Narrative of Bahama Expedition. 5 



salt water, with its myriads of animal forms. No adequate 

 conception of zoology can be obtained without a study of 

 marine organisms, and the western teacher is sadly handi- 

 capped by the misfortune of geographical position. 



Even where a tolerably fair representation of marine types 

 is included in museums, they are as a rule either dried and 

 distorted objects, or repulsive and shriv^eled specters of their 

 true selves, immersed in alcohol. Few forms are found in any 

 western museum in sufficient abundance to admit of dissection 

 in the class-room. 



In the spring of 18S8, the w^riter made a S':;ological recon- 

 naissance in the Bahama Islands, and obtained a vivid impres- 

 sion of the exceptional value of that region as a field for study. 

 Even with the most limited facilities, two months spent around 

 the coral reefs and shores is bovind to result in an enthusiastic 

 appreciation of the great advantage of studying in such a 

 region, and a longing to place such advantages within the reach 

 of students who will use them aright. 



In the fall of 1891, the idea of the Bahama Expedition 

 began to take a more detinite shape, and an organization of 

 those most interested in the project was effected. It was 

 decided that a vessel be chartered and fitted up for the use of 

 a party of twenty biological students and instructors during a 

 three months' cruise in the West Indies. It was further 

 decided that this enterprise should differ materially from those 

 previously attempted, in the fact that provision would be 

 made, not onlv for the study of pelagic and shoal water forms, 

 but also for obtaining a fair idea of characteristic deep sea 

 t3'pe3. It was a peculiarly unfortunate time to apply to the 

 University for financial aid. as all departments w^ere almost 

 crippled on account of a recent cutting down of legislative 

 appropriations. In spite of the scarcity of funds, however, 

 there was much that the University could do to help along the 

 enterprise. It could give leave of absence to the necessary 

 instructors, furnish from its laboratories the microscopes and 

 other appliances requisite to good work in marine biology, 

 and provide a working library of reference from the general 



