the
dingy had taken Fleet No. 7; next that No. 7 was in
quarantine, and that the remaining ships were not to com-
municate with her.

So the poor “dingy,” with her crew, inclusive of parrot,
remained anchored in discomfort, but in importance, while
a large yellow flag floated over her bows, until—well,
nothing further has been logged.

Cape Verde Islands.

According to the census of 1878, the Cape Verde islands,
ten in number, situated about 320 miles from the coast of
Africa, contained a population of 99,318. In 1881 the
British subjects were 89.

The growing importance of St. Vincent as a coaling
station is well known.

Although the manufacture of salt forms an important
industry in some of the islands, yet the absence of pro-
tected anchorages has no doubt interfered with the de-
velopment of a fish industry. From the remarks on the
Canaries it will be gathered that the fishing grounds of
the Cape Verde islands are worked by vessels of the
former archipelago.

It is stated of the coral, that although “considerable
quantities of good quality are found in the neighbourhood
of the islands, nevertheless the Portuguese inhabitants —
appear to take but little interest in this remunerative
business, and the fisheries are entirely conducted by Italian
and Spanish firms.”

60.

The value of coral obtained in 1879 equalled 18,061,840
reis, viz., £180,618.

To the other Portuguese possessions on this coast, viz.,
at Senegambia and Bissao, with a population (1873) of
9282, Princes and St. Thomas Islands with a population
(1879) of 20,931, Ajuda (Whydah) with a population (1873)
of 4500, and Angola, Ambriz, Benguela, and Mossamedes,
with an estimated people of 2,000,000, the allusion 7 re
the Cape Verdes to the non-existence of a developed fish
industry beyond the primitive native calling will, I am led
to believe, equally apply.

St. Helena.

The population of St. Helena has been returned for
1881 as 5,059, of whom 4,511 are given as natives. There
were I71 boatmen and fishermen.

In Mellis’s “St. Helena” will be found the following
description of the fishermen :—

“Those men who prefer exclusively to follow the noble calling
of fishermen number about 80 or 90, but they are a class who
through years past have lived away from civilization: their wives
and children occupying small miserable huts, or nearly inacces-
sible caves along the rocky shores, where they are altogether far
removed, partly through their occupation, and partly through
their long-acquired habits of indolence and demoralisation, from
any beneficial influences. The men themselves, although there
are some few exceptions, are for the most part satisfied to bring
in just sufficient fish as will afford food and obtain a supply of
Cape wine for a few days, when, after indulging in the excess in
the latter, and recovering from their half stupefied state, they
proceed out again for the same purpose.”

There are no fresh-water fishes indigenous to the
island, due, no doubt, to its volcanic nature. Albecore,

61

barracouta and mackerel constitute the chief food of the
population. '

The fish field, which is represented as bountiful, is
regarded with indifference. Although the fishermen have
comparatively no bad weather to encounter, there is really
no system of fishing or fishing trade. “Beyond a very
partial and scanty contribution to the supply of food
for the inhabitants, no use,” according to the above-
quoted author, “is made of the fish, or profits derived
from it.”

St. Helena and its surrounding sea offer a grand opening
of economic importance for a large fish industry which
might rival that of the Cape Colony.

The small amount of fishing carried on is with hook and
line, either from the shore or from small rowing boats,
which do not venture far out from the island.

The values of imports for 1880 and 1881 are returned as
£54,272 and £53,169, and include £37 and £78 on account
of imported fish, and £55 and £64 on account of intro-
duced salt.

It is as well to know that St. Helena seems to be
resorted to as the depdét for the American whale industry
of the South Atlantic and more southern seas.

The Blue Books for the island show that there were
imported by American whalers, and exported in American
ships for the U.S., in 1879, 1880, and 1881, connected with
this trade, bone and oil to the returned value of £32,190,
£50,730, and £27,680.

In a most useful map of the world, prepared by the
United States, and courteously placed at my disposal for
the present occasion, there will be seen the extent and dis-
tribution of the present and abandoned American whaling

grounds.

