TISION UNDER WATER. 



155 



the spotted one at the bottom close to it. I afterwards 

 threw in the white and a piece of painted wood, 4 inches 

 long, prepared for the purpose, with lead in it to sink it. 

 He then brought up the egg in one hand and the wood in 

 the other. Being perfectly satisfied with these experi- 

 ments, and the wind being at North East, we did not 

 desire our diver to repeat them. 



For my own part, I confess, I should not like to con- —and proba- 

 tract with our African friend to throw in as many guineas succeeded In all 

 separately, as he would separately pick up in the same his attempts, 

 depth of water, provided the bottom was free from weeds 

 and mud, though he were to give me two for each he • 



missed finding. 



Perhaps the relation of these facts may strike your Proposal to re- 

 mind less forcibly, P^^' *^f ^ "- 

 •' ' periments. 



Quam quae sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus, et quse 

 Ipse sibi tradit spectator. 



If so I shall be very happy to have these on any other 

 experiments, more convincing if possible, exhibited before 

 you and your friends whenever you may please to ap- 

 point. 



I could cite many accounts of the pearl fisheries from Narratives ef 

 Respectable authors ; and the fact of divers bringing up * ' 

 the particular shell fish, that produce the pearls, I think 

 stands upon incontrovertible evidence, though you have, 

 •misled by a false hypothesis, treated these accounts as 

 fabulous. 



I am well convinced. Sir, from your known charac- Conclusion, 

 ter, that if you find you have been mistaken in what 

 you have asserted, you will be most ready to allow it, 

 thereby verifying what Solomon long since has said. 

 <' Give opportunity to a Avise man and he will yet be 



Wiser. 



I am, 



Sir, 

 With the greatest respect^ 



Your most obedient servant, 

 A DIVER. 



X 2 " 



