Narrative of Bahama ExrEDiTiox. 15 



coarse mesh. Some of the crab nets should be left in the 

 rings as they are. for use in dipping up sea-weed, or large 

 objects of any kind. Surface nets should also be provided 

 for towing astern. They are essentially the same shape as 

 the dip nets, but the net itself is much longer, and the ring is 

 hung to a line instead of being attached to a long handle. 

 When a sail vessel is used, the surface wofk must be done 

 almost ex'clusively in small boats, as pelagic animals as a rule 

 come to the surface only during calms and at such times there 

 is, of course, no headway on a sailing vessel. The remaining 

 portions of the equipment can best be discussed in connection 

 with the description of the actual work of the expedition. 



A matter of the most vital importance was the selection of 

 a suitable sailing master. It was essential that he should not 

 only be trustworthy in all matters pertaining to the navigation 

 and safety of the vessel, but acquainted with the general 

 features of the region to be visited, and perfectly familiar 

 with practical dredging with a sail vessel. Such a man was 

 found in the person of Captain Charles B. Flowers, with 

 whom the writer had sailed on his previous visit to the 

 Bahamas, during w^hich time there was ample opportunity to 

 form an estimate of his abilities as a sailor and character as a 

 man. That this estimate was entirely satisfactory is proved 

 by the fact that one of the first things attended to after the 

 •• Bahama Expedition " was decided upon, was to write to 

 secure the services of Captain Flowers. His experience as a 

 practical oyster dredger in the Chesapeake during the winters, 

 and as skipper for Bahama fruiters during the summers for 

 many years, was exactly such as best to fit him for sailing- 

 master on such a cruise as ours. The result proved that a 

 better selection could not have been made. He seemed to 

 meet every requirement with excellent judgment, and his 

 consummate skill in handling the vessel while dredging in 

 deep water was a constant source of remark to all on board. 

 It is simple justice to acknowledge that the success of our 

 enterprise, so far as deep water work is concerned, was due 

 very largely to his ability as a practical dredger. 