62

The sites which may be perhaps considered as of this
paper lie approximately within 30° W. and 20° E, long., and
20° N.and 4o° S. lat. The area may be estimated by the
bounding degrees of Lat. and Long., and is made up of the
“Cape Verde,’* “Ascension and St. Helena,” t “ West
and South African,” § and “African Atlantic” grounds.

While on this subject I may record the following descrip-
tion by the owner, Signor Ferro, of a fishing net in his
possession of West African manufacture, made of the
sinews of the whale, so far as one can presently judge with-
out seeing it, as among the Cape Flattery Indians and
Eskimos of North America.

“ As to the net, it was brought from the Arabs of the Rio
de Oro (River Ouro) ; it is some thirty fathoms long and one
and a half fathoms deep, and of one inch mesh. It has the
appearance of being made of thick guitar strings, but the
Arabs explained that they made it from the intestines of a
whale which stranded on the coast. The net is made with-
out the help of either a netting needle or gunge ; they tied
each knot with their fingers, twisting at the same time the
cord as required. Notwithstanding this laborious way of
making it, the net is perfectly regular throughout. The
knot used is the same as used here, which they learnt from
the fishermen (of Canary). It is weighted at the bottom by
round beads of red earthenware of their own manufacture,
about one inch in diameter. The corks are the same size
and shape as the leads (?), and made from pieces thrown up
upon the shore.”

* 22° N.; 15° N. Lat. from West African shore to 30° W. Long.

T 5° and 25° S, Lat.; 3° and 10° W. Long.

t 5° N. Lat. and 38° S. Lat.; average breadth between 5° and 20°
E. Long.

§ 30° and 40° S. Lat. ; 10° E. and 25° W. Lon

63

There are certain local taxes under Ordinance No. 2 of
1868, which may be viewed as telling indirectly against the
fish industry. I allude to the licence of fishing boats,
whale boats, etc. There are no customs dues on imported
fish or on salt.

Coral is remarkable for its absence, one species (Phy-
mactis) being found on the coast, and two or three kinds
in the surrounding seas.

With the means lying at their very door, I may say—
viz., the fish, which in other countries would be, and is, turned
to profitable account of considerable proportion—the in-
habitants of West Africa, including her archipelagoes,
are, from the want of education—may be from other addi-
tional causes—regardless of it. An industry, true, is pursued
but not with the energy the field deserves.

An extensive sea-shore, rivers, and lagoons ; streams and
inlets to permit of ascent of spawning fish; absence of
manufactories to pollute waters ; little traffic disturbance of
the waters, present perhaps favourable conditions for the
development of a large and wholesome fish trade.

Against the migration of fish however we have the action
of almost a constant thundering surf in the Gulf of Guinea,
and we must not forget the cataracts so often met during
the dry season in West African rivers; they are however
covered with water in the “rains,” and then should offer
little obstacle.

Sufficient, I am sure, has been advanced in support of the
fact that there is an abundance of fish.

It would seem to me that the herring, for instance, offers
an industrial opening that should prove remunerative.

64

Professor G. Brown Goode, in his report (1877) on the
American menhaden, has stated :

“ Again, on the West Coast of Africa occurs a species,
Brevoortia dorsalis, closely resembling the menhaden. An old
fisherman of Maine told me that he had seen the menhaden
in immense quantities on the West Coast of Africa, where the
negroes spear them and eat them.”

Why should there not be a West African “Menhaden ”
fishery of some dimensions? Not much more than twenty
years ago the American menhaden fisheries were of very
small importance, and the business of the manufacture of
oil and guano in its infancy. See what gigantic strides
this industry has taken, and the proportions and importance
it has assumed!

The plant, free from complication, for making oil and
guano, on a small scale as an experiment, need not cost
more than £30 or £40. The process of manufacture seems
simple in the extreme, viz., boiling the fish, skimming off
the floating oil, pressing (for more oil) and drying the refuse
which represents the guano; there has to be also, I believe,
a certain clarification of the expressed oil.

Hulks anchored outside the naval regulation distance.
from shore—I think three miles, so as to avoid, it is said,
the effects of malaria—and thus beyond the action of the
surf, might be resorted to as floating oil-factories, with the
requisite supply, for fishing purposes, of hands, canoes and
boats, and improved gear, to be worked as to fishermen by:
Krooboys or canoemen of other tribes. The industry might
be associated with existing mercantile undertakings, per-
haps through the medium or under the superintendence of
the Mastérs of the many trading vessels that are to be
found so long at one time on the coast. The small local

65

steamers could be used during the slack trade time, if the
herring season suited, in increasing the catch.

