Dug-out Canoe in Algoa Bay

Abstract

MR. FITZSIMONS, in his letter published in NATURE of May 21 (vol. 119, p. 746), gives an account of a derelict canoe that was washed ashore in Algoa Bay, South Africa, in February of this year. A study of the photograph which accompanies his letter indicates that he is mistaken in attributing the canoe to the ‘Mawken’ or, as they are usually known in this country, the Salons of the Mergui Archipelago. The Salon canoe has a ‘step’ in both bow- and stern-end, and there is no trace of anything of this kind in the canoe at Algoa Bay. On the other hand, the high-curved prow, broken off short at the base, and the flat but narrow stern-end clearly indicate that the canoe originally came from the Nicobar Islands. The side blocks shown in Mr. FitzSimons's photograph are for the attachment of the thwarts, made of split bamboo, and for the support for the outrigger. In some cases the canoes are fitted with one or more short masts, which are stepped on the thwarts, but in others they have a single mast fitted with a large square sail. The canoes are steered by a paddle.