Xarrati\k of Bahama Expedition. 91 



the representative of the United States Government had 

 received this really splendid donation with open contempt, 

 asserting that the specimens i.ccrc not crinoids. What mental 

 picture of the crinoid had established itself in the brain of this 

 official we never discovered, but we left with the conviction 

 that our representative might ignorantlv discredit our attempted 

 courtesy in the eyes of the Cuban officials. From this time 

 on an abrupt change was noticed in the attitude of tiie author- 

 ities toward the expedition, which was at least suggestive of 

 adverse influence. Certain it is that no more superb specimens 

 of these rare and beautiful forms are possessed bv any museum 

 in America than those which were thus wasted on account 

 of the misconception of the Consul General. 



Our schooner was thoroughly examined bv the United 

 States Examining Physician, who gave a clean bill of health, 

 but told us that we would probablv be quarantined at Kev 

 West, for which we cleared, although this was not the next 

 station at which we designed to work. 



All our empt}- water barrels were tilled at Havana, we 

 being assured that the water supplied was excellent, as indeed 

 it seemed to be. A few barrels full were caught during a 

 heavy rain-squall, when all hands turned to and had a regular 

 wash-day. resulting in a good clean stock of towels and clothes. 



The next morning. May 30th. we left Havana for the last 

 time, well satisfied with our visit to the •• Queen of the West 

 Indies.*' and yet anxious to try our fortunes in other fields. 

 We could not resist the temptation to make one more haul at 

 the pentacrinus grounds before leaving the region for good, 

 and sent down the tangles, which came over the rail with five 

 good ■• sea lilies " and a number of fine serpent-stars, after 

 which we set sail for the port of Bahia Honda, situated on a 

 bay of that name, about fifty miles west of Havana, in lati- 

 tude 23°. longitude "6}^° 13'. The wind was verv light, although 

 fair, and the heat more oppressive than it had been thus far 

 while we were at sea. The deck was newlv oiled and the tar, 

 liquid with the heat and mixed with the oil. made a pastv 

 stickiness that was anytliing but a happ\- combination. That 



