YACHTIKG (XN&quot; THE ST. JOH^S, 173 



beautiful reality and the no less beautiful image below, 

 was so hidden by trailing yines and aquatic plants that 

 the vistas of the narrow streams became dreamy and in 

 distinct as they extended far away into an uncertainty of 

 waving moss and deceptive shadows. 



Again we would go on miles in advance of the yacht, 

 drifting noiselessly with the stream, often stealing upon 

 game, and frequently getting a few fish. When tired, 

 we could wait until overtaken, tie our skiff behind the 

 steamer, and enter the snug cabin to find shelter, rest, 

 and all the comforts needful. No life could be more 

 enjoyable. We were not confined to a limited district, as 

 when in camp, and yet there was the same freedom, and 

 the same opportunities for seeing and sharing wild-wood 

 pursuits. There was variety in every day, fresh scenes 

 each hour, and new temptations and anticipations lead 

 ing on and on from one point to another, all with little 

 or no fatigue. 



This steam yachting must develop as one of the most 

 popular of all indulgences. With our great lakes, con 

 nected by safe and navigable routes, and rivers of endless 

 extent and unlimited variety, through which one may 

 wander from the tropics to the far north, and find all 

 climates and the fruits and game of each, there are un 

 paralleled opportunities for this luxurious life. What 

 ever taste or fancy may impel one to wandering, in a 

 yacht all the comforts and conveniences can be carried. 

 The botanist can, at leisure and undisturbed, unfold his 

 cases of plants ; the artist can sketch and not have to 

 gather up the disorder of easel and studio ; the geologist 

 may ballast his craft with stone, and the ichnologist 

 gather relics and form a museum en route. For the 

 naturalist and sportsman it is perfection. His rods 



