VORKAY, an island of the Eastern Archi pelago, of great importance for the pearl fishery. Eight miles eastward lie several small islands, between which and Vorkay the trepan,,o. banks are situated. At low water, families wade from Vorkay towards these isles, carrying baskets at their backs, and having in their hands a stick provided with an iron point with which to take up the trepang. When the water is deeper than this, they make use of canoes. For pearl fishing on the banks situated at a greater distance, the Alfoer race use a prahu in which they embark their entire families. These vessels have a great beam, and the stern runs up into a high curve, while two planks project forward from the bows. .The family reside in three or four hi4s composed of atap or Nipa fruticans leaves, ereted within the vessel, and a railing runs entirel round it, apparently to prevent the children fro falling xic, overboard. The prahu is propelled by a large
sail made of rushes, which folds un like a fan (in a manner similar to the sails of a Chinese junk), set upon a tripod mast of bamboos, while it is steered with two rudders.- Two other masts are also erected, which answer no purpose•but that of displaying several small flags. The pearl 'fishery i.s thus carried on.,. The trader makes an agreement for so much a hundred oysters, paying in advance a certain quantity of arrack, cloth, etc. The oysters are mostly small and black, in from 21 to 30 feet of water. The blood often bursts from the nose and mouth of the diver, and numer ous sharks are there. In engaging these people, it is necessary to pay off their debts, and, tree from this encumbrance, they will readily proceed to any part of the Archipelago.—Earl, Ind. Arch. Papuans.