This Paper must, I would deign to hope, be therefore
viewed, not as a scientific venture, nor yet as the exponent
of any theories—for other demands on my time have not
admitted of my following up, as closely as I should have
wished, fish as a study—but rather as a convenient collec-
tion of gleanings from and references to other works bear-
ing on the subject, and the record of my own experience.

I must acknowledge its incompleteness and imperfection,
but console myself with the hope that it contains informa-
tion which may have escaped others either in reading or
in observation, and may form a groundwork for later, if
not correction, at least elaboration and study on the part of
those who can spare the time to the subject, and thus prove
to be the means of attracting increased attention to that
interesting and not “ Expiring continent,” with an ultimate
issue of beneficial results, whether in the shape of addition
to fish or other industries—a grand opening—or in a
humanitarian sense of a more full and healthy food supply,
and of consequent indirect beneftt to the well-being of our
People in Africa.

Yet, while I confess that this task might have fallen to
better and more able hands, I will not give way in the
sense of pleasure I have felt in undertaking it, feeling that
it is the bounden duty of every one to promote, as far as
his lights may admit, whether directly or indirectly, the
condition of the people among whom his lot may be cast.

The Missionaries, in all the ramifications of their work,
the Mercantile World, outside the circle of Government
officials, represent means of contribution of material towards
increased scientific knowledge, and it is to be hoped that
an allusion to their importance as Agents in such a way

[33] F

66

may bring about fruit. West Africa however affords at
present in our Possessions no magnets for the growth of
scientific attraction and interest in the shape of Museums,
Botanic Gardens, Herbariums or Model Farms, wants deeply
felt in justice, if not to more, to its fauna and flora.

The climate of West Africa may not admit of general
colonisation, nor should it be necessary, for it offers good
material for development ; while acknowledging it is bad,
and, although such, has been often painted in the worst
colours, yet it will continue to admit of the further import
of commercial enterprise, resulting in more good to its
undertakers and to Her People.

In the preparation of this Paper I am indebted to the
courtesy and attention of many, especially to Dr. Giinther
of the British Museum, and to Dr. Murie of the Linnean
Society, and I trust that this brief acknowledgment of my
debt may be generally accepted.

DISCUSSION.

Mr. EDWARD JEX said the capture of barracouta and
bonito on the coast of Guinea had been mentioned, but
no mention was made of the manner in which they
were caught; the same with regard to the herring and
mackerel.

Captain MOLONEY said the barracouta and bonito were
caught with hook and line, the herring and mackerel were
caught with a circular hand-net, which, perhaps, in its
closing action by weighted edge and result, might bear
some slight comparison with the purse-seine net, but for a
detailed description he would beg leave to refer Mr. Jex
to page 24 of his Paper, and to the miniature model before
the Conference.

67

Captain J. D. CurTIS said he had had considerable
experience on the West Coast of Africa, including the Gold
Coast; with regard to the fishing, it appeared to be
nil on the Gold Coast, for he had had the misfortune to
cruise up and down there for nine months, in 1851 and
1852, and never fell in with any fishing canoe. An old
messmate of his told him that in 1845 or 1848 one of the
commanders there used occasionally to throw over a trawl
from the brig, with which they caught sole and turbot,
which, after supplying the sick, were divided between ‘the
officers and crew. On the West Coast the fish caught in
the trawl were mullet, bream, and red fish, called snapper.
At Loando they caught what were called snappers, or sea
bream, in about sixty fathoms water, and in Elephant Bay
there was abundance of grey mullet. In the Portuguese
Settlements fishing was carried on by cabbage wood rafts
and canoes, and there was a large establishment in Little
Fish Bay for drying fish ; they dried in eight or nine days
in the sun, but unfortunately the wind carried the sand
over them, and made them rather gritty. At Ambrizette
a peculiar small double canoe is used. If the Commis-
sion could impress on the Admiralty the desirability of
each ship carrying a trawl as well as the seine, there was no
doubt a great deal of fish could be caught, which would be
very advantageous to the crews, but unfortunately many
captains used to think more of their paint than anything
else, and objected to fishing. He recollected on one occa-
sion seven porpoises were harpooned in one watch. When
off Lagos, a quantity of condemned pork being thrown
overboard, the next day a number of large sharks were
caught—not like the Arctic shark. He had no doubt
wherever there was a sandy bottom fish would be found,
especially at rivers’ mouths. With regard to the turtles at

