Page 374 - Travels in Arabia (Vol 2)_Neat

XVI.] COAST OF NUBIA. 347

order to discern them when in this situation,
a man is usually stationed at the mast-head,
with his feet supported by a piece of wood
secured between two ropes, that answer as
shrouds. A species, called by the seamen
devil-fish, and turtle, are likewise discovered
in a similar manner. The latter (which

an expert diver will catch even when the
animal is aware of his approach) is usu­

ally secured by casting a noose over his head,
the fisherman approaching from behind, and
holding him by one of the side fins while he
is placing the rope. I was once heartily
amused at being present at the capture of a
devil-fish. A couple being perceived on a
calm day swimming round the vessel, one of
our small boats was immediately lowered, and
a harpoon, fixed on a staff six feet in length,
with several fathom of rope attached to it,
was placed in her; this, our fisherman, an
African slave, well accustomed to the sport,

grasped in his hand, holding the harpoon
near the water, as he stood immoveable
in the bow of the boat. Our prey allowed
us to approach so close, that we placed the
boat over the spot where they were swim-