Narrative of Bahama Expedition. 17 



feet broad, were placed under the after hatch, one on each 

 side. These tables were covered with white oil-cloth, and 

 were used for dining tables, and between meals for laboratory 

 work with the microscopes, or for writing or drawing. A 

 large lamp with a reflector was hung over each. 



The stores were stowed forward. As boxes and barrels 

 were emptied by the consumption of their contents, they were 

 refilled with specimens of natural histoiy, which seemed to 

 accumulate just about as rapidly as the provisions were eaten. 



The hold was thus made as comfortable as circumstances 

 would admit. As a matter of fact, however, very little time 

 was spent below after we reached a tropical climate. The top 

 of the cabin made a commodious work table during the dav, 

 and was usually occupied at night by a double row of sleeping 

 men. When the \-essel was at anchor, awnings were stretched 

 from the foremast to the stern, making a grateful shade 

 under which to study or to work. 



The wisdom of commencing our preparations eighteen 

 months before the party sailed, became apparent as the time 

 drew near for the departure of the expedition. The number 

 of items which required consideration, and questions which 

 demanded decision, was astonishing. Meetings of the mem- 

 bers of the expedition were held from time to time, at which 

 reports from the various committees were presented and ques- 

 tions asked and discussed. Each member of the party heart- 

 ily attended to any duty assigned by the executive committee, 

 and willing hands made comparatively light work. 



At the beginning of the collegiate 3ear 1892-3, the members 

 of the party were organized as a regular University class, to 

 pursue studies preliminary to the work of the expedition. 

 Previous to that time the personnel of the party had been 

 practicall}' determined. It was made a prerequisite to admis- 

 sion that the applicant should have demonstrated special apti- 

 tude for biological work.^ 



By this plan it became practicable to divide the partv for 



1 This rule was departed from in two case.s only, when individuals were especially 

 adapted to be useful to the expedition,— in one case as an engineer, and in another as 

 a special correspondent. 



