10 p.m.
The beds of oysters are annually-surveyed and reported on . They are divided into four equal portions , only one of which is worked each year . As the fishing produces vast wealth and affords scope for much speculation during the short period of its exercise , the bay during February , March , and April of each year presents a wondrous spectacle , for here Jews , Indians , merchants , jewellers , boatmen , conjurors to charm off the dreaded sharks , Brahmins , Roman Catholic priests , and many other professions and nationalities are represented , all in a state of speculation , hope , and excitement that fill their faces with animation and their frames with activity . The fleet of boats leaves the shore at 10 p.m. on the firing of a signal-gun , and returns at noon next day , when again the gun is fired , flags are hoisted , and Babel immediately ensues . It was noon when our Malay skipper landed . The gun had just been fired . Many of the boats were in , others were arriving .