206 



BAHAMA BIRD-LIFE 



another grew into a gently soaring flock of Man-o '-War 

 Birds and, shortly after, it was discovered that the hnshless 

 spaces of the island were dotted with thousands of Boobies 

 and their half -grown young, our elation was to be measured 

 only by the depth of our mental depression when it was be- 

 lieved that the Cav was birdless. 



Camp on Cay Verde 



The Cay, lying north and south, offered protection for 

 the "Physalia" only from easterly and westerly winds, and 

 as the recurrence of a norther similar to that we had just 

 passed through, would force a run to the southward, Mr. 

 Shiras and I, with a devotion to science sharpened by recent 

 experiences, decided to camp on the Cay, while to Dr. 

 Mayer was left the unenviable duty of staying on the ship. A 

 week's supply of food and water and an awning for a tent 

 were therefore at once landed, while we followed in one of 

 the small boats which was left with us. 



By the time our makeshift tent was erected on an oar 

 supported by two camera tripods, and our outfit aud ])i()vis- 

 ions ])la(*(Ml under its shelter, it was dark. Boobies were 