[33] F2

68

the Ascension, they came up to lay their eggs; on their
return men employed for the purpose captured them, and
deposited them in the turtle ponds for use when required.
They were served out as fresh-meat rations twice a week :
the small ones when hatched found their way to the sea.
The pond is only a depét for keeping them ; they did not
breed there at all. There is a peculiar turtle found in the
mouth of the Congo with a head somewhat resembling a
bat’s. I have not seen the kind anywhere else. Barra-
couta, porpoises, bonito, dolphin, sucker-fish, pilot or zebra
fish, cat-fish, and pouter-fish are to be found on the Gold
Coast: off the Congo, whales, thresher, sword-fish, and
saw-fish. A saw-fish cut my boat’s cable, a 34-inch hawser,
in two; a friend of mine had-a similar misfortune off
Cabenda.

Mr. JEX had been pleased to hear the remarks of Captain
Curtis, showing that there were bottom fish on the coast of
Africa, the Paper being mostly devoted to surface swimming
or round fish,

Mr. BANDFORD GRIFFITH said he had been up and down
the coast three or four times, and although twenty years
ago there must have been no fishing, there were now fishing
boats to be seen at all places. At Sierra Leone they came
and offered fish for sale; and lower down, on the Liberia
coast and at Axim, he had seen numbers of fish on shore,
but they were all sharks, varying in length from one to
twenty-four feet. A little above Axim there were great
numbers of sword-fish, and off the Dahomean coast he
had seen sword-fish twelve or fourteen feet long. At
Accra he had seen fishing: boats going out morning after
morning and coming back in the evening; and at Lagos
there were regular fishing villages, though there the fisher-
men did not go out beyond the surf. No doubt one reason

69

why Captain Moloney had not referred to bottom fish was,
that the people on the part of the coast he had principally
dealt with rarely went out to sea, but fished chiefly in the
lagoons, or within a few miles of the coast ; they did not as
a rule get deep-sea fish, nor in fact did they endeavour to
catch large fish, for they might very often meet with
sharks, which were very troublesome customers. They
were much indebted to Captain Moloney for having pro-
duced such an interesting Paper with such small material
available.

Captain CURTIS said it might be worth noting that on
one occasion he recollected capturing a porpoise which
had a squid inside of it.

Mr. SAVILLE KENT then proposed a vote of thanks to
Captain Moloney. He must say that the impression on his
own mind was that, if this Paper had not been read, there
would have been a considerable gap left in the literature of
the Exhibition ; and they were also indebted to him for the
illustrations which accompanied it. He hoped Captain
Moloney would not feel that the apparent paucity of
numbers was any indication of the interest felt in the
Conference. He was glad to see that there were present
representatives from China, Japan, the Australian Colonies,
and North America, which was a more’ correct indication
of the extent of interest taken in this Paper.

Mr. BLOOMFIELD, in seconding the motion, said they
had been favoured with some remarks by a gentleman
who had also been on the coast of Africa, and knew some-
thing of fishing there, but unfortunately it appeared he had
been under the command of gentlemen who were not par-
ticularly favourable to that occupation. Still it appeared
that they had nothing to do but throw overboatd some-
thing or other, and the fish were caught, and the sick were

