CHAPTER II 



HAITIAN CONTRASTS AND BEGINNINGS 



For two weeks I have been doing advanced out- 

 post duty in Haiti for the Tenth Expedition of the 

 New York Zoological Society. Fish are the domi- 

 nant reason for my choosing this part of the world 

 for a winter of work, but my four-masted schooner, 

 the Lieutenant, is still beating its way southward 

 from New York with all my diving-helmets and 

 nets, cameras and microscopes on board, so up to 

 now my part has been that of the soldiers in Kim's 

 dream who "go ahead to make all ready." 



I have always felt that the chief joy in life is 

 contrast, and here there is nothing else. 



From the moment of my landing I have been the 

 recipient of the most perfect hospitality at the 

 home of the American High Commissioner, General 

 John H. Russell, and Mrs. Russell. Here is the 

 epitome of culture, of social grace, and the never 

 ceasing consciousness of terrific responsibility in 

 governing this great island, — tempering the fires 

 of human volcanoes with justice, good humor, and 

 restraint. Contrast demands that I ask you to 

 picture my contentment and happiness in working 

 in a paradise of a guest annex, with mangoes, cocoa- 



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