The series of slip nooses attached to a central cord which surrounds a
tame decoy is also found in use here, and boys frequently secure birds
by means of blow-guns. The latter do not differ from those already
described on p. 73, but with this tribe they are regarded only as a
boy's plaything.
Deer and pig are sometimes hunted by large parties with the aid of dogs.
In such cases an attempt is made to drive the animals past concealed
hunters, or to dispatch them with spears when brought to bay by the
dogs. The more successful method, however, is by means of traps several
types of which were seen by the writer. The first and most common is a
dead fall consisting of a heavy log so arranged in the runway of the
game that a passing animal will cause it to fall. Next in favor with the
hunters is the _bayatik_. One end of a sapling is tied horizontally to a
tree and is then bent back like a spring. It is held in place by means
of a trigger which is released when an animal disturbs a vine stretched
across the runway. Against the free end of the spring a long bamboo
spear or arrow is placed in such a manner that it is thrown with great
force against the animal which has released the trigger. This trap is
frequently used in warfare to protect the retreat of a war party, or to
surprise an enemy.
Sharpened bamboo sticks, two or three feet long, planted at points where
animals are accustomed to jump or run down steep inclines, are
wonderfully efficient in securing game. Sticks and leaves cover pits in
which sharpened poles are planted and into these unsuspecting animals or
members of a hostile party often fall. All these last named devices are
exceedingly dangerous and it is unadvisable for a traveler in the jungle
to try to penetrate a strange region unless accompanied by a native who
knows the position of the traps and pits.
Fish are secured by means of bamboo traps through which a part of the
water of a stream is diverted. These traps do not differ in any respect
from those shown in Fig. 19. Along the coast metal fishhooks and dip and
throw nets are in common use, but these are at present largely obtained
from the Moro. The easiest and hence the most popular method of securing
fish is to mash together the poisonous roots of the _tobli_ tree and the
fruit of the _oliskEb_. The pulp is then sunk into still pools of water
and in a short time, the stupified[sic] fish begin to float to the
surface, where they are quickly seized by the fishermen.