octopi, and langouste (tropical lobster) are also eaten, when obtainable.
(Tridacna gigas) is easily obtained and frequently eaten by the natives.
The killer clam
Although the climate seemed ideal for many types of melons and tropical fruits, only
pandanas, papayas, and pumpkins were observed on the island.
There were no breadfruit
or banana trees. Wild bud was mentioned as a food; however, it was not identified, because the natives failed to find specimens when they revisited Rongelap with the survey
teams.
There were approximately 150 chickens on Rongelap on 26 March.
In comparison
with various sea foods, chickens were eaten rather infrequently. Eggs were eaten raw
and considered a great delicacy. The natives made frequent trips to Enialo for eggs.
This island is approximately 5 miles north of Rongelap. It is a nesting place for terns
and gulls.
‘
There were 12 swine on Rongelap, {.e., a boar, a sow and ten 6-weeks old pigs.
Swine were eaten only on festive occasions.
Reference 7 is an excellent study of nutrition in the. Marshall Islands (see also Ref-
erence 6, pages 149—154).
2.4
WATER SUPPLY
°
The main water supply was obtained from eight concrete cisterns.
These were 6 to
8 feet square, with galvanized.metal sheeting for the catchment areas (Figure 2.2).
The
cisterns were 4 to 5 feet deep and, during the latter part of March and April, each con-
tained about 6 to 10 inches of water. There was one weil 2 by 2 feet square and approximately 12 feet deep (Figure 2.7). It contained about 18 inches of water. For many
weeks prior to 1 March, the natives had been rationedto one pint cup of water per individual per day.
Sump pools were observed in the lower parts of the island and in old bomb craters.
The water in these was apparently ample for the dogs, chickens, and swine (see Refer~
ence 8, page 328; and Reference 9).
n
10