Page 237 - Malay sketches

WITH A CASTING-NET

accuracy so that it reaches the water perfectly
extended requires a very skilful hand. The bottom
or edge of the net is weighted with small leaden
rings that sink it rapidly through the water, while
a fine cord from the centre is attached to the right
wrist of the thrower. The net is usually dyed a
dark brown with a solution made from the bark of
the mangrove.
The backwater where this annual netting is done
is a long narrow strip of fairly deep water widening
in the centre and at the ends.
slightly contracting
On one side it is bordered by a low grass-grown
shore and on the other by a jungle-covered bank
from which the overhanging branches cast dark
shadows on the glassy surface, stirred here and
there into tiny wavelets by every passing zephyr.
By 3 P.M. all is ready ; some of the oldest and
most skilful netters stand in the bows of the royal
barges, a dozen young rajas are in dug-outs and
the others are occupied by their owners, men from
who have come to
the neighbouring villages join in
the sport.
The Sultan gives the signal, and the boats move
off slowly and at once form themselves into a
with the in the centre. The
crescent, royal barges
horns of the crescent draw towards each other, the
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