Narrative of Bahama Expedition. 119 



not repi'esented by many species. The nian-o'-\var bird, the 

 booby gannet, the brown pelican, the noddy tern, the bridled 

 tern and least tern were about all that we saw. The absence 

 of wading birds was a surprise, as there seemed to be excel- 

 lent feeding for them on the shallows around the islets where 

 small crustaceans were particularly abundant. 



No reptiles were seen except turtles. The small and active 

 lizards so numerous at other places visited during our cruise 

 were not encountered here. Two loggerhead turtles were 

 ••turned "one evening on Loggerhead Kev. The helplesness 

 of these animals when placed on their backs is pathetic and 

 yet ludicrous. We were astonished at the force with which the}' 

 throw sand with their front flippers. It seemed, moreover, as 

 if they had acquired considerable accuracy of aim, throwing 

 the sand with stinging force in the faces of those incautious 

 mortals who ventured too near the vanquished yet belligerent 

 loggerheads. 



Something over twenty species of fish were collected dui ing 

 our stay at the Tortugas, a much larger number than we 

 secured at any other station. There being no ichthyologist in 

 our party, no special pains were taken to secure a complete 

 series of fish, although all that were caught were carefully pre- 

 served. No one, however, could fail to be attracted b}- the 

 many brilliantlv colored fishes, floating as if suspended in air. 

 in the wonderfully clear waters around the fumigating dock. 

 Their vivid hues rival in many instances those of the gaudiest 

 birds, and it was hard for some of us to keep from spending 

 too much time lazily stretched out on the shady wharf, and 

 watching the procession of gorgeous creatures in the still, cool 

 waters below. 



A number of species were caught with hook and line, but 

 more, perhaps, were taken in the dredge and meshes of the 

 tangles while we were dredging in the channel. Among the 

 species secured were the following :^ A •' pipe-fish " Sifhos-toiua 



'The following partial identifications wer^ made by the writer, who is 

 far from being an ichthyologist. It is hoped, however, that the list will 

 give a general idea of the facies of the collection, although the species are 

 in most cases not identified. 