70°

benefited. He had, however, been able to add to the list
of fish known on that coast some of which were not repre-
sented in the Exhibition. A remark was made in the
Paper with reference to there not being aldermen on a
certain portion of the coast where there were plenty of
turtles. Of course aldermen were entitled to eat turtles,
and very few other people could afford it; but, on the
other hand, there was a large community not far off which
at the present moment were prevented apparently by the
aldermen from eating something which was a great deal
cheaper than turtles, Herrings, mackerel, and all sorts of
fish, might be cheaper at the present moment if an oppor-
tunity were given by certain aldermen to have those fish
brought into a central market with greater facilities, so as
to afford sustenance to the poor. He hoped the remarks
made from time to time with reference to that point would
receive the same careful attention on the part of the public
which other subjects had already received. The places
now described were a long distance off, but those present
yesterday would remember that the gentleman from Japan

had produced what looked more like a lump of stick than

anything else, which was in reality a fish, so preserved as
to be capable of being transported all over the world, and
kept for any time, and yet it could easily be converted into
a pleasant and valuable article of food. Nota Paper had
been read at these Conferences but showed more or less
that, however the population might increase, there would
be found in every part of the globe where the flag of Great
Britain floated a source of supply for the national wants,
though but for this great Fisheries Exhibition a deal of this
information would not have been forthcoming. He there-
fore considered that those gentlemen who came forward
to read these Papers were entitled to the thanks not only

71

of those who heard them, but of the country at large, and,
in fact, of the whole civilised world.

Mr. JEX said there were thousands in the City of London
besides aldermen who ate turtle; and as to stopping the.
fish coming to the great centres of England, it was not the
aldermen but the railway carriers who were the obstacles.
A gentleman wrote to him from Glasgow that he could pay
the freight of a barrel of herrings to Sidney and back and
have a surplus left. It was not a question of the aldermen,
but of the railway ring, and he hoped the Railway Commis-
sioners would take the matter in hand and put ‘a stop to
the heavy charges now imposed for the carriage of fish, and
thus enable him to bring fish not only from Scotland but
from the west coast of Ireland, where there was an immense
supply. ‘

Mr. OKOSHI said there was no doubt that this Paper had
thrown great light on the fisheries of Africa. The Japanese
were a great fish-eating people, and in fact a great portion
of them lived on fish ; they not only ate fish which were
commonly used here, but some other kinds, as the octopus ;
and as he found from the Paper that the’fish was caught in
the Canary Islands, he should like to know whether it was
used there as food, as it was in Japan and China. It
might seem curious to Englishmen that this fish should
be eaten, but he could assure them it was really very
delicate. :

The vote of thanks having been carried unanimously,

Captain MOLONEY, in responding, said that he had
already sufficiently trespassed on the generous patience of
Sir Ambrose Shea and of the audience, and therefore
would be brief. It did not require, fortunately, many
words to convey his appreciative acknowledgments of the
terms of the vote of thanks that had been so flatteringly

72

pronounced by Mr. Saville Kent, and of the manner in
which it had been received.

In the preparation of the Paper which he had just read,
he had simply done his duty by the Exhibition, but more
particularly by the people amongst whom he had the
honour of serving for some years. The Pamphlet might
be accepted as the record of so much information in a
convenient form as may have escaped others either in
reading. or in observation, and may prove to be the ground-
work for later study and increased attraction with an out-
come, he hoped, of beneficial results, whether in the way of
an increase to our industries or, humanitarianly speaking,
of a healthier food supply.

As to the native fishing industry in the Bights of Benin,
Gold Coast, and off West Africa, Captain Curtis would be
gratified to know that it had considerably increased since
the time—over thirty years ago—of which he had spoken;
and, in view of such a fact, Captain Moloney did not deem
it necessary to modify in any way the particulars of his
Paper.

Whilst thanking Captain Curtis for the further informa-
tion, as regards Ascension, for which the Conference were
indebted to his experience, Captain Moloney added that
he had been fortunate enough at times, whilst in the
Administration of the Government of Lagos, to receive
from different commanders of Her Majesty’s ships very
fine turtle transported from the island of Ascension, where
in the ponds or lakes, which were fed as previously de-
scribed, he was given to believe a considerable rearing
turtle industry proceeded for the benefit of the local
squadron and for others, among whom he was glad to find
himself numbered occasionally.

As regards the reference to the octopus, to which atten-

73

tion had been invited by Mr. Okoshi, he did not allude to
its catch as a later economic food industry ; it was simply
caught off the coast of Western Africa, to be used as bait.

