2 A NAT URA LIS T IN ME:^ ICO, 



The voyager in these latitudes is constantly saluted by 

 gentle breezes impregnated with tropical fragrance, intensi- 

 fied in effect by the distant view of palmetto trees, clothing 

 the islands and growing down to the water's very edge. As 

 ve glide along, little groups of fiying-fish are seen enjoying 

 an air bath, either in frolic or in fear; pursued, may- be, by 

 some aquatic enemy, to escape from whom they essay these 

 aerial flights. On the port side may be seen the dim outline 

 of the Bahamas. Here is the harvest field of the conchol- 

 ogist, the beaches and coral reefs affording an abundant 

 supply of exquisitely colored shells of many different 

 species. 



It was interesting to remain on deck at night and watch 

 the heavens, as we glided silently through the phosphores- 

 cent sea. Was it possible the grand luminary, which ren- 

 dered objects so plain that one could almost read fine print 

 with no other help, shone solely by borrowed light? We 

 all know it to be so, and also that Venus, Mars, Jupiter, 

 and Saturn shine in a similar manner with light reflected 

 from the sun. 



We were now running through the Florida Straits, 

 where one branch of the Gulf Stream finds its way north- 

 ward. The Gulf Stream! Who can explain the mystery 

 of its motive power; what keeps its tepid waters in a course 

 of thousands of miles from mingling with the rest of the 

 sea; whence does it come? The accepted theories are 

 familiar enough, but it is hard to believe them. 



On the morning of the fourth day we sighted the Island 

 of Cuba, and studied its long, bold outline. Soon after 

 sighting the island, the famous Moro Castle is seen. This 

 antique, yellow, Moorish-looking stronghold is picturesque 

 to the last degree, with its crumbling, honeycombed battle- 

 ments, and queer little flanking turrets, grated windows, 

 and shadowy towers. It is built upon the face of a lofty, 



