Rambler of a Naturalist in Southern Florida. 168 



gigas, Pyrula carim, besides Cardiuim, Dosinias, and otlier coninion 

 forms. Fish and birds abound ; among the former, sharks, sting- 

 rays and saw-fish are the most noticeable. We captured one of the 

 latter, thirteen feet long. Shark harpooning afforded us much amuse- 

 ment. One big fellow carried off in his body two of our harpoons, 

 having first bitten off a piece of the gunwale of the " dingy" in which 

 we were, and by a sudden flank movement, precipitated five of us into 

 the bottom of the boat. Besides herons and gulls, we saw plenty of fish- 

 crows (Cbrvwsossijrrajyws), and a large blackbird (Quiscalm baritus). The 

 Keys are overgrown with mangroves, making it almost impossible to 

 get through them. I found no land shells here. 



After we had secured a number of specimens, we sailed for the Dry 

 Tortugas, about forty miles out in the gulf. We went down in a 

 norther, making it somewhat unpleasant, as the waves rolled high and 

 fearfully. However, our little vessel rode like a duck, and, at last, 

 finding ourselves at anchor under the walls of Fort Jefferson, we be- 

 gan to feel, indeed, as though we were out of the world. Seven small,, 

 sandy keys, almost destitute of vegetation, constitute this famous 

 place — the Dry Tortugas. Millions of money have been wasted here- 

 on the fort and armament. Fort Jefferson, built of brick,, on improper 

 foundations', and mounted with several hundred heavy guns, is gradu- 

 ally cracking its walls and sinking in places. It is nearly a mile in 

 circumference, and surrounded by a deep moat, with which the sea com- 

 municates. On the walls of this moat I found several species of raoi- 

 lusks and coral. But the great attraction of the Tortugas are the great 

 coral reefs now growing around the harbor and outside. The grandest 

 sight that I ever witnessed, was afforded by looking down into one of 

 these living forests through a water-glass. Here were the varieties knowni 

 as brain, star, and finger coral. The latter grows like a tree, spreading 

 out into innumerable branches, through which may be seen gliding 

 brilliant-hued fish and mollusks. Waving Gorgonias intermingle. The 

 sun, shining down on the blue sea, lends a reflected and beautiful radi- 

 ance. One can easily imagine himself in some fairy palace, built by 

 unseen hands, and inhabited by fairy forms. Transported with de- 

 light, 1 had, however, one regret, namely, that more of my friends 

 were not there to share the enjoyment. The corals that I saw were in 

 from ten to fifteen feet of water, and embrace a number of species. 

 We obtained a large amount by means of hooks. I brought up on the 

 roots of a piece a fine Octopus rugosus, or cuttle-fish, that measured 

 across the arms over three feet. This is allied to the huge cuttle that 

 we read of. Its power is in its cup-like suckers, with which it adheres 

 to its prey or hiding-place. By the free use of alcohol I managed to 