Mr. HOUNSELL then proposed a vote of thanks to the
Chairman, who had occupied the platform three times that
day. It was not necessary to say anything in support of
the resolution, but he could not pass a higher encomium on
the Chairman than by saying, what he said most cordially
of himself that morning, that if at any time he could assist
the work of the Exhibition by doing anything in its favour,
it was a pleasure to him.

Mr. JEX seconded the motion, which was carried unani-
mously.

The CHAIRMAN said it was to him a very grateful duty
to have had the opportunity of assisting in any way the
object for which the Exhibition was established.

74

List of Memoirs dealing specially with the Crustacean-
Fauna of thé West Coast of Africa (North of Tropic
of Capricorn) and the Islands of the same sub-region—
for which I am indebted to Mr. E. F. Miers, of the
British (Natural History) Museum.

Studer, Th.—Verzeichniss der Crustaceen, welche wahrend der
Reise S. M.S. Gazelle an der West- Kuste von Africa,
Ascension, und der Cap der Guten Hoffnung gesammelt
wurden, pp. 1-32, pls. i, ii, Berlin, 1883. 4to.

£. J. Miers.—On a collection of Crustacea made by Baron H.
Maltzan at Goree Islands, Senegambia. Annals and Mag.
of Nat. Hist. (ser. 5) viii, pp. 204-220, 259-281, 364-377.
pls. xiii.—xvi. (1881.)

Dr. A. G. Giinther—On a collection of Crustacea made by
Mr. T. Coury in Ascension Island (crustacea by E. J. Miers).
Annals and Mag. of Nat. Hist. (ser. 5) vili. pp. 432-434.
(1881.)

A, M. Edwards,—* Description de quelques espéces nouvelles de
Crustacés provenant du Voyage aux Iles du Cap Vert de
Madlle. Bouvier et de Cessac.” Bulletin de la Société Philo-
mathique de Paris. pp. 3-13. (1878.)

Crustacea by C. Spence Bate, ¥.R.S., in the work on St. Helena
by J. C. Melliss. London. 8vo. 1875.

A. Milne-Edwards.— Description de quelques espéces nouvelles
de Crustacés provenant du Voyage de M. A. Bouvier aux
Iles du Cap Vert.” Revue et Magasin de Zoologie,
PP. 350-355, 374-378, 409-412. (1869.)

A. Milne-Edwards.—“ Observations sur la Faune carcinologique
des Iles du Cap Vert.” Nouvelles Archives du Muséum.
PP. 49-60, pls. 16-18. 1868.)

F. de B. Capello.—Descripcio de tres especies novas de Crusta-
ceos da Africa occidental; &c. Lisboa. 1867. 4to.
ferklots, 7. A—Additamenta ad Faunam Carcinologicam Africae

occidentalis, &c. Leyden. 4to. (1851.)

ie

MM. Barker-Webb & S. Berthelot. Histoire naturelle des Les
Canaries ; Zoologie, vol. ii.
Crustacés by M. Brullé, Paris. 4to. (1835-44.)

Besides the special memoirs included in the above list, certain
species are incidentally referred to in works and memoirs not
specially devoted to the West African fauna, some of these are
mentioned by Dr. Studer in the introduction to his memoir cited
above. A species especially worthy of mention as eaten by the
natives of the Camaroons (where it appears in prodigious numbers
in the rivers) is Cadianassa turnerana, a macturous fossorial
Crustacean. White described and excellently figured this species
in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 1861, p. 42, pl. vi.

77

INDEX.

AFRICA, number of species of fish fauna inhabiting its waters, 5, 6

Boats, number licensed in the Sierra Leone fisheries, 14.
British settlements on the Gambia, population of, 13

‘“CANARIO-AFRICAN Fisheries Company” the work of this large fish in-
dustry, 55-57

Canary Islands, fitful operation of the quarantine laws, 58, 59

general description of the fisheries, 52-59
ae ss value of the fisheries in 1880, 54

Canoes, their size, and purposes for which employed, 17

Cape Verde Islands, population, and quantity of coral found near the islands,
59, 60

Cod, abundance of, in the African waters, 52-57

Coral, considerable quantities found in the neighbourhood of the Canary and
Cape Verde Islands, 57-59

Crocodiles, rivers and lagoons infested with, 47, 48

” ”

DiscussIon on the Conference Paper relating to the ‘‘ West African
Fisheries,” 66-72
Diseases most prevalent among the natives, 35-39

Fisu, list of the principal fish caught off the coast of the Canary Islands, 53, 54
»» the principal article of food to the inhabitants of the Canaries and Cape
Verde Islands, 57

Fish-curing, methods employed in, 39-42

Fish-destroyers, reptiles &c. common to the coast of West Africa, 43

Fish, stupefying and poisoning, description of trees and shrubs used for the
purpose of, 31-34

Fish-traps, mode of using, 23, 29

Fishes, names of those frequenting the shores of West Africa, 10

Fishermen, manners and customs of the, 18-20

number and condition of the fisher-folk in Sierra Leone, 13

» value of negroes and Kroo-boys for fishing, 20

Fishing, various modes of, adopted in the Colony, 23, 30

Fishing-lines, materials used in native manufactures, 30

”

78

Fishing towns and villages, description of, 48, 49
French West African Settlements, 14

GoLp Coast, table of value of fish imported, and total imports, 1878-1881, 16
5 », table of value of salt imported, 1878-1881, 41

Gold Coast Colony, general description of, and manners and customs of the
population, 14-52

Herrines, large quantities on the African shores, 56, 57

Imports, description of fish imported and the countries from which principally

received, 16

3 table of value of fish imported, and also total imports to the Gold
Coast and Lagos (1878-1881), 16

35 table of value of salt imported, 1878-1881, 41

5f values of, to British settlements on the Gambia for 1880 and
1881, 13

55 values of imports to St. Helena for 1880 and 1881, 61

93 values of imports to Sierra Leone for 1880 and 1881, 14

Lacos, population of, and number returned as fishermen according to the
census of 1881, 15
3, shrimp-catching, an extensive industry at, 25
»» table of value of fish imported, and total imports, 1878-1881, 16
5, table of value of salt imported, 1878-1881, 41
Lagos-bar, a favourite resort of sharks, 44
Lake dwellings, description of the dwellings and manners and customs of the
inhabitants, 49-52
Literature, books of reference, containing valuable information as to the fish-
fauna of West Africa, 3, 4

6 list of memoirs dealing specially with the crustacean-fauna of the
West Coast of Africa, 73, 74

MANATEE, description of one caught at Lagos, 28, 29
Manatee-traps, mode of using, 27, 28
Matting, principally used to enclose fishing grounds, 27

Nets, description of a net made by Arabs from the sinews of a whale, 62
. 9» material used and size of nets, 24-27

OvsTERS, plans adopted in the fishing beds, 42, 43

PoruLaTION, general description of, and number of the inhabitants of St.
Helena, 60, 61

33 of British Settlements on the Gambia, 13
Ss of Sierra Leone and its dependencies, 13

Rays, dangers to fishermen from sting-rays, 46

79

St, HELENA, number and general description of the population, and the com-
merce of the island, 60-63

Salt, table of value of salt imported into the colony, 1878-1881, 41

Sharks, the large quantity on the coasts, a means of creating a valuable
industry, 43-46

Shrimps, means used for catching and curing, 24-26

Sierra Leone, population of, 13

Spanish possessions in West Africa and their populations &c., 57, 58

TRANSPORT, effected by means of waterways, or on the heads of natives, 17
Turtles, abundance of, and mode of catching, 48

VESSELS, class of, employed in the fisheries off the Canary Islands, 53
», fishing craft represented altogether by canoes, 17

WATER-RIGHTS, exercised in native States, 21, 22
West Africa, affinity between the Indian and African species of fish fauna, 4, 5
a »» importance of the freshwater fish industry, 10, 11
“2 ,» list of memoirs dealing specially with the crustacean-fauna of the
‘West Coast, 73, 74
35 », literature referring to the fish-fauna of, 3, 4
KS ,, means available for a large fishing industry, 63-66
Pr »» names of fishes frequenting the shores of, 10
West African Settlements, extent of, 12, 13
Whale-fisheries, importance of the Canary Islands in the, 55
Worship, ponds of fish, and certain rivers, objects of, 22

